Let me guess: You drew on a cat-eye sharp enough to kill a man for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, only for it to melt down your face before you made it into the stadium. Waterproof eyeliner, like waterproof mascara, is crucial for a budge-proof eye makeup look for all your summer activities—whether they involve concert tickets or otherwise. That’s why we gathered 15 of the best waterproof eyeliners you can count on, so your eyeliner look will stay put just like Taylor’s in a “full-on deluge” (and beyond).
Best Waterproof Eyeliners
Pros
Comes in shimmer, jewel, and matte finishes- Infused with skincare ingredients
Cons
- Some said the pencil is too soft
This satin kajal liner just made it easier to master a quick smoky effect. Simply blend out with the attached smudge-tool after lining your eyes.
Customer review: “This is the best eyeliner I’ve purchased. It stays in place, does not transfer and the color is perfect. I ordered burgundy and liked it so much I ordered another in brown.” —Karen M
| Number of Shades | 11 |
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Pros
- Comes in matte and shimmer finishes
- Ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes
Cons
- Better for a thicker line than a fine tip
These pencils come in both matte and shimmer finishes, in every color from basic black to bright teal. And most importantly, they’re also waterproof and smudge-proof for up to 24 hours.
Customer review: “This pencil is great! Applies easy, stays put and no fade. The caveat: always use an eye primer for easy application and smudge-proof wear. That’s the secret for any eye makeup addict.”
| Number of Shades | 10 |
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Pros
- Super smooth application
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues with breaking
This super smooth liner effortlessly glides on, leaving behind the perfect line of bold pigment.
Customer review: “These Kulfi Long Wear Eye liners are worth the hype. They don’t budge! I have the color rain check, a beautiful blue. It’s very pigmented and applies so smoothly—no tugging! They set so well and stayed put all day long! Makes me wanna try more colors!”
| Number of Shades | 6 |
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Pros
- One of the rare brands to offer a bright white liner
- Built-in smudge brush
Cons
- Some had issues with color bleeding
This pigment-rich clean formula works just as well for your waterline as it does splashed across your lids, doubling as an eye shadow.
Customer review: “This is the best eyeliner I have ever bought. Glides on smoothly and the blender on the other end is soft but effective at softening the look.” —Hollie
| Number of Shades | 6 |
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Pros
- Felt tip allows for easy control
Cons
- Color isn’t as pigmented
Clean ingredients aside, this liner would earn a place in the Liquid Liner Hall of Fame based on its precise application and stay-put formula alone.
Customer review: “I’m more of a classic pencil gal so I was hesitant to try this. But I’m glad I did! Stays put and takes little time to apply.” —Kimberly
| Number of Shades | 1 |
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6
Works for Face and Body
Danessa Myricks Beauty Waterproof Cushion Color
Pros
- Great bright color options
Cons
- Pot and brush packaging may have a learning curve
Danessa Myricks Beauty is all about makeup artist flexibility—and this eye color doesn’t disappoint. Use it as a waterproof eyeliner one day, then blend it out before it sets to try the shade as an eye shadow the next.
Customer review: “I have found my new perfect eyeliner. Goes on easily and washed off thoroughly. And the contents in the jar don’t dry out very quickly.” —Harriet L
| Number of Shades | 7 |
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Pros
- Great price
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- Some customer-fave shades have been discontinued
This little pot of gel liner has a tiny brush to help you apply a look that lasts up to 24 hours.
Customer review: “I’ve tried other gels from expensive, reputable companies but this one really stands out.” —Boo1954
| Number of Shades | 2 |
|---|
Pros
- Great for precise lining
Cons
- Takes a bit longer to dry
Like the best-selling mascara that shares its name, this intense, long-lasting liquid liner promises a, well, mind-blowing application.
Customer review: “This is one of the best marker type liquid liners. So easy to use and super pigmented. Definitely a staple in my makeup routine.” —paisleysummer
| Number of Shades | 1 |
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Pros
- Great color range
- Smooth application
Cons
- Some found it difficult to sharpen
If you prefer a more blended, soft line, look no further: Unlike a lot of waterproof liners that draw rigid lines, this pencil has a kohl-like finish.
Customer review: “As a woman over 50, this is the best, smoothest liner I’ve found. It glides on so easily and stays put. I bought the Marlene Midnight....it is a great alternative to basic black! Goodbye old, hard eye pencils!” —alanes
| Number of Shades | 8 |
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Pros
- Great shade range, including brights and white
- Great price
Cons
- Some found it difficult to sharpen
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a black eyeliner that really lasts. Work quickly with this one, because once it sets, you’ll need an oily makeup remover to get it off.
Customer review: “I’ve tried numerous brands of ‘long wearing’ eyeliner even the most expensive ones, but this liner beats them all. Other liners smudge onto my contact lenses. L’Oréal stays put all day right where I apply it.” —Yammas
| Number of Shades | 15 |
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Pros
- Deeply pigmented
- As waterproof as it gets
Cons
- Some said it dried out quickly
Used backstage at many top runway shows (and by one Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour), this inky and super-black liquid liner is best wielded by a skilled liner enthusiast. It’s a little too liquid for beginners.
Customer review: “I’ve re-bought this at least five times. You will not get a blacker liner with such precision and fast-drying results. Just call off the dogs, the search is over.” —rswerdlw
| Number of Shades | 2 |
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Pros
- Great for smoky eyes
- Built-in smudge brush
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues with breaking
The thin pencil can be drawn in super close to your lash line or blended with the smudge tip—either way, your look is set for up to 24 hours.
Customer review: “Stays put! I love this eyeliner. A big part of my day used to be wiping under my eyes for smeared eyeliner. Not anymore! This stuff is great, it’s creamy when it goes on…you have a few seconds to adjust…and then it stays put. Definitely need real makeup remover to remove.”
| Number of Shades | 3 |
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Pros
- Great for thin or thicker lines
- Dries quickly on lids
Cons
- Some said it dried out quickly
The formula is reminiscent of the Pat McGrath liner, except Rihanna’s version has an even longer and pointier felt tip. Use it to stamp the perfect wing at the outer corner of your eyes, then trace the line across your lid.
Customer review: “Love this so much. Doesn’t smudge or move especially when you sweat. It stays all day and it’s super pigmented. It’s amazing.” —Jasmine594
| Number of Shades | 2 |
|---|
Pros
- Can be used for thin or thicker lines
- Great price
Cons
- Sharpie-like tip can feel stiff
There is no excuse not to have this $3 waterproof eyeliner in your makeup kit. Once you try it, you might never understand why you ever spent more than the price of a can of co*ke on eyeliner.
Customer review: “The lines are quite surprising from such an inexpensive liner. I have bought brown and black and will continue to buy this pencil!” —CO
| Number of Shades | 2 |
|---|
Pros
- Comes in matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, and metallic shades
- Lasts up to 16 hours
Cons
- Doesn’t apply as smoothly to the waterline
The smoothest and creamiest waterproof eyeliner we’ve ever tried, in shades you didn’t even know you needed.
Customer review: “I keep repurchasing UD eyeliners. They apply smoothly and have staying power.” —CRHI
| Number of Shades | 38 |
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