There are so many popular brands that make waterproof eyeliners without burning your pockets. We have got you the 13 best drugstore waterproof eyeliners for you. Have a look!
13 Best Drugstore Waterproof Eyeliners
1. Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer
Rimmel’s Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer is a versatile eyeliner that is retractable. The soft and creamy formula allows the pencil eyeliner to glide on easily and imparts a matte finish. You’ll seldom have to deal with uneven lines, which is otherwise the case with many dry-formula eyeliners. The built-in smudger on the other side of the eyeliner allows you to pull off the smudged look, among other styles. It is available in many colors and is ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. Overall, this waterproof eyeliner is worth trying, especially if you’re more of a waterlining person. Pros
Built-in smudger Rich pigment Lasts up to 10 hours Cruelty-free
Cons
As it is a retractable waterproof pencil, the tip may break off during application if too much is exposed.
2. NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner
Eyeliner pens are an absolute lifesaver for most of us who refuse to deal with the messiness of bottled liquid eyeliners. If you can’t help but agree, you can count on NYX Professional’s Epic Ink Liner for an easy application that stays put for long hours. It is undeniably one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners, which does not shock us because NYX is one of the most popular go-to drugstore brands. The eyeliner’s tip is flexible and precise, and the liquid flows smoothly, allowing you to master the art of precision strokes. It dries quickly and gives way to amazing-looking eyes with a matte finish. Pros
Smudge-proof Transfer-proof Precision-tip Highly-pigmented Cruelty-free Vegan
Cons
It contains sulfates.
3. Docolor Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
This pocket-friendly drugstore waterproof liquid eyeliner pen has it all. It features a sharp tip that helps draw perfect lines, ideal for all kinds of looks. If you’re sick of eyeliner pens that create spiderwebs, this one won’t give you similar troubles. It is gel-based, which explains why the consistency is flowy enough without inking the fine lines of the eyelids. The black color creates the right kind of impact, be it natural and finer strokes, or a bold one. This eyeliner is suitable for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes without causing irritation. Pros
Sleek pen Ergonomic grip Lasts up to 12 hours Smudge-proof Does not flake Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free
Cons
It may take a long time to dry. Some may find it too shiny.
4. Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner
Maybelline New York’s Eyestudio is one of the best drugstore waterproof gel eyeliners. Contrary to popular belief that gel-based creamy eyeliners don’t offer long-lasting wear, this one lasts an entire day despite being smooth-textured. It is smudge-free and sets instantly. It is also ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested for allergies, and a little product goes a long way. Pros
Lasts up to 24 hours Creamy texture Oil-free formula Allergy-tested
Cons
The brush may need frequent cleaning.
5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal
Finding the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner pencil can be challenging because not many eyeliner pencils are waterproof. This one is smooth in texture and glides seamlessly without pulling the skin, and does not easily break off. It allows some playtime if you plan on going smokey-style. And if not, apply it to your eyelids, give it a few seconds, and it’ll be smudge-proof for the rest of the day. This way, you don’t have to worry about constant touch-ups — perfect for a busy woman. Pros
Ophthalmologist-tested Suitable for contact lens wearers Smooth texture Tear-proof Humidity-proof
Cons
It may need to be sharpened regularly.
6. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner
Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner is one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners for nailing the winged look. Whether you use it on the top or bottom lash lines, over your eyelids for a bold look, or substitute it for a subtle eyeshadow — the eyeliner stick does it all. It comes in 13 different shades, which is an added perk for makeup enthusiasts who love experimenting. If you’re trying to match the eyeliner’s color with that of your eyes, you’re sure to find the perfect fit. Pros
Comes in many shades Smear-proof Budge-proof Does not fade Self-sharpening mechanism
Cons
Slightly expensive
7. Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
Are you one of those people who have given up on using eyeliners? The real culprit is the wrong kind of brush. The ColorStay Skinny Eyeliner from Revlon features a tapered brush, perfect for beginners to hone their eye lining skills without losing hope. You can either start with finer strokes for a more natural and precise look or draw the outlines and carefully fill them for a bolder look. You can achieve the desired outcome with a single stroke, thanks to its highly-pigmented formula. Pros
Ultra-fine 0.11 tip Long-lasting ColorStay formula Ophthalmologist-tested 10-hour wear Available in 3 shades
Cons
Getting used to the applicator may take some time.
8. L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Precision Waterproof Eyeliner
When it comes to makeup, L’Oréal products rarely go wrong, and this waterproof drugstore eyeliner is by far one of the bests. This liquid eyeliner features a slanted and precise felt tip for easy, waterproof application. It feels light on the eyes, is both waterproof and smudge-proof, and is quite easy to remove. Its glide-on formula makes the application effortless and dries quickly. This eyeliner is perfect for regular use if you make it a point to wear eyeliner before leaving the house every day. Pros
Suitable for sensitive eyes Great for daily-wear Feels light on the lids Long-wear Fragrance-free
Cons
Contains parabens and sulfates
9. Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
Not many retractable eyeliners offer a matte finish. But this eyeliner from Sephora can take you by surprise if you’ve been on the lookout for eyeliner pencils that are both matte and creamy. You’ll find various colors and different finishes like glittery and shimmery — because why stop at just matte? You can also use it to define the lash line to make your lashes look fuller without using fake lashes. Pros
Features a smudge tip Built-in sharpener Creates saturated, clean lines Long-lasting wear
Cons
Slightly expensive
10. Kiko Milano Definition Waterproof Eyeliner
The bottle of this eyeliner screams waterproof, and the eyeliner justifies how it is advertised to be incredibly waterproof. You can hit the gym, be out on a sunny day, or take the public transport and expect the eyeliner to stay put even as you inevitably sweat. Kiko Milano stays true to its promise, and why not? It is among the most reputed makeup brands. The brush is super fine but does not fray. The eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested, making it the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner for swimming and sweating it out if you’re an athlete or a busy woman, always on the go. Pros
Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Does not flake or fade off Suitable for oily skin Water-based formula
Cons
Might take a while to dry
11. Wet n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner
If you’re looking for a liquid eyeliner that stays intact through rain and tears, this one’s got your back. It is available in 2 color variants and is easy to remove. It does not smudge, skip, or streak, and the waterproof liner is quite long-lasting. It features a soft, felt-tip brush that helps in precise application. If you’re looking for a good drugstore waterproof eyeliner that doesn’t give in to sweat and stays intact when you decide to swim with your eyeliner on, this one’s worth it. Pros
Easy to remove Highly pigmented Matte finish Reasonably priced
Cons
May clump the lashes
12. Palladio Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
Palladio Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner is a great choice for those who are strictly against animal testing. This cruelty-free waterproof eyeliner is designed to be sleek and easy to hold and apply, offering great precision. You don’t have to sharpen it since the retractable tube is thin and features a sharp crayon-like eyeliner. If it feels dull, all you have to is twist it back and watch it return to its original state. It is infused with aloe extract, beeswax, and matricaria extract, which soothes your lids. Its no-run formula lasts long and does not smudge, ideal for people who don’t have the time for constant touch-ups. If you’re looking for a perfect blend of nourishing ingredients and beautiful finish, this one’s for you. Pros
Glides on smoothly Gluten-free Paraben-free Available in a variety of color variants
Cons
Some may find the crayon eyeliner too soft.
13. The Flick Stick Winged Eyeliner Stamp From Lovoir
This drugstore waterproof eyeliner is a perfect practice companion if you’ve tried and failed at nailing the winged look. It features a stamp for perfect wings, quite useful if you have unsteady hands. It boasts of exceptional staying power because of its long-lasting formulation. It contains ingredients like shea butter, canola oil, and glycerin to nourish your eyelids. Looking flawless shouldn’t make you feel guilty, and Lovoir does not perform animal-testing, bringing you a PETA-certified cruelty-free eyeliner. Pros
Great for amateur makeup artists Does not smudge or smear Vegan Suitable for hooded eyes
Cons
Not very pigmented; might need multiple applications.
When you go wrong with an eyeliner, your hard-earned money goes down the drain — and none of us like that kind of disappointment. Here are a few factors that you should consider when shopping for the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner.
How To Choose The Best Waterproof Eyeliner – Things To Consider
Type of eyeliner
The most common types of eyeliners are gel-based, liquid, eyeliner pens, and eyeliner pencils. Gel-based eyeliners are perfect for intense and bold looks, and liquid eyeliners that come in a bottle with a brush glide on with ease. However, they’re a better option when you’re confident about your skills because they can get tricky if you have a shaky hand. Both retractable eyeliners and eyeliner pencils are reasonably versatile, ideal for those who also intend to use the eyeliner for waterlining. Eyeliner pens are easy to use and are suitable for beginners to practice strokes.
Purpose
If you’re after the classic eyeliner look, both eyeliner pens and liquid eyeliners will suit your needs. However, if you enjoy experimenting with smokey eyes often, eyeliner pots and eyeliner pencils allow better manual smudging. Eyeliner pencils and retractable eyeliners are perfect if you’re looking for waterproof eyeliner for waterline for fuller lashes rather than defining the eyelids.
Tip of eyeliner
If you plan to buy an eyeliner pen or a liquid eyeliner, it is essential to ensure that the brush does not give you a hard time in achieving perfection. Felt tip liners are sharp and pointy, and they’re more convenient if you have an unsteady hand. Brushes with bristles are great too; however, they might need more practice to master perfect strokes. Foam tips might not glide on as smoothly and might wear down over time, so many popular brands keep away from the infamous foam tip.
Ophthalmologist-tested
If you have sensitive skin or have encountered issues like itching, irritation, and allergies, it is important to stick to a drugstore waterproof eyeliner that is ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, or hypoallergenic. Any of these specifications would mean that the product is safe to use on sensitive skin.
Finish
Matte and glossy finish are on the extreme ends of the eyeliner spectrum, and most people who love matte finish don’t care much for a glossy finish, and vice versa. The satin finish finds its place somewhere between matte and glossy. Go through the product specifications and look for glowing reviews to ascertain that you’re picking the eyeliner that results in the desired finish.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author of this article, Chaitra Krishnan, has conducted thorough research before listing the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners. Pigmented and made from high-quality ingredients, each product on this list has been carefully chosen after looking at multiple product reviews and user experiences. Besides the detailed descriptions of each product, they also come with pros and cons and an informative buying guide to help you pick a product that works best for you. How do you get your eyeliner to stay on all day? If you have oily skin and the eyeliner refuses to stay on all day, pressed powder can do the trick. Before you use an eyeliner, apply a thin layer of pressed powder to your eyelids. Preferably, coat your eyeliner with another layer of powder and finish off with another coat of eyeliner. This will lock your eyeliner in place for the rest of the day. Is there a true waterproof eyeliner? Most popular brands that claim that their eyeliners are waterproof do so after a fair number of trials. So, yes, you can find a true waterproof eyeliner. However, if your eyelids are excessively oily, the eyeliner may fail to stick to your eyelids, making them less effective at being truly waterproof. How do you stop the eyeliner from running under your eyes? This is also one of the issues with eyeliners that are either not smudge-proof or waterproof. Not to mention, oily skin can also make it hard for the eyeliner to stay intact, resulting in raccoon eyes. As a rule of thumb, always look for an eyeliner that is smear-proof and waterproof. You can either use pressed powder or a primer that gets rid of the oiliness. Is it okay to put waterproof eyeliner on your waterline? Yes, there are many waterproof eyeliners that are safe to be applied on the waterline of your eyes. Apply it carefully so that you don’t poke your eyes. Can you swim with waterproof eyeliner on? Yes, you can swim wearing waterproof eyeliner. However, do note that chlorine in the water can break even the toughest makeup formulas. So, make sure to check the water resistance capacity of your liner before wearing it while swimming. How do you remove waterproof eyeliner from the waterline? Use a Q-tip and a gentle eye makeup remover to remove waterproof eyeliner from the waterline. Does eyeliner make you look older? No, eyeliners make you look bold and beautiful. If you worry about looking more mature, you can go for a minimal winged eyeliner on your top lash and avoid putting on any in the bottom lash line. Should I wear eye primer when I am only wearing waterproof eyeliner? No, you don’t need to wear eye primer for wearing waterproof eyeliner. It can stay on your eyeliner for a long time on its own. What makes an eyeliner waterproof? Film formers like PVP, silicones, copolymers, etc. make eyeliners waterproof.
Recommended Articles
Best False Eyelashes – Reviews And Buying Guide Top Eyebrow Growth Serums Best Long-Lasting Eyeliners For Oily Eyelids You Need Best Eyeliners For Sensitive Eyes
