8 Waterproof Liquid Liners That Cooperate When Mother Nature Doesn't

by Syden Abrenica
Syden Abrenica is an NYC-based creative with 5+ years of experience writing and editing for national magazines such as Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Health, All You, and Harper's Bazaar.
Updated 07/23/19

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No one likes spending 20 minutes in the morning perfecting their cat-eye, only to have those beautifully flicked ends disappear by noon. Enter our list of the best waterproof liquid eyeliners: fool-proof, sweat-proof, and basically, life-proof. These formulas don't just stay put, they're velvety-smooth, easy to handle, and totally transforming. They're ideal for the nights when you can’t stop dancing (or sweating) and even better for days where you need to look presentation-ready. Aside from their staying power, these liners are also user-friendly, making your A.M. routine a breeze.

Here, the top long-lasting waterproof liquid eyeliners that’ll deliver clean lines, major color payoff, and eyes defined to perfection.

Best Overall: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Courtesy of Sephora

Rihanna’s much-talked-about Fenty line boasts a long-wearing liquid eyeliner that features a triangle-shaped, extra-long felt tip that deposits intense color in just one swipe, giving you the ability to create any look you want. Go for drama with a thick line, or minimalism with a thin flick. The options are endless, especially with this formula that glides on like a gel, and dries almost instantly. 

Best for Sensitive Eyes: L'Oréal Paris TELESCOPIC™ Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

There’s a reason the word precision is in this liner’s name. With an angled felt tip, the application is not only seamless but almost effortless, which is key in achieving a smudge-less, super clean finish. The true black color delivers a gorgeous definition that’s ideal for all eye shapes. There’s a reason this eyeliner is almost always sold out: It’s ideal for sensitive eyes, fragrance-free, and ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested. 

Best Classic: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

STILA
 Ulta

An oldie, but always a goodie, this go-to eyeliner is a total people pleaser and editor favorite. The thin felt tip is easy to control and firm to the touch, depositing high-impact color with little to no pressure (read: you don’t have to fuss too much with this one). And less fussing means less clean-up, so you can put those Q-tips and cotton balls away when using this perfect pen. The best part: It’s ideal for beauty rookies as the marker-like tip never skips or pulls on the skin when it’s applied.

Best for Oily Lids: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

Courtesy of Kat Von D

Whether you’re working out, poolside, or running to catch your train in the pouring rain, this inky liner will stay put no matter what the challenge. It doesn’t move an inch, even in extreme humidity or heat. That means no cracking, melting, or fading throughout the day. The tip is made of 300 (yes, you read that right) microscopic bristles, that when combined, create a flawless fine line. Bonus: It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Best Budget: e.l.f. Intense Ink Eyeliner

e.l.f. Intense Ink Eyeliner
Courtesy of Ulta

 At such a great price, you could stock up and have the perfect winged look until the end of time—plus, their color Blackest Black is just that: A majorly pigmented jet black color that stays rich from morning to night, no touch-ups needed. Its one-swipe ability is perfect for the girl-on-the-go, and especially the girl-who-likes-to-oversleep. The formula smooths over the skin almost immediately, adding beautiful intensity to any eye shape.

Best Drugstore: Almay Liquid Eyeliner

Almay Liquid Eyeliner
Courtesy of Walmart

Find yourself breaking out when it comes to certain formulas? Say hello to a water-resistant pen that doesn’t aggravate or inflame finicky skin, meaning it can be applied over the lashes as well as under them with no irritation insight. The hypoallergenic formula provides fresh color at every application, all thanks to the unique “inkwell” design. The base is filled with mixing beads thoroughly blend the color when the container is shaken.

Best Innovation: Covergirl Perfect Slice Liquid Eye Liner

COVERGIRL Perfect Slice
Courtesy of Ulta

When it comes to innovation, this ingenious spinning wheel applicator from CoverGirl has got you covered. It may take some practice, as it does with anything new, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll have gorgeous, dramatic lines in just one stroke. The applicator works by gliding on color in one fluid motion—no pausing and no reapplying necessary. The formula dries quickly, so no waiting for your look to set. So, if you’re the girl that likes to keep her makeup routine down to five minutes, then this eyeliner is the perfect addition to your beauty lineup.

Best Double Duty: Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner

TARTE Tarteist™ Double Take Eyeliner
Courtesy of Sephora

Who doesn’t love a two-for-one? The same beauty powerhouse that brought you Amazonian Clay has taken that famed ingredient and put it into a liquid and pencil duo. The dual-ended pen has two different textures to choose from, metallic and matte. Both give an even application, clean finish, and long-wearing power.

It’s recommended to use the self-sharpening pencil side first and trace it along the upper and lower lash lines to contour the eyes, then top the look off with the waterproof liquid liner for fierce definition. And just like other Tarte products, this one is also free of harmful ingredients, like mineral oil, parabens, and phthalates.

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