8 Easy-To-Apply Sweat-Proof Eyeliners That Last All Day Long

Raccoon eyes. Eyeliner tears. Call it what you will, but people who wear eye makeup tend to not be huge fans of when it melts down below where they applied it. Which means that if you’re an eyeliner fan, tis the season to look for a sweat-proof formula that won’t budge once it’s on.

Since everyone’s makeup routines have been relegated to the upper halves of their faces (thanks to face masks that prevent the spread of COVID-19), indelible eyeliners have never been more in demand. “Going into the hot summer months, there are many factors that can cause your eyeliner to melt or smudge: humidity, heat, sunlight, body temperature, sweat, sebum production, and tearing,” says Lauren D’Amelio, a cosmetologist and makeup artist. What can ya do? “It’s best to go with a waterproof or water-resistant eyeliner to prevent the smudging and running due to sweat,” she says.

Usually, an eyeliner will advertise that it’s either waterproof or water-resistant, but it will also contain certain key ingredients that keep it from running so easily. “In cream eyeliners, you should look for either dimethicone, a silicone derivative, or wax,” says D’Amelio. In liquid eyeliners, look for polymers that lock the pigments onto skin. Keep scrolling for eight sweat-proof options to turn to for an easy (and lasting) makeup look on repeat.

1. Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon, $26

This gel crayon easily glides along your eye for lining precision. Choose from every color you could imagine in either a shimmery or matte finish. Whichever on you go with, it’ll last long after you sweat.

2. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $22

If you’re skilled with using liquid eyeliners, the Stila option is waterproof and does not budge. The tip is ultra-fine so you can define your eye with a subtle line, or choose to use a more dramatic stroke.

3. Pat Mcgrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner, $32

This luxe liquid eyeliner is said to last for an entire day, and it dries super quickly as it gives you inky pigment that doesn’t wear off.

4. Lovinah Liquid Eyeliner, $21

Lovinah makes a vegan, cruelty-free, sweat-proof eyeliner that has bold pigment without any nasty ingredients (like talc, mineral oil, or parabens). The liner goes on matte and is water-resistant for true staying power.

5. Almay Nice Ink Liquid Eyeliner, $6

The applicator for this one is like a teeny, tiny paintbrush: You have full control over how your liner goes on, whether it’s a light trace or a bold cat eye. The liquid formula doesn’t sweat or smudge throughout the day since it’s water-resistant.

6. Hard Candy Stroke of Gorgeous Liquid Eyeliner, $6

Another liquid option is this Hard Candy liner, which has a fine tip for a smooth glide along with a 12-hour, smudge-proof formula.

7. IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Gel Eyeliner, $22

For those who prefer more of a pencil-style eyeliner, the IT Cosmetics gel pencil makes for a buttery-soft application. It blends really easily but dries fast so that it stays put.

8. Jillian Dempsey Eyeliner, $20

Jillian Dempsey makes a nourishing (thanks to jojoba and marula oils and shea butter) and cruelty-free eyeliner that’s also waterproof. Get a smokier look with the smudging end of the pencil.