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If the eyes are the windows to the soul, you don’t want to get caught with eyeliner halfway down your cheeks. That’s why the best waterproof eyeliners should be in everyone’s makeup bag, whether it’s a gel, pencil, or liquid formula.
Creating the perfect sultry, doe, or siren eye with the best eyeshadow palettes, best mascaras, and prepping with the best eye creams would be a waste if the eyeliner doesn’t pull its weight. Waterproof formulas today are known for being less likely to smudge, transfer, or feather throughout the day, making them a must have for vacations and even activities like swimming, skiing, or your routine pilates class. They’re also a non-negotiable for many brides during wedding festivities — cue the happy tears.
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“Waterproof eyeliners are most brides and bridal makeup artists’ go-to eyeliner option because they prevent smudging and smearing,” explains Drita Paljevic, head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. “This type of eyeliner will last on oily skin, teary eyes, and during 100-degree weather.”
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In addition to the events that they are best for, waterproof eyeliners are also ideal for mastering certain makeup techniques. “I love using a great waterproof eyeliner, especially if it’s used on the water line,” Paljevic says. “This technique will give you a very dramatic and lifted-eye look.”
But what’s the real difference between your standard eyeliner and a waterproof formula? Paljevic explains that waterproof formulas will typically include silicone or acrylate polymers which work to help the product and pigment adhere to the skin for a longer duration than standard eyeliners. This is why a standard eyeliner will easily come off or smear through the day while a waterproof formula “can only be smudged while still wet but will not budge after it’s done drying.”
Utilizing expert interviews to gather input as well as leaning on product ratings and research we’ve done through our own personal testing, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best waterproof and smudge-proof eyeliners.
Top Waterproof Eyeliners of 2024
- Best Liquid: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
- Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- Best Pencil: Dior Show On Stage Kohl Crayon Liner
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
- Best Gel: Chanel Stylo Yeeux Waterproof Eyeliner
- Lancome Idole Ultra Precise Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner
- Mac Cosmetics Brushstroke Liquid Eyeliner
- L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner
- Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner
- Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
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Testing Verdict: Top 3 Waterproof Eyeliners of 2024
Waterproof eyeliners span from creamy Kajal pencils to highly-pigmented liquid formulas. The formula type is a personal preference (pencils are best for a smudged out look, while liquids create sharp lines), so our testers selected three best waterproof eyeliners rather a singular best overall. The below waterproof eyeliners outperformed the rest during testing in their easy application and ability to withstand rain, swimming, and sweating during the evaluation period.
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner: Earning top marks as the best liquid waterproof eyeliner, our testers were highly impressed by the opacity and staying power of this liner. The tapered felt tip can create fine to thick lines with ease, and we didn’t experience any transferring or feathering during 12 hours of wear time.
- Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: Our testers experienced smudging and residue with many of the drugstore waterproof eyeliners we evaluated. Nyx Professional’s waterproof eyeliner pen, on the other hand, delivered impeccable staying power and simple removal, earning its place as the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner on our list.
- Dior Show On Stage Kohl Crayon Liner: Dior’s Kohl Crayon liner garnered resounding praise from our testers, who crowned it the best waterproof eyeliner pencil. The crayon has a few seconds of play time before it fully sets, so you can use the built-in smudging tip to soften the wing of your cat eye or smudge the pigment on your lash line.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Shade Range: Five
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
This longwear, waterproof liquid eyeliner is among the most talked-about products by Sephora Beauty Insider Community members, with over 7,000 five-star reviews. Available in five shades with a matte finish, this formula is quick-dry and promises no smudges, feathering, or running. Plus, its thin precision tip makes it easy to use especially for beginners. Pro tip: Gently pull on the upper corner of your eye to lightly stretch the area while you apply — this makes it easier to create the perfect line and reduces the potential of the formula to bleed.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’d recommend this eyeliner to a beginner, as the felt tip applicator simplifies the process of creating precise lines. It won’t run down your face if you cry or get caught in the rain, but as you apply its very easy to clean up your cat eye without dragging at your skin. It lives up to its ‘Stay All Day’ claims and has lasted me months of use.” — Commerce writer and producer Olivia Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Shade Range: Two
Special Features: Vegan formula
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
This waterproof liquid eyeliner finishes in a sultry matte finish and is perfect for nailing that mysterious cat eye look. Known for its precise tip, you can easily control the thickness of your eyeliner by gently pressing down to help achieve either a natural or bold makeup look.
Editor testing and review notes: “For years, I’ve been reaching for Nyx whenever I need a truly waterproof eyeliner. Winged eyeliner is a constant in my makeup routine, and this formula is ink-black and stays put — to the point of needing a little elbow grease to remove it after a long day of wear. It’s survived a swim, shower, and even a serious cry at the movie theater; the pigments stayed pristine for a whopping 14 hours during testing. The pen applicator is super easy to maneuver, and, combined with its reliable staying power, you can’t beat the price.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.97
Dior Show On Stage Kohl Crayon Liner
Shade Range: Eight
Special Features: Comes with a sharpener and features a smudger
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
This waterproof kohl pencil is responsible for the signature House of Dior smoky eye. Its creamy texture easily glides on and blends along the lash and waterline for a flexible look. Because of its strong color payoff and smudge-proof formula, this is the ideal pick for humid temps and also makes one of the best waterproof eyeliners for swimming.
Editor testing and review notes: “Compared to the other waterproof eyeliners I evaluated during testing, Dior’s beat out the rest in its ability to stand up to exposure to water and humidity. I have oily eyelids, so I typically gravitate to liquid eyeliners as I’ve found that they’re less likely to transfer to my lid during wear. Dior’s Kohl Crayon Liner stayed put as well as my favorite waterproof liquid eyeliner, but offered up more play time for me to finesse a soft cat eye after applying the pigment. Bonus points for the built-in smudging tip and sharpener.” — Senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Shade Range: 37
Special Features: Contains vitamin E to hydrate and moisturize and jojoba and cottonseed oils to condition and soften skin
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Coming in 37 colorways as well as finishes including matte, shimmer, satin, metallic and glitter, the makeup look possibilities of this Urban Decay waterproof eyeliner are endless. Infused with vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil, this eyeliner is a great pick for mature or dry skin, as these ingredients aim to moisture, condition, and soften the skin. Both waterproof and smudge-proof, this top waterproof eyeliner pencil has a creamy formula that easily glides on and blends to create a range of looks.
Editor testing and review notes: “Whenever I need a pencil liner restock, I make a beeline to Urban Decay. The black shade is intensely pigmented — along with the brown and purple colors I’ve tried from the line — and effortlessly glides onto my eyelid or waterline in a smooth, opaque line. It’s ideal for smudgy eyeliner looks too, because its creamy texture provides tons of playtime to easily blend. It lasts all day long, though, if you have particularly watery eyes or wear contacts like me, I recommend using a bit of setting powder at the outer corners of the eyes as I’ve noticed slight smudging from time to time.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $25
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner
Shade Range: 14
Special Features: Includes a retractable tip and a detachable sharpener
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
With a retractable tip, this Chanel eyeliner stays on point with frequent uses. Both water- and smudge-proof, the soft, creamy texture of this pencil imparts color in a smooth, even line. For the best application, use short, feathery strokes and stay close to the lash line for sharp definition and thicker-looking lashes.
Editor testing and review notes: “Chanel’s waterproof eyeliner earned the highest marks for glide out of all of the liners we tested — this gel-like formula applies like butter. The retractable applicator sharpens the liner with every click, keeping a fine enough point to wedge in between lashes or coat your waterline without overdoing it. This waterproof eyeliner is also one of the best for a statement eyeliner color; the offbeat shade options are elevated, not costume-y.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Lancôme Idôle Ultra Precise Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner
Shade Range: Five
Special Features: Ergonomic packaging enables easy application
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Available in both matte and glossy finishes, this precision liner is meant to stay put for a full 24 hours. This pick was designed for easy use and a perfect one glide stroke application. The ultra pigmented, silky liquid formula doesn’t smudge, flake or fade until you’re ready to remove it.
Editor testing and review notes: “If you need a waterproof eyeliner for daily wear rather than swimming or intense sweating, Lancôme’s liner is the tool for the job. The felt tip makes thin to thick eyeliner looks achievable in mere seconds — use light pressure for a fine line and firm pressure for a bolder effect. During testing, this formula ranked highest for ease of removal, requiring just one pass with warm water and a gentle makeup remover to eliminate any trace of the pigment.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $25
Mac Cosmetics Brushstroke Liquid Eyeliner
Shade Range: Two
Special Features: Tapered-tip pen
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
A water-resistant formula is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to stress over creating the perfect line. The tapered-tip brush makes way for a sharp, quick, and simple application and allows for a perfect thick or thin line. Smudge-proof as well, this eyeliner leaves an intense color that can be easily removed at home with warm water.
Editor testing and review notes: “I was immediately impressed by how quickly I could create a clean, crisp line with this eyeliner. There’s something about its brush tip that’s not too long, but not too short, which allows me to have comfortable control over every stroke. It deposits a rich, black pigment that sets to a matte finish, and, unlike other liners I’ve tried, doesn’t cake up when I want to go in with a second layer or fix the shape of my wing. It’s easy to remove with a makeup wipe or face cleanser, but It doesn’t budge or smudge throughout the day.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner
Shade Range: Six
Special Features: Built-in sharpener and smudging tool
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
With a rich cream formula made for 16 hours of wear, this waterproof eyeliner features a built-in sharpener to give you the precision you need every time. The colors are rich and the formula is creamy, which allows you to easily create a versatile look from a classic cat eye to a sultry smoky eye.
Editor testing and review notes: “This runner-up to the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner is second only to Nyx Professional’s in its color payoff and longevity. While testing the liner over the course of a week, I was able to wear it for a max of 12 hours without any flaking, transferring, or smudging. It also features all the fixings of a prestige liner, with a built-in smudging tip and a sharpener.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $18.98
Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner
Shade Range: Six shades
Special Features: Contains aloe vera extract for a creamy texture and vitamin E to moisturize
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Highly rated for its color and longevity, this eyeliner comes in six shades, three of which have a glossy finish while the other three have a shimmer finish. While this eyeliner is waterproof, it fully sets within 20 seconds. So if you are creating a wing or smokey look be sure to work quickly before it dries. After 20 seconds, this kajal liner becomes waterproof, smudge-proof, and drag-proof.
Editor testing and review notes: “Kulfi’s waterproof eyeliner is our top pick for statement liner looks — you can trace shapes, build it up, and sheer it out easily due to the formula’s 20 seconds of malleability after application. The combination of a fine tip and a surprisingly emollient formula make this waterproof eyeliner one of the easiest to apply and work with, even if you don’t have a steady hand.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
Shade Range: 11 shades
Special Features: Contains chamomile extract for calming skin, panthenol for hydration, and softening vitamin E
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This highly pigmented Victoria Beckham waterproof pencil is long lasting and sets for a smudge-free look. The creamy formula glides on easily and seamlessly blends along the eye with precision. The attached smudging tool can be used to blend these pigments out for a lived-in or smoky look.
Editor testing and review notes: “Clumping was a common issue with many of the pencil eyeliners I tested, however the fluid glide of Victoria Beckham’s waterproof eyeliner passed the clump test with flying colors. Expect serious color payoff and a rich, satin finish that looks as luxurious as this pencil feels in the hand.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
How to Remove Waterproof Eyeliner
Having a waterproof eyeliner with staying power is amazing, but taking it off might require a few extra steps. Paljevic advises that the best way to remove waterproof eyeliner “is by using an oil-based eye makeup remover.” This will help to loosen everything up and save you the unnecessary scrubbing. If you’re using a liquid oil-based remover, it’s helpful to saturate a cotton round in the remover and gently press it onto your eye for a few seconds before wiping. Another great way is by using the double cleansing method: Gently cleansing your face with an oil-based balm before going in with a liquid cleanser will leave your eyes squeaky clean. However, for those who have sensitive skin, Paljevic recommends consulting a dermatologist first or using a trusted product that is dermatologist-tested and approved.
What to Consider When Selecting the Best Waterproof Eyeliners
- Formula types: Eyeliner comes in all different forms and finding your favorite will boil down to personal preference. For a precise fine point, liquid liner is your best bet, but it’s also not the easiest to make adjustments to if you’re not well-versed. “Liquid eyeliner can be a bit challenging for newbies as there is no wiggle room when applying,” says Paljevic. “Once it is on the skin, there’s no budging or moving it around.” Other formula types like “kohl and pencil eyeliners are easier to apply in a smooth line and are typically more forgiving.” Paljevic also notes that kohl and pencil eyeliners are great to apply to the water line to add a dramatic look.
- Ophthalmologist-tested formulas: If you’re prone to sensitivity, it’s worth seeking out formulas that have been tested by an ophthalmologist. This will ensure that irritants are kept away from your eyes.
- Dry time: The amount of time it takes for a formula to dry can be both a positive and a negative. If you’re in a rush, a formula that takes forever to set might leave room for accidents. However, if your formula takes a while to dry and you have the time to spare it could be beneficial for correcting any mistakes too. But typically if you’re already a pro, look for something that is fast-drying to save you time and stress.
- Ease of removal: It’s well-known that the skin around our eyes is incredibly sensitive so it’s important to take care when removing eye makeup, especially waterproof eyeliner. No one wants to rip out their lashes in the process. So while these products are made for longwear, having a great oil-based makeup remover is a must when working with waterproof eyeliner.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Waterproof Eyeliners
Our testing panel included two WWD Shop editors and one beauty writer who tested a total of 32 waterproof eyeliners to narrow down this list of the 10 best options. The testers included two contact lens-wearers, one tester with watery eyes, and a tester with seasonal allergies. We tested these waterproof eyeliners on various eye shapes, including hooded eyes, creating looks that range from tight lines to bold cat eyes.
We began the research process with an interview with makeup expert Drita Paljevic, who shared tips on what to look for in a great waterproof eyeliner. Using her expertise, we pulled together a list of 32 liners to test across liquid, pencil, and gel formulas, as well as finishes from matte to shimmery.
To evaluate these waterproof eyeliners, our testers wore the formulas during high-intensity exercise, in steam rooms, and while shedding some happy tears to determine how well the product holds up to humidity and exposure to moisture. Along with this, we considered the below criteria during testing:
- Ease of application: Eyeliner is notoriously precarious to apply, and with waterproof formulas, a shaky hand can create a mess on the lid that’s hard to clean up. Our testers paid close attention to how these waterproof eyeliners applied when freshly opened and after multiple uses, noting if the applicator dried out as well as flagging issues like product clumping. The waterproof eyeliners on our list earned their spot in part due to their soft, even glide.
- Color payoff: The best waterproof eyeliners will deposit opaque, even color in one swipe. Our panel ensured that each liner on our list achieves the desired pigment intensity on the first pass. Any liners that required touch-ups for an even line were cut from our list.
- Residue after removal: One of the downsides to waterproof eyeliner is the dark residue it often leaves in its wake after removal. During testing, our panel timed how long it took to fully remove the liner with a basic makeup remover and warm water. Any that required excess scrubbing after two passes with makeup remover did not make our list.
Meet the Testers
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan has been reporting on the beauty industry since 2018, during which she’s tested dozens of pencil, gel, and liquid waterproof eyeliners.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. Cigliano wears liquid and pencil waterproof eyeliners on a nearly daily basis, and her firsthand expertise in the category contributed to the top formulas that made our list.
Meet the Expert
Drita Paljevic is the head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Paljevic is experienced in bridal makeup, so she’s well-versed in selecting the top waterproof eyeliners that photograph beautifully and don’t smudge through happy tears, wind, and rain.
Meet the Author
Jamie Wilson is a New York-based beauty writer and editor. Prior to going freelance and contributing to brands like Glamour, she previously held the title of beauty editor at Harper’s BAZAAR writing both print and digital features, trend stories, celebrity interviews, and cover stories. Wilson researched, reported, and wrote this article on the best waterproof eyeliners, also contributing to product testing for the story.