Makeup enthusiasts, just like anyone else, often have to deal with unpredictable weather and emotional moments in life. That’s why it’s important to find the best waterproof eyeliners that stand up to the elements. Our beauty experts have spent hours researching, trying, and testing an abundance of options to curate a handpicked list that will help you achieve a flawless look, whether it rains or shines!

Finding a good waterproof eyeliner is like finding a reliable best friend – whether you’re dancing in the rain with your boo or watching a tear-jerking movie with your girlies, you don’t have to worry about smudging as messing up the rest of your makeup! The perfect waterproof eyeliner will effortlessly define your eyes, defying the challenges that life may throw your way. So join us as we help you find a waterproof eyeliner that’s just perfect for you – we’ll also break down the different types of eyeliner, informing you what to look for and how to create the perfect eyeliner look.

• 1
  Best Overall

  MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Master Precise Eyeliner

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This smudge-proof black liner from MAYBELLINE NEW YORK has an ultra-fine tip that delivers precise, defined lines that last for up to 30 hours straight. The ergonomic grip makes it very easy to hold and control – you can create thin or thick lines according to your preference. It also has a no-slip and easy-glide application, that delivers stunning results in just one stroke. Additionally, it comes in other shades too, such as brown, emerald, and cobalt, all of which feature a satin finish. Go ahead and create the look that you desire, whether it be cat eyes or graphic wings!

Formula: Liquid

Finish: Satin

Color Range: Matte black, satin black, brown, emerald, cobalt.

Cruelty-free: No

Easy to Remove: Yes

2

Best Matte Finish

stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

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As the brand’s #1 bestselling waterproof eyeliner, you will be able to create any eye-opening look that you wish with this product. From drawing on the thinnest lines to much thicker ones, the fine tip will make things super easy for you – it offers very precise lines, ideal for both beginners and makeup artists. Moreover, it’s also smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and cruelty-free, lasting all day long! The best part is that it glides on the lids with no skipping or tugging, and also dries super quickly.

Formula: Liquid

Finish: Satin

Color Range: Intense black, dark brown, alloy, intense jade, intense labradorite, intense smoky quartz, midnight, and snow.

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: Yes

3

Best Smudge-proof Formula

wet n wild Breakup Proof waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

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The Breakup Proof eyeliner from wet n wild is smudge-proof, flake-proof, and crying-proof, making it super long-lasting. The ultra-fine brush tip allows you to create both delicate and bold lines – achieving varied eyeliner looks has never been this easy! Additionally, it’s super easy to apply with the perfect flow of pigmented color, delivering accuracy and precision. Plus, the formula is vegan and 100% cruelty-free – you don’t have to worry about it being tested on animals.  

Formula: Liquid

Finish: Metallic

Color Range: Ultra black, dark brown

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: Yes

4

Best Long-wearing Formula

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

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This award-winning eyeliner from URBAN DECAY is smudge-proof and waterproof, delivering an intense, long-wearing color payoff for up to 16 hours. From thin lines to bold wings, you can sharpen the tip to create any look you desire. The ultra-creamy and blendable formula effortlessly allows you to achieve the smoky eye look. A customer’s review on Amazon reads “I have tried multiple eyeliner pencils and this one is the most all-around perfect one to me. It stays for 12-24 hours, depending on my schedule. It does not smudge. It does not flake. It does not transfer onto clothes or pillows. It is very water resistant. It goes on so smoothly and perfectly with just one stroke. What more could anyone want in an eyeliner?”.

Formula: Pencil

Finish: Matte

Color Range: Bourbon, Chaos, Corrupt, Deep End, Demolition, Desperation, Electric Empire, Empire, Lsd, Loaded, Mainline, Mildew, Mushroom, Overdrive, Perversion, Psychedelic Sister, Rockstar, Roxy, Sabbath, Smog, Smoke, Stash, Uzi, Vice, Viper, Whiskey, Yeyo, and Zero.

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: Yes

5

Most Budget-friendly

e.l.f H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen

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This felt tip eyeliner pen from e.l.f is ideal for enhancing and defining your eyes. The fine tip delivers intense, deep black pigment – from thin and tight lines to thicker, more dramatic cat eyes, you can get them all! The vitamin-infused formula is super nourishing, and it lasts all day long on the lids. Additionally, it also dries very quickly and is resistant to smudging. You can rest assured that you’re getting a skin-loving product – it contains no toxins and is made entirely from plant-based ingredients.

Formula: Liquid

Finish: Glossy

Color Range: Jet Black

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: Yes

Quick Tip:

If you’re trying to create a look that requires bolder and thicker lines, slant the pen and then draw on your lids.

6

Best Glossy Finish

L'OREAL PARIS Flash Cat Eye by INFALLIBLE

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Get precise wings every single time with the Flash Cat Eye from L’OREAL PARIS – it’s waterproof, has a liquid brush tip, and delivers a smudge-proof cat eye look. It also comes with a removable wing stencil that will help you perfect the look if you’re a beginner. Available in two very versatile shades, black and brown, it will soon become your go-to everyday eyeliner. An Amazon customer said, “This is now my go-to eyeliner, has a great point and application, overall just love it. It stays on through rain and sweat, even through sleep the night after. If you need a new eyeliner, go for it”.

Formula: Liquid

Finish: Glossy

Color Range: Black

Cruelty-free: No

Easy to Remove: Yes

7

Best Glossy Finish

INGLOT AMC Eyeliner Gel 77

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Formulated with hypoallergenic and non-irritating ingredients, the INGLOT AMC gel pot eyeliner is very gentle and safe for sensitive skin. It runs along the lids smoothly, doesn’t smudge, and delivers an intense and pigmented matte finish. The compact size makes it very travel-friendly – you can carry it wherever you go, for on-the-go touch-ups. The color payoff is rich and super vibrant, allowing you to create bold, graphic eyeliner looks that stay put throughout the day. The best part is that though it has a creamy formula, it dries almost instantly.

Formula: Gel

Finish: Matte

Color Range: Black

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: No

Quick Tip:

If you prefer a liquid formula, mix the gel eyeliner with a few drops of Duraline – this makes it easier to apply to larger parts of the face or body.

8

Most Nourishing Formula

iT COSMETICS Superhero Liner

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If you’re looking for an eyeliner that won’t smudge or fade, the Superhero Liner from iT COSMETICS is just what you need! It lasts for 24 hours after being applied and the lash-hugging properties make the liner appear as if it's one with the lashes – it will leave no gaps or negative spaces. The pigments are super-saturated, delivering the darkest black lines that you can get. Additionally, the lash-enhancing formula contains peptides, collagen, biotin, and kaolin clay.

Formula: Liquid

Finish: Matte

Color Range: Super Black

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: Yes

9

Best Cruelty-free Formula

COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Lash Enhancing Liquid Eyeliner

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This felt-tip eyeliner from COVERGIRL has a vegan and waterproof formula that’s infused with pro-vitamin B5 and aloe vera. The flexible tip delivers precision and a true matte finish that’s rich in pigment and very striking. Additionally, it doesn’t feather, flake, fade, or smudge, all of which helped it to earn the Allure Best of 2022 Award. The best part about this product is that it makes the lashline appear much fuller, also enhancing the appearance of your eyelashes. 

Formula: Liquid

Finish: Matte

Color Range: Matte Black and Rich Brown.

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: No

10

Best Glitter Finish

LANCÔME 24 Hour Drama Liqui-Pencil Eyeliner

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Line your eyes with black magic – this gel eyeliner pencil from LANCÔME offers 24-hour waterproof wear, delivering a dramatic and vibrant color payoff in just one swipe. It has a unique hybrid gel formula that gives the look of a liquid eyeliner while being super easy to use in pencil form. When first applied the creamy texture is very blendable, but once it sets, it won’t budge, flake, smudge, or transfer! The best part is that it comes in 8 universally flattering shades and 3 gorgeous finishes.

Formula: Gel

Finish: Glitter 

Color Range: Cafe Noir, French Chocolate, Green Metropolitan, Leading Lights, Seine Sparkles, Parisian Nights, Purple Cabaret, and Eiffel Diamond.

Cruelty-free: No

Easy to Remove: No

11

ESTEE LAUDER Double Wear Infinite Waterproof Eyeliner

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This long-lasting eyeliner delivers a stunning color payoff that lasts all day and night, for up to 24 hours. It comes with a soft smudge tip to achieve an effortless smoky eye and a built-in sharpener for convenience. It’s super waterproof and resistant to sweat, heat, smudges, and humidity. According to a customer on Amazon, “I really like this liner. It doesn't smear or run off. I have sensitive eyes and most liners burn but this one does not. I will purchase this again”.

Formula: Cream

Finish: Matte

Color Range: Graphite, Indigo, Teal Night, Deep Plum, Espresso, Kohl Noir, and Blackened Onyx.

Cruelty-free: No

Easy to Remove: No

12

WONDERSKIN 1440 Longwear Eyeliner

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With 1440 minutes of staying power, this waterproof eyeliner from WONDERSKIN will allow you to stay confident and earless, no matter what life throws your way. It delivers a high-intensity color payoff that makes your eyes stand out – you don’t have to worry about smudging. It’s also transfer-proof and smudge-proof, and you can sharpen it to have a fine tip that delivers precise and sharp lines. The best part is that you have 30 seconds to smudge it down before it sets, to create a smokey eye look. Plus, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without any BHT. 

Formula: Creamy

Finish: Glossy

Color Range: Black Truffle, Gold Mocha, Icing, Olive, and Oyster Blue.

Cruelty-free: Yes

Easy to Remove: Yes

13

Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner

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This creamy gel eyeliner from Mally Beauty glides smoothly on the lids, offering lines that are vivid and waterproof. It doesn’t smudge, transfer, or crease – you’ll have a flawlessly defined gaze that lasts all through the night. If you want to smudge it out and create a smokey eye look, you have 45 seconds after application before it sets and becomes budge-proof – you can also use it as an eyeshadow if you want to. What’s more is that the pencil format is super easy to use, giving even beginners good control over their creations.

Formula: Gel

Finish: Sparkly

Color Range: Midnight, Bronze Medal, Caribbean Sea, Deep Sage, Espresso, Gold Glimmer, Graphite, Grey Violet, Gunmetal, Hazelnut, Iris, Mally’s Glow, Milk Chocolate, Onyx, Pink Champagne, Sailor, Shadow, Sterling, Walnut, and Warm Spice.

Cruelty-free: No

Easy to Remove: No

Now that you’re aware of the best waterproof eyeliners available in the market, let’s take some time to understand them a little better.

A truly waterproof eyeliner is typically formulated with water-resistant ingredients such as waxes, polymers, and derivatives of silicone. The components create a protective film that clings to the skin while also forming a barrier against water and other liquids.

Apart from that, some formulations also use pigments that have advanced adhesion properties which extend their wear time. All these elements come together to bring you a waterproof eyeliner that can withstand sweat, tears, and humidity, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize a smudge-free and water-resistant makeup experience.

There are 5 main types of eyeliners, check them out below:

1. Pencil Eyeliner: This eyeliner type is very easy to use, preferably for beginners. It offers a natural look to the user.

2. Liquid Eyeliner: This format gives the user more precise lines, especially when creating winged eyeliner looks. They’re ideal for bolder and dramatic eyes.

3. Gel Eyeliner: This is the most versatile eyeliner – it offers precision and control like a liquid but has a much softer finish.

4. Kohl Eyeliner: This kind of eyeliner is best used on the waterline. It gives a smudged and sultry effect, ideal for that grunge look.

5. Felt-tip Eyeliner: This is a very user-friendly eyeliner. It helps the user create defined lines, both thick and thin.

Keep the following points in mind while choosing a waterproof eyeliner:

Formula

Ensure that the eyeliner clearly states that it has a waterproof formulation. This way, you can rest assured that it’s long-lasting.

Quality

If you dread having raccoon eyes then you need to select an eyeliner with smudge-proof properties. This is even more important if you live in humid conditions.

Precision

An eyeliner that’s equipped with a fine-tip applicator can help give you thin, sharp, and precise lines whenever the look calls for it.

Drying Time

A fast-drying formula works wonders when it comes to preventing accidental smudging, which happens often during the application process.

Longevity

Take some time to go through the reviews to understand how well the eyeliner holds up the day for other customers, especially ones with your skin type.

Ease of Removal

While we love a long-lasting, waterproof eyeliner, we also think that the removal process should be just as easy. This way, your eyes won’t get irritated.

Follow the steps below to perfectly apply your waterproof eyeliner:

1. Begin with eyelids that are clean and dry.

2. Select your favorite waterproof eyeliner pencil or gel.

3. With a gentle hand, stretch your eyelid so that you have a smooth canvas with no folds or creases.

4. Draw small dots or dashes along the lash line.

5. Connect all of them to create one seamless line – while doing this have a steady hand and don’t tug or pull as it can lead to smudging.

6. If you want to make it last extra long, dust it with a translucent setting powder.

7. There you go – you’ll have perfectly applied liner on your lids.