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From smudge-proof kohls to the ultimate liquid liner, we've tried them all Single Eyeshadow Container
Eyeliner has some sort of superpower – in just a few strokes you can transform any day look into one that will take you straight to the club (or bar, dinner date, birthday party... whatever you fancy). And the truly exciting part is that there is no rule on how you apply your liner. You can create a cool graphic shape, classic feline flick or switch it up with a pop of colour.
But (and this is a big but), if there’s one downfall, it’s that trying to make those points symmetrical can take a heck load of time. When you’ve spent so long squinting in front of your mirror, the last thing you want to see is it dripping down your face by the end of the day. Unfortunately, there are a host of factors that can threaten to smudge your artwork – sweat, oily lids and sad films included. So, you’re probably starting to see why you need a waterproof eyeliner in your life.
While plenty of liners claim to stick with you through thick and thin, the reality is that many fall short of expectations, leaving you with panda eyes by lunchtime. That’s why we’ve tested the most hyped formulas on the market to bring you the ones that really hit the mark.
Whether you're looking for a precise pen to draw detailed flicks, or a creamy formula to smudge over your lid, there's a hardcore liner out there that will withstand pretty much anything you throw its way, from an unexpected downpour to those 'got something in your eye’ movie moments.
So, if you're makeup bag has got a large (well, technically small) eyeliner-shaped hole inside, scroll down to discover the 12 waterproof eyeliners that impressed me most...
I once saw a lady doing her eyeliner on the tube using the Lancôme Idôle Eye Liner. After trying it myself, I now understand how she emerged from the Victoria Line without looking like a three-year-old attacked her face with a Sharpie.
Thanks to its ultra-fine felt-tip nib, you can draw a precise and detailed line that won't bleed or flake. The Lash Idôle mascara may be my holy grail from Lancôme, but now the smudge-proof prowess of its eyeliner counterpart is inching its way up to first place.
This kohl-style pencil dries to an intense matte finish and lasts an impressive amount of time, even on the waterline. There are plenty of bold shades to choose from, but I love the creamy, rich-blue ‘Park Avenue’ for adding a pop of colour to my eyes. Top tip: use a dense angled brush to blend the liner out if you’re wanting a smudged effect.
This liner is a favourite among beauty writers (I’ve personally repurchased countless times). Without feathering or smudging, it delivers a deep black pigment in one swipe so you don’t need to layer up to get a dramatic line. This one is ideal for those with hooded eyes or anyone looking to experiment with a funky graphic shape.
Gel liners just hit differently – they glide on beautifully and always look unreal. I remember being a little sceptical with this one as it’s labelled as semi-permanent, but I’m happy to report that while, yes, it's long-lasting, it also comes off with your standard makeup remover. Plus, you can smudge the formula for a smoky effect before it dries and locks down for the evening.
KVD’S Tattoo Liner sticks around like, well, permanent ink. Inspired by real tattoo artistry, it has an ultra-fine tip that makes perfecting those tiny lines an easy feat.
The rich brown shade is perfect if you prefer a more natural look and works perfectly for creating cutesy faux freckles. Simply tap over your cheeks and nose, dabbing with a finger before they dry.
Finding a quality waterproof eyeliner doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. The Maybelline Hyper Precise All Day Liner is a well-loved option for those wanting sharp lines often achieved by luxury options (without the deep hole in your bank balance).
It has a 0.4mm tip (measured it myself) which makes the worrying task of matching your two wings less of a ‘brace yourself’ moment. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof and, for under a fiver, it’s already in my basket.
We have yet another reason to worship the floor that Rihanna walks on. This water-resistant, smudge-proof liner draws a crisp, defined stroke that will withstand any situation – from a summer rainstorm to a RiRi dance party. It also has a triangle-shaped handle to give you great grip and full control, making it an ideal option for first timers. Alexa, play ‘We Found Love’.
If anyone knows how to perfect points it's Jaime Genevieve. The MUA turned entrepreneur knows how to pull off bold winged liner, and her success lies within this power pen.
The felt-tip style brush is precise and easy to use, and whether you're going for a classic flick or daring graphic design, the jet-black pigment will make any look super striking.
And if your creativity leads to mistakes, not to fear as any spills can easily be removed – just move quickly, because once dried it won't budge throughout the day.
As much as I back high-end makeup, eyeliner is one purchase I tend to make on the high street – some absolute steals outperform expensive players. Exhibit A: e.l.f’s H20 eyeliner.
The inky, jet-black pigment draws a bold stroke, and the fine-tip wand makes perfecting those points simple. Plus, this one doesn't budge – it’s honestly cry, dance or sweat sesh proof – but it can be a little stubborn to remove, so get yourself a great oil-based micellar water.
This is a great no-nonsense liner that I reach for on the daily, but one particular review sums it up better than I can: ‘it stayed on while I cried for four hours’. Now that’s long-lasting. The brush tip allows a smooth application without any drag; however, the pigment is slightly translucent so sometimes requires a double line if you’re wanting a jet-black finish.
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