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12 best waterproof eyeliners that won't budge throughout the day – tried and tested
From smudge-proof kohls to the ultimate liquid liner, I've tried them all
Eyeliner has a sort of superpower – in just a few strokes it can transform a makeup look that's soft and minimalist to one that's ready to hit the dance floor. Especially with party season in full swing, it’s more important than ever to find the perfect liner that won’t smudge or fade before you’ve ordered your first drink.
And the most exciting bit is that there is no rule on how you apply your liner; you can go for a bold stroke and channel your inner Amy Winehouse, get creative with a cool graphic or switch things up with a pop of colour. Finish up with a slick of mascara and you're good to go.
So, why bother finding a great eyeliner? When you’ve dedicated your time to making those points symmetrical, the last thing you want to see is your liner dripping down your face by the end of the day. Which is why celebrity makeup artist, Buster Knight, is here to share his top-tips on how to make your eyeliner last as long as possible.
Best waterproof eyeliners that last without smudging...
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“If you’re applying eyeliner to the waterline, I like to dry any moisture from the lash line with a cotton bud before lining as this allows the pencil to adhere to dry skin,” says Buster. He also recommends applying liquid liner onto a completely dry surface as it will prevent the formula from running.
But Buster’s best tip to solve your smudging woes sounds like something you’d see in an episode of Glow Up and not in your bedroom. “If you want your pencil to perform, I’d warm up the pencil using a lighter [just the nib, not the whole pencil], let it cool completely, and then apply. This really allows the long-stay properties of the pencil to take effect,” he says. Just be careful not to completely singe off the liner – or your eyebrows for that matter.
Whether you’re looking for a precise pen to draw detailed flicks, or a creamy formula to smudge over your lid, there’s a hardcore liner out there that will withstand pretty much anything you throw its way. Scroll down to discover the 12 waterproof eyeliners that impressed me the most...
How we test waterproof eyeliner...
Lucky for you guys, unfortunately for me, I’m a good crier and a lover for eyeliner – so it’s far to say I’ve put waterproof eyeliners through their paces over the years. And if it’s not my tears that put waterproof liners at risk, it’s my sweaty tube commute or gym sesh.
So myself, along with the rest of the Cosmo beauty team, have tested these eyeliners to see how well they last without smudging, as well as their pigmentation and ease of use. The below pens and pencils came out on top...
Pros
- This stuff does not budge but it's still easy to remove
- It has a *very* fine tip for precise drawing
- It's affordable
Cons
- The ink can start to dry up over time
Finding a quality waterproof eyeliner doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. The Maybelline Hyper Precise All Day Liner is a well-loved option for those wanting sharp lines often achieved by luxury options.
It has a 0.4mm tip (measured it myself) which makes the worrying task of matching your two wings less of a ‘brace yourself’ moment. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof and, for under a fiver, it’s already in my basket.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Five |
Pros
- It glides on smoothly and leaves a jet-black pigment
- Humidity-, heat-, and sweat- proof
- It's available in four other shades
Cons
- The ink is quite wet so it requires a steady hand
This is one of the most pigmented liquid liners I’ve come across, and it comes at the bargain price of £7.99. It’s a powerful pen so it’s great if you love bold wings (see reference photo below, pls) but the ultra-fine tip allows you to precisely draw so you won’t end up with a big splodge under your eye. And even if you do, dw as it’s easy to remove with a splash of micellar water.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Five |
Pros
- The gel glides on seamlessly without tugging
- The pigment is jet black
- It’s a retractable pencil so you don’t need to sharpen it
Cons
- It’s only available in one shade
If you need something that’s going to last an entire night out, but you don’t have the time to draw on sharp, precise wings, the ABH Waterproof Gel Liner is the pencil to reach for.
Although waterproof, the gel liner glides on seamlessly without tugging, and you have time to smudge and blend before the formula sets. I also love the ultra-fine tip so I can use it to line my under eye or get super close to my lash line.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Gel |
|---|---|
| Shades: | One |
Pros
- Super creamy and pigmented
- With an angled brush, creates a sharp line without tugging
Cons
- Will smudge if you directly touch it
I get it, pot eyeliners can be intimidating however Jones Road makes things super easy. This creamy formula glides on seamlessly without tugging so you get a neat and pigmented line in one stroke – and when I say pigmented, I mean pigmented. Whichever shade you choose (I always opt with brown) the colour is bold and punchy. Sure, it’s a little pricy, but you only need a small amount for it to travel far.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Gel |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Four |
Sculpted by Aimee EasyGlide - Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Pros
- The brown hue adds definition without it being too intense
Cons
- It's only available in two shades
If you're a liner newbie, I'd suggest starting with a brown formula. While a jet-black liner is a statement look, switching to a brown liner will give you more wiggle room to make mistakes – plus the overall look will be much softer.
The Sculpted by Aimee EasyGlide is a great starting point. As the name implies, it seamlessly glides onto the skin to create a clean wing, while depositing a rich brown pigment that looks sophisticated and flattering.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Two |
Vieve Power Ink Liner
Pros
- It glides on pigmented colour
- The nip is like a dense brush which makes it easy to glide on
Cons
- It's only available in two shades
If anyone knows how to perfect points it's Vieve's founder, Jaime Genevieve. The brush is precise and easy to use, and whether you're going for a classic flick or daring graphic design, the jet-black pigment will make any look super striking.
And if your creativity leads to mistakes, not to fear as any spills can easily be removed – just move quickly, because once dried it won't budge throughout the day.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Two |
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Pencil
Pros
- It's easy to smudge into a smokey eye but it sets down
- It's easy to remove
Cons
- It won't be as precise compared to a liquid pen
- It's pricey
You can always trust in a Charlotte Tilbury eyeliner to create a sexy, smokey eye. The Rock ‘N’ Kohl Pencil has an intensely pigmented finish and lasts and impressive amount of time, even on the waterline. The kohl glides on like a cream too, so it won’t drag your lid while you draw on your wings.
There are a selection of punchy shades to choose from, but Barbarella Brown is my favourite for adding depth to my eyes without it being too much.
Stila Stay All Day waterproof liquid eyeliner
Pros
- It lasts really well without smudging
- The felt-tip style nib is thin and stiff, making it great for precise application
Cons
- Some may find a brush-style nib easier than a felt-tip as it's easier to control
Stila's Stay All Day liner is a favourite among beauty writers (I’ve personally repurchased countless times). Without feathering or smudging, it delivers a deep black pigment in one swipe so you don’t need to layer up to get a dramatic line.
It's ideal for those with hooded eyes or anyone looking to experiment with a funky graphic shape.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Seven |
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip 36h Gel Automatic Eyeliner
Pros
- It's easy to smudge but sets down
- It has a very creamy, gel texture that glides on
- It's an affordable option
Cons
- The blending applicator isn't very precise
Gel liners just hit differently – they glide on beautifully and always look unreal. I remember being a little sceptical with this one as it’s labelled as semi-permanent, but I’m happy to report that while, yes, it's long-lasting, it also comes off with your standard makeup remover. Plus, you can smudge the formula for a smoky effect before it dries and locks down for the evening.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Gel pencil |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Seven |
Lancôme Lash Idôle Eye Liner
Pros
- The ultra-fine tip (0.1mm) allows you to draw a precise line
- It glides on easily but doesn't budge throughout the day
- It comes in a range of shades
Cons
- It's a pricey option
I once saw a lady doing her eyeliner on the tube using the Lancôme Idôle Eye Liner. After trying it myself, I now understand how she emerged from the Victoria Line without looking like a three-year-old attacked her face with a Sharpie.
Thanks to its ultra-fine felt-tip nib, you can draw a precise and detailed line that won't bleed or flake. The Lash Idôle mascara may be my holy grail from Lancôme, but now the smudge-proof prowess of its eyeliner counterpart is inching its way up to first place.
Key Specifications:
| Liquid type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Five on the Lancôme website |
Fenty Beauty Flyliner Long Liquid Eyeliner
Pros
- Delivers a clean, pigmented line in one stroke
- The tiny tip allows for precise application
Cons
- It's only available in two shades
We have yet another reason to worship the floor that Rihanna walks on. This water-resistant, smudge-proof liner draws a crisp, defined stroke that will withstand any situation – from a summer rainstorm to a RiRi dance party.
It also has a triangle-shaped handle to give you great grip and full control, making it an ideal option for first timers. Alexa, play ‘We Found Love’.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Two |
Pros
- It has an ultra-fine tip to draw on precise lines and flicks
- The water-resistant formula still applies well over eyeshadow
- It has bold pigment
Cons
- It can dry out fairly quickly
KVD’S Tattoo Liner sticks around like, well, permanent ink. Inspired by real tattoo artistry, it has an ultra-fine tip that makes perfecting those tiny lines an easy feat.
The rich brown shade is perfect if you prefer a more natural look and works perfectly for creating cutesy faux freckles. Simply tap over your cheeks and nose, dabbing with a finger before they dry.
Key Specifications:
| Formula type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Shades: | Two |
What's the best way to apply eyeliner?
Applying eyeliner isn’t as scary as it sounds. Sure, it may take a few goes of trial-and-error before you find the style that suits you, but in general, Buster has a few tips to ensure your eyeliner application goes as smoothly as possible.
“For pencils, apply once, let it dry, and apply again. It also works well if you sandwich the pencil with an eyeshadow as layers = longevity," says Buster. “For a liquid liner, apply to dry (or powdered) skin and use a fan to make sure the liquid liner is set," he adds. Just avoid applying liquid liner to any wet part of the eye as it may run.
How do you remove waterproof eyeliner?
When something is labelled as ‘waterproof’ you’d assume that it’s very stubborn to remove. And when eyeliner is tough to remove you’re more likely to tug at your skin – which is a big no-go! Luckily, there are ways to remove said eyeliner with ease. “An oil-based remover such as Lancôme’s Bi-Facil Makeup Remover is always really beneficial. I also swear by the Cosmetic Consult wipes for a deep cleanse,” says Buster.
Meet the experts:
- Buster Knight is a celebrity makeup artist to the likes of Chris Jenner, Millie Bobby Brown and Priyanka Chopra. He has also previously spoken to Cosmo UK about the best lengthening mascaras.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
- Clare Stephenson is the Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over three years of experience testing all things beauty, from skincare to fragrance, but has a specific love for makeup, including eyeliners. As an unapologetic crier – and if not that, she’s sweating on her commute to work – she has tested many waterproof eyeliners and has spoken to leading MUAs about the best ways to apply them, so she’s able to recommend you one no matter your preference or budget.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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