Long travel days. Glorious heat. Humidity. Summer. All things I adore. Sadly, these also happen to all be known enemies of the eyeliner! Is there anything more embarrassing than running into an old friend in the grocery store, then hopping back in your car and noticing YOU LOOK LIKE A RACCON! Okay, yes, there are plenty of things more embarrassing, but that little walk of shame is completley avoidable. Smudged and smeared eyeliner, even in the summer heat, is simply a fashion don’t. This week I’ve tackled my favourite aisle in the drugstore and brought home just a few of my fave eyeliners, all “water resistant” or “water proof” of course. The objective? To test, and try them all and finally find a short list of the best buys, the true beauties, the eyeliners you can count on to be smudge proof, waterproof and keep you looking your best from morning to night.
The criteria for purchase.
- Eyeliners that doesn’t break the bank. All must be reasonably well priced and available at a local drugstore or mall
- That have staying power
- Eyeliners that are easy to use.
**I know the gel versions of eye liners have the longest staying power and versatility, but to be honest, I just don’t have a steady enough hand for those. For this test we will select pencil or gel-pencil hybrids as they are the most forgiving of mistakes and easiest to apply.
Here are our Top 5 Choices for foolproof, nearly waterproof eyeliners:
#1 Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner: With an automatic pencil like this you are always ready to get your pretty on! Once the colour is applied, the soft, modern finish won’t move or crease. Available in an array of matte and shimmer formulas that stay, these colours really will not smudge or run! I was surprised to find this little beauty in Shoppers Drug Mart!
#2 CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil: A great drugstore find! It’s just soft enough to blend easily from the lash line out so you can do a simple eye or for more drama, a cat eye look. At this price point you really can’t go wrong with CoverGirl. Better pick it up in a few colours.
#3 Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner. This eyeliner glides on effortlessly adding both drama and definition to your eyes. No matter what your day holds, the waterproof formula will keep you covered.
#4 L’Oreal Paris Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner – Yes I know it’s technically a liquid, but the felt tip makes it as simple and straightforward to use as the more often preferred pencils. Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner has a tapered natural brush that gives you the control to create the most precise lines for your desired eye looks.
#5 Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner. Another find at an amazing price point. Under $5.00! This eyeliner glides on so smoothly and has an almost creamy feeling. After a moment to set it is smudge proof, sweat proof and humidity proof. Bonus: This one comes in a variety of brilliant colours and is also perfect for those with sensitive eyes.
So which eyeliner will I be throwing in my make-up bag as I head outside this summer or pack for my next trip? I can’t pick just one so both #1 and #2 will be making their way into my regular rotation. Stila for that stay put proof formula I know will get me though the intense heat, and Covergirl in a couple of colours to add some smudge proof pizzaz to my everyday make-up. I’ll be counting on these fabulous products to get me through the heat of the summer as I sip cocktails outdoors, long walks to the park, adventures in them parks, or just to be sure I look picture perfect the next time I run into an old friend at a grocery store. Three cheers for whoever the brilliant Mama was who first created eyeliners.
Debbie White Beattie says
Eye liner is so hard to find the right one for yourself. I probably have a dozen that have all different lengths from different use. Thanks for the help !
Kyooty/Mary says
I’m partial to Avon Glimmersticks 🙂
CL Chin says
Glad I saw this, I think I will try Stila because I overheard my co-worker talking about their eyeliner. I also don’t want to pay too much if I don’t know much about a specific brand.
Melinda Jana says
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve been looking for eyeliners but haven’t found one I love, love yet. Currently use Annabelle, it seems decent, but not waterproof.
sarah alexis says
First of all THANK YOU. Eyeliner is my favourite makeup – I feel naked without it. Yet I haven’t found a favourite. I walk into the store and I never know which one to buy. I think next time I’ll try the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil – sounds like the right one for me. 🙂
heidi c. says
I tend to stick to the same products when I find one that I like. I appreciate reviews like these that encourage me out of my comfort zone.
Shannon says
Great suggestions and there are a couple I haven’t tried here!
Judy Cowan says
Good to know, haven’t tried any of these. Will have to pick up a few.
Karla Sceviour says
ohh,I haven`t tried any of those! My favorite is the Essence gel pencil eyeliner,,and I also love Avon`s cheap pencil black eyeliner! I keep going back to it!
Stephanie LaPlante says
I usually buy the Revlon. It’s awesome.
Soozle says
Huh! I have actually never heard of the Stila brand – Im surprised to hear it’s from SDM! I will be giving it a try 🙂
Lynda Cook says
These are all great eyeliners, my favourite out of these ones is the Revlon, I love that one, and then next would be Stila, but I would wear any of these ones!!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I am so glad that I no longer bother with eye liner, mascara or make-up in general. I do think that water proof make-up is essential, I remember laughing so hard that I had black streaks down my face. 🙂
nicolthepickle says
The stila one looks good to me. I wear a lot of eyeliner and am always looking for a really good one.
Treen Goodwin says
Great review , i love cover girl , its my go to brand , i find its the best one i have ever used , thanks for sharing , i might try out one of the brands you tried out !