5 Smudge-Proof Eyeliners And Pencils To Get You Party-Ready
Whether it's a dramatic cat-eye flick you're aiming to achieve or a sexy, smoky eye you want to add some edge to, these smudge-proof eyeliners and pencils from brands like Fenty Beauty, 3CE and Chanel help make the job a lot easier.
Gen Z’s approach to eyeliner is all about making it the star of the show. Instead of using it as a simple accent to a full face of makeup, they’re embracing a minimalist vibe, often wearing a single, precise flick or a smudged line on a bare face. The goal is to create a cool, effortless look that enhances their eyes without a ton of effort.
How to apply eyeliner like a pro
To get this look, the steps are super simple. First, start with a clean face and maybe a little concealer if you need it. Then, using a liquid or gel eyeliner, draw a sharp, thin line from the inner corner of your eye, following your upper lash line to the outer corner. For a winged look, simply extend the line slightly upwards and outwards, then connect it back to the lash line to form a small triangle. For a softer, “siren eye” effect, use a pencil liner to tightline your upper and lower lashes and smudge it out a bit for a subtle, mysterious vibe. The key is to let the eyeliner stand alone, so skip the mascara and eyeshadow to really let it pop.
1: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner
For a generation that values authenticity and effortless cool, Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner is a total vibe. This isn’t your average eyeliner that tugs at your skin or smudges five minutes after you apply it. Its super creamy, gel-like formula glides on like butter, making it foolproof to create a sharp winged liner or a perfectly blended smoky eye. Plus, it’s seriously long-lasting and waterproof, so it won’t budge no matter what you’re up to—from a night out to a full day of classes. It’s got that “I woke up like this” feel but with a precise, flawless finish, making it the ultimate tool for achieving a clean, cool-girl look without the extra effort.
2. CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Liner
The CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Liner is a go-to for anyone who wants a precise, long-lasting line without the struggle. This K-Beauty staple is loved for its ultra-slim 2mm tip, which allows for effortless and accurate application, even for beginners. The creamy, gel-like formula glides on without any tugging or skipping, delivering rich, vivid pigment in a single stroke. What truly sets it apart is its impressive staying power; the waterproof and smudge-proof formula resists water, sweat, and oil, so you can count on your eyeliner to stay put from morning to night. It’s the perfect tool for creating anything from a sharp, defined wing to a subtle, tight-lined look that looks naturally flawless.
3. Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Fenty Beauty’s Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner is a game-changer for anyone who wants a killer wing with zero stress. This liner is all about that “no-limit” life, thanks to its innovative “Flex Tip” felt applicator, which is extra long and flexible for maximum versatility. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a pro perfecting your cat eye, the tip allows for a smooth, uninterrupted ink flow without any skipping or dragging. The formula itself is a “hyper-saturated” satin finish that combines the intense color of a liquid with the smooth glide of a gel, ensuring your look is bold, water-resistant, and won’t fade or transfer until you’re ready to take it off. Plus, the easy-to-hold triangular shape feels comfortable in your hand, making application a breeze.
4: 3CE Soft Mute Pencil Liner
The 3CE Soft Mute Pencil Liner is a go-to for achieving that effortlessly chic, “no-makeup makeup” look that’s all the rage in K-Beauty. This eyeliner stands out for its unique range of seven muted, low-saturation shades that offer a soft, natural definition rather than a harsh, dramatic line. The formula is designed to be waterproof, sweat-proof, and smudge-proof, ensuring it stays put all day long without fading. We really like how its creamy, non-drying texture glides smoothly onto the lash line, making it incredibly easy to use and blend for a subtle, smoky effect or for softly defining the eyes for an everyday, cozy mood.
5. Chanel Style Yeux Waterproof
The Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof is a cult-favorite eyeliner pencil renowned for its luxurious feel and exceptional performance. This long-wearing kohl pencil is formulated to be highly resistant to water, humidity, and sebum, ensuring your eye look stays perfectly in place all day without smudging or fading. The creamy, smooth texture glides effortlessly onto the lash line, allowing for a precise and intense line with minimal effort. It features a retractable tip, making it incredibly convenient for on-the-go application, and even has a built-in sharpener for maintaining a fine point. Available in a beautiful range of shades from classic black to vibrant jewel tones, it’s the ultimate tool for achieving a defined, sophisticated, and worry-free eye look.
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