We Swam, Sunbathed, and Sweat Through 16 "Waterproof" Eyeliners—These Came Out on Top
They never smudged, faded, or transferred.
Jamie Schneider
I used to wear eyeliner all the time—almost five days a week. That was before I lived in Austin, Texas. There, the summer heat is oppressive. (I'm talking upward of 110ºF in early May.) Suddenly, my old standby eyeliners were failing me. I'd apply them in the early morning only to see smudging, running, fading, and feathering a few hours later. I decided no eyeliner was better than messy-looking eyeliner, so I pretty much quit it cold turkey.
Now, I live in the Midwest, but I still experience hot, humid summers. Despite this, I'm officially sick of going eyeliner-less, so I decided to open up my arsenal of waterproof formulas (Lancôme! Stila! Chanel!) and put them to the ultimate test. I swam in the Great Lakes. I sunbathed for hours on the sand. I even sweated through long jogs and heavy workouts in the gym. My goal was to find out which eyeliners were worthy of the coveted "waterproof" title and remained immaculate and richly pigmented all day without a smudge in sight.
Ahead, see the 16 winning formulas that passed with flying colors, plus some application tips from a pro makeup artist.
For proof, here I am at the beach wearing Lancôme's Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner on my waterline.
The Best Waterproof Eyeliners at a Glance
- Best Overall: Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
- Best Affordable: ColourPop BFF Crème Gel Liner
- Best Liquid Formula: One/Size Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen
- Best Shade Range: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
- Best Cult Classic: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
The Best Waterproof Eyeliners of 2026
Best Overall: Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Pros: Attached smudging sponge, matte finish
Cons: None
Type: Pencil
Shades: 9
Our review: Lancôme's Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil comes with an attached smudging tool, so it's perfect for sultry or smoky eye makeup looks that *actually* stay put. I wore classic black to the beach, but I want to try this dark-brown shade called Chocolate next. I stayed on the beach for six hours, and I went underwater twice. Let me tell you—there was no budging at all. I was so beyond impressed that it immediately earned my top spot.
Best Precision: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Pros: Waterproof, smooth formula, highly pigmented, features a fine tip for precise shapes, good shade range
Cons: Only satin finishes (no matte)
Type: Liquid
Shades: 11
Our review: This is a pure and utter classic. What can I say about this waterproof eyeliner that hasn't already been said? The budge-proof formula is legit, the texture is rich and inky, and the tiny brush allows for precise placement. I can't say anything negative about this iconic product. Senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider tested the shade Alloy (a slate gray) and dubbed it the perfect charcoal liner that doesn't transfer.
Best for Smoky Eyes: Valentino Colorgraph Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Pros: Creamy formula, dual-ended with attached blending brush, blends easily but firmly dries down
Cons: Luxury price point
Type: Pencil
Shades: 6
Our review: "A smudgy waterproof eyeliner may sound like an oxymoron, but who doesn't want a perfectly lived-in look that lasts all day? Trust me. This is the ultimate pick. Simply diffuse the pigment with your fingertip right after you apply, and you'll wind up with an immaculate soft-grunge beat for hours. Just make sure to blend quickly—you have only seconds before the color dries down." — Schneider
Best Liquid Formula: One/Size Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen
Pros: Smooth formula, highly pigmented, features a fine tip for precise shapes
Cons: Only three shades
Type: Liquid
Shades: 3
Our review: I'm familiar with One/Size's setting spray, which lasts all day long and is reportedly used by Beyoncé. (Yes, really!) Its longevity gave me high expectations for the brand's waterproof eyeliner pen, and I must say those expectations were met—nay, exceeded. This stayed put on my oily, hooded eyelids from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, the superfine brush tip helped me create subtle and precise shapes.
Best Affordable: ColourPop BFF Crème Gel Liner
Pros: Budget-friendly, 25 shades, multiple finishes
Cons: Product is very fragile (breaks easily if you drop it)
Type: Gel pencil
Shades: 25
Our review: Even though each one of these eyeliners is only $8, they stay on all damn day. Seriously—I went for a very sweaty run while wearing this, and when I got back, there was virtually zero smudging, fading, or feathering. Success. Did I mention there are 25 shades to choose from?
Best Splurge: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel
Pros: Has an ultrafine brush for precise liner looks, long and sturdy handle is easy to control
Cons: You may need a few coats for intense color payoff
Type: Liquid
Shades: 3
Our review: "I mean, does it get chicer than a Chanel liquid eyeliner? The answer is no—no, it doesn't. I love the thin, flexible brush that allows for super-precise strokes. You do need to apply a few layers for the richest payoff, but I actually see that as a plus. I have very unsteady fingers, so I like the fact that it doesn't glob on pigment right away." — Schneider
Best Shade Range: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
Pros: Blends incredibly, multiple finishes, good shade range
Cons: Doesn't come with a ton of product (you'll go through it quickly)
Type: Pencil
Shades: 20
Our review: I've been a fan of Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner for years. Undergoing this experiment proved that it's still one of the best waterproof eyeliners on the market. I wore the shade Surfside on a hot summer day, during which I sweated and swam, and it didn't budge off my upper eyelids.
Aside from the impressive staying power, each one of these liners is smooth, creamy, and highly pigmented. Plus, I think the Satin Kajal Liner has the best shade range of any on the market. (There, I said it.) Notice, I didn't say it has the biggest shade range. Other waterproof eyeliners offer more shades, but these are just so good. From turquoise blue to shimmering cinnamon, every single shade is on point.
Best Cult Classic: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Pros: Smooth formula, highly pigmented, multiple finishes (matte, satin, shimmer, glitter, and metallic), good shade range
Cons: Some reviewers say it can be drying
Type: Pencil
Shades: 34
Our review: Yet another iconic product that I'd be remiss to ignore, this waterproof eyeliner has been my go-to since high school. It's my tried-and-true, foolproof product recommendation, especially for application on the waterline. With 34 shades offered in matte, satin, shimmer, glitter, and metallic finishes, it was basically the original "fun eyeliner" product.
Best Matte: Haus Labs Clear Cut Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Pros: Has a calligraphy-inspired brush, intense color payoff
Cons: Only one shade (black)
Type: Liquid
Shades: 1
Our review: "This liner comes in a single shade—matte black—but boy did Haus Labs do its one and only color right. It has the richest payoff, cleanest application, and steadiest ink flow. I'm not the most confident with my liquid-eyeliner application (in fact, I'm a little fearful), but this easy-to-use, calligraphy-inspired brush makes me feel like a pro every time." — Schneider
Best for Graphic Eyeliner: R.E.M. Beauty At the Borderline Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Pros: Creamy glide, comes in a variety of fun colors
Cons: You need a few layers for the lighter colors to show up
Type: Gel pencil
Shades: 10
Our review: "As someone who's obsessed with Ariana Grande's graphic eyeliner looks, I, of course, had to give her brand's gel pencils a try. They not only are easy to wield—the pigment is very forgiving—but also come in the cutest pastel shades, like the creamy lavender I'm using here. You need to draw a few layers to build the pigment, especially with the lighter colors, but once you have your desired level of intensity, the liner won't dare budge." — Schneider
Best Color Payoff: About-Face Line Artist Eyeliner
Pros: Smooth and creamy formula, highly pigmented
Cons: Some reviewers say it's difficult to remove
Type: Gel pencil
Shades: 13
Our review: If you want to do away with the clean-girl aesthetic and embrace more colorful makeup looks, I can't recommend About-Face enough. The brand has some of the brightest and most experimental colors on the market. Oh, and get this—they *actually* stay put. Take this waterproof eyeliner for example. I can apply this to my waterline and oily lids, and it will last all day.
Best Application: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Eyeliner
Pros: Smooth and creamy formula, multiple finishes
Cons: Some customers say it can dry up in the packaging
Type: Gel pencil
Shades: 6
Our review: This waterproof eyeliner is new to me, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorite ones. Sure, it's budgeproof, but what I really love about this one is how creamy the formula feels. It doesn't drag or pull across the skin thanks to aloe and vitamin E.
Best Blue Eyeliner: Lancôme Idole Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Pros: Smooth formula, highly pigmented, features a fine tip for precise shapes
Cons: Some customers say it can dry up in the packaging
Type: Liquid
Shades: 4
Our review: Lancôme's waterproof liquid eyeliner is just as good as its waterproof pencil eyeliner. It stays put despite heat and humidity, and the formula is so luxuriously smooth and pigmented. I have a special place in my heart for Aegean Blue.
Best for Beginners: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear & Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Pros: Smooth and creamy formula, built-in sharpener
Cons: Only three shades
Type: Gel pencil
Shades: 3
Our review: There are two things that make this waterproof eyeliner so special. First, it stays creamy and blendable for a while before it dries down. That means you can shape and blend to your heart's content. (This makes it a great option for beginners.) Second, it has a built-in sharpener. This might sound like a silly detail, but I can't tell you how many times I've had to hunt for a sharpener before using an eyeliner, only to forgo it altogether.
Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Pros: Smooth formula, highly pigmented
Cons: Some customers say the brush isn't very precise
Type: Liquid
Shades: 9
Our review: If I had to choose my favorite drugstore eyeliner of all time, it would have to be this budget-friendly Nyx one. I definitely think it's comparable to much more expensive eyeliners on this list. I wore it while running on a treadmill in a 75-degree room, and even though I was extremely sweaty, it barely budged at all.
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner
Pros: Ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested, fragrance-free
Cons: Can dry out after a while
Type: Gel pencil
Shades: 7
Our review: "As someone with super-sensitive eyes, I'm always careful about the eyeliners I wear, especially if I dare to draw on the waterline. Clinique's smooth gel formula is always a safe bet, as it's ophthalmologist and allergy tested, and it comes in seven stunning shades, such as Sparkling Amethyst and Deep Denim." — Schneider
What's the best way to apply liquid eyeliner?
It's difficult to give a general rule of thumb, as application tricks can differ based on your eye shape and the look you're gunning for (sharp cat eye, smoked-out wing, etc.). That said, celebrity makeup artist Charlie Riddle, global beauty director of Stila Cosmetics, does have a few universal tips.
- Follow the natural lash line: "To create a natural definition, apply as close to your lashes as possible," he says. Once you reach the outer corner of your eye, flick the liner to create your baby wing. You can either extend this line for more drama or keep it tiny.
- Start small: "Make small dashes and connect," says Riddle. "This way, you gradually build up the liner, and it avoids getting too thick."
- Use a surface: This one's a game changer for folks (read: me) with shaky fingers! "If you can rest your elbow on a flat surface, this will give you more balance, which will give a more controlled application," Riddle says.
How do I get eyeliner to stay on my waterline?
Allow us to let you in on a genius insider trick: Before picking up your eyeliner du jour, trace your waterline with a clean, dry cotton swab. By soaking up lingering moisture and oil, the pigment will better adhere to the skin and remain for much longer. It's a technique makeup artists, editors, and celebrities (such as Billie Eilish) swear by for ultimate liner longevity.
What's the difference between smudge-proof and waterproof eyeliner?
They're similar, but they're not interchangeable. "Smudge-proof eyeliner will prevent from rubbing off or smearing, while waterproof takes it one step further and protects when you sweat, swim, get caught in the rain, etc," notes Riddle.
How do I remove waterproof eyeliner?
Two words: micellar water. Most makeup is oil-based—yes, even waterproof eyeliners—so you'll need an oil-soluble product to remove the pigment. (Like dissolves like, if you remember from chemistry class.) Micellar water, as its name suggests, features tiny micelles that attract both water and oil, so it's able to lift stubborn pigment (plus sunscreen, sebum, and general daily grime) with ease.
Micellar water also tends to be gentle and non-irritating, which is important when removing eye makeup. "You want to be careful around the eyeliner because the skin is more delicate, so use a cotton pad or a gentle cloth to help remove," Riddle adds.
How We Chose
Collectively, beauty editors Kaitlyn McLintock and Jamie Schneider have nearly 20 years of experience assessing the latest and greatest beauty products, and they both approached these waterproof eyeliners with a trained, discerning eye. They both live in different climates (McLintock in the Midwest, Schneider on the East Coast), so they were able to put eyeliners to the test in a variety of ways. McLintock, for example, swam in the Great Lakes and lounged at the beach; Schneider braved the erratic NYC weather. Think powerful winds and humid rain showers. This way, you can rest assured that any waterproof eyeliner on this robust, informed product list will outlast the elements. While testing, they also made sure to include a variety of types (gel, pencil, liquid, etc.), shades, and price points.
Customer reviews are also important to keep in mind, as everyone has different eye shapes, sensitivities, and overall preferences, so we made sure to scour the review sections of our favorite retailers when compiling our list of 16 favorites.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
