Top 13 Drugstore Waterproof Eyeliners In 2023
Perfect a winged look with waterproof mascaras from your favorite drugstore brands.
Nyssa GreenMakeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup
Experience: 20 years
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda,... more
Srijita De Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Srijani Roy ChowdhuryCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Madhumati ChowdhuryCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 7 years
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
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When you spend an hour perfecting that winged eyeliner look, you would definitely want it to last all day long, right? This is why you need the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners in your vanity. Be it summer, rain, or even workouts for that matter, these formulae will not melt down to look like black smokey tears across your face. With drugstore waterproof eyeliners, you can go about your summer makeup hassle-free. No amount of sweat or harsh UV rays can smudge or melt it down.
There are so many popular brands that make waterproof eyeliners without burning your pockets. We have got you the 13 best drugstore waterproof eyeliners for you. Have a look!
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Waterproof Eyeliners
1. Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer
Image: Rimmel London Rimmel’s Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer is a versatile eyeliner that is retractable. The soft and creamy formula allows the pencil eyeliner to glide on easily and imparts a matte finish. You’ll seldom have to deal with uneven lines, which is otherwise the case with many dry-formula eyeliners. The built-in smudger on the other side of the eyeliner allows you to pull off the smudged look, among other styles. It is available in many colors and is ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. Overall, this waterproof eyeliner is worth trying, especially if you’re more of a waterlining person.
Pros
- Built-in smudger
- Rich pigmentation
- Lasts up to 10 hours
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- As it is a retractable waterproof pencil, the tip may break off during application if too much is exposed.
Quick Tip2. NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner
Image: Nyx Professional Makeup Eyeliner pens are an absolute lifesaver for most of us who refuse to deal with the messiness of bottled liquid eyeliners. If you can’t help but agree, you can count on NYX Professional’s Epic Ink Liner for an easy application that stays put for long hours. It is undeniably one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners, which does not shock us because NYX is one of the most popular go-to drugstore brands. The eyeliner’s tip is flexible and precise, and the liquid flows smoothly, allowing you to master the art of precision strokes. It is quick-drying and gives way to amazing-looking eyes with a matte finish.
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Transfer-proof
- Precision-tip
- Highly-pigmented
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- It contains sulfates.
Quick Tip3. Docolor Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
This pocket-friendly drugstore waterproof liquid eyeliner pen has it all. It features a sharp tip that helps draw perfect lines, ideal for creating versatile looks. If you’re sick of eyeliner pens that create spiderwebs, this one won’t give you similar troubles. It is gel-based, which explains why the consistency is flowy enough without inking the fine lines of the eyelids. The intense color creates the right kind of impact, be it natural and finer strokes, or a bold one. This eyeliner is suitable for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes without causing irritation.
Pros
- Sleek pen
- Ergonomic grip
- Lasts up to 12 hours
- Smudge-proof
- Does not flake
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- It may take a long time to dry.
- Some may find it too shiny.
Pro Tip4. Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner
Image: Maybelline Maybelline New York’s Eyestudio is one of the best drugstore waterproof gel eyeliners. Contrary to popular belief that gel-based creamy eyeliners don’t offer long-lasting wear, this jet-black liner lasts an entire day despite being smooth-textured. It is smudge-free and sets instantly. It is also ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested for allergies, and a little product goes a long way. “I often recommend gel liners to clients because they are easier to work with,” says Nyssa Green, an Emmy award winning makeup artist.
Pros
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- Creamy texture
- Oil-free formula
- All-day wear
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- The brush may need frequent cleaning.
5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal
Image: Rimmel Finding the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner pencil can be challenging because not many eyeliner pencils are waterproof. This one is smooth in texture and glides seamlessly without tugging or pulling the skin, and does not easily break off. It allows some playtime if you plan on trying the smoky eye effect. And if not, apply it to your eyelids, give it a few seconds, and it’ll be smudge-proof for the rest of the day. This way, you don’t have to worry about constant touch-ups — perfect for a busy woman.
Pros
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Smooth application
- Tear-proof
- Humidity-proof
Cons
- It may need to be sharpened regularly.
6. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner
Image: Stila Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner is one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners for nailing the winged look. Whether you use it on the top or bottom lash lines, over your eyelids for a bold and dramatic look, or substitute it for a subtle eyeshadow — the fade-resistant eyeliner stick does it all. It comes in 13 different shades, which is an added perk for makeup enthusiasts who love experimenting. If you’re trying to match the eyeliner’s color with that of your eyes, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
Pros
- Comes in many shades
- Smear-proof
- Budge-proof
- Does not fade
- Self-sharpening mechanism
Cons
- Slightly expensive
7. Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
Are you one of those people who have given up on using eyeliners? The real culprit is the wrong kind of brush. The ColorStay Skinny Eyeliner from Revlon features a tapered brush, perfect for beginners to hone their eye lining skills without losing hope. You can either start with fine line definition for a more natural and precise look or draw the outlines and carefully fill them for a bolder look. You can achieve the desired outcome with a single stroke, thanks to its highly-pigmented formula.
Pros
- Ultra-fine 0.11 tip
- Long-lasting ColorStay formula
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- 10-hour wear
- Available in 3 shades
Cons
- Getting used to the applicator may take some time.
8. Best Daily Wear: LAURA GELLER NEW YORK INKcredible Gel Eyeliner
Image: Laura The Laura Geller New York INKredible Gel Eyeliner has a gentle formula suitable for everyday wear. The eyeliner is smudge-proof; it has high resistance to rain, humidity, sweat, and tears, so you do not need to touch it up continuously. The gel-like consistency allows you to draw fine strokes as well as broad and bold strokes. The gel eyeliner also includes a built-in sharpener to keep the tip sharp for expert precision. It does not pull your skin and is suitable for even tight-lining your eyes. This versatile liner is available in 8 vibrant shades.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Available in 9 shades
- Ultra-smooth
- Sweat-proof
- Lightweight
- Highly pigmented
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not long-lasting
9. Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
Image: Sephora Not many retractable eyeliners offer a matte finish. But this eyeliner from Sephora can take you by surprise if you’ve been on the lookout for eyeliner pencils that are both matte and creamy. You’ll find various colors and different finishes like glittery and shimmery — because why stop at just matte? You can also use it to define the lash line to make your lashes look fuller without using fake lashes.
Pros
- Features a smudge tip
- Built-in sharpener
- Creates saturated, clean lines
- Long-lasting wear
Cons
- Slightly expensive
10. Kiko Milano Definition Waterproof Eyeliner
The bottle of this eyeliner screams waterproof, and the eyeliner justifies how it is advertised to be incredibly waterproof. You can hit the gym, be out on a sunny day, or take the public transport and expect the eyeliner to stay put even as you inevitably sweat. Kiko Milano stays true to its promise, and why not? It is among the most reputed makeup brands. The brush is super fine but does not fray. The eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested, making it the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner for swimming and sweating it out if you’re an athlete or a busy woman, always on the go.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Does not flake or fade off
- Suitable for oily skin
- Water-based formula
Cons
- Might take a while to dry
11. Wet n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner
If you’re looking for a liquid eyeliner that stays intact through rain and tears, this one’s got your back. It is available in 2 color variants and is easy to remove. It does not smudge, skip, or streak. In fact, this waterproof and smudge-proof eyeliner is quite long-lasting. It features a soft, felt-tip brush that helps in precise application. If you’re looking for a good drugstore waterproof eyeliner that doesn’t give in to sweat and stays intact when you decide to swim with your eyeliner on, this one’s worth it.
Pros
- Easy to remove
- Highly pigmented
- Matte finish
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- May clump the lashes
12. Palladio Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
Image: Palladio Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner Palladio Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner is a great choice for those who are strictly against animal testing. This cruelty-free waterproof eyeliner is designed to be sleek and easy to hold and apply, offering great precision. You don’t have to sharpen it since the retractable tube is thin and features a sharp crayon-like eyeliner. If it feels dull, all you have to is twist it back and watch it return to its original state. It is infused with aloe extract, beeswax, and matricaria extract, which soothes your lids. Its no-run formula lasts long and does not smudge, ideal for people who don’t have the time for constant touch-ups. If you’re looking for a perfect blend of nourishing ingredients and beautiful finish, this one’s for you.
Pros
- Glides on smoothly
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Available in a variety of color variants
Cons
- Some may find the crayon eyeliner too soft.
13. The Flick Stick Winged Eyeliner Stamp From Lovoir
Image: Lovoir This drugstore waterproof eyeliner is a perfect practice companion if you’ve tried and failed at nailing the winged look. It features a stamp for perfect wings, quite useful if you have unsteady hands. It boasts of exceptional staying power because of its long-wearing formula. It contains ingredients like shea butter, canola oil, and glycerin to nourish your eyelids. Looking flawless shouldn’t make you feel guilty, and Lovoir does not perform animal-testing, bringing you a PETA-certified cruelty-free eyeliner.
Pros
- Great for amateur makeup artists
- Does not smudge or smear
- Vegan
- Suitable for hooded eyes
Cons
- Not very pigmented; might need multiple applications.
When you go wrong with an eyeliner, your hard-earned money goes down the drain — and none of us like that kind of disappointment. Here are a few factors that you should consider when shopping for the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner.
How To Choose The Best Waterproof Eyeliner – Things To Consider
- Type of eyeliner
The most common types of eyeliners are gel-based, liquid, eyeliner pens, and eyeliner pencils. Gel-based eyeliners are perfect for intense and bold looks, and liquid eyeliners that come in a bottle with a brush glide on with ease. However, they’re a better option when you’re confident about your skills because they can get tricky if you have a shaky hand.
Both retractable eyeliners and eyeliner pencils are reasonably versatile, ideal for those who also intend to use the eyeliner for waterlining. Eyeliner pens are easy to use and are suitable for beginners to practice strokes.
- Purpose
If you’re after the classic eyeliner look, both eyeliner pens and liquid eyeliners will suit your needs. However, if you enjoy experimenting with smokey eyes often, eyeliner pots and eyeliner pencils allow better manual smudging. Eyeliner pencils and retractable eyeliners are perfect if you’re looking for waterproof eyeliner for waterline for fuller lashes rather than defining the eyelids.
- Tip of eyeliner
If you plan to buy an eyeliner pen or a liquid eyeliner, it is essential to ensure that the brush does not give you a hard time in achieving perfection. Felt tip liners are sharp and pointy, and they’re more convenient if you have an unsteady hand. Brushes with bristles are great too; however, they might need more practice to master perfect strokes. Foam tips might not glide on as smoothly and might wear down over time, so many popular brands keep away from the infamous foam tip.
- Ophthalmologist-tested
If you have sensitive skin or have encountered issues like itching, irritation, and allergies, it is important to stick to a drugstore waterproof eyeliner that is ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, or hypoallergenic. Any of these specifications would mean that the product is safe to use on sensitive skin.
- Finish
Matte and glossy finish are on the extreme ends of the eyeliner spectrum, and most people who love matte finish don’t care much for a glossy finish, and vice versa. The satin finish finds its place somewhere between matte and glossy. Go through the product specifications and look for glowing reviews to ascertain that you’re picking the eyeliner that results in the desired finish.
Infographic: How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliners
We all love applying waterproof eyeliners, but removing them can be a real challenge. Worry not! Removing waterproof eye makeup is a breeze with the right techniques. Discover our step-by-step guide for effectively removing waterproof eyeliner without causing irritation or damaging your delicate eye area. Check out the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Eyeliners are a great way to enhance your eye makeup. Whether you create winged eyes or cat eyes, they change your overall makeup look. But some eyeliners smudge and make you look like a panda. So your eyes need a smudge-resistant or waterproof eyeliner for a lasting stay. For all-day wear, try the Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer for an easy glide and matte finish. For long-lasting and smudge-resistant precison strokes, the NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner is perfect. The iconic Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner is a gel-based creamy formula with an included brush that allows easy application. You can create different eye looks easily, and it stays for long hours without fading. The best waterproof drugstore eyeliners are not only richly pigmented but are also affordable. Some of them are transfer-proof and come with an ergonomic grip for precise application. However, steer clear of eyeliners that need frequent sharpening or contain harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author of this article, Srijita De, has conducted thorough research before listing the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners. Pigmented and made from high-quality ingredients, each product on this list has been carefully chosen after looking at multiple product reviews and user experiences. Besides the detailed descriptions of each product, they also come with pros and cons and an informative buying guide to help you pick a product that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get your eyeliner to stay on all day?
If you have oily skin and the eyeliner refuses to stay on all day, pressed powder can do the trick. Before you use an eyeliner, apply a thin layer of pressed powder to your eyelids. Preferably, coat your eyeliner with another layer of powder and finish off with another coat of eyeliner. This will lock your eyeliner in place for the rest of the day.
Is there a true waterproof eyeliner?
Most popular brands that claim that their eyeliners are waterproof do so after a fair number of trials. So, yes, you can find a true waterproof eyeliner. However, if your eyelids are excessively oily, the eyeliner may fail to stick to your eyelids, making them less effective at being truly waterproof.
How do you stop the eyeliner from running under your eyes?
This is also one of the issues with eyeliners that are either not smudge-proof or waterproof. Not to mention, oily skin can also make it hard for the eyeliner to stay intact, resulting in raccoon eyes. As a rule of thumb, always look for an eyeliner that is smear-proof and waterproof. You can either use pressed powder or a primer that gets rid of the oiliness.
Is it okay to put waterproof eyeliner on your waterline?
Yes, there are many waterproof eyeliners that are safe to be applied on the waterline of your eyes. Apply it carefully so that you don’t poke your eyes.
Can you swim with waterproof eyeliner on?
Yes, you can swim wearing waterproof eyeliner. However, do note that chlorine in the water can break even the toughest makeup formulas. So, make sure to check the water resistance capacity of your liner before wearing it while swimming.
How do you remove waterproof eyeliner from the waterline?
Use a Q-tip and a gentle eye makeup remover to remove waterproof eyeliner from the waterline.
Does eyeliner make you look older?
No, eyeliners make you look bold and beautiful. If you worry about looking more mature, you can go for a minimal winged eyeliner on your top lash and avoid putting on any in the bottom lash line.
Should I wear eye primer when I am only wearing waterproof eyeliner?
No, you don’t need to wear eye primer for wearing waterproof eyeliner. It can stay on your eyeliner for a long time on its own.
What makes an eyeliner waterproof?
Film formers like PVP, silicones, copolymers, etc. make eyeliners waterproof.
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