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18 Long-Wear, Smudge-Proof Eyeliners That Will Last All Day (and Night)

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Just like mascara, eyeliner is one of those beauty products that can magically bring an entire look together with the flick of a wrist. Whether you're using winged eyeliner as the finishing touch for your date-night makeup look or you only have time to fill in your eyebrows and swipe on some pencil eyeliner before running out the door, this makeup essential can do wonders to make your eyes pop.

The type of liner you choose will depend entirely on personal preference and the look you're going for. The best liquid eyeliners can create super saturated, crisp lines that are perfect for creating a classic cat eye. Gel and pencil liners, on the other hand, can be great for blending with eyeshadow to create a smokey eye look; they're also perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. But no matter which type of eyeliner you choose, you always want to make sure you're using a formula that's designed to last. Nothing's worse than perfecting your makeup only to find that it's smeared all over your undereye area an hour later.

Below, we've highlighted 18 of the absolute best smudge-proof eyeliner formulas. These set-it-and-forget-it liners will stay looking perfect all day long—and then some.

IL MAKIAGE Inkliner in Black
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IL MAKIAGE Inkliner

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Best for Eyeliner for Winged Eyeliner Newbies

This ultra-pigmented, flexible liquid liner is the perfect choice for anyone who's a beginner at creating a cat eye. This pen feels natural to hold and also features a precise point that makes creating thin, winged lines a breeze. You can expect this waterproof formula to stay fully locked in place for up to 14 hours.

"Great eyeliner with super smooth tip. Easy for a winged eyeliner look," writes Ipster CourtML.

WANDER BEAUTY Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner in Jet Black
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WANDER BEAUTY Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for Dry Lids

Smudge-proof eyeliner doesn't automatically mean a liquid formula. Case in point: this longwear liner featuring olive oil and jojoba seed oil. These ingredients create a nourishing, hydrating formula that won't ever tug on your eyelids as you swipe along the upper and lower lash line–even if they're usually prone to dryness. After first, this formula is smudgeable and can be blended out to create a smoky effect, but it soon dries down so you can steer clear of any smearing or smudging throughout the day.

"This is a great eyeliner you can count on," one adventurous Ipster writes. "I ride a Harley in the heat, rain, and wind and doesn't run or smudge. It's awesome!!!"

REALHER Eye Am Amazing 24HR Eyeliner in Black
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REALHER Eye Am Amazing 24HR Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for Creating Every Kind of Eye Makeup Look

This ultra long-lasting eyeliner will stay put for a full 24 hours and can create just about any makeup look you're after. The ergonomic pencil works great to waterline the eyes for subtle definition, but the creamy texture also allows for a little blending to give way to a smoky eye effect. Or, you can use the built-in sharpener to create a super sharp point for a graphic or winged line. If you're looking for a one-size-fits-all product, this is it.

Ipster 805Wahine has even found one more way to use this versatile makeup product. She says, "It's perfect for creating hair-like strokes for my eyebrows."

ARACELI BEAUTY Ojos Perfectos Liquid Eyeliner in Coffee/Café
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ARACELI BEAUTY Ojos Perfectos Liquid Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for Neutral Makeup

This cruelty-free matte brown liquid eyeliner is a great choice for anyone who loves that clean, crisp line a liquid liner provides but is also interested in a softer, more subtle alternative to black eyeliner. If you're looking for a liquid liner to pair with nude makeup, this product will help make your eyes pop without having them overwhelm the overall look.

"This stays on all day," says Ipster Tmarie8736. "I even went swimming in the ocean with on and it stayed on!"

ILLAMASQUA Liquid Eyeliner in Black
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ILLAMASQUA Liquid Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for Graphic Eye Makeup Looks

If you're going for a striking, graphic eye makeup look like negative space eye makeup, you'll want to make sure your liner is super pigmented, has precise application, and is made to last all day long. This smudge-proof liner checks all those boxes! So go ahead and turn to this long-wearing formula whenever you want to create something truly epic.

"Never smears or runs," says Ipster ccollazo1131. "Reliable, controllable wear, and smooth application," another Ipster writes.

KVD VEGAN BEAUTY Tattoo Liner in Trooper
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KVD BEAUTY Tattoo Liner

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Best Eyeliner for Watery Eyes

If you have naturally runny eyes, if you're prone to allergies, or if you're about to rewatch The Notebook, you're going to need a waterproof eyeliner formula with some serious staying power. This award-winning eyeliner pen is called "Tattoo Liner" because of its impressive ability to last on your skin, and it's one of the best waterproof eyeliners you'll find on the market. Trust us, this stuff won’t smear, smudge, or flake unless makeup remover comes into play.

"This is my all-time favorite eyeliner," says Ipster kittycasper2010. "Very precise application, and waterproof all-day wear. It doesn't get any better than this!"

LOTTIE LONDON AM to PM Eyeliner in Sunburst
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LOTTIE LONDON AM to PM Eyeliner

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Best Illuminating Eyeliner

The easiest way to make your eyes glow? Swap the dark shades of brown and black for a brightening, illuminating liner like this shimmer-packed, champagne-hued kohl liner. The creamy texture of this liner glides flawlessly across the eyes and can be blended out to create glittery, glowy eyes in minutes.

"Great shade for my green-hazel eyes," says Ipster ctheno. Another adds, "I love this eyeliner. I also use it as a highlighter under my brows. Looks amazing."

LAURA GELLER Kajal Longwear Eyeliner in Gilded Bronze
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LAURA GELLER Kajal Longwear Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for an Elevated Everyday Look

Creating a makeup look that stands out doesn't have to take ages to create. It can be as simple as using an unexpected bronze eyeliner like this kohl formula from LAURA GELLER. The metallic brown is neutral enough for everyday wear but still manages to feel elevated and unique. The super-smooth, hydrating formula (which features vitamin E) blends beautifully but is still built to last—no touch-ups needed.

"The color of this is so fabulous," one Ipster writes. "It glides on very smooth and blends out nicely."

SKONE COSMETICS Insanely Intense Mini Tattooed Eyeliner in Jet Black
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SKONE COSMETICS Insanely Intense Mini Tattooed Eyeliner

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Best Versatile Liquid Eyeliner

Yes, you could create a perfect, long-lasting cat eye using this black liquid liner, but the options don't stop there. The felt tip and matte black formula glide beautifully across your skin, making it an ideal pick for razor-thin lines, dramatic Cleopatra-lined eyes, and everything in between.

"Amazingly sharp point. Perfect for outlining a cat eye look," writes one Ipster. "No matter how much I accidentally rubbed my eyes, it never came off," says another.

TARTE tarteist™ Double Take Eyeliner in Black
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TARTE™ Double Take Eyeliner in Black

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Best Multi-use Eyeliner

If you frequently toggle between dramatic winged lines and subtle tightlining, this dual-ended eyeliner is for you. On one side, you'll find a highly pigmented black liquid liner for crisp lines fit for dramatic eye makeup looks; on the other, you have a clay-infused gel pencil that's ideal for subtle lines or tightlining along your waterline.

"This stayed on all day," writes Ipster bldrees. "The liquid is smooth and doesn’t skip and stayed on for over 14 hours on my oily, hooded lids. The pencil lasted about 8 hours on my waterline."

CIATÉ LONDON Fierce Flicks in Black
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CIATÉ LONDON Fierce Flicks

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Best Eyeliner to Use If You're Short on Time

Need to line your eyes perfectly in a minute or less? You'll want to pick up this mistake-free liquid liner. With an extremely precise felt tip and a formula that's designed to deposit pigment evenly as the liner moves, this is your best chance at creating a perfect line on the first try–whether you're a beginner or a makeup expert.

"Nice, sharp tip. Great for a cat eye," one Ipster says. "I can even blend it to create a more smokey look. Great pigment!"

DOUCCE Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black
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DOUCCE Ultra Precision Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for Waterlining

Tightline your eyes like a pro using this velvety smooth, jet-black gel pencil with a semi-matte finish. Swipe this cream black liner along the inside of your upper or lower lash line for a soft, subtle effect that offers the longevity of a waterproof formula.

"Dark, creamy, and beautiful. It's a perfect black liner and glides on beautifully," one Ipster says. "Doesn't smudge, won't run, and has real lasting power," another writes.

EYEKO Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner Travel Size
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EYEKO Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner Travel Size

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Best Eyeliner with Skincare Benefits

Sometimes good things come in small packages. Yup, we’re talking about this travel-friendly liquid liner. This fast-drying, ultra-pigmented liner gives you maximum results in record time–whether you're in Bora Bora or your bathroom. But what we really love about this formula is that it's packed with EYEKO's WIDELASH™, a tripeptide that helps promote lash growth. Any time makeup comes with skincare benefits, it's a win-win.

"The color glides on and fills in easily," one Ipster says. "I tried wings with it and got them right the first try. Plus, they lasted all day–until bedtime!"

JONTEBLU Felt Tip Eyeliner Pencil in Black
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JONTEBLU Felt Tip Eyeliner Pencil

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Best Eyeliner for Thick Lines

In the mood for a dramatic wing à la Amy Winehouse? You'll want to reach for this liquid liner with a silky felt tip. While it can work for thin lines with a steady hand, it's ideal for creating those super saturated, thick lines. High color payoff helps to quickly build up the drama while a precision tip and ergonomic pencil shape allow you to stay in control.

"Hands down the BEST eyeliner I've EVER used," says liziardo. "Easy application, ZERO smudging, all-day wear AND it washes off easily!"

SERAPHINE BOTANICALS Luna Liner - Water-Resistant Liquid Eyeliner in Black
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SERAPHINE BOTANICALS Luna Liner - Water-Resistant Liquid Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for Clean Beauty Fans

Love keeping your makeup bag packed with clean, cruelty-free products that skip all the questionable ingredients? This precise liquid liner leaves ingredients like mineral oil, parabens, and phthalates behind. But a clean, vegan formula doesn't have to mean less performance. This fade-proof and water-resistant eyeliner comes with high color payoff for striking results that won't budge.

"Simply put, I can't go wrong a good liquid liner and this one is among the good ones," one Ipster says. "Great color and hold. Highly recommend."

L.O.C.K. COLOR LOCK IT Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Pearl Brown
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L.O.C.K. COLOR LOCK IT Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for a Shimmery Smokey Eye

If the bronze liner above caught your eye, you're also going to love this waterproof pencil liner that comes in a shimmery shade of brown. Unlike the option above, this shade is a bit lighter in color, but it still packs a punch in the shimmer department. For a holiday-approved smoky eye look, this is bound to become your new go-to.

"It's nice to have a softer color for days when I don't want an intense line since I have fair skin," says Ipster bliedtke92. "I love it on my lower lash line alone and will sometimes layer it on top of a darker shade on my upper lash line."

LORAC COSMETICS Front Of The Line PRO Eye Pencil
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LORAC COSMETICS Front Of The Line PRO Eye Pencil

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Best Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes

This richly pigmented pencil is perf for contact-lens wearers or those with eyes that tend to react easily to makeup. With jet black intensity, it's built to bring the drama without the irritation. This formula is ophthalmologist-tested and sensitive skin-approved.

"This is by far my favorite pencil eyeliner ever," writes Ipster karmaleighta. "I love a good Cleopatra line around the eyes and this pencil does not run, irritate, or smudge. Creates a solid black line and the twist bottom to get more liner is wonderful."

SUGAR COSMETICS Wingman Waterproof Eyeliner in I'll Be Black
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SUGAR COSMETICS Wingman Waterproof Eyeliner

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Best Eyeliner for Ultra-Thin Lines

Is precision your number one priority? Then you're gonna love this liner's insanely fine felt tip. For super subtle swipes along the upper lash line or delicate wings, this firm tip and inky formula make the perfect pair for perfectionists. It’s also 100 percent waterproof, so you can expect absolutely zero smudging, smearing, or fading.

"I'm eternally searching for the perfect eyeliner, and this one comes close," one Ipster says. "The applicator allows for thin, precise lines, but the color is deeply pigmented allowing for a bold impact. It lasts all day even on my super oily face, and it doesn't run."

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About the author
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Cortney Clift
Cortney is a New York-based freelance writer who has written about beauty and wellness for more than six years. She was previously the senior writer and special projects editor at Brit + Co where she covered a wide range of news and lifestyle topics.
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Article Last Updated July 24, 2023 12:00 AM