17 Best Long Lasting Eyeliner That Stay Smear-free All Day Long

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An eyeliner is one makeup arsenal that wields the superpower of transforming your everyday mundane looks into something ultra-glamorous and breathtaking. However, the disappointment is palpable when your carefully crafted and precisely applied eyeliner smudges off within a few hours, leaving you resembling a panda. This disheartening experience calls for a swift solution: finding the best long lasting eyeliner. 

“One should seek for eyeliners enhanced with hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture, vitamin E, which is nourishing, and aloe vera, which has a calming effect, to achieve a healthy balance between style and eye care,” says Jackie Alves, founder and head educator of The Real Makeup Artist and co-founder of The Beauty Bar.

These exceptional long-lasting eyeliners are built to withstand tears, sweat, and oil, granting you the confidence to flaunt that coveted winged eyeliner or classic cat-eye look you've been practicing without the fear of it vanishing. Look no further as we have diligently curated a selection of the finest options of enduring and resilient eyeliners that ensure smudge-free and smear-free perfection throughout the day.

Our top picks

17 Best Long Lasting Eyeliner

This long lasting eyeliner pencil by Nyx formulated with intense pigmentation is easily becoming a cult favorite. The twist-up design of the pencil eliminates the constant need for sharpening and makes achieving a winged-out look appear effortless. Available in shades ranging from all-natural to vibrant, the smudge-resistant and smooth eyeliner can withstand scorching heat and humidity with ease. Free from cruelty, the waterproof eyeliner guarantees a stay of a minimum of 24 hours without getting messed up. The mechanical eyeliner creates a smooth matte finish that provides you with a classy appearance.

Pros

• Water-proof
• Smudge-resistant
• Ultra long-lasting
• Available in a variety of shades
• Ease of application
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• Takes time to remove

2

Most Versatile

Pencil Eyeliner by Revlon

This waterproof long-lasting eyeliner from Revlon provides a super smooth, creamy glide that stays intact for a full 24 hours. While the built-in sharpener works on creating enhanced precision, the smudger works to help you master those smoky eyes that you’ve seen the influencers and models flaunt on your social media feed.  Available in 10 intense shades, the eyeliner provides an opportunity to create diverse looks ranging from subtle, and classy, to dramatic, and sultry. After trying out this product, we found out that it creates a matte finish and is fade-resistant as well.

Pros

• Versatile
• Stays for long
• Provides precision
• Water-proof
• Consists of a built-in sharpener
• Allows quick application

Cons

• The tip might break easily

3

COVERGIRL Ink It By Perfect Point Plus Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner

The gel eyeliner is a smooth formulation that swiftly glides across your eyelids ensuring a flawless application without it smudging or fading away. Super-easy to remove with just the use of soap and water, the eyeliner has a collection of several bright and bold, mix-and-match shades. While the navy or charcoal shade goes for blue eyes, deep cocoa works for brown, and light brown, and camel works for green-eyed girls. The lightweight formula is easy to blend and takes just a few strokes to create that perfect winged eye.

Pros

• Allows drag-free application
• Effortless to remove
• Range of shades for different eye colors
• Lightweight
• Easy to blend
• Fade-resistant

Cons

• Might cause irritation if you’ve sensitive skin

4

Most Creamy Texture

Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer

The exaggerate waterproof eye definer is a retractable eye pencil that features an in-built smudger and sharpener for creating a precise or subtle line or for that desirable smoky eye look. The supremely pigmented liner is available in 10 different shades ranging from creamy matte to highly metallic, and can easily last for approximately 10 hours. This long-lasting eyeliner pencil is waterproof and color-intense, which makes it an even better choice for creating bold eyes that’ll give your complete look an edgy vibe.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Features an in-built smudger and sharpener
• Highly pigmented
• Color intense
• Available in 10 versatile shades
• Creamy texture

Cons

• The application process isn’t that smooth

5

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

Once you put your hands on this one, it’ll make you a fan with its creamy texture, smooth application, and intense color delivery. Formulated with hydrating ingredients such as jojoba oil, cotton seed oil, and Vitamin E, the eyeliner blends naturally into your skin and leaves it feeling nourished. You can make your choice from the 5 different finishes available to create the look that appeals to your personality. Based on our observations, this award-winning waterproof eyeliner lives up to its claims of being long-lasting and staying intact for long hours without any fuss.

Pros

• Infused with moisturizing ingredients
• Blends with ease
• Provides flexibility to create 5 different finishes
• Uber-creamy
• Cruelty-free
• Very long-lasting

Cons

• Takes time to sharpen the pencil

6

Best Waterproof Formula

LORAC PRO Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Let your gaze steal the show with this liquid eyeliner from LORAC in the shade "Espresso". The water-resistant formula is long-lasting and it delivers a glossy finish to your lids. This makes it easy to create both a subtle and bold eyeliner look. Additionally, it's cruelty-free and is crafted without the use of any harsh chemicals, allowing you to feel good and safe about getting it close to your eyes. Just place the applicator at the desired angle, glide it close to your lash line, and let your eyes do the talking!

Pros

• Cruelty-free
• Free from parabens and sulfates
• No added synthetic dyes
• Suitable for sensitive eyes
• Delivers precision
• Intensely pigmented
• Travel-friendly

Cons

• May dry out if not stored properly

7

Best Transfer-proof Formula

LORD & BERRY Smudgeproof Eyeliner

Unleash your inner makeup artist with LORD & BERRY's Smudgeproof Eyeliner! It has a vegan formula, and the jet-black color is the secret behind effortlessly achieving striking graphic liner looks that last all through the day. With its creamy formula, waterproof features, and quick-drying properties, you'll be rocking vibrant, smudge-free eyes that maintain their allure from dusk to dawn. So, whether you prefer a sultry smoky look or a dashing winged masterpiece, your eye makeup will get the upgrade that it has been dying for.

Pros

• Cruelty-free
• Versatile
• Highly pigmented
• Applies evenly
• Suitable for sensitive eyes
• It doesn’t tug or pull the lids
• Transfer-proof

Cons

• Needs to be sharpened often

8

Wet n Wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

For anyone who’s in search of a liquid eyeliner that lives up to its promise of longevity by defying wear, sweat, or tears, and enduring long grueling hours, this product is their safe bet. This waterproof long-lasting eyeliner can last up to 16 hours without getting smudged or flaky. Its ultra-fine brush tip allows you the convenience of experimenting with different looks ranging from subtle to catty eyes, with ease. Featuring a tank delivery system, the eyeliner assures precise application each time with the accurate flow of pigments. The eyeliner has been prepared in the best manner possible without harming any furry or feline friends.

Pros

• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Fade-resistant
• Smudge-free
• Convenient application
• Precise application

Cons

• Dries out quickly

9

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner

This long wear eyeliner pencil by L’Oreal provides smudge-free, non-budging, smooth eyeliner without spending a fortune. The rich and creamy formula boasts supremely high pigmentation and glides smoothly across your eyelids like a breeze assuring fade-proof color. Featuring a built-in sharpener, and smudger, the mechanical pencil can easily be your go-to choice for creating all kinds of looks ranging from classy to fancy. Available in six different shades, black, brown, black brown, navy, slate, and carbon black, the versatile eyeliner makes for a great addition to your makeup vanity.

Pros

• Rich pigmentation
• Seamless application
• Pocket-friendly
• Available in varied shades
• Comes along with an in-built sharpener and smudger
• Smudge-proof

Cons

• The tip of the eyeliner pencil is delicate

10

Best Waterproof Choice

Julep Sharpenable Multi-Use Longwear Eyeliner Pencil

The Julep Sharpenable long lasting gel eyeliner is a well-formulated transfer-proof product that stays put for long hours without budging. Featuring an exquisite wax blend with extra fine-milled pigments that ensure an intense, saturated payoff, this eyeliner is easy to glide across. Ophthalmologically tested, the eyeliner is safe for your lashes and waterline. The tug-free formula is available in a diverse range of more than 20 matte and shimmer shades, from which you can choose the color that goes with your look of the day.

Pros

• Very smooth to apply
• Ophthalmologically tested
• Water-resistant
• Lasts all-day
• Glides without tugging
• A Great choice for both matte and shimmery finish

Cons

• Sharpening the pencil is extremely time-consuming

11

Maybelline TattooStudio Long-Lasting Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil

Assuring smooth and even application with a rich color payoff, this long lasting eyeliner from Maybelline stays for an impressive duration of up to 36 hours. The smudge-proof and fade-resistant eyeliner pencil swiftly glides on your lashes delivering smooth strokes with an intense color. The sharpenable pencil can create a wide array of looks with its extensive shade range, helping you find the perfect color to match the occasion. Be it smoky eyes, a catty vibe, a subtle tone, or a pop of color, the eyeliner will do it all with precise definition.

Pros

• Smudge-proof
• Sebum-resistant
• Fade-proof
• Intense color
• Waterproof
• Value for money

Cons

• Not an apt choice of eyeliner for those who have sensitive eyes

12

Best for Travel

iMethod Eyeliner Stamp

The eyeliner stamp is a great pick for all those who’re struggling with getting that perfect winged-eye look, but failing miserably with it. Easy to use, the eyeliner features a richly pigmented winged stamp on one end and a fine line on the other for precise application. Each set consists of two winged eyeliners for both lashes, ensuring good riddance of asymmetrical wings. This waterproof and smudge-resistant formulation is designed to stay intact all day long without any constant requirement of re-touch-ups. For oily or combination skin, applying an eyeshadow primer before the eyeliner ensures enhanced longevity.

Pros

• Excellent for creating a winged eye
• Waterproof
• Perfect gift for an eyeliner enthusiast
• Rich pigmentation
• Cruelty-free
• Travel friendly

Cons

• The eyeliner tip dries off quickly

13

Best for Beginners

stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Living by its name, stila’s waterproof long-lasting eyeliner is a raging success amongst newbies as well as professionals. The smooth formulation glides effortlessly on your eyelids and lashes, dries off in no time, and doesn’t smudge no matter what you do. Infused with an abundance of hydrating ingredients, the eyeliner features a fine felt tip that allows you to create both thin strokes and thick, bold shapes. Available in 11 different shades, the transfer-proof eyeliner excels at creating both matte and shimmer finish.

Pros

• A wide array of shades are available
• A great choice for both beginners and experts
• Dries off super fast
• Apt for creating thin as well as thick strokes
• Hydrating
• Transfer proof

Cons

• The removal process requires thorough cleansing

14

Most Skin-Friendly

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

Elf cosmetics’ creamy retractable eyeliner pencil that is ultra-pigmented and stays put irrespective of wear, tears, oils, sweat, and no matter what definitely deserves a place in your beauty arsenal. The rich color payoff and durable properties of the eyeliner make it a great choice for everyday use. Made with skin-friendly and toxin-free ingredients, the eyeliner is suitable for all skin types. Vegan, and cruelty-free, the eyeliner is easy to purchase as well as it’s extremely budget-friendly. As per our expertise, the eyeliner must be applied all over your lash line, waterline, and eyelids to get enhanced and long-lasting results.

Pros

• Has not been tested on animals
• All day wear time
• Vegan
• Creamy texture
• Skin-friendly
• Durable

Cons

• Needs to be handled with care as it’s a bit fragile

15

Best Easy to Blend Eyeliner

Artisan L'uxe Beauty Velvet Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil

Achieving stunning, smoldering eyes within minutes isn't a distant dream if you have this jumbo dome-shaped eyeliner pencil. The waterproof and smudge-resistant eyeliner glides on smoothly and its in-built smudge tip ensures easy blending. Infused with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, and chamomile extracts, the eyeliner works to keep your skin firm and moisturized all the time. A personal favorite of many celebrities, this pencil eyeliner also features a double-edged German blade that prevents breakage, maintains the shape of the pencil, and ensures precise, and neat application. The high-density pigmented eyeliner creates magical results with maximum color payoff with minimal effort.

Pros

• Ideal for humid weather conditions
• Long-lasting
• Smudge-proof
• Deeply nourishing
• Hydrating
• Easy to blend

Cons

• Not a great choice for creating smokey eyes

16

Milani Stay Put Matte Liquid Eyeliner

For those who don’t dig the glittery, shiny finish and prefer the subtle matte look, Milani’s liquid eyeliner is their go-to product. The luxurious formula glides on with ease on your eyelids and fries super fast, creating a flawless appearance. Delivering a long-lasting stay of up to 17 hours, the liquid eyeliner stays on point no matter how humid or sweaty the weather conditions be. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, the smudge-resistant eyeliner creates intense color and can be used to create diverse looks, ranging from simple, and basic, to dramatic, and flashy.

Pros

• Creates a matte finish
• Withstands sweat and humidity with ease
• Free from cruelty
• Vegan
• Stays on fleek
• Smudge-proof

Cons

• The applicator isn’t smooth

17

SHARLOVY Black Eyeliner Stamp Wing Liner

The multi-purpose long-lasting eyeliner is a must-have product for creating a winged eye look and achieving those catty eyes without the need for any additional tools. The richly pigmented formulation is extremely opaque, thus perfect for outlining and enhancing bright, vibrant colors on the skin. The ink of the liner is conveniently housed in the pen and works well for smooth, even, and concise application across your eyelids. This water-proof and sebum-resistant eyeliner stays for as long as 36 hours without fading. Formulated with natural minerals and organic ingredients, the eyeliner is free from alcohol and other hazardous chemicals.

Pros

• Well-tested
• Dries within seconds
• Doesn’t crack even after hours of application
• Ensures even and consistent color application
• Opaque
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• Not the best choice for oily skin

Selecting the best long lasting eyeliner can seem daunting with so many options available, making it overwhelming for you. Here’s a list of essentials to consider when looking for an eyeliner that lasts long without fading or smudging.

Essential Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Long Lasting Eyeliner

• Type of Formulation

Eyeliners are available in different types such as pencils, pens, liquid pens, gels, etc, from which you must choose the one that you feel most comfortable and at ease with. For newbies, it’s generally recommended to opt for pencil eyeliners as these are the easiest to use and provide precise application within a few strokes. 

• High Pigmentation

The formulas that are rich in pigmentation provide an intense color payoff within one or two strokes, rather than requiring multiple attempts. Also, such eyeliners tend to last for a much longer duration than the ones which have low pigmentation.  

• Finish Type

Make your choice of whether you prefer a matte finish or a shiny, glittery finish. While the matte finish is preferable for everyday use, the glossy, shimmery finish eyeliners are great for night parties or clubbing. The matte finish eyeliners tend to stay put for long hours without any need for touch-ups, the glossy eyeliners on the other hand might require regular touch-ups. 

• Drying Time

It’s always better to opt for an eyeliner that dries quickly as the sooner it dries, the less probability there is of it getting ruined or smudged. Pay attention to the different formulations and pick the one that boasts a quick drying time. 

• Ease of Application and Removal

Go for the eyeliner that offers seamless application. The ones that come with an in-built brush or stamping tools make for a great choice as these are effortless to apply and take very less time as well. Also, the eyeliner must be easy to remove, without having to thoroughly rinse or double cleanse your skin. 

• Ophthalmologist Tested

It’s always preferable to go for the eyeliner that has been safely tested and approved by an ophthalmologist as this reduces the risk of developing allergies or severe reactions to the product. 

• Smudge-proof and Water-resistant

Choose an eyeliner that possesses the qualities of being smudge and water-resistant, thus enhancing its longevity. Also, look for a product that claims to be fade-resistant and transfer-proof.

• Toxin-free Ingredients

Any makeup product that’s infused with natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals is a preferable choice as it minimizes the risk of allergies and reactions. Look for an eyeliner that’s formulated using hydrating and nourishing ingredients to enhance its results manifold.

• Consumer Ratings

Dig in deep and find out all about the customers' feedback and reviews of the eyeliner that you’re interested in to understand whether it has been providing satisfactory results or not. These reviews will provide you with a true picture of the product and if it's worth buying or not.

The Best Way to Apply a Long Lasting Eyeliner Perfectly

Here are some simple steps that can enhance the effectiveness of a long lasting eyeliner, making it stay for longer durations without getting flaky or messed up.

• Start by washing your face and making sure it’s bare of any priorly applied makeup. 
• Apply a lightweight eye cream to prep your skin.
• Smooth out the texture of your skin by applying a premium quality eye primer as a base. This step can make your eyeliner stay in place for much longer. 
• Now, start applying the eyeliner to your lashes and eyelids. In the case of gel liner, use the brush to create small strokes and let it slowly build up. If you’re using pencil eyeliners or liquid pens, simply glide the product across your lash line.
• Try to maintain symmetry across both lashes while applying the eyeliner. 
• Once you’re through with these basic steps of putting on eyeliner, you can get creative and experiment with different looks ranging from smoky to cat eye to those desirable wings.

Conclusion

So, yes, all you beauty enthusiasts, your makeup routine is indeed incomplete without the magical touch of eyeliner. By incorporating the best long lasting eyeliner into your makeup routine, you can unlock endless possibilities for creating captivating looks. The meticulously selected eyeliners showcased here can easily be counted as some of the most exceptional eyeliners that have transformative abilities and offer you a world of artistic exploration. 

From the classic smokey eyes to the alluring winged eye or even a subtle stroke for your everyday office elegance, these beauties do it all. Let your creativity flow today and bring all your makeup fantasies to life with any of these phenomenal options mentioned above.  

FAQ's

What is a good eyeliner that stays on all day?

An eyeliner that’s waterproof, smudge-resistant, and transfer-proof has a high probability of lasting all day long without fading or any need for re-applying.

How can I make my eyeliner last all day long?

Opt for an eyeliner that’s well-suited for your skin type to enhance its longevity. Also, indulge in a premium quality primer before applying your eyeliner.

What kind of eyeliner doesn’t smudge?

A water-resistant eyeliner formulated with hydrating and superior-quality ingredients doesn’t smear irrespective of oil, sweat, and tears.

Which brand of eyeliner is best?

The market is filled with several reputable brands endorsing their eyeliners with striking features. Some of the best brands from these include Maybelline, Lakme, Julep, stila, etc.

How often should permanent eyeliner be touched up?

The permanent eyeliner should be touched up after every three to five years.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Sayantani, our in-house makeup specialist, claims that long-lasting eyeliners offer hours of vibrant color without fading or smudging. They usually have waterproof and smudge-proof properties, allowing them to stay on the eyes for hours on end. After trying all the products, she found one that was the easiest to use. The Pencil Eyeliner by Revlon had a very creamy consistency and stayed in place for a whole day. Additionally, it provides precision and comes with an in-built sharpener so that you can get hassle-free thin lines.

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Meet the Expert

Author BIO

Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More