15 Choices of the Best Drugstore Waterproof Eyeliner that Last All Day

Eyeliner is one of those products that you really need to have inside your makeup bag. With the swish of a brush or a sweep of a pencil, you can transform your naturally gorgeous peepers into spectacular works of art. If you’re looking for a good and affordable eyeliner, you can actually find many choices of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner that can help you get through the day without having to worry about smudging and raccoon eyes. 

However, which ones are good to purchase when you’re a bit tight on budget, and is there any particular thing that you need to pay attention to when you are shopping for one?

The answer to both questions is “Yes,” and to give you further details on the answers, we have gathered 10 of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner products to the ultimate test. So read on, and we’ll share our results with you here in this detailed guide.

Why the Type of Tip Matters

Eye makeup is all about precision, and when you have specific design goals in mind, then it means that you need the right tools to help you achieve the look you want.

Rather than shopping by color and brand name, we would suggest that you take a look at the type of the applicator tip. Is it a felt tip, a brush tip, or a foam tip or a pencil? And what’s the difference between all of them?

• Felt. For liquid eyeliners, a felt tip is definitely the most popular choice. It is not only rigid, because it features a sharp point, which makes it easier to use. It will come handy, especially if you have an unsteady hand, when you’re trying to create precision lines.

• Brush. Some liquid liners have brushes with just a few bristles on them. This kind of brush is more flexible than felt tips. It will allow you to create a thin line simply by pressing lightly or a thicker line by pressing more firmly. These can be a bit tricky to get the hang of if you have a shaky hand, because the results will be noticeable in your eyes. Therefore, you need to remember that practice makes perfect! In addition, gel eyeliners also use brushes, but they are much wider and won’t allow you to create lines as thin as the liquid liner brushes will.

• Foam. We tried one product with a foam tip and it was pretty interesting, to say the least, and functions much like the felt tip. Foam, however, will wear down more quickly than felt, which is why many manufacturers don’t use it.

• Pencil. Some waterproof pencils are quite impressive, but the level of control you have really depends on the type of pencil. Self-sharpening pencils only have that nice, fine point when you first open the product. After that, they will wear down to a round nub that will create thicker lines. On the other hand, pencils that you can manually sharpen will allow you to keep the tip nice and sharp, and they do allow you to be more precise.

Top 3 Best Drugstore Waterproof Eyeliner Reviews

All of the products on our table are waterproof and absolutely ideal for anyone, especially those who want to create the perfect cat or smoky eye without spending a fortune.

Below, we’ll review the three best drugstore waterproof eyeliners that we have tried. However, if you don’t want a liquid or a gel, then you might want to check out some of the pencils or other alternative products on our table as well.

1. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eyeliner

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Type: Liquid Pen

One of the reasons why we loved this pen so much is that it has such a fine tip. Once you apply this, it won’t go anywhere until you use the makeup remover to clean it. There is definitely no smudging, and it also dries very quickly on your skin. So if you’re a makeup junkie who has tried them all but still haven’t found the best affordable product out there, then this one will totally win you over.

Pros:

• Quick and easy application
• Thin brush tip
• Smudge-proof
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Dries off too quick

2. e.l.f Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

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Type: Liquid Pen

Maybelline’s gel eyeliner comes in two different colors, which are blackest black and brown. It has a slim brush that you can use it to smoothly and easily coat your lash line. Plus, it can also create thick or thin cat wings of your choice, too! Moreover, it also ensures run-free, thanks to its waterproof formula that offers a long-lasting look for all-day wearing. Plus, this product is 100% vegan, making it a perfect piece for those bearing such a principle out there!

Pros:

• 100% Vegan
• Easy application
• Easy to remove
• Does not run

Cons:

• Can smudge

3. NYX Epic Ink Liner

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Type: Liquid Pen

NYX Epic Ink Liner is another great eyeliner pen to own, and also one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners that you need to consider. It will give you the best result with a felt tip that has a matte finish once you apply it. This one is also a product that will last all day, thanks to its waterproof formula. The ultra-thin brush of this product will deliver the intense color on your lash lines with high precision. In short, from natural to dramatic look, you can definitely create every style you want with the brush of this amazing eyeliner!

Pros:

• Matte finish
• Long-lasting
• Smudge-proof
• Easy application

Cons:

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin

4. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

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Type: Gel

Bring on all the drama to your eyes by wearing this Lasting Drama Gel eyeliner from Maybelline! Its waterproof formula ensures an intense, long-lasting look for up to 24 hours. It has a gel texture that will allow you to swipe the liner on your lids effortlessly, and create defined eyes. Despite being a waterproof and smudge-proof product, it is actually very easy to remove; thus, it won’t irritate your skin.  

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lasts for up to 24 hours
• Easy to remove

Cons:

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin

5. Physician’s Formula Waterproof Eyeliner

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Type: Liquid Pen

This is one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners that we believe will be your favorite. This product is perfect for you, especially when you are in rush to catch the bus to go to work in the morning, thanks to its fast dry finish. Not to mention the ultra-thin brush that will allow you to precisely glide on through the lids, covering every inch with the blackest ink that lasts all day. Moreover, it is also enriched with boosting complex formula that will nourish and keep your lashes healthy.

Pros:

• Vegan
• Fragrances-free
• Paraben-free
• Hypoallergenic

Cons: 

• Reviewers say it is too liquid
• Needs primer

6. Milani The Tank Liquid Liner

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Type: Liquid Pen

Milani’s Tank Liquid Liner is probably one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner products for beginners, especially because it is very easy to apply and remove. Its thin pen brush offers you precise gliding that will flow through your lids smoothly. It will make sure that there will be no skip or smudge. Furthermore, since it comes with a well-designed tank that keeps away the air, your ink will stay protected and fresh until it reaches the expiration date.

Pros:

• Transfer-proof
• Vegan
• Easy to remove

Cons:

• Can patch with primer

7. CoverGirl Ink It! Liquid Eyeliner

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Type: Gel-Like Liquid

With such a pocket-friendly price, this product will become your extraordinary eyeliner with good qualities! It has a great, 24-hour coverage that will coat your waterline perfectly with its intense ink. The gel-like liquid formula comes as another benefit to gliding on seamlessly without budging. But, don’t worry! It is handy to remove with only water and facial wash. Furthermore, if you want to be more playful with your eyes, then you can choose one of the four nude and striking shades available. 

Pros:

• Long-lasting
• Fade-resistant
• Easy to remove
• Self-sharpening

Cons:

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin

8. Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer

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Type: Pencil

If you wanna have more defined eyes, then this eyeliner is your ultimate choice to achieve that desired result! Its intense pigment delivers a bold finish that will be perfect to support your smoky eyes look for 10 hours. Moreover, having a retractable tip also ensures a clear-cut and smooth application. Even better, this product is also available in creamy matter or metallic shades, so you can choose the most suitable shade based on your preferences. 

Pros:

• Self-sharpening
• Retractable tip for precise application
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• May not be suitable for sensitive eyes

9. Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner

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Type: Gel

Coming in six vibrant colors, Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner may be the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner to go to a party and festivals. With this product, you will definitely become the center of attention. Besides the amazing shade options, it also provides effortless glides on with a long-lasting look, thanks to its creamy formula. Even cooler, this eyeliner is also ophthalmologist-tested. Hence, it is safe for sensitive eyes.

Pros:

• Great color options
• Smooth application
• Long-lasting
• Suitable for sensitive eyes

Cons:

• Problem with sharpening

10. Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner

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Type: Liquid 

Not only giving you a rich and dry-fast formula with intense color, but this liquid eyeliner will also surprises you with a handy brush. It will help you to apply the ink precisely and comfortably on the lids without pulling and skipping. And as its name suggests, the effect you will get is just mega, defined eyes you have been always dreaming of! 

Pros:

• Quick and easy application
• Easy to remove
• Bold finish
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Can run

11. Pacifica Vegan Waterproof Eyeliner

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Type: Pencil

Having sharp eyes will be easier to achieve with Pacifica Vegan Waterproof Eyeliner. Its super-pigmented and long-wearing formula easily coats your lids, displaying bold finish that stays put all day. The thin-cut pencil applicator also allows precise and smooth glides as well. Considering it is a clean and vegan product, this eyeliner is highly recommended for sensitive eyes and also those minding ethical purposes. 

Pros:

• Vegan
• Clean product
• Suitable for sensitive eyes

Cons:

• Available only in 2 shades

12. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

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Type: Pencil

Revlon ColosStay Eyeliner pampers you with a wide range of shades, ranging from black to sea blue, that lets you explore your makeup styles for any occasion. It also brings you a lightweight, waterproof, and smudge-proof formula that won’t break a sweat for more than 24 hours! Thus, don’t worry about the ink being faded, smearing, and budging. And also, it has been tested by ophthalmologists, ensuring safety for all wearers. 

Pros:

• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Available in 7 colors
• Long-lasting
• Contact-wearers friendly

Cons:

• Difficult to remove

13. Essence Superfine Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

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Type: Pen

Equipped with a slim brush, this eyeliner will precisely and effortlessly deliver the intense color to create an instant, dramatic finish or cat wings on your eyes. The waterproof formula provides a long-lasting look that does not run, leaving you with no raccoon eyes. Despite claiming to be a waterproof eyeliner, this one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners is easy to remove. 

Pros:

• Easy to remove
• Easy application
• Ultra-slim brush to allow precise application
• Does not run

Cons:

• Can fade

14. MORPHE Gel Liner

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Type: Gel 

Go beyond natural looks with this MORPHE Gel Liner! You can create your own bold and dramatic eyes that last for up to 12 hours in just one glides away, thanks to its pigmented and long-wearing formula. Moreover, the creamy texture also provides a smoother application with a brush that you will definitely love (no worries about skipping or tugging!). Plus, its travel size is perfect to fit in your bag, too!

Pros:

• Can change applicator
• Easy application
• Easy to remove

Cons:

• Smudge or run

15. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen

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Type: Pen

Pixi presents seven earth tone colors we all desperately need in an eyeliner product. They all feature waterproof, smudge-proof, and also transfer-proof formulas that allow your look to stay on point from day to night. Even though they have bold shades, the finish actually comes silky. Thus, you can freely choose to go sharp or natural in one stroke. Since the eyeliner is available in many colors, it will easily match all skin tones. 

Pros:

• Perfect for all skin tones
• Available in 7 colors
• Waterproof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof
• Paraben-free

Cons:

• May not be suitable for sensitive eyes

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I make my eyeliner stay on the waterline?

Follow these steps to make your eyeliner stay on the waterline:

1. Gently clean and dry the inner rims of the eyes 
2. Pick one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners that you love
3. Apply it to the inner rims and waterline of your eyes
4. Next! Take a gel liner using a flat eyeliner brush
5. Apply the liner on top of the liner you have previously glided on the waterline
6. After that, set them all with a powder of your choice using a flat, tiny brush

How do I keep my eyeliner from smudging on my waterline?

You can try these steps to keep your eyeliner from smudging on the waterline:

1. Prepare your lids by washing your face and then gently drain with a dry towel or tissues
2. Apply your primer if necessary (sometimes, primer makes it better)
3. Apply your eyeshadows first
4. Next, choose your waterproof or smudge-proof eyeliners to achieve the best, long-lasting results
5. Avoid the waterline
6. Set them all with a setting powder of your choice

Can I put liquid eyeliner on my waterline?

We do not recommend you put liquid eyeliner on your waterline. It is simply because the liquid is too wet and often runs quickly, which will be too risky for your eyes. If you want to perform tightlining, then it is best to choose kohl pencil eyeliners to do this since they have better texture and also formula compared to liquid ones.