- Makeup
- Best Budge-Proof Eyeliners
12 of the Best Eyeliners That Won’t Smudge, Budge or Fade
Ah, eyeliner. It’s the product that can make or break a makeup look. Finding one that doesn’t dry out, fade too quickly, tattoo your skin or run down your face panda-style can be difficult. It can take a lot of trial and error - as well as shock-horror's in the bathroom mirror - but with practice and patience, 'the one' will undoubtedly find its way to you.
With that being said, we're pretty good matchmakers here at Cosmetify and we want to help speed up the process of finding your ride or die liner. So, having done all the hard graft for you, we present the best eyeliners for a budge-proof, smudge-proof finish. Whether you want to define your waterline, create a graphic design or lay down a fool-proof feline flick, these babies will hold you down until you say otherwise.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
£21.00Wave bye-bye to feathering, smudging, fading and bleeding as Stila come through with an indestructible liquid liner. The thin, marker-like tip never pulls or tugs on skin so that you can achieve extreme bold precision. If you’re an eyeliner rookie, then this is the tool to add to your starter kit.
Maybelline Hyper Precise Liquid Eyeliner
£8.40 £8.81 (5% off)Tried, tested and approved by the Cosmetify team, this eyeliner pen from Maybelline is set to become a mainstay in your makeup routine.
Boasting an intense matte black finish and one of the thinnest, firmest tips, this liner is great for creating precise lines and cat flicks. Not to mention, its price tag is well under a tenner, making it an affordable steal.
Benefit Roller Liner
£23.01Benefit know a thing or two about brows, but they’re also pretty good when it comes to eyes. Roller Liner is the sidekick to the fan-favourite Roller Lash mascara. Quick-drying, waterproof and delivering on the no smudging, flaking or fading promise, it’s the pen liner that offers a fuss-free, mistake-free application.
bareMinerals Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner
£16.50 £22.00 (25% off)Delivering a bold, budge-proof colour, with no bleeding, tugging or dragging, it’s better than any eyeliner that you’ve had before. Skip the drama and lay down a wing, flick or graphic in an instant.
Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense
£17.00This eyeliner from Clinique guarantees an impressive result each and every time. Boasting a bold pigment, a fine-nib tip and long-lasting formula, it’s all you need to define your eyes like a pro.
SOSU by SJ Eye Voltage Liquid Eyeliner Pen
£7.00 £8.81 (21% off)Whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at your work desk or in the restaurant restroom, this liquid eyeliner promises a flawless flick each and every time. The calligraphy-brush-style tip gives precise lines as well as maximum control, so that you can achieve a killer eye look, even when you’re under pressure. Sweat-proof, smudge-proof and flake-proof, it’s a must-have for your handbag.
Illamasqua Colouring Eye Pencil
£8.00 £17.70 (55% off)Illamasqua are the kingpins of bold, daring and statement makeup, so it’s no surprise that this is a collection of rainbow-inspired eyeliners. The super creamy and crease-resistant pencil lays down a high-pigment colour. Discover everything from classic black to navy blue and metallic silver and add a little razzle-dazzle to your eye looks.
Sigma Beauty Liquid Pen Eyeliner
£10.40 £16.00 (35% off)Sigma's Beauty Liquid Pen Eyeliner packs intense, ink-like pigment for ultra-precise lines. The flexible brush-like tip stays saturated no matter what awkward angle or position you need to do your thing, whilst the smudge-resistant, opaque colour stays put all day long.
Mavala Soft Khol Pencils
£6.32If you’re looking for a softer, more natural eyeliner, then be sure to check out this gem from Mavala. The kohl pencil is the best eyeliner for the waterline as it melts onto skin and delivers long-lasting, hydrating coverage. Choose from classic black or opt for a warm brown shade for those ‘no makeup, makeup’ days.
L.A. Girl Shockwave Neon Liner
£5.44 £8.81 (39% off)L.A. Girl know exactly what it takes to make those peepers of yours pop. The Shockwave Neon Liner ensures that your eyes are forever centre of attention with its high-impact, cream finish. From the amazing glide to the vibrant colours and long-lasting wear, it’s no wonder this is one of the best eyeliners out there.
Jane Iredale Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner
£17.95 £27.50 (35% off)Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner is the eyeliner that breaks the rules and pushes the boundaries. Covering all styles, moods and personalities, the powder-cream formula is available in a variety of sultry shades - think amethyst purple, onyx and dark topaz - that are perfect for creating a smokey-eye effect.
SUVA Beauty Hydra Liner
£11.21 £13.23 (16% off)Granted, this liner might be a better option for the pros but it’s also a sure-fire way to up the ante with your makeup. Expertly developed with a water-activated cake formula, this pigment deposits a solid, smudge-proof, transfer-proof and fade-proof colour. Ideal for parties, holidays and festivals, it’s the eyeliner that gives your look that extra edge.
We're positive that you'll find your new go-to eyeliner within this line-up. Once you've found your perfect match, you can look forward to flaunting eye looks that last from A.M to P.M, no touch ups required. Learn all about How to Apply Eyeliner, so that you can really make the most of your newfound tool.
Written by Carly Cochrane
As the Senior Content Editor for Cosmetify, Carly is the go-to for all the latest (and greatest) beauty tips, tricks and trends. With over six years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins-and-outs when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing.