10 best waterproof eyeliners that won’t budge in the heat and humidity

From satin to glittery finishes, the Lancome Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner are the ones to pick up to start off your liner collection. The classic formula just received an update, and now can stay on your eyes for up to 24 hours — all without flaking, fading, or transferring off your lids. The ultra waterproof formula is also richly pigmented, with full-on colour in just one stroke.

We’ve all experienced a retractable pencil eyeliner that still could use some sharpening action. Enter: Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Matte Eyeliner Pencil. With an integrated sharpener, achieve a perfect stroke each time you reach for this one. Six matte colours are available for this range, and the formula is waterproof and delivers intense colour with each swipe.

As the name suggests, the eyeliner is completely waterproof and will stay on through any heat and humidity. Promising 24 hours of wear, the Tom Ford Emotionproof eyeliner is a staple for anyone living in a warm and humid climate. Designed to stay put, the Emotionproof formula is truly prepared for any situation. Just remember to blend quickly if you want to go for a smudgy look, and to take it one eyelid at a time.

As one of the world’s most sought-after makeup artists, Pat McGrath knows a thing or two about what a good eyeliner pencil should look and feel like. Her very own Permagel pencil has a slightly powdery yet still creamy texture that’s similar to that of gel liner, so expect a smooth, highly pigmented application with every stroke. Its formulation also allows for ample time to smudge and diffuse before setting into a long-lasting matte finish for a smokey eye look.

If you’ve always wanted to achieve that smouldering rock star eyeliner look a la Kate Moss, make the Rock ’N’ Kohl your best friend. Created specifically so you can achieve the perfect “bedroom eye”, this pencil marries the silky-smooth glide of a liquid eyeliner with the sooty, pigment-rich payoff of kohl. The waterproof, long-lasting formula sets after 30 seconds and stays locked in for the next 14 hours too, so you don’t have to constantly worry about looking like a coked-up has-been. As a little treat for your peepers, there’s crushed pearl powder within that stimulates collagen and smoothens the skin.

Trust VB to know what women really, really want. The Satin Kajal liner was made to excel whichever way it’s worn, whether it’s on the lashline, waterline, smudged or winged. The smooth, creamy formula glides on effortlessly without skipping or tugging, and has been made waterproof and long-wearing, so you can cry or party as hard as you’d like. The blend of Panthenol, chamomile extract and vitamin E within also calms, nourishes and protects the delicate skin around the eye. The pencil comes with a smudger for convenient blending anywhere.

Finally, an eyeliner that takes the word waterproof seriously. Known for withstanding even the hottest of yoga sessions, the award-winning eyeliner has been known to not budge even when you’re drenched in sweat and swathed by extreme humidity. It’s also been thoughtfully formulated with as little waxes and oils as possible so it’s gentle enough to be used on the waterline. 

With clubbing’s back on the itinerary again, Fenty Beauty’s Flypencil promises to be your best friend all night. The hyper-pigmented, creamy long-wear pencils come in 20 matte, shimmer, metallic, and glitter shades, and glides effortlessly across the lids to serve up any look. Give it a smudge in place of eyeshadow before it sets, or get graphic with a coloured cat-eye flick for the ultimate come-hither look.

This is a favourite amongst celebrity makeup artists for good reason. This precision, wax-based liner glides on like silk and melts against the lash line like butter, filling in any creases before setting in after about a minute. For an ultra-glamorous look, extend the pencil eyeliner beyond the outer corner of the eyes or use the smudger to transform it into a smokey eyeliner.

For an easy night out without worrying about racoon eyes by the end of the night, Gucci’s Style Contour Des Yeux Eyeliner Pencil is one of your best options. The intense colour payoff here is matched by its ability to stay put on your peepers once set, even on the waterline. Try different looks with its six bold shades, ranging from the classic black to kitschy hues like baby blue and amethyst.