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By Sophie Joaman • May 29, 2024 • 9 mins read
Products featured on Ntrl Look are chosen independently by our editorial team. When you purchase through our affiliate links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
At NTRL LOOK, we don’t gatekeep. In fact, we believe in spreading the word about the game-changing makeup products, techniques, and trends you need in your life. Take best waterproof eyeliner, for example. It has been available on the market for decades, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to know which ones are the best to choose. In our opinion, a good smudge-proof eyeliner is a must-have in your beauty collection. That’s why we’re shouting about it from the rooftops.
Okay, maybe not shouting, but we’ve written the following article to inspire you to opt for a long-lasting eyeliner this summer. Because at the end of the day, it’s 2025, and your makeup should always go above and beyond for you. Whether you want to watch a sad film, laugh until you cry with friends, or even go for a run with your makeup on, you should be able to do that.
And if you want to make sure your entire look stays flawless no matter how hot it gets, check out these sweat-proof makeup tips that actually work.
From precision liquid liners to creamy, waterproof eye makeup formulas, we’ve curated 11 of the very best waterproof eyeliners so that your wings are always sharp and your eyeliner colour intense and dramatic, no matter what the day (or night) throws at you.
When looking for the perfect waterproof eyeliner, there are a few things to consider. Opting for one with ‘long-lasting’ wear is a good sign that your eyeliner is going to go the distance. You can also look for terms such as ‘smudge-proof,’ ‘transfer-proof,’ and even ‘tear-proof.’
Phrases like this will indicate whether an eyeliner is going to last when you wear it. Another thing to consider when choosing the best waterproof eyeliner is the type and formula. For example, do you want a waterproof eyeliner pencil to achieve a softer effect, or would you like a more dramatic vibe with a waterproof liquid eyeliner?
Perhaps something in between, like a waterproof gel eyeliner, would be better for you. This is totally down to preference but is still worth considering.
The best way to remove waterproof eyeliner is with a gentle facial cleanser or an oil-based cleanser. As these types of eyeliners are water-resistant, you ultimately need to counteract this with an oil or an eye makeup remover. Simply apply a little of the product to a cotton pad and wipe gently across the eyes, making sure not to pull or tug at the eyes. Once you have removed the eyeliner, you can then go in with warm water to clean the area thoroughly.
The Pat McGrath Precision Liquid Liner is a standout product for anyone seeking sharpness with a touch of glamour. With its ultra-black pigment, this intense black eyeliner gives bold, dramatic colour to ensure you get that statement look.
The waterproof felt tip eyeliner applicator is fine enough that you can achieve everything from precise winged liner to soft and delicate eyeliner with just a single stroke. The waterproof formula is designed to withstand fading, smudging, and budging for flawless results that last all day and night. Plus, its quick-dry eyeliner finish helps prevent any unwanted transfer.
The Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner prioritises both high performance and good, natural ingredients, proving you can (and should) have both. This easy to apply eyeliner comes with a precision felt-tip applicator that allows you to own your look with controlled application, so you can create your ideal eyeliner look with confidence.
With carbon-black pigmentation, your eyes will be beautifully enhanced and stay that way throughout the day. Ilia’s mission is to provide skin-loving ingredients, free from sulfates, synthetic dyes, and parabens, ensuring you always feel incredible when you wear it.
For a seamless blend of precision and long-lasting wear, go for the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner. The gel formula is creamy and light for smooth application that glides onto the eyelid without tugging. It is also richly pigmented to give you intense colour that lasts for hours, ensuring your waterproof eye makeup looks vibrant all day. One thing we particularly love about this eyeliner is that you can create a blended, smudged, and smoky eye effect as well as more precise, defined looks.
Once applied, it isn’t going anywhere. It’s one to consider if versatility, durability, and glamour are three things on your checklist.
For an eyeliner pencil as luxurious as caviar, look no further than this Laura Mercier eyeliner. Crafted for those who prefer softer, smokier makeup, this eyeliner is also perfect for defining the waterline. Unlike regular eyeliners on the waterline, this one is specially formulated to withstand watery eyes, ensuring your entire eye look stays intact all day without smudging or fading. It is perfect for those who appreciate the finer details within their makeup and want immaculate results.
The Shiseido ArchLiner Ink is designed to give you unparalleled precision and one of the easiest eyeliner applications around. With its ergonomically arched applicator, this eyeliner works with the natural shape of the eye to give you complete control when drawing your lines. Perfect if you’re a beginner to makeup or just looking to get ultra-sharp lines. You can create everything from delicate, thin lines to bolder, more dramatic looks.
Plus, you won’t have to touch up your eyeliner halfway through the day, as the quick-drying, smudge-proof, tear-proof formula will stay in place, making it look like you’ve just applied your makeup, no matter what.
The GUERLAIN Noir G 24h Waterproof Graphic Liner creates bold, jet-black lines that stay put all day without smudging or fading. This precision eyeliner features an ultra-fine felt tip that makes it easy to draw everything from thin, subtle lines to thick, dramatic wings with smooth, even application. The waterproof formula won’t budge through sweat, tears, or humidity, giving you 24-hour wear that looks freshly applied.
Bobbi Brown has consistently delivered cult-favourite products over the years, and their award-winning Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is no exception. Renowned for its exceptional staying power, this eyeliner combines the precision of a liquid liner with the ease of a gel-based formula, allowing you to create a variety of versatile looks with ease.
It works tirelessly to ensure you always look flawless, without the concern of smudged makeup or fading throughout the day. Whether you prefer a subtle, classic look or something more modern, this eyeliner is undoubtedly a must-have that effortlessly transitions you from day to night with professional results.
Another favourite in the beauty world, the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is best known for its vibrant colour effect, long-lasting wear, and creamy texture that glides on effortlessly. Available in a range of colours, this pencil is versatile enough to use as a straightforward eyeliner, eyeshadow base, or even on the waterline to create an intense pop of colour that will make your eyes stand out. No matter how you use it, your eyeliner will stay in place all day and look as fresh as it did when you first applied it.
If you’ve used a liquid eyeliner that has smudged, faded, transferred, or even flaked before, you might think it’s impossible to find one that does the opposite, but we promise you they exist. The NYX Professional Makeup Matte Liquid Liner is a prime example. Once on, it isn’t going anywhere and will last from day into night for ultimate flawless results. The super fine tip also helps you get the best out of your eyeliner, whether you want a delicate look or something bolder and more dramatic.
The Fenty Beauty Flyliner stands out for a few reasons. The flex-tip applicator gives you complete control over your looks, and the hyper-saturated intense black eyeliner formula offers colour that lasts much longer than non-waterproof liners you might have used in the past.
It also flows easily onto the eyes so that you can get uninterrupted lines without dragging, skipping, or tugging. In other words, it provides impeccable and professional results. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, it’s a great eyeliner option.
The Hourglass 1.5 Mechanical Gel Eyeliner has an impressive reputation. With its ultra-thin and precise 1.5mm tip, this liner is perfect for achieving detail within your makeup looks and adding in those fine, intricate lines. It combines the ease of a pencil with the smooth formula of a gel-based eyeliner, allowing you to make the most of your liner and customise it to your needs.
One of the best things about this eyeliner is that it stays put for up to 12 hours without smudging or transferring. This is a must-have for anyone looking for a high-quality, dependable eyeliner. If you struggle with eyeliner smudging, transferring, flaking, or dulling throughout the day, it’s time to consider a sweat-proof eyeliner.
Not only do these formulas help maintain your makeup’s fresh look for longer, but they’re also easier than ever to use – ideal for makeup novices and those looking to experiment with different eyeliner looks, whether matte finish eyeliner or glossy finish eyeliner. So, this summer, consider adding one to your makeup essentials. We promise you won’t regret it.
