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10 Best Waterproof Eyeliners That Won’t Smudge, Slide, or Ghost You

Morgan Donahue DefaultMorgan Donahue Default
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Published on Jul 1, 2025 • 3 min read
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With summer right around the corner, our calendars are quickly filling up with beach days, pool parties, and wedding weekends galore. That means it’s officially time to stock our makeup bags with the essentials—think glowy SPF, a setting spray that works overtime, and of course, waterproof eyeliner. Whether you’re diving into the deep end or just trying to survive the humidity, we’ve rounded up the best waterproof eyeliners that won’t smudge, budge, or disappear before happy hour. 

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Our Top Waterproof Eyeliner Picks

1. Best Dual-Ended Waterproof Eyeliner:

STILA Stay All Day® Dual-Ended Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner 

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This double-ended liner features STILA’s cult-fave waterproof formulation with both the classic precision felt tip and an ultra-fine micro felt tip—aka everything you need for sharp wings or soft, subtle flicks. It glides on like a dream, dries down fast, and stays locked in all day. 

2. Best Long-Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner:

KVD BEAUTY Tattoo Pencil Liner

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This eye pencil’s got serious staying power—like tattoo-level. It glides on smooth, delivers bold pigment, and won’t smudge no matter what your day (or night) throws at you. Just ask one Ipster: “This lasted through my Taylor Swift concert—crying, sweating, and the rain afterwards!” Yep, it’s Eras tour approved. 

3. Best Brown Waterproof Eyeliner:

RARE BEAUTY Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner

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This rich brown gel liner is the perfect swap when you want something softer than black but just as bold. The longwearing formula glides on smooth and makes everything from tightlines to smoky wings feel effortlessly chic.

4. Best Colorful Waterproof Eyeliner:

GXVE BEAUTY Line It Up Clean 24-Hr Gel Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner

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If you ask us, summer is so the time to play with fun pops of color and this shimmery eggplant waterproof eyeliner is our favorite pick. We love that it's creamy enough for some artsy moments, but once it dries down, it's locked in for a full 24-hour makeup marathon.

5. Best Waterproof Eyeliner for Waterlining:

PIXI BEAUTY Eye Define Waterline

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Specially designed for your waterline, this retractable waterproof liner delivers intense, no-smudge color that actually lasts. One Ipster shares, “Most liners irritate my eyes and run when they tear up—but this goes on smooth, easy, and most importantly, stays where I put it.”

6. Best Bold Black Waterproof Eyeliner:

IL MAKIAGE Black Card - Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

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Precision, pigment, and staying power—this smudge-proof and water-resistant liner does not mess around. One Ipster raves, “I put it on at 5 a.m.…my eyes looked fantastic until the very end of my 14-hour shift.” Consider us influenced. 

7. Best Waterproof Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes:

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner

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Creamy and pigmented, this waterproof eyeliner pencil glides on with zero tugging and stays put all day. The best part? It comes with an angled smudge tip for effortless blending. Plus, it’s allergy-tested, ophthalmologist-approved, and gentle enough for even the most sensitive eyes.  

8. Best Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner:

CALIRAY Surfproof Pencil Black Waterproof Eye Liner

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This waterproof eyeliner pencil is proof that classic liners still slay. It’s waterproof, easy to blend, and delivers bold pigment that lasts. One Ipster even said it “restored my faith in regular, non-automatic liners.” Whether you glide this along your lash line or waterline, it’s giving smooth, stay-put definition with zero fuss.

9. Best Waterproof Eyeliner Duo:

PERSONA COSMETICS Eyeliner Duo in Brown and Plum

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This waterproof eyeliner duo glides on smooth with creamy rich pigment that actually lasts. Whether you keep it classic with brown or switch it up with plum, we love having both options in one easy go-to.

10. Best Waterproof Eyeliner for the Sharpest Wing:

DEFIANCE BEAUTY Infinity Liquid Eyeliner

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Cat-eye queens, this one’s for you. This waterproof eyeliner pen brings bold, ultra-precise lines with a jet-black formula that dries fast and does not budge. One Ipster says it “stays put all day like it’s a Sharpie,” but still wipes off with ease.

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