Eyes

The 11 Very Best Waterproof Eyeliners

By Sophie Joaman • May 29, 2024 • 9 mins read

This page contains affiliate links and a commission is earned if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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 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 waterproof 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 waterproof eyeliner this summer. Because at the end of the day, it’s 2024, 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.

From precision liquid liners to creamy, long-lasting 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.

What To Look For In A Waterproof Eyeliner

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 pencil to achieve a softer effect, or would you like a more dramatic vibe with a liquid?

Perhaps something in between, like a gel formula, would be better for you. This is totally down to preference but is still worth considering.

How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner

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 11 Very Best Waterproof Eyeliners

Pat McGrath Precision Liquid Liner

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 liquid liner gives intense colour to ensure you get that bold, dramatic look.

The felt-tip applicator is fine enough that you can achieve everything from dramatic wings 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.

Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner

The Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner prioritizes both high performance and good, natural ingredients, proving you can (and should) have both.

This liquid liner comes with a precision felt-tip applicator that allows you to own your look with easy, 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.

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner

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 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.

Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner

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.

Shiseido ArchLiner Ink

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.

Haus of Labs Eye Lie-Ner

Celebrity makeup lines have taken the world by storm in recent years, and for good reason – many of them offer incredible products that attract both fans and non-fans alike.

Lady Gaga’s beauty range, Haus of Labs, is a prime example, and we believe the Eye Lie-Ner is a standout waterproof eyeliner for your collection.

One thing that doesn’t deceive is its up-to-24-hour wear, ensuring your eyeliner looks impeccable even if you’re partying all night long. The ultra-matte black pigment is perfect for creating dramatic eyeliner styles, though you can effortlessly achieve subtler looks as well.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

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.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil

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.

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Liquid Liner

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.

Fenty Beauty Flyliner

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 liquid formula offers intense 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.

Hourglass 1.5 Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

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 customize 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 waterproof 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.

So, this summer, consider adding one to your makeup essentials. We promise you won’t regret it.

Author Image

Sophie Joaman

Sophie Joaman is a freelance writer with a real love and focus for fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture. With a Master's degree in Journalism and Media Communications, Sophie is ​​currently an ongoing contributing freelance writer for Cohorted Cult-sister website of beauty subscription box Cohorted. She was also a contributing writer during London Fashion Week and London Fashion Week: Men's from 2015-2018.

Related Posts

Face

A Guide To Using Colour Corrector In Your Makeup Routine


8 Mar 2023
Face

Is Your Foundation Separating? This Is How To Fix It


2 Aug 2022
Makeup tips

4 Easy Tips On How To Fix Dry Mascara


3 Aug 2022