14 Best Eyeliners for the Waterline of 2026: Drugstore Picks That Stay Put

The wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Gel Eyeliner holds its own against higher-end waterline pencils, with a satin finish that lasts through tears and humidity. The retractable design means no sharpening, but the creamy gel tip can snap if twisted out too far — a minor caution for those used to firmer pencils. This is the best budget-friendly pick for anyone who wants reliable waterline definition without spending more than a few dollars.

This Almay pencil is formulated for sensitive eyes, passing ophthalmologist testing without stinging or watering. It applies smoothly with decent pigmentation for daily use. On the waterline, staying power is limited — expect reapplication after a few hours. Best for users with reactive eyes who prioritize comfort over all-day wear.

The Tattoo Studio’s 36-hour claim isn’t just marketing — this pencil stays on the waterline from morning into the next day, outlasting the top pick for marathon events. The built-in smudger lets you soften the line for a smoky look without extra tools. That endurance comes with trade-offs: some users find the formula irritating on sensitive eyes, and removal requires a dedicated waterproof makeup remover. This is the liner to grab when you need all-day confidence and don’t mind the extra step at night.

The 1.8mm micro tip creates a thin, clean line along the waterline without overwhelming the eye – ideal for tightlining or subtle depth. However, the tip can snap off if twisted out too far, and the skinny size means the pencil is used up faster than standard options. Makeup artists or precision-focused users will value the control, but daily wearers who prioritize longevity may find the tradeoffs limiting.

The NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil delivers smooth, pigmented color at a budget-friendly price, with a retractable design that eliminates sharpening. For waterline use, however, the tip can snap under pressure and smudge resistance may vary, making it better suited for occasional wear or experimenting with shades rather than all-day waterline reliability.

This eyeliner delivers a creamy, ultra-pigmented black line with easy application at a budget-friendly price. However, the tip can snap off during use and smudge resistance varies, making it better suited for top lid lining than dependable waterline wear.

The Rimmel London Exaggerate delivers deep black pigment and a smooth glide, with the added convenience of a built-in smudger and sharpener for quick smoky eye looks. However, the pencil may crumble under normal pressure, and the waterproof claim falls short — smudging can occur on the waterline, making it better suited for short wear or top-lid use than all-day waterline definition.

This retractable gel pencil glides without pulling and stays put through workouts and tears. The blending tip adds convenience. However, removal requires a dedicated eye makeup remover, and smudging can occur on very oily eyelids. Best for those who prioritize staying power over easy cleanup.

The Rimmel pencil delivers a smooth, intensely black line that feels comfortable on the waterline. However, sharpening the soft gel core is tricky and often damages the pencil, and the finish can smudge for some. It works best for those who use up a pencil quickly and don't need a retractable option.

The Urban Decay 24/7 delivers vibrant color payoff and a creamy glide that works beautifully on the top lid. For waterline use, smudge resistance is inconsistent, the pencil is difficult to sharpen without breakage, and the product runs out quickly given the premium price. It suits brand fans who prioritize shade range over daily waterline reliability.

The Covergirl Perfect Blend delivers highly pigmented color and a handy blending tip for softening edges at a low price. But its poor smudge resistance on the waterline means this pencil is best reserved for top-lid lining or brow filling.

This L'Oreal delivers a deep black pigment that blends easily into a smoky effect, with a smooth application on the waterline. The soft texture, however, can transfer and fade within a few hours, making it unsuitable for extended wear. It suits users who prioritize a sultry look for short events or photos over longevity.

Wet n wild's Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner offers creamy, highly pigmented color at a budget-friendly price. It is not waterproof and can smudge on the waterline, so it works best for top-lid application or intentional smudgy grunge looks rather than all-day waterline wear. The pencil also requires careful sharpening to avoid breakage.