Finding the perfect drugstore eyeliner that stays put on your waterline all day can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many brands boast impressive claims of long-lasting wear and waterproof formulas, but do they deliver? This comprehensive review puts a variety of popular drugstore eyeliners to the test, comparing their application, wear time, and smudge resistance. We pitted budget-friendly options against slightly pricier choices, and even included a high-end brand for comparison, to determine which truly lives up to its promises. Prepare to discover which eyeliner reigns supreme in the battle for all-day wear on the delicate waterline.From well-known brands to lesser-known gems, we subjected each eyeliner to rigorous real-world testing throughout an entire day. This review will unveil the truth behind those alluring marketing claims. We meticulously documented application ease, pigment intensity, midday wear, and end-of-day results, revealing which eyeliners smudged, transferred, or faded, and which ones surprisingly outperformed their higher-priced competitors. Get ready to uncover the ultimate drugstore champion for flawless, long-lasting waterline definition.
Pros And Cons
- Almost completely intact at half-day mark
- Lasted almost all day
- Minimal transfer
- Applied easily
- Initially darker color payoff than Essence
- Did not last all day
- Did not last 24 hours as claimed
- Transferred to bottom lid
- Lasted significantly longer than drugstore brands
- Performed better than Sephora 24-hour liner
- Transferred to bottom waterline
- Did not last all day
- Contender at half-day mark
- Transferred to bottom waterline
- Completely worn off by end of day
Read more: Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner: 5 Best Looks
Essence Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil vs. Sephora 12 Hour Colorful Eyeliner
This comparison pits a budget-friendly option, the Essence Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil, against the slightly pricier Sephora 12 Hour Colorful Eyeliner. Both claim impressive staying power, but real-world testing reveals a stark contrast. The application process itself differed significantly; the Sephora eyeliner applied smoothly and richly pigmented, unlike the Essence pencil which required multiple passes to achieve noticeable color.
The half-day check showed the Essence eyeliner almost completely gone, whereas the Sephora liner, while exhibiting some transfer, persisted more effectively. However, by the end of the day, neither lived up to its all-day claim. The Sephora liner, despite initial promise, ultimately faded considerably. This highlights the inherent inconsistency in long-wear claims across drugstore brands.
L'Oréal Liner Signature vs. Kokie Velvet Smooth Eyeliner
Next up, a head-to-head comparison of L'Oréal Liner Signature and Kokie Velvet Smooth eyeliner. Both claim impressive waterproof and long-lasting wear. Initial application showed the L'Oréal liner to be slightly more pigmented. The half-day evaluation showcased both eyeliners exhibiting smudging and transfer to the lower eyelid; neither performed exceptionally well.
By day's end, both were barely detectable, significantly underperforming their claimed longevity. This demonstrated that even well-known brands don't always deliver on their promises, specifically regarding all-day wear. The lower lash smudging is a significant drawback for both.
Number Seven Stay Perfect Eyeliner vs. Maybelline Tattoo Studio Liner
This comparison involves the Number Seven Stay Perfect eyeliner and the Maybelline Tattoo Studio liner, both marketed as waterproof and long-lasting. The application of both eyeliners showed a difference in pigment; the Maybelline liner being notably more pigmented. By the mid-afternoon check, the Number Seven liner was practically nonexistent.
In contrast, the Maybelline liner showed some persistence but significant transfer to the lower lash line. Both clearly failed to meet their promised wear time. The Maybelline liner showed some slight staying power, but the transfer makes it unsuitable for sensitive users.
Covergirl Exhibitionist vs. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner
This segment compares Covergirl Exhibitionist and Revlon ColorStay eyeliners, both boasting 24-hour wear claims. Both applied with similar pigmentation. At the half-day mark, both eyeliners showed significant smudging and transfer underneath the eyes, indicating a failure to stay put.
By day's end, both were almost entirely gone, having transferred heavily to the lower eyelids. Neither product lived up to its advertised claim of all-day wear; significant smudging and transfer are major drawbacks.
L'Oréal Infallible Pro Last vs. Pixi Define Waterline Eyeliner
This review assesses L'Oréal Infallible Pro Last and Pixi Define Waterline eyeliners, both marketed as waterproof. The Pixi eyeliner, despite being designed for the waterline, performed poorly in the test. Both eyeliners exhibited significant transfer and wear within the day.
The end-of-day evaluation confirmed that both eyeliners failed to provide lasting wear. The transfer made these products unsuitable for all-day use; neither lived up to the expectation of a waterproof and smudge-proof eyeliner.
Sephora 24 Hour vs. Makeup Forever Aqua Resist
A high-end versus drugstore battle ensues between Sephora 24 Hour and Makeup Forever Aqua Resist eyeliners. This test aimed to see if a higher-priced product justified its cost. The half-day assessment showed the Makeup Forever liner performed significantly better, with minimal transfer, compared to the Sephora liner.
However, even the high-end Makeup Forever eyeliner exhibited some wear by day's end, proving that even expensive products may not deliver on their all-day promises. While the Sephora liner still showed some decent wear, it still didn't provide all-day wear.
Milani Stay Put Eyeliner vs. Makeup Forever Aqua Resist (Final Showdown)
The final comparison features Milani Stay Put and Makeup Forever Aqua Resist eyeliners. This test aimed to find a definitive drugstore winner. The half-day check revealed the Milani eyeliner to be surprisingly superior, far outperforming all previous drugstore contenders.
The end-of-day results cemented the Milani eyeliner's victory. It maintained almost perfect wear, only showing minimal transfer – a significant achievement among all tested eyeliners. It proved to be the only product to meet the criteria of all-day wear.
Conclusion: The Best Drugstore Waterline Eyeliner
After rigorously testing numerous drugstore and high-end eyeliners, the Milani Stay Put Eyeliner emerged as the clear winner for its exceptional all-day wear and minimal transfer. While other products showed initial promise, none could match the Milani's staying power and overall performance.
The key features that set the Milani apart were its intense pigmentation, impressive longevity, and resistance to smudging. Its ability to stay put on the waterline, avoiding transfer to the lower lash line, made it truly exceptional. This product offers a high level of quality that rivals, and even surpasses, some more expensive counterparts.