Every summer seems hotter than the one prior: Hotter, more humid, and with more frequent and sustained heatwaves. This extreme weather can wreak havoc on one’s glam. Frizzy, unruly hair and melting, faded makeup is not cute!
Even the best primers, setting sprays, and powders—which are great at locking a look in place—can use a little reinforcement under extreme conditions. This is when waterproof makeup formulas can be very helpful and effective at keeping your beat intact. Specifically, waterproof eyeliner.
Why Waterproof?
Today’s waterproof eyeliners will stay put throughout the day even on oily skin, through tears, and in extreme humidity while remaining flexible and without drying or flaking.
Summertime finds most of us more active with exercise, jogging, swimming, biking, and walking, not to mention tennis and pickle ball. Vacations and weddings are more prevalent in summer as well, and these occasions are perfect examples for when waterproof eyeliner is superior to traditional formulas.
How They Work
Adhesive film formers like dimethicone—which are mostly comprised of silicone- or acrylate-based polymers—give waterproof makeup its staying power. They help the product and pigment adhere to skin for longer durations by forming a lightweight, flexible, and breathable film that keeps moisture out while wearing comfortably.
Most experts agree that dimethicone is safe to use for all skin types, even near the eyes, with little or no side effects. Just try to avoid getting any in your eye, as that may cause minor irritation. However, those with extremely sensitive skin or allergies should always do a patch test before trying any new skincare or makeup product.
How To Remove
Because of the extreme staying power, most waterproof eyeliners are notoriously difficult to remove. Avoid using makeup wipes for this job, as they require too much rubbing around the sensitive eye area.
Instead, use a cotton swab saturated in an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water, applying it to the liner and letting it break it down for a minute before gently wiping away with the clean end of the swab.
Two of my go-to options are Shu Uemura’s Botanicoil Indulging Plant-Based Cleansing Oil and Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water. For both eyeliner removal and creating sharp, clean lines, there is also the convenient and travel-ready Smudge Tip makeup removers.
The Formulas
Waterproof eyeliners come in basically three formulas: pencils, liquids, and gels (or creams). Choosing the right formula depends on personal preference, skill level, and desired result.
A good waterproof eyeliner will deliver saturated color evenly in one swipe.
Pencils tend to be the easiest to use and correct mistakes with. They can be used on the upper and lower lash lines as well as on the waterlines, and they are easy to smudge and diffuse for softer or smokier looks before they set.
Liquids are a bit trickier to apply and require more practice and precision. They deliver sharp, crisp lines, so I recommend using liquid liners only on the top lash line and never on waterlines. Use them on the bottom lash line only if you are going for a very severe, bold look.
Gels and creams fall somewhere in the middle. They are both relatively easy to apply, can be applied to both top and bottom lash lines, and are easily smudged out or diffused. I do not recommend using gel liner in the waterlines as it will most likely get in your eyes like liquid liner.
It’s also important to consider drying time when choosing an eyeliner formula. The longer the dry time, the more time you have to smudge or smoke the liner out if that is the effect you want. At the same time, a longer dry time means more time to accidentally smudge or transfer liner where you don’t want it.
Once you get the hang of it, applying waterproof eyeliner will become second nature. And using it in extreme heat and humidity, when crying happy tears at a wedding or while swimming on vacation, will save you from having to constantly touch it up.
Top 10 Picks
Here are ten of the very best waterproof eyeliners in different formulas for staying power, ease of application, color payoff, and ability to repel moisture.
Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
This award-winning liquid eyeliner from Stila glides on smoothly without pulling or skipping, depositing rich pigmented color that quickly dries down to satin finish and stays in place all day. The fine marker tip makes it easy to draw the thinnest of lines to more dramatic cat wings with just one stroke. Once dry, it won’t smudge, smear or transfer even under the harshest conditions like crying or swimming. Available in 11 full-coverage shades. Ophthalmologist tested and cruelty-free.
Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Urban Decay claims this is the #1 eye pencil in the US with one sold every 20 seconds and was voted reader’s choice for best eyeliner in Glamour 2022 Beauty Awards. Available in a whopping 38 shades, these pencils have a hydrating, creamy and blendable formula that glides on with no dragging or pulling. The vibrant color dries to a budge-free finish in matte, shimmer, glitter, satin and metallic that wears flawlessly for up to 16 hours. Ideal for lining the waterlines. Made of 50% hydrating skincare ingredients (vitamin E, jojoba oil, cottonseed oil) to nourish the delicate skin around the eyes. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
The elegant design of this eyeliner from Chanel delivers intense color with a simple twist of the retractable tip. Intense color that resists water, humidity and oil for long wear that stays intact all day without smudging. The soft, comfortable texture allows for effortlessly smooth drawing of even lines. The detachable sharpener ensures this liner is always ready for precision application. Available in 19 vibrant shades that can be applied to waterlines.
e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Intense H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen
This liquid eyeliner from e.l.f. is a great budget-friendly option that outperforms many of its higher end competitors. It delivers intense color with a precision felt tip that allows for total control to effortlessly create lines that are thin and tight or thick and dramatic. The quick-dry, long-lasting formula has a deep, full-coverage black pigment and dries to a matte, smudge-proof finish that stays put all day. Infused with vitamins to nourish the lash lines. Available only in black for under $10. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
This best-selling waterproof gel eyeliner from Bobbi Brown resists sweat and humidity for up to 8 hours of wear without budging, smudging or fading. Combines the precision of a liquid liner with the ease of application that a gel-based liner provides. The highly pigmented gel comes in a glass pot and must be applied with a separate eyeliner brush. This allows you to effortlessly create subtle to dramatic looks. The creamy smooth texture doesn’t clump on the brush and the buildable formula dries quickly and easily layers for desired intensity without caking. Available in 5 dark neutral shades.
Lancôme’s Drama Liqui Pencil Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Get the ease of using a pencil with the smoothness of a gel and the color payoff of a liquid with this pencil-gel hybrid from Lancôme. The creamy waterproof formula glides on smoothly and is easily blended until dry, then it won’t budge. No smudging, fading, bleeding, transferring or flaking for up to 24 hours of wear. Ophthalmologist tested and suitable for sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers and waterlines. Available in 8 universal shades in three finishes (matte, metallic and glitter).
MAC Cosmetics’ Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner
This liquid liner from MAC has the perfectly sized tapered tip brush to create sharp, crisp lines, thick or thin, quickly and easily in one pass that dry down to an intense matte finish. Use the tip only for tight, thin lines and the flat side for thicker, more dramatic lines. The water-resistant formula is sweat and humidity-proof and won’t smudge or transfer for up to 24 hours of comfortable wear. Surprisingly easy to remove with just soap and water. Available in black or brown.
NARS Cosmetics’ High-Pigment Longwear Eyeliner
This innovative pencil with a gel formula from NARS deposits intense pigment with a high impact color payoff. The creamy texture applies with ease and no skipping or tugging and stays where you put it for up to 12 hours. This versatile pencil is perfect for creating sharp lines, tightlining the lash lines, waterline application or smudging out for a smokier effect. Once set, it’s humidity-proof, sweat-proof, water-resistant and transfer-resistant all day. Available in 16 vibrant shades with matte and metallic finishes.
Milani’s Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil
Another great wallet-friendly option is this kohl pencil from Milani for under $10. The easy-glide formula makes it a cinch to draw thin and bold lines or create a softer, more diffused look. The waterproof formula ensures the look is locked in place for hours. Always ready for precision application with a simple twist of the self-sharpening tip. Ideal for waterline application. Available only in Blackest Black shade. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Lancôme’s Idole Liner Ultra Precise Waterproof Liner
This waterproof liquid liner from Lancôme is an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner for 2023. The ultra-precise, flexible felt tip enables a seamless, easy glide, one stroke application. Simply use a light pressure to create fine lines and a firmer pressure for bolder lines. The saturated pigment provides stunning color that lasts 24 hours without smudging, fading or flaking. The ergonomic tube fits comfortably in your hand for complete control and accuracy, even for beginners. Easily removes with just a gentle makeup cleanser. Available in 5 dark universal shades with matte and glossy finishes.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
