The 15 Best Waterproof Eyeliners That Don’t Budge, Tested and Reviewed by Editors

Liquid eyeliners aren’t always the most friendly formulas for beginners — particularly when they’re waterproof. If you have a shaky hand or tend to need a few tries before you get the perfect flick, go with this easy-to-use pencil eyeliner from Clinique. The pigments give you over a minute of playtime after they touch your skin, allowing you to use the built-in smudging tip to blur the pigments for a smokey effect or clean up any mishaps. Also great for novices? It’s available in four flattering shades, including deep black, chocolate, and gray-blue slate. The fine tip self-sharpens as you twist it up, too.

Editor testing and review notes: “Gel eyeliners are my favorite formulas to wear on a daily basis — particularly when they come in a fine-tip format. Rather than carefully holding a felt brush tip that’s practically dripping in pigment, gel pencils give me more control over exactly how much product I apply, allowing me to trace thin lines along the lash lines and smudge the color in place until it’s just right. Clinique’s has a super creamy consistency that gives me about a minute of playtime, which is plenty to clean up excess formula or smudge out a carefully drawn flick.” — Senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor Claire Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $27

This longwear, waterproof liquid eyeliner is among the most talked-about products by Sephora Beauty Insider Community members, with over 7,000 five-star reviews. Available in five shades with a matte finish, this formula is quick-dry and promises no smudges, feathering, or running. Plus, its thin precision tip makes it easy to use especially for beginners. Pro tip: Gently pull on the upper corner of your eye to lightly stretch the area while you apply — this makes it easier to create the perfect line and reduces the potential of the formula to bleed.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’d recommend this eyeliner to a beginner, as the felt tip applicator simplifies the process of creating precise lines. It won’t run down your face if you cry or get caught in the rain, but as you apply its very easy to clean up your cat eye without dragging at your skin. It lives up to its ‘Stay All Day’ claims and has lasted me months of use.” — Commerce writer and producer Olivia Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

This affordable waterproof eyeliner belongs in your kit if you need a high-definition eye look that can withstand rain, sweat, and happy tears. Many budget-friendly liquid eyeliners come with felt tips, but Wet n Wild’s Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner has a brush tip instead, which tapers out as you apply it for softer, more controlled strokes. Even better, the liquid itself promises to stay put for up to 16 hours; it’s only flaw lies in a little extra elbow grease required to remove it. You could take a shower in this eyeliner and towel off with your cat-eye intact — it’s that waterproof.

Editor testing and review notes: “For the price, I wasn’t expecting Wet n Wild’s liquid eyeliner to have such a luxurious feel when I swiped it on. I’m a big fan of the liner’s brush tip that tapers into a super-fine point; I can tight-line my lashes or apply a little pressure for a chunkier liner look. Because it’s so long-lasting, you’ll need a heavy-duty eye makeup remover to fully rinse it off.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $5.99

Sensitive eyes are best suited to hypoallergenic waterproof eyeliner formulas, which is exactly what you get with this liner from Physicians Formula. The dermatologist-tested eyeliner contains ingredients like peptides that help to condition your eyelashes for a softer feel over time, while the fast-drying pigment locks in your eyeliner right where you apply it.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’m a contact lens-wearer and suffer from seasonal allergies, so I have to be extra careful about the eye makeup I choose to wear on a daily basis. Where other waterproof eyeliners are better suited for me to use on a special occasion, I found that regular use of Physicians Formula made my eyes no worse for wear. Impressively, my eyes didn’t feel itchy, tight, or dry after swiping this on five days in a row. And best of all, it only takes one pass of makeup remover or a cleansing balm to fully remove it.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $12.59

This waterproof liquid eyeliner finishes in a sultry matte finish and is perfect for nailing that mysterious cat eye look. Known for its precise tip, you can easily control the thickness of your eyeliner by gently pressing down to help achieve either a natural or bold makeup look.

Editor testing and review notes: “For years, I’ve been reaching for Nyx whenever I need a truly waterproof eyeliner. Winged eyeliner is a constant in my makeup routine, and this formula is ink-black and stays put — to the point of needing a little elbow grease to remove it after a long day of wear. It’s survived a swim, shower, and even a serious cry at the movie theater; the pigments stayed pristine for a whopping 14 hours during testing. The pen applicator is super easy to maneuver, and, combined with its reliable staying power, you can’t beat the price.” — Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $9.97

This waterproof kohl pencil is responsible for the signature House of Dior smoky eye. Its creamy texture easily glides on and blends along the lash and waterline for a flexible look. Because of its strong color payoff and smudge-proof formula, this is the ideal pick for humid temps and also makes one of the best waterproof eyeliners for swimming.

Editor testing and review notes: “Compared to the other waterproof eyeliners I evaluated during testing, Dior’s beat out the rest in its ability to stand up to exposure to water and humidity. I have oily eyelids, so I typically gravitate to liquid eyeliners as I’ve found that they’re less likely to transfer to my lid during wear. Dior’s Kohl Crayon Liner stayed put as well as my favorite waterproof liquid eyeliner, but offered up more play time for me to finesse a soft cat eye after applying the pigment. Bonus points for the built-in smudging tip and sharpener.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Kosas’ Soulgazer Gel Eyeliner is the best tool we tested for a subtle cat-eye flick. The pencil is thinner than your favorite lip liner and has a buttery-smooth glide, which makes fine-lining your lashes a breeze. Because it offers about 30 seconds of playtime before it sets, you can quickly smudge it for a smokey look or drag the outer corner of your liner up and out towards your brows for a soft flick. An included smudging tool and sharpener allow you to do just that without extra tools or cotton swabs for clean up.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’m normally not one for a statement eye look, but when Kosas’ eyeliners landed on my desk, I found myself gravitating towards the colorful shades. Yes, you have neutral options like black and brown, but there’s also a gorgeous emerald and a pretty deep blue that invite some playfulness into my otherwise simple eye routine. The gel goes on like butter, and it’s easy to mix a few shades for a more custom liner look.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

Take a lap around your local drugstore, and you’ll notice that E.l.f.’s beauty products are always dwindling in TikTok-viral shades. The brand does affordable beauty best, as apparent with the Intense Waterproof Eyeliner Pen. This liquid waterproof eyeliner packs a wallop of pigment with a felt brush tip that’s best suited for bold eyeliner looks. Expect rich, creamy color payoff that doesn’t smudge even if you rub your eyes.

Price upon publish date of this article: $8

Coming in 37 colorways as well as finishes including matte, shimmer, satin, metallic and glitter, the makeup look possibilities of this Urban Decay waterproof eyeliner are endless. Infused with vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil, this eyeliner is a great pick for mature or dry skin, as these ingredients aim to moisture, condition, and soften the skin. Both waterproof and smudge-proof, this top waterproof eyeliner pencil has a creamy formula that easily glides on and blends to create a range of looks.

Editor testing and review notes: “Whenever I need a pencil liner restock, I make a beeline to Urban Decay. The black shade is intensely pigmented — along with the brown and purple colors I’ve tried from the line — and effortlessly glides onto my eyelid or waterline in a smooth, opaque line. It’s ideal for smudgy eyeliner looks too, because its creamy texture provides tons of playtime to easily blend. It lasts all day long, though, if you have particularly watery eyes or wear contacts like me, I recommend using a bit of setting powder at the outer corners of the eyes as I’ve noticed slight smudging from time to time.” — Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $25

With a retractable tip, this Chanel eyeliner stays on point with frequent uses. Both water- and smudge-proof, the soft, creamy texture of this pencil imparts color in a smooth, even line. For the best application, use short, feathery strokes and stay close to the lash line for sharp definition and thicker-looking lashes.

Editor testing and review notes: “Chanel’s waterproof eyeliner earned the highest marks for glide out of all of the liners we tested — this gel-like formula applies like butter. The retractable applicator sharpens the liner with every click, keeping a fine enough point to wedge in between lashes or coat your waterline without overdoing it. This waterproof eyeliner is also one of the best for a statement eyeliner color; the offbeat shade options are elevated, not costume-y.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

Available in both matte and glossy finishes, this precision liner is meant to stay put for a full 24 hours. This pick was designed for easy use and a perfect one glide stroke application. The ultra pigmented, silky liquid formula doesn’t smudge, flake or fade until you’re ready to remove it. 

Editor testing and review notes: “If you need a waterproof eyeliner for daily wear rather than swimming or intense sweating, Lancôme’s liner is the tool for the job. The felt tip makes thin to thick eyeliner looks achievable in mere seconds — use light pressure for a fine line and firm pressure for a bolder effect. During testing, this formula ranked highest for ease of removal, requiring just one pass with warm water and a gentle makeup remover to eliminate any trace of the pigment.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $25

A water-resistant formula is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to stress over creating the perfect line. The tapered-tip brush makes way for a sharp, quick, and simple application and allows for a perfect thick or thin line. Smudge-proof as well, this eyeliner leaves an intense color that can be easily removed at home with warm water.

Editor testing and review notes: “I was immediately impressed by how quickly I could create a clean, crisp line with this eyeliner. There’s something about its brush tip that’s not too long, but not too short, which allows me to have comfortable control over every stroke. It deposits a rich, black pigment that sets to a matte finish, and, unlike other liners I’ve tried, doesn’t cake up when I want to go in with a second layer or fix the shape of my wing. It’s easy to remove with a makeup wipe or face cleanser, but It doesn’t budge or smudge throughout the day.” — Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

With a rich cream formula made for 16 hours of wear, this waterproof eyeliner features a built-in sharpener to give you the precision you need every time. The colors are rich and the formula is creamy, which allows you to easily create a versatile look from a classic cat eye to a sultry smoky eye.

Editor testing and review notes: “This runner-up to the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner is second only to Wet n Wild’s in its color payoff and longevity. While testing the liner over the course of a week, I was able to wear it for a max of 12 hours without any flaking, transferring, or smudging. It also features all the fixings of a prestige liner, with a built-in smudging tip and a sharpener.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $18.98

Highly rated for its color and longevity, this eyeliner comes in six shades, three of which have a glossy finish while the other three have a shimmer finish. While this eyeliner is waterproof, it fully sets within 20 seconds. So if you are creating a wing or smokey look be sure to work quickly before it dries. After 20 seconds, this kajal liner becomes waterproof, smudge-proof, and drag-proof.

Editor testing and review notes: “Kulfi’s waterproof eyeliner is our top pick for statement liner looks — you can trace shapes, build it up, and sheer it out easily due to the formula’s 20 seconds of malleability after application. The combination of a fine tip and a surprisingly emollient formula make this waterproof eyeliner one of the easiest to apply and work with, even if you don’t have a steady hand.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $20

This highly pigmented Victoria Beckham waterproof pencil is long lasting and sets for a smudge-free look. The creamy formula glides on easily and seamlessly blends along the eye with precision. The attached smudging tool can be used to blend these pigments out for a lived-in or smoky look.

Editor testing and review notes: “Clumping was a common issue with many of the pencil eyeliners I tested, however the fluid glide of Victoria Beckham’s waterproof eyeliner passed the clump test with flying colors. Expect serious color payoff and a rich, satin finish that looks as luxurious as this pencil feels in the hand.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $32