Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
Best kohl, liquid and gel eyeliners that don’t run or smudge
By Hanna Ibraheem &Charlotte Bitmead
2 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
Ever spent ages perfecting your winged eyeliner only for it to smudge before you’ve left the house? Here, we round up the best eyeliners that stay put all day long.
Just like mascara, eyeliner can make a huge difference to your make-up look.
The problem is some eyeliners can run, smear, smudge and generally get a bit messy. But the high street is filled with brilliant formulas that are waterproof, long-lasting and (importantly, for us and our shaky hands) easy to apply, too.
Here, we round up the best kohl, liquid and gel eyeliners that are smudge-proof and foolproof.
Best non-smudge kohl eyeliners, picked by the Stylist team
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil
Vegan and cruelty-free, this Urban Decay eyeliner contains jojoba oil, vitamin E and cottonseed oil. The result? A cream and waterproof eyeliner that glides onto skin with zero dragging.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner
Shop Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner at Sephora UK, £19
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’n’ Kohl Eyeliner
This water-resistant eyeliner has the same glide as a liquid eyeliner. Plus, after application, you have a bit of time before it dries and sets on skin, meaning you can quickly buff it out for a long-lasting smoky eye.
Shop Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’n’ Kohl Eyeliner at Cult Beauty, £24
Best non-smudge liquid and gel eyeliners, picked by the Stylist team
Dior Diorshow On Stage Eyeliner
Inspired by the looks created backstage at fashion shows, this eyeliner has a hybrid tip that combines the properties of a felt pen and a brush. Put simply: it makes winged eyeliner a doddle.
Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
This liquid eyeliner is packaged in a clever triangular-shaped pen to allow for an easier grip and sharper winged liner. The best bit, though, comes in its flexible felt tip. The pen bends along your skin, meaning its ink flow isn’t interrupted.
Shop Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner at Sephora UK, £19
Jones Road Gel Liner
This gel-based formula is easy to apply, water-resistant (making it perfect for holidays) and has an impressive colour payoff.
Benefit They’re Real Xtreme Precision Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Shop Benefit They’re Real Xtreme Precision Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner at LookFantastic, £22.50
Esspresoh Hi_Liner
This has been my go-to liquid liner for years now because it does not budge. Seriously, I’ve been drenched in rain storms and been for a shower and my cat eye has not smudged a bit. Unlike many that dry up after two weeks, this has lasted me months, even with daily use.
Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Having applied make-up backstage at countless fashion shows and for a number of red carpet events, make-up artist Pat McGrath knows how important it is for your eyeliner to stay put. This liquid pen from her eponymous brand doesn’t budge and allows precision with every pen stroke.
Shop Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner at LookFantastic, £30
Main image: courtesy of brands
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