Finding an eyeliner that stays put—even when you use it to line the waterlines (inner rims) of your eyes)—is something I’m STILL on the lookout for, despite trying, oh, DOZENS and DOZENS of eyeliners over the past few years via my job.
And so is reader R., who writes:
“I’ve been on the hunt for a stay-put eyeliner for quite some time, but I can’t find anything that stays on the waterline. Using a primer helps it stay in place on the lower lid, but does nothing for the waterline. Will the YSL stand up? Or is this a common problem with liners and I’m just doomed? Nothing ruins a sexy smokey eye like ‘coon eyes.”
The YSL numbers she’s referring to—YSL Dessin Du Regard Long-Lasting Eye Pencils—are definitely favourites of mine, but are they waterline material? I’m not sure, even though I’ve been really happy with their performance (could be because I ALSO use primer all the way around the eye before I apply, which will definitely help increase your mileage).
Anyway, that’s why I took to Twitter to ask some of the beauty editors, bloggers, makeup artists and brand reps out there what THEY think are the best long-lasting eyeliners:
Beauty editor Andrea Lavinthal from Real Beauty (@andrealavinthal): I layer powder shadow over MAC Fluidline. Waterproof liner works too
Beauty editor Jill D. from 29 Secrets (@29secrets): re:Good liner- Bobbi Brown Gel All.The.Way. Close second: Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes pencil. And a great cheapie: Annabelle!
Makeup artist and beauty blogger Andrea Claire (@AClaireBeauty) I love MAC powerpoint liner- it doesn’t smudge. Grey Utility is a great colour. some people reco MAC’s Smolder but it bleeds.
Beauty blogger and makeup artist Joy David-Tilberg from Makeup Junkie (@MakeupJunkieJDT) ones that have worked for me MUFE Aqua Eyes, Urban Decay 24/7 liners, and M.A.C. Power Point pencils
Beauty blogger Akisa from BeautySwatch (@BeautySwatch): Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes has worked well for me
Beauty PR pro Marissa Bushe (@Mbushe) I swear by Joe Fresh liquid eyeliner. It’s easy to use, feels like a felt tip pen and lasts! love it so much! (not a client) [Editor's note: I haven't tried this one, so not sure of the consistency, but make sure you don't use a liquid liner in the waterline. Liquid liners are amazingly long-lasting but too liquid for that sensitive area... and your optometrist will NOT be happy!]
Natalie from Toronto’s GEE Beauty (@geebeauty): try our GEE Beauty khol eyeliners. Chocolate is our favorite. Soft for the waterline, and smudge proof on us for sure
Vancouver’s Noir Lash Lounge (@noirlashlounge) Stila Smudge Pot – everything else tends to run =(
Max & Mia Organics (@maxmiaorganics) try the Jane Iredale eye pencil-its one of the best!
To these I’ll add a few more of my faves (besides the YSL): Lise Watier (just the waterproof kind though), Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof and Benefit’s BADgal waterproof liner.
Okay, now over to you:
Do you have any fave long-lasting liners that stay put even in the waterline? Please share in the comments!
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I know this is an old post but I want to pitch it anyways since I just recently found my HG eyeliner that I’ve been searching for years. here it is – prestige eye liners. I’ve practically given up on eyeliners and turned myself to liquid since all the eyeliners and gel liners I’ve tried transfers to my under eye area. I have to blame creamy concealers for the most part of it coz they are too emollient, which in turn melts the eyeliner on my upper lid when I blink. I’ve tried most of the brands mentioned by the above comments and they only stay well when I use a liquid concealer. But if I use creamier concealers such as bobbi brown, the balm and the like, my eyeliner transfers like crazy… (UD Zero is the worst of all)… luckily, prestige eyeliner was able to withstand all types of concealers and doesn’t melt. it glides on so easily too… and do i have to mention cheap as well? this is the only eyeliner i have used up and will be repurchasing…
Thanks for another reco!! But … where can I find it? Is it avail in Canada?
Also, which eyeliner? Their website lists a few different ones.
Gimped! I just discovered another waterproof liner, from Yves Rocher, that I mentioned in today’s editor’s picks video. It works really well and is only $12! http://beautyeditor.ca/2011/04/15/video-my-top-5-editors-picks-of-the-week-new-skincare-oil-controlling-primer-and-super-cheap-waterproof-liners-that-work/
Sweet!! I’m on it!!
Hey Michelle
I grabbed one of these last week … but it was only $5.99. Did I buy the wrong one???
Hey – I know this is a super old comment, still catching up. Just double-checked the press release and it says $12. Does your liner say waterproof on the label?
vv Hey Michelle. This is the stuff I bought: http://www.yvesrocher.ca/control/makeup/eye-pencils-liners/waterproof-eye-pencil/?cmSrc=Category
I must have bought it when it was on sale or something, cuz the website says $12 … Now I will run back home to make sure I bought the waterproof one!!
That’s the one! How are you finding it?
The colour is super intense, but it starts to travel and smudge after about an hour
Too bad, cuz there are some fun colours avail!
I’m starting to wonder if it’s my application that’s making the mess, and not the products I’m using. Is there a “special way” to prep and/or apply liner to waterlines and keep it there? Even the UD one I tried (and thought was “the one”) traveled and smudged after a while. Not TOTALLY terrible ‘coon eyes, but there was definitely something there.
I talked to a makeup artist about this and even waterproof ones will eventually smudge, just because of your tears. The only other thing I can suggest is setting it with powder (either a matching colour or a translucent powder)… although this is something I don’t do because I’m a contact lens wearer. But if you were very careful about not getting it in your eye then theoretically it should help. I would put the translucent powder on your lower lid underneath the liner as well, that will help create a barrier to stop it smearing down.
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