Top 10 Waterproof Eyeliners That Won’t Smudge All Day

Top 10 Waterproof Eyeliners That Won’t Smudge All Day

Whether you’re powering through a humid day, battling oily eyelids, or just need something that stays put from 9 to 9 (and beyond), a great waterproof eyeliner is your secret weapon. Forget raccoon eyes or midday meltdowns—the best formulas stay sharp, smudge-free, and transfer-proof, no matter what life throws at you.

In this guide, we’ve ranked the top 10 waterproof eyeliners that won’t smudge all day, including liquid, pencil, gel, and kajal formulas—tested and chosen based on performance, comfort, longevity, and value.

10. Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Liner – Best Luxury Pencil

• Type: Retractable pencil

• Finish: Matte + shimmer

Why it’s great: Long-wear pencil with skincare ingredients for sensitive eyes.

Infused with rosehip oil and vitamin E, this liner glides on smoothly and adds a hint of shimmer to classic shades. It’s ideal for the waterline or lower lash line and feels great all day.

Pros:

• Comfortable for all-day wear

• Retractable design

• Beautiful shimmer tones

Cons:

• Expensive.

9. L’Oréal Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liner – Best for Sharp Wings

• Type: Felt tip with stencil

• Finish: Matte

Why it’s great: Comes with a cat-eye wing stencil for flawless symmetry.

This drugstore favorite is waterproof, highly pigmented, and includes a clever removable stencil that helps achieve sharp, even wings—perfect for beginners or perfectionists.

Pros:

• Stencil helps shape

• Long-lasting

• Affordable

Cons:

• Slight learning curve with the stencil.

8. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Eyeliner – Best for Beginners

• Type: Flexible brush-tip

• Finish: Matte

Why it’s great: Beginner-friendly with forgiving application and a rich black payoff.

This liner has a flexible, soft tip and a waterproof formula that won’t fade or smudge, even through sweat or humidity. It’s great for those just learning the art of the wing.

Pros:

• Easy to handle

• Waterproof and smudge-proof

• Matte finish

Cons:

• Limited color options.

7. Chanel Le Liner de Chanel – Best Luxury Liquid

• Type: Brush & tube liquid

• Finish: Glossy

Why it’s great: Ultra-rich pigment, high shine, and a luxe formula that lasts.

For those who want an elegant application and high-performance payoff, Chanel’s waterproof liner delivers calligraphy-level strokes that stay crisp until you remove them.

Pros:

• Luxe feel and look

• Lasts all day

• Smudge-proof

Cons:

• Expensive.

6. NYX Epic Ink Liner – Best Drugstore Buy

• Type: Felt-tip liquid

• Finish: Satin

Why it’s great: Budget-friendly but performs like high-end brands.

This waterproof liner is under $10 but offers precision, pigment, and staying power that rivals more expensive picks. Ideal for everyday wear or dramatic wings.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Long wear

• Easy to apply

Cons:

• Can feather slightly without primer.

5. Kulfi Underlined Kajal Eyeliner – Best for Color

• Type: Crayon kajal

• Finish: Matte

Why it’s great: Super pigmented, fast-setting, and made for humid climates.

Inspired by South Asian beauty rituals, Kulfi’s creamy kajal is both vibrant and versatile. Use it on your upper lash line, waterline, or smudge it out—it’ll lock in after 30 seconds and stay bold all day.

Pros:

• Great color range

• Long-lasting even on the waterline

• Editor-tested

Cons:

• Limited shade variety in-store.

4. Kosas EyeCandy Gel Eyeliner – Best Gel Formula

• Type: Twist-up gel pencil

• Finish: Matte

Why it’s great: Clean formula with skincare-grade ingredients like hyaluronic acid—perfect for sensitive eyes.

This clean beauty winner is creamy, rich, and infused with hyaluronic acid for comfort. It blends out beautifully, but once it sets, it becomes waterproof and crease-proof.

Pros:

• Hydrating and gentle

• Smudgeable before setting

• Vegan and clean.

Cons:

• Must cap tightly or it dries quickly.

3. KVD Tattoo Liner – Best for Precision

• Type: Brush-tip liquid

• Finish: Satin

Why it’s great: Delivers razor-sharp lines with a flexible brush that’s ideal for flicks and detail work.

Loved by makeup artists, the KVD Tattoo Liner lives up to its name. Once it sets, it doesn’t move—even through rain, sweat, or tears. The brush tip allows pro-level control, whether you're a cat-eye lover or graphic liner pro.

Pros:

• Flexible tip for detailed work

• Extremely long-wearing

• Cruelty-free.

Cons:

• Needs layering for ultra-black payoff.

2. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil – Best Pencil Eyeliner

• Type: Gel pencil

• Finish: Demi-matte

Why it’s great: Silky-smooth on application but locks into place for waterproof, all-day wear.

This cult-favorite pencil glides on effortlessly and comes in over 40 shades—from neutrals to neons. It’s ideal for waterline wear, tightlining, or smudging into a smoky eye before it sets.

Pros:

• Huge color range

• Waterline-safe

• Creamy texture

Cons:

• Requires sharpening.

1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – Best Overall

• Type: Felt-tip liquid

• Finish: Matte

Why it’s great: Trusted by pros and beginners alike, this liner glides on with control and dries in seconds to a truly waterproof finish.

No surprises here—Stila’s iconic eyeliner is an all-time favorite for its foolproof application and zero-smudge performance. It’s perfect for clean cat-eyes, bold graphic looks, or classic liner styles, and it lasts through sweat, tears, and oily lids without cracking.

Pros:

• Fast-drying

• Easy to control

• Available in several shades

Cons:

• It may dry out quickly if not capped tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which waterproof eyeliner lasts the longest?

Stila Stay All Day and KVD Tattoo Liner are both proven to last over 12–16 hours without smudging or fading.

Can I wear waterproof eyeliner on my waterline?

Yes, but make sure it’s labeled as waterline-safe. Urban Decay 24/7 and Kulfi Kajal are excellent for this.

How do I remove waterproof eyeliner easily?

Use an oil-based or bi-phase eye makeup remover to break down the long-wear polymers without tugging your eyelids.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary based on skin type, application technique, and environmental factors. Some product links may be affiliate links, from which we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.