There are two kinds of eyeliner people: the kind who wear it once in a while for a special occasion, and the kind who treat eyeliner like an essential part of their identity. I fall somewhere in between. Some days, I want a soft flick that subtly lifts my eyes; other days, I’m all about a bold winged cat eye that could cut glass. But no matter the look I’m going for, one thing is non-negotiable: it has to stay put.
I live in a place where summers get sticky. Humid air, impromptu swims, tears during weddings or movie nights with friends, long walks in the heat—you name it, I’ve sweat through it. So I’ve been on a years-long mission to find waterproof eyeliners that can handle everything from daily life to emotional breakdowns. Not the ones that just say “waterproof” on the label and melt off the minute you step outside, but the ones that cling on for dear life and look just as good at 10 p.m. as they did at 8 a.m.
After a lot of trial and error (and I mean a lot), I’ve narrowed it down to seven waterproof eyeliners that actually deliver. They come in all forms—liquid, pencil, gel, felt tip—and I reach for them depending on the mood, the weather, and the exact kind of eye drama I want to create.
These are the eyeliners that have earned a permanent place in my makeup drawer, and here’s everything you need to know about them: texture, color payoff, application tips, and where to grab them in the U.S.
1. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
Texture: Smooth, creamy pencil with a built-in sharpener
Finish: Slightly matte
Price: \$34–\$42
Where to Buy: Chanel.com, Nordstrom, Macy’s
This was one of the first luxury eyeliners I ever bought, and it remains one of the best. It glides on like silk, sets quickly, and doesn’t budge—even after hours in humid heat. The twist-up design is mess-free and travel-friendly. I love the shade “Espresso” for an everyday look, but “Noir Intense” gives me that deep, inky black I turn to for a more dramatic wing.
It’s also a lifesaver on rushed mornings. No sharpening, no smudging. I’ve tightlined with it, worn it on my waterline, and even used it to sketch a soft smoky eye. It never flakes, never smears, and it lasts until I decide it’s time to take it off.
2. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Texture: Liquid with a felt-tip applicator
Finish: Glossy black
Price: \$24
Where to Buy: Sephora, Amazon, Ulta
This eyeliner is what I reach for when I want the sharpest, cleanest line imaginable. The tip is ultra-fine, so I can control exactly how thick or thin the line is. I’ve worn this through concerts, beach days, and even a surprise thunderstorm, and it didn’t smear.
The pigment is intense—true jet black—and it dries almost instantly. It’s also one of the easiest liquid liners to use, even if you’re not usually confident with a felt-tip pen. I always shake it well before use, and I start with small dashes from the outer corner inward, then connect them. It’s never failed me.
3. Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
Texture: Creamy and rich, but quick-setting
Finish: Soft satin
Price: \$34
Where to Buy: Bluemercury, Nordstrom, VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.com
This liner changed the way I thought about kajal pencils. It’s buttery smooth and perfect for blending out a sultry, lived-in smoky eye. The color payoff is next-level; “Cinnamon” is a warm brown that flatters every skin tone, and it makes my blue eyes pop in a way I can’t explain.
Despite the softness of the pencil, once it sets, it doesn’t budge. I like to smudge it along my lash line, then use a bit more to define the waterline. It’s a beautiful hybrid of traditional kohl and modern staying power. Plus, the ingredients are gentle enough for my sensitive eyes.
4. Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Liner
Texture: Thick, glide-on gel
Finish: Matte
Price: \$8–\$10
Where to Buy: Target, Walgreens, Amazon, CVS
I always keep a couple of these in my makeup bag. They’re incredibly affordable but perform better than many high-end liners I’ve tried. The formula is super smooth and deposits rich pigment in a single stroke. Once it’s on, it doesn’t move—I mean it. I’ve cried wearing this liner, and it held its own.
It’s not the best for very sharp lines because the pencil is a little thick, but for a smudgy, smoky look or intense lash line definition, it’s perfect. My favorite shade is “Deep Onyx” because it’s pitch black and makes my eyes look instantly more awake.
5. Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
Texture: Gel-like with intense creaminess
Finish: Ultra pigmented, satin
Price: \$29
Where to Buy: Sephora, PatMcGrath.com, Bluemercury
This eyeliner is drama in pencil form. I discovered it when I was trying to recreate one of those glam, slightly smudgy editorial eye looks, and this liner did exactly what I wanted. It glides on effortlessly, no tugging, no skipping, and blends like a dream.
It only comes in a few shades, but the black is the deepest I’ve found in a pencil format. It’s ideal for smoky eyes, waterline application, or even a dramatic wing if you blend it out quickly before it sets. Every time I wear it, I feel like my eyes are in high definition.
6. Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner
Texture: Creamy crayon with a built-in smudger
Finish: Slight shimmer or matte, depending on the shade
Price: \$28
Where to Buy: Nordstrom, Macy’s, Ulta
This is my go-to for polished daytime looks. It has the convenience of a twist-up pencil, a decent smudger on the opposite end, and a formula that stays put through humidity and heat. It’s elegant without trying too hard, and the color range includes wearable neutrals and soft metallics.
I especially love the shade “Cafe Noir” for a warm brown liner that enhances my lash line without overpowering. The shimmer shades like “Bronze Riche” are great for adding a hint of gleam to an otherwise low-maintenance look.
7. Clinique High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner
Texture: Creamy gel stick
Finish: Satin to natural
Price: \$28
Where to Buy: Clinique.com, Amazon, Ulta
This one surprised me. I was looking for something gentle for my waterline—which tends to get irritated easily—and this Clinique formula did not disappoint. It’s fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and wears beautifully.
What makes it stand out is how easy it is to apply. It doesn’t drag or feel stiff, and even after hours, it doesn’t flake. I use it on “no-makeup” days to define my eyes subtly, and the shade “Blackened Brown” gives just enough depth without looking too harsh.
Pro Tips for Wearing Waterproof Eyeliner in Summer
- Prime your lids. Use an oil-free primer to keep everything in place.
- Layer strategically. For extra longevity, set your pencil or gel liner with a matching eyeshadow.
- Avoid tugging. Let the liner glide naturally—don’t pull your eyelid too much, or it’ll skip.
- Micellar water for removal. Waterproof liners need a gentle but effective remover. I like Bioderma or Garnier’s waterproof formula.
Where to Buy in the U.S.
All of these liners are available at major retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Bluemercury, Target, Amazon, and the brands’ official websites. I recommend checking for deals on Amazon and Ulta, especially during summer beauty sales. Sephora also has great sampler sets if you want to try a few formulas without committing to a full-size pencil.
Waterproof eyeliner might sound like a small detail, but for me, it’s a secret weapon. It lets me cry during movies, dance through heat waves, and even nap (guilty) without worrying about my makeup turning into a mess. These seven liners have stood up to all of it—and they still look good at the end of the day.
