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In terms of their formulations and shade ranges, waterproof liners have grown beyond the classic matte-black liquid liner.

Best Waterproof Eyeliners a collage of Allure editors wearing Too Faced Chanel and Stila eyeliners

Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images:Allureeditors

This satin-finish liquid liner picked up a 2024AllureBest of Beauty Award, after all.

Pai before applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

Pai after applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in black with gold accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

Interim commerce director Deanna Pai applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

Shades:2 |Who it’s for:anyone who wants a tried-and-true, fan-favorite liquid eyeliner.

you could do a lot with this eyeliner which really helps justify the price tag, IMO.

Its inky formula dries down to an opaque, matte finish.

Interim commerce director Deanna Pai before applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Pai before applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

The fine, relatively long felt tip makes drawing a sharp wing seamless.

“They’re super creamy, pigmented, and long-lasting.”

Shades:5 |Who it’s for:anyone who wants vibrant, fun eyeliner shades.

Interim commerce director Deanna Pai after applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Pai after applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

Shades:5 |Who it’s for:anyone who wants a skip-free gel liner that glides like butter.

Its under-$10 price tag won’t put a damper on your wallet, either.

Shades:1 |Who it’s for:anyone who wants an affordable, high-quality liquid eyeliner.

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner in black branded component on a light gray background

Allurecommerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

And it does, thanks to its creamy and quick-drying formula.

Shades:1 |Who it’s for:anyone who needs a smudge-free liner for tightlining their waterline.

Shades:2 |Who it’s for:anyone who wants a goof-proof cat eye.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

Hoffmann before applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

The liner’s pigment also earns praise for its midnight-black intensity and 24-hour wear.

Shades:1 |Who it’s for:anyone who wants an easy-to-use, beginner-friendly liquid eyeliner.

How does waterproof eyeliner differ from regular eyeliner?

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann after applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

Hoffmann after applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

Waterproof eyeliners have all the eye-defining benefits of your usual linertag-teamed with long-lasting, smudge-proof abilities.

Due to their intensive staying power, rinsing off wont remove these liners fully.

Isohexadecane and silicones work to dissolve the tenacious polymer films.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in branded pen component on a light gray background

Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

How should I apply eyeliner?

“I work one eye at a time so I have more blending time.”

Monolids:Monolidsare characterized by minimal eye creases or the lack of an eye crease.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before applying the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Han before applying the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Creating the thinnest line possible is best for this shape, Lavonne says.

Then, start from the inner corner and draw it to meet the middle point."

Lavonne recommends that you take advantage of your extra lid space.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han after applying the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Han after applying the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Hooded eyes:Do your creases seem to disappear when you open your eyes?

That means you’ve gothooded eyes.

“Work your way inward, applying your liner in thin strokes.”

Image may contain: Cosmetics, and Lipstick

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?

Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

Estée Lauder Double Wear Infinite Eyeliner in branded pen component on a light gray background

Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

Wet n Wild Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner in branded pen component on a light gray background

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil black eyeliner pencil on light gray background

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner black liquid eyeliner pencil on light gray background

Shiseido ArchLiner Ink in branded pen component on a light gray background