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:
