Best waterproof eyeliners tested by our beauty team

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

From smudge-proof kohls to the ultimate liquid liner, I've tried them all netflix

Eyeliner has a sort of superpower – in just a few strokes it can transform a makeup look that's soft and minimalist to one that's ready to party.

And the most exciting bit is that there is no rule on how you apply your liner; you can go for a bold stroke and channel your inner Amy Winehouse, get creative with a cool graphic or switch things up with a pop of colour.

So, why bother finding a great eyeliner? Well, when you’ve dedicated your time to making those points symmetrical, the last thing you want to see is your liner dripping down your face by the end of the day. Many factors can threaten to smudge your artwork – sweat, oily lids and sad films included – so, you’re probably starting to see why you need a waterproof eyeliner in your life.

While plenty of liners claim to stick with you through thick and thin, the reality is that many fall short of expectations, leaving you with panda eyes by lunchtime. That’s why we’ve tested the most hyped formulas on the market to bring you the ones that really hit the mark.

Whether you're looking for a precise pen to draw detailed flicks, or a creamy formula to smudge over your lid, there's a hardcore liner out there that will withstand pretty much anything you throw its way, from an unexpected downpour to those 'got something in your eye’ movie moments.

Scroll down to discover the 10 waterproof eyeliners that impressed me the most...

I once saw a lady doing her eyeliner on the tube using the Lancôme Idôle Eye Liner. After trying it myself, I now understand how she emerged from the Victoria Line without looking like a three-year-old attacked her face with a Sharpie.

Thanks to its ultra-fine felt-tip nib, you can draw a precise and detailed line that won't bleed or flake. The Lash Idôle mascara may be my holy grail from Lancôme, but now the smudge-proof prowess of its eyeliner counterpart is inching its way up to first place.

This kohl-style pencil dries to an intense matte finish and lasts an impressive amount of time, even on the waterline. There are plenty of bold shades to choose from, but I love the creamy, rich-green ‘Grafton Street’ for adding a pop of colour to my eyes.

Top tip: use a dense angled brush to blend the liner out if you’re wanting a smudged effect.

Stila's Stay All Day liner is a favourite among beauty writers (I’ve personally repurchased countless times). Without feathering or smudging, it delivers a deep black pigment in one swipe so you don’t need to layer up to get a dramatic line.

It's ideal for those with hooded eyes or anyone looking to experiment with a funky graphic shape.

If you're a liner newbie, I'd suggest starting with a brown formula. While a jet-black liner is a statement look, switching to a brown liner will give you more wiggle room to make mistakes – plus the overall look will be much softer.

The Sculpted by Aimee EasyGlide is a great starting point. As the name implies, it seamlessly glides onto the skin to create a clean wing, while depositing a rich brown pigment that looks sophisticated and flattering.

Gel liners just hit differently – they glide on beautifully and always look unreal. I remember being a little sceptical with this one as it’s labelled as semi-permanent, but I’m happy to report that while, yes, it's long-lasting, it also comes off with your standard makeup remover. Plus, you can smudge the formula for a smoky effect before it dries and locks down for the evening.

Finding a quality waterproof eyeliner doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. The Maybelline Hyper Precise All Day Liner is a well-loved option for those wanting sharp lines often achieved by luxury options.

It has a 0.4mm tip (measured it myself) which makes the worrying task of matching your two wings less of a ‘brace yourself’ moment. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof and, for under a fiver, it’s already in my basket.

We have yet another reason to worship the floor that Rihanna walks on. This water-resistant, smudge-proof liner draws a crisp, defined stroke that will withstand any situation – from a summer rainstorm to a RiRi dance party.

It also has a triangle-shaped handle to give you great grip and full control, making it an ideal option for first timers. Alexa, play ‘We Found Love’.

If anyone knows how to perfect points it's Vieve's founder, Jaime Genevieve. The felt-tip style brush is precise and easy to use, and whether you're going for a classic flick or daring graphic design, the jet-black pigment will make any look super striking.

And if your creativity leads to mistakes, not to fear as any spills can easily be removed – just move quickly, because once dried it won't budge throughout the day.

As much as I back high-end makeup, eyeliner is one purchase I tend to make on the high street – some absolute steals outperform expensive players. Exhibit A: e.l.f’s H20 eyeliner.

The inky, jet-black pigment draws a bold stroke, and the fine-tip wand makes perfecting those points simple. Plus, this one doesn't budge. It's cry, dance or sweat sesh proof, but it can be a little stubborn to remove, so get yourself a great oil-based micellar water.

This is a great no-nonsense liner that I reach for on the daily, but one particular review sums it up better than I can: ‘it stayed on while I cried for four hours’. Now that’s long-lasting.

The brush tip allows a smooth application without any drag; however, the pigment is slightly translucent so sometimes requires a double line if you’re wanting a jet-black finish.

Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.

Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact reviews such as deep dives into skin concerns and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.

Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.

When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.

Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.

We tested Fenty Hair on different curl types

FYI, Prime Day makeup deals are set to be big

Hailey Bieber on her evolving beauty routine

This tinted balm is my secret to glowy AF skin

These luminisers really pop off on Black skin

These setting powders will lock your makeup *down*

Hourglass makeup: Is it worth the hype?

The best tinted moisturisers for an easy glow

Here's why you need a cream blush in your life

Iconic London review: Is the brand worth the hype?

ILIA Beauty review: Is the makeup worth the hype?

15 dewy foundations for eternally dry skin

Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network

Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.