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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. In other words: They'll literally stay on through it all.
Staying power aside, these liners are also user-friendly, making your A.M. routine a breeze. Plus, they come in a barrage of different formulas, ranging from liquid to gel, to make finding the perfect one for your lids as simple as can be.
Here are 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 in Cuz I'm Black
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Highly pigmented
Designed for precise application
Doesn't smear or smudge throughout the day
Can be hard to get a good grip during application
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.
Type: Pen | Shades: 6 | Free of: Sulfates, oil, parabens | Size: 0.02 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"Luckily, Fenty Beauty's Flyliner was on my side and blessed me with a sleek yet dramatic look. I love the point of the eyeliner, which is pretty thin, similar to a writing pen. The product sits comfortably between my fingertips, and the design makes it easier for me to be more precise and have more control." — Celeste Polanco, Product Tester
Best for Sensitive Eyes: L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Precision Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner
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Amazon
Angled, ultra-thin tip
Flexible for easy application
Smooth finish
Can transfer onto lids
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 claims to be ideal for sensitive eyes, fragrance-free, and ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested.
Type: Pen | Shades: 3 | Free of: Oil | Size: 0.08 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Classic: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
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Courtesy of Stila
Doesn't budge or smudge
Very pigmented
Precise tip
Dries quickly when applying
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 (you don't have to fuss too much with this one). And less fussing means less clean-up, so you can put those cotton swabs 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.
Type: Pen | Shades: 6 | Free of: Sulfates, oil | Size: 0.02 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca
What Our Testers Say
"With a high pigment deposit in just one application along with no smudging or smearing, this eyeliner will last through anything." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester
Best for Oily Lids: KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner
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Courtesy of Kat Von D
Vegan formula
Long-wearing
Available in various shades
New formula dries out faster
Whether you're working out, poolside, or running to catch your train in the pouring rain, this inky liner claims to stay put no matter what the challenge. Its formula 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 percent vegan and cruelty-free.
Type: Pen | Shades: 3 | Free of: Sulfates, oil | Size: 0.02 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Intense Ink Eyeliner
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Courtesy of Ulta
Goes on smoothly
Easy to use for beginners
Doesn't budge or smudge
Formula can be dry
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 if you're on the go and especially if you like to oversleep. The formula smooths over the skin almost immediately, adding beautiful intensity to any eye shape.
Type: Pen | Shades: 1 | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Size: 0.09 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Drugstore: Almay Liquid Eyeliner
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Courtesy of Almay
Affordable
Provides bold color
Ophthalmologist-tested
Thick, stiff applicator
Find yourself breaking out when it comes to certain formulas? Say hello to a water-resistant pen that claims not to aggravate or inflame finicky skin, meaning it may be applied over the lashes as well as under them with no irritation insight. The hypoallergenic formula provides fresh color at every application, thanks to the unique inkwell design. The base is filled with mixing beads, thoroughly blending the color when the container is shaken.
Type: Inkpot | Shades: 2 | Free of: Sulfates, oil | Size: 0.1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Innovation: COVERGIRL Perfect Slice Liquid Eye Liner
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Courtesy of Ulta
Affordable
Unique applicator makes application easy
Goes on smoothly
Applicator takes getting used to
When it comes to innovation, this ingenious spinning wheel applicator from CoverGirl has you covered. It may take some practice, as it does with anything new, but once you get 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 like to keep your makeup routine down to five minutes, this eyeliner is the perfect addition to your beauty lineup.
Type: Soft wheel | Shades: 1 | Free of: Sulfates, oil, parabens | Size: 0.03 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Double Duty: Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner
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Courtesy of Sephora
2-in-1 liquid and gel pencil eyeliner
Great for travel
Safe for contact lens wearers
A bit difficult to apply
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 claim to 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.
Type: Dual-sided pen | Shades: 3 | Free of: Parabens | Size: 0.02 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What to Look for in a Waterproof Eyeliner
Formula
Are you planning to wear your eyeliner to the pool, through intense humidity, or in the pouring rain? Make sure your eyeliner has the words 'water-proof', 'water-resistant,' or 'long-wearing' if you want a formula that'll last through it all. It'll prevent your perfect cat eye from smudging down your entire face, which is precisely what we don't want.
Applicator
Opt to choose an applicator that'll work well with your skill level. Liners arrive with a variety of different applicators, ranging from felt tips to pens, so finding one that you love will make the task of applying eyeliner a bit less daunting. However, there is no need to fret since all are great for achieving a multitude of looks.
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