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10 Best Smudge Proof Eyeliners 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner with Built-in Sharpener, Waterproof, Smudgeproof, Longwearing Eye Makeup with Ultra-Fine Tip, Brown, 0.01 oz

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,359
Formula
Waterproof
Application Tip

Most important from
34787 reviews

Formula
This eyeliner pencil is creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe.
Waterproof
It's waterproof, easy to use, and doesn’t run, making it one of the best I've tried.
Application Tip
Doesn't smear even with watery eyes, and it's easy to apply on the waterline with a smooth glide.
Longevity
Stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline, making it a staple in my makeup routine.

The Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner is a solid choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting, smudge-proof option. Its waterproof formula ensures that the eyeliner stays put for up to 24 hours, making it ideal for an all-day wear without worrying about touch-ups. The pigmentation is intense and the eyeliner glides on smoothly, allowing for easy application and the creation of various looks, from defined lines to more dramatic styles like winged or cat eyes.

The built-in sharpener and smudger are convenient features that help in maintaining a precise tip and blending for a smoky effect when needed. However, while the longevity and smudge-proof attributes are impressive, some users might find it slightly challenging to remove at the end of the day due to its strong staying power. The eyeliner is available in 8 shades, providing options to suit different preferences. It’s a versatile and reliable eyeliner for those who need a durable and smudge-proof makeup solution, but be prepared to use a good makeup remover to wipe it off completely.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,359
Formula
Waterproof
Application Tip

Most important from
34787 reviews

Formula
This eyeliner pencil is creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe.
Waterproof
It's waterproof, easy to use, and doesn’t run, making it one of the best I've tried.
Application Tip
Doesn't smear even with watery eyes, and it's easy to apply on the waterline with a smooth glide.
Longevity
Stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline, making it a staple in my makeup routine.
#2

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Black, Vegan Formula

Rating
9.8
Formula
Waterproof
Pigmentation

Most important from
97214 reviews

Formula
The vegan and cruelty-free formula adds to its appeal.
Waterproof
The lasting power is remarkable, staying put throughout the day without smudging or drifting, even in the pool.
Pigmentation
This eyeliner provides a bold black color with no streaking and lasts all day.
Application Tip
The NYX Epic Ink Liner offers a smooth glide with a pointed tip perfect for creating a clean cat eye.
Longevity
The lasting power is remarkable, staying put throughout the day without smudging or drifting, even in the pool.
Ease of Removal
Despite being a wet eyeliner, it is easy to remove at night or if you make a mistake.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner stands out in several key areas for smudge-proof eyeliners. Its waterproof formula ensures that the eyeliner remains intact even under wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting wear. The pigmentation is impressive, delivering a rich, matte black finish that enhances any eye look.

The precise tip is another strong point, offering flexibility and ease of use, which allows for both fine and bold lines depending on the pressure applied. This is particularly beneficial for those who want versatility in their eyeliner application. However, while its longevity is commendable, it might pose a challenge when it comes to removal. Users may find it requires a bit more effort and a good makeup remover to completely clean off.

Additionally, as it is a liquid eyeliner, it may not be as beginner-friendly compared to pencil eyeliners. The vegan formula and cruelty-free certification add to its appeal, especially for ethically conscious consumers. This eyeliner suits those seeking a high-performance, long-lasting product with intense pigmentation and a flexible application tip, though it may require extra care during removal.

Rating
9.8
Formula
Waterproof
Pigmentation

Most important from
97214 reviews

Formula
The vegan and cruelty-free formula adds to its appeal.
Waterproof
The lasting power is remarkable, staying put throughout the day without smudging or drifting, even in the pool.
Pigmentation
This eyeliner provides a bold black color with no streaking and lasts all day.
Application Tip
The NYX Epic Ink Liner offers a smooth glide with a pointed tip perfect for creating a clean cat eye.
Longevity
The lasting power is remarkable, staying put throughout the day without smudging or drifting, even in the pool.
Ease of Removal
Despite being a wet eyeliner, it is easy to remove at night or if you make a mistake.
#3

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Smokin Topaz, Brown Eyeliner

Rating
9.6
Formula
Pigmentation
Application Tip

Most important from
99221 reviews

Formula
The color payoff is intense, with a creamy formula that glides smoothly without tugging on the delicate eye area.
Pigmentation
The eyeliner is a rich deep black that stays on all day, perfect for the tear line and cat eye.
Application Tip
Despite initial issues with a broken pencil, the replacement worked great, staying in place and being easy to use.
Longevity
It's incredibly easy to apply and offers long-lasting wear without smudging or fading, making it ideal for bold, dramatic eye looks.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil in Smokin Topaz offers a creamy, retractable formula that eliminates the need for sharpening, making it convenient and easy to use. Its pigmentation is intense, comparable to liquid eyeliners, ensuring bold and defined eye looks.

One of its standout features is its smudge-proof nature, which helps the eyeliner stay put throughout the day, even in hot and humid conditions. This makes it a great choice for long wear without worrying about smudging or bleeding.

The eyeliner is also waterproof, adding to its long-lasting qualities, but this might make it slightly more challenging to remove without a good makeup remover. The retractable design adds convenience, but it can sometimes be prone to breaking if too much pressure is applied. Cruelty-free certification is a bonus for those who prioritize ethical beauty products.

Rating
9.6
Formula
Pigmentation
Application Tip

Most important from
99221 reviews

Formula
The color payoff is intense, with a creamy formula that glides smoothly without tugging on the delicate eye area.
Pigmentation
The eyeliner is a rich deep black that stays on all day, perfect for the tear line and cat eye.
Application Tip
Despite initial issues with a broken pencil, the replacement worked great, staying in place and being easy to use.
Longevity
It's incredibly easy to apply and offers long-lasting wear without smudging or fading, making it ideal for bold, dramatic eye looks.

Buying Guide for the Best Smudge Proof Eyeliners

Choosing the right smudge-proof eyeliner can make a significant difference in your makeup routine. A good smudge-proof eyeliner will stay in place all day, resist smudging and smearing, and help you achieve the look you desire. When selecting an eyeliner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
FormulaThe formula of an eyeliner determines its texture, application, and staying power. Smudge-proof eyeliners come in various formulas such as gel, liquid, pencil, and cream. Gel and liquid formulas are known for their long-lasting and intense color, making them ideal for dramatic looks. Pencil eyeliners are easier to control and are great for everyday use, while cream formulas offer a blendable option for softer looks. Choose a formula based on your application preference and the look you want to achieve.
WaterproofWaterproof eyeliners are designed to resist water, sweat, and tears, making them ideal for long-lasting wear. This spec is important if you need your eyeliner to stay put through various conditions, such as humid weather or physical activity. If you have oily eyelids or plan to wear your eyeliner for extended periods, a waterproof option will help prevent smudging and fading. Look for eyeliners specifically labeled as waterproof for the best results.
PigmentationPigmentation refers to the intensity of the color that the eyeliner delivers. High-pigmentation eyeliners provide bold, vibrant lines with just one stroke, while lower-pigmentation options may require multiple layers to achieve the desired effect. If you prefer a striking, defined look, opt for a highly pigmented eyeliner. For a more subtle, natural appearance, a less pigmented product may be more suitable. Consider your personal style and the occasions you'll be wearing the eyeliner to determine the right level of pigmentation for you.
Application TipThe application tip of an eyeliner affects how easily and precisely you can apply it. Eyeliners come with various tips, including felt tips, brush tips, and pencil tips. Felt tips offer precise control and are great for creating sharp lines and winged looks. Brush tips provide flexibility and are ideal for creating both thin and thick lines. Pencil tips are user-friendly and versatile, suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Choose an application tip that matches your skill level and the type of looks you want to create.
LongevityLongevity refers to how long the eyeliner stays in place without fading or smudging. This is a crucial spec for those who need their makeup to last all day or through special events. Long-wearing eyeliners are formulated to stay put for extended periods, often up to 12 hours or more. If you have a busy schedule or need your eyeliner to last from morning to night, look for products that advertise long-lasting wear. Consider your daily routine and how long you typically need your eyeliner to stay fresh when making your choice.
Ease of RemovalWhile it's important for an eyeliner to stay put, it's equally important that it can be easily removed at the end of the day. Some smudge-proof and waterproof eyeliners can be challenging to remove, requiring special makeup removers. If you prefer a hassle-free removal process, look for eyeliners that are labeled as easy to remove or that can be taken off with regular makeup remover. Consider your skincare routine and how much time you're willing to spend on makeup removal when selecting an eyeliner.

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