Best Waterproof Eyeliners That Actually Stay Put: No Smudge, No Mess
A great eyeliner can define your eyes in seconds, but if it smudges or fades, the look falls apart. That’s where waterproof eyeliners make all the difference. Whether you’re sweating in the sun, dancing at a wedding, or facing the rain, a good waterproof eyeliner will stay put, stay sharp, and stay bold.
In this guide, we’ve listed the best waterproof eyeliners in India, from liquid liners for sharp wings to pencil liners for your waterline. These eyeliners are tested for smudge resistance, staying power, pigment payoff, and ease of use so that you can find the perfect match for your routine.
No matter your budget or skill level, there’s a smudge-proof pick here.
Our Top Recommendations
Why Choose Waterproof Eyeliner?
Waterproof eyeliner is designed to stay in place, regardless of your day’s activities. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your makeup kit:
- Smudge-Proof: Doesn’t smear or run, even after hours of wear.
- Long-Lasting: Holds up through hot weather, workouts, or rain.
- Great for Waterline: Stays put on your inner lash line without fading.
- Perfect for Events: Ideal for weddings, travel, and long days out.
- Oily Skin Friendly: Won’t melt or slide off like regular liners.
Types of Waterproof Eyeliners
| Type | Best For | Texture | Application Style |
| Liquid | Sharp wings, clean lines | Thin, precise | Felt tip/brush tip |
| Gel | Smoky looks, bold pigment | Creamy | Pot with brush or pencil |
| Pencil | Quick use, waterline lining | Soft or firm | Twist-up or sharpenable |
| Crayon | Beginners, lower lash line | Smooth | Direct glide-on |
Top Waterproof Eyeliners in India
Maybelline New York Colossal Eyeliner
This Maybelline Colossal Eyeliner is a waterproof, smudge-proof liquid liner with a fine brush tip. It delivers rich, intense colour, precise application, and solid smudge resistance, all at an affordable price point. If you’re looking for a reliable liner to create sharp, bold looks without breaking the bank, it’s a great option.
Key Features of Maybelline New York Colossal Eyeliner:
- Ink‑Pigment Technology: Provides intense black colour in a single stroke, with high payoff.
- Brush‑Tip Applicator: Long handle with a fine, small brush for precision, ideal for wings and sharp lines.
- 24‑Hour Waterproof & Smudge‑Proof: Claims long-lasting, water-resistant performance for a long-lasting stay.
- Matte Finish: Sets to a non-shiny, matte look that suits bold eye styles.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Rich pigmentation | The brush tip may require practice for smooth lines |
| Accurate application | Contains parabens |
| Dramatic finish | Only available in black shade |
| Affordable price |
Best For:
- Winged eyeliner lovers who need precision
- Users are looking for a budget-friendly waterproof liner
- Wearers want a matte, bold finish that lasts
Faces Canada Magneteyes Eyeliner
The FACES CANADA Magneteyes Eyeliner is a liquid eyeliner known for its intense matte finish, fine brush tip, and water-resistant wear. Its formula aims to provide sharp, dark lines with minimal smudging. With its added skincare benefits in the premium versions, it’s a versatile pick for both bold graphic looks and everyday wear.
Key Features of Faces Canada Magneteyes Eyeliner:
- Fine Brush Tip: Thin, flexible brush allows for controlled, precise line application, perfect for wings and defined curves.
- Matte, Smudge-Resistant Formula: Dries quickly to a matte black finish and resists smearing during daily wear.
- Long-Wear, Water-Resistant: Claims of up to 24 hours of wear; many users note strong hold against light moisture.
- Additional Care Ingredients: Enriched with Vitamin E and Almond Extract to help soothe the area around the eyes.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Razor-sharp lines | Small size may run out faster |
| Smudge-resistant | Limited colour options |
| Quick-drying formula | |
| Nourishing ingredients |
Best For:
- Users who want a sharp, matte eyeliner that stays put
- For those who need control for winged or graphic looks
- Anyone on a budget seeking a high-impact black liner
Lakme Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner
The Lakmé Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner is an intense-matte eyeliner with a unique flexi-tip brush. With precise application, boldness, and lasting finish, this eyeliner adds convenience for sensitive eyes and travel users. It strikes a balance between performance and price, delivering strong, matte lines that resist smudging and transfer. Those who want a compact, travel-friendly bottle should consider this one of the best waterproof eyeliners.
Key Features of Lakme Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner:
- Flexi-tip Brush: The flexible brush adapts to your lash line shape, offering both fine and bold strokes depending on pressure.
- Long-Lasting Stay: This 24-hour waterproof & smudge-proof formula is designed to stay put through heat, sweat, and daily activity, and to resist transfer.
- Intense Matte Finish: This eyeliner offers a deep black pigment that dries quickly without a shine.
- Safe to Use: It is ophthalmologist-tested, making it suitable for users with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Sleek and easy to carry | The brush might be wider than felt-tip tips |
| Precise, flexible brush | It might dry out faster |
| Deep matte-black pigment | |
| Gentle formula |
Best For:
- Every day, winged and bold looks
- Long-wear needs like long office hours or events
- Sensitive-eyes users who need a gentle yet potent formula
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner
The Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner is a twist-up, richly pigmented eyeliner built to last up to 24 hours with waterproof and smudge-proof wear. It combines precision and convenience, making it a dependable choice for everyday use. The pencil includes a built-in sharpener and a smudger tip, allowing you to create both sharp lines and soft, smoky looks with ease. With multiple shade options and a strong user reputation, it’s a versatile eyeliner for anyone looking for long-lasting, hassle-free application.
Key Features of Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner:
- 24‑Hour Longwear Formula: It holds through sweat, tears, and humidity without fading or smudging.
- Ultra-Fine Tip with Built-In Sharpener: This eyeliner features a precise line with the aid of a convenient sharpener that keeps the tip sharp.
- Waterproof & Smudge-Proof: Resists water exposure and stays intact throughout the day.
- Smudger Tip Included: This set also includes a smudger tip, allowing for easy blending and a smoky effect.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Strong long wear | A pencil may feel too stiff/dry for some |
| Smooth application | |
| Adds convenience | |
| Available in many shades |
Best For:
- All-day wearers need long-lasting eyeliner in any weather.
- Travellers who value convenience and a built-in sharpener.
MARS Ink Black Eyeliner
Next, we have a pen-style liquid eyeliner with an ultra-fine tip by MARS. One of the best eyeliners in India, it delivers intense, jet-black pigment in a single stroke. It offers smooth, bold, and precise lines at a budget-friendly price. The quick-dry, water‑resistant formula makes it ideal for sharp, bold lines that last. Overall, it’s a strong contender for everyday and event makeup without a high price tag.
Key Features of MARS Ink Black Eyeliner:
- Ultra‑fine sketch‑pen tip: This eyeliner comes with a sharp, precise felt-tip applicator designed like a sketch pen. It gives you full control over the thickness of your lines.
- Smudge-Resistant Formula: The liquid formula dries within seconds of application, reducing the chances of transfer or smudging. This makes it ideal for quick makeup routines.
- Intense Jet-Black Pigment: The eyeliner delivers a deep, bold black finish in just one stroke. Its high pigment payoff means you don’t have to layer it multiple times to achieve the desired intensity, making it time-saving and efficient.
- Matte to semi‑matte finish: Creates bold, matte colour with a slight sheen depending on light.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Does not flake or smear | No variant shades |
| Travel-friendly design | May require oil-based remover |
| Bold and dark colour | |
| Budget-friendly pricing |
Best For:
- Beginners and precision seekers who want to learn wings
- Bold, everyday makeup look that holds well
- Budget-conscious users who want quality without spending a huge
Maybelline Drama Gel Eyeliner
The Maybelline Gel Eyeliner is a pot eyeliner known for its richly pigmented, long-lasting formula. It blends bold pigment, strong waterproof wear, and safety for sensitive eyes into one affordable package. The eyeliner glides on smoothly, sets quickly to a matte finish, and resists smudging, making it ideal for both dramatic and everyday looks. If you’re looking for a reliable, long-wear gel eyeliner, this one deserves a spot in your kit.
Key Features of Maybelline Drama Gel Eyeliner:
- Super-Concentrated Formula: Packed with intense pigment, this oil-free gel offers a bold, high-impact colour payoff in one stroke. It delivers a dramatic look without multiple layers.
- Waterproof & Smudge-Proof: The formula sets fast and locks in place. It resists water, sweat, and light rubbing, perfect for humid days or long events.
- Safe to Use: It is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested, which makes it safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It is also clinically tested for irritation and allergies.
- Oil-Free, Clean Texture: The lightweight, oil-free gel glides on smoothly and dries into a matte finish without greasiness.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| One-stroke colour payoff | May flake if layered excessively |
| Up to 24 hours of wear | Requires a brush for application |
| Dual-ended brush | |
| Quick-drying formula |
Best For:
- Winged eyeliner fans and anyone craving bold, graphic eye styles
- Sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers need gentle, tested formulas
- Long days and events where staying power is essential
SUGAR Arrested Eyeliner
The SUGAR Arrested Waterproof Eyeliner is a sleek, pen-style liner designed for creating bold black lines with minimal effort. It offers sharp precision, jet-black pigment, and fast-drying water resistance, making it a strong pick for anyone who wants crisp, fade-resistant lines at an affordable price. It also features a fine felt tip and a fast-drying, waterproof formula, which is ideal for all-day wear.
Key Features of SUGAR Arrested Eyeliner:
- Fine Felt Sketch Pen Tip: Offers precise control for both thin lines and graphic wings. The felt tip is flexible yet firm, suitable for both beginners and pros to achieve sharp, defined lines.
- Quick-Dry Formula: Dries within seconds to a semi-matte finish. It also resists sweat and splashes, staying put for 7–10 hours of daily wear.
- Deep Jet-Black Pigment: The black ink delivers one-stroke opacity, eliminating the need for layering. It also boasts intense colour payoff.
- Dermatologically Tested & Cruelty-Free: Paraben-free and safe for all skin types. It’s also certified cruelty-free, meeting modern cosmetic standards.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Pen-style compact body | Sold in only one shade |
| Ultra-precise tip | Small size as per the price |
| Bold, jet-black pigmentation | |
| Secure cap to prevent drying |
Best For:
- Graphic wing lovers seeking precision
- Eco-conscious buyers prefer cruelty-free options
- Busy individuals looking for quick-dry
Colorbar Opaque Liquid Eyeliner
The Colorbar Precision Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a matte-black, sketch-pen style liner made for bold, long-lasting eye makeup. With a flexible felt-tip applicator and waterproof formula, it claims to offer precise lines, quick drying, and all-day hold. Its compact design and ergonomic tip make it a reliable pick for everyday wear and travel. If you’re looking for a great mid-range choice, this is one of the best waterproof eyeliners to have.
Key Features of Colorbar Opaque Liquid Eyeliner:
- Flexible Felt-Tip Applicator: The long, ergonomic silver cap houses a soft, flexible felt tip that adapts to your eyelid’s shape. It allows you to create both ultra-fine lines and bold strokes.
- Smudge-Proof Formula: This liner resists water, sweat, and smudging under normal wear conditions. It stays put all day without flaking, cracking, or transferring.
- Quick-Dry & Matte Finish: It dries rapidly to a clean, matte-black finish with minimal shine. This speed-dry formula makes it great for quick, on-the-go application without smearing.
- Eye-Safe & Skin-Friendly: Ophthalmologically and dermatologically tested, this liner is paraben-free, mineral oil-free, and formaldehyde-free.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Compact packaging | It has watery consistency |
| Durable tip | Tip may feel broad for ultra-fine lines |
| Matte finish | |
| Rich, intensely black pigment |
Best For:
- Creating sharp winged eyeliner with ease
- Those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses due to safe formula
- Anyone looking for a clean, matte finish without shiny residue
Swiss Beauty Holographic Eyeliner
The Swiss Beauty Holographic Eyeliner is a multi-chrome, retractable eyeliner that delivers a stunning holographic finish in one swipe. This one of the best waterproof eyeliners is a creamy, waterproof formula, designed for bold, colour-shifting eye looks suitable for day and night. It delivers smooth, smudge-resistant wear with a unique shine. Ideal for creative looks and events. If you’re looking to add a fun, statement-making liner, this is a top choice.
Key Features of Swiss Beauty Holographic Eyeliner:
- Multi-Chrome/Shimmer Finish: This eyeliner shifts colour depending on light, creating a mesmerising holographic effect.
- Waterproof & Smudge-Proof: The formula resists water, sweat, and mild humidity, remaining intact throughout the day. Users report that it becomes smudge-proof in seconds, locking in the metallic colour.
- Smooth Glide: The retractable, creamy lead glides effortlessly along the lash line. Its build-and-spin design makes daily use and on-the-go touch-ups easy.
- Travel-Friendly & Skin-Conscious: Each liner is compact, paraben-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, catering to conscious users who want bold looks without harsh ingredients.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Available in 6 vibrant shades | Soft tip can break |
| Striking colour shift | Cap must be closed securely to avoid lead drying out |
| Offers precise control | |
| Free of parabens |
Best For:
- Statement eye looks with colour-shifting effects
- Creative experimentation across six holographic shades
- Makeup users who prefer clean, vegan, travel-friendly products
L.A GIRL Shockwave Neon Eyeliner
The L.A. Girl Shockwave Neon Eyeliner is a gel-based, retractable pencil liner designed to make a bold statement. It delivers vivid neon or metallic colours through a creamy, smooth formula that claims up to 16 hours of water-resistant wear, perfect for pop-up looks and long events. If you’re looking for a punchy, reliable neon liner in a safe and compact format, this one checks the boxes of one of the top waterproof eyeliners.
Key Features of L.A GIRL Shockwave Neon Eyeliner:
- Neon & Metallic Colour Range: Offers 6 bright eye shades as well as metallic variants. Each shade provides high-impact colour that shifts with light to create striking looks.
- Creamy, Water-Resistant: Glides on smoothly with no tugging, thanks to its creamy texture. Once it sets, it resists water, sweat, and minor smudging for up to 16 hours.
- Retractable & Sharpenable Design: Encased in soft plastic to prevent drying out. Although retractable, it can also be sharpened with a standard pencil sharpener to restore a crisp tip.
- Safe & Cruelty-Free: The formula is FDA-approved for the eye area, paraben-free, and ophthalmologist-tested, making it suitable for sensitive eyes.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Secure twist design | Small quantity means faster replacement |
| Glide without tugging | Tip can break if pressed too hard |
| Ophthalmologist-tested | |
| Multiple colour options |
Best For:
- Bold, statement-making looks for festivals, parties, or creative makeup
- Users who want neon or metallic eye colour that lasts longer
- Makeup users with sensitive eyes
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Eyeliner?
Not all waterproof eyeliners work the same. The right one depends on your eye shape, skin type, and preferred look. Here’s what to check before you buy:
Choose the Right Type
Waterproof eyeliners are available in various formats, including liquid, gel, and pencil. You need to pick a type that fits your comfort level and the style you prefer. For instance, liquid liners are ideal for creating sharp lines and achieving a winged look, gel liners work well for bold, smoky eyes, and pencils are best for quick touch-ups and lining the waterline.
Check for Smudge & Water Resistance
The label should clearly say “waterproof”, but also check if it’s smudge-proof and long-wearing. Some liners claim to be waterproof but still fade or break down when exposed to sweat or oil. Confirm the real staying power of the eyeliner, especially in humid or hot weather.
Pick a Tip Style You Can Control
The applicator tip affects how easy the eyeliner is to use. Felt tips are firm and easy to handle, ideal for beginners. Brush tips offer high precision for detailed lines but need a steady hand. Pencils (twist-up or sharpenable) are convenient and perfect for casual, quick application.
Go for Rich Pigment
Choose an eyeliner that delivers intense colour in one swipe. A high-pigment formula means you don’t have to layer it multiple times. The liner should be smooth, even, and visibly rich without pressing hard.
Look for Safe Formulas
If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, make sure the eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested or marked as safe for waterline use. These formulas are gentler and reduce the risk of irritation or redness, especially when applied close to the eye.
Final Word
Waterproof eyeliners aren’t just a makeup extra, they’re a daily essential for anyone who wants their eye look to last. Whether you’re at work, on the go, or out late, a reliable waterproof formula keeps your eyeliner in place without the need for touch-ups.
Whether you’re looking for a long-lasting eyeliner for daily use, something safe for the waterline, or the best waterproof eyeliner in India for oily eyelids, this list has you covered. From affordable drugstore options to premium picks, every product listed offers real staying power and smooth application.
Pick the one that fits your needs and skin type, and say goodbye to smudges for good.
FAQs
Which eyeliner is the best for waterproof?
Maybelline Drama Gel Eyeliner, Revlon ColorStay Pencil, and Lakmé Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner are the best waterproof options for long-lasting, smudge-proof wear.
Can I sleep with waterproof eyeliner?
No, it’s not recommended. Sleeping with any eyeliner, even waterproof, can irritate your eyes and clog lash follicles.
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant eyeliner?
Waterproof eyeliner resists water completely and remains in place through sweat or tears. Water-resistant eyeliner can handle light moisture but may smudge or fade with more exposure.
How do I remove waterproof eyeliner?
Use a gentle oil-based or bi-phase makeup remover. Avoid rubbing, press a soaked cotton pad and let it break down the product.
Is waterproof eyeliner good for oily eyelids?
Yes, it works well. Look for smudge-proof gel or liquid liners that lock in place and resist oil.
Can waterproof eyeliner be used daily?
Yes, as long as it’s safe for sensitive eyes and you remove it properly every night.
