How To Prevent Your Eyeliner From Smudging

Eyeliner can make your eyes look bigger, add drama, or give your look a cool, grungy vibe. From pencil to the staple waterproof liquid eyeliner and gel to the newest and upgraded waterproof eyeliners, each type has its charm and challenges. While a little smudge can create that slept-in, party-girl aesthetic, no one wants their eyeliner to run or fade completely.

So, if you're wondering how to keep eyeliner from smudging, keep reading to learn easy ways to prevent it from happening and application techniques that will help you achieve flawless eyeliner that lasts through sweat, tears, humidity, and your everyday life. We’ll also share tips on how to stop mascara from smearing under your eyes and how to make it home with the same beautiful makeup you left with.

Why Does My Eyeliner Smudge?

Messy eyeliner is annoying. If you’re wondering how to stop eyeliner from smudging, the key is understanding why it keeps happening. Once you identify the culprit(s), you’ll be able to fix it with a few simple tricks.

1. You’re not using waterproof eyeliner

Not all eyeliners are built to last, especially those with kohl or cream formulas. While these are great for a soft or smoky effect, they fall short if you're looking for an eyeliner that doesn’t smudge. Without a waterproof eyeliner, your makeup can easily break down, especially on the waterline or oily lids, causing smears and the dreaded panda-eye look.

How to fix it: A waterproof eyeliner and the right mascara can go a long way if you’re struggling with liner smudges. There are formulas designed to resist moisture, oils, and sweat. A good example is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner, which is a waterproof liquid eyeliner with a felt tip for detailed application that can last up to 30 hours.

Another one to try is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, a smudge-proof eyeliner that glides on easily for a lasting, creamy color. And when it comes to mascaras, you can try the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara, which separates lashes for a clump-resistant, waterproof result that can help prevent your eye makeup from smudging.

2. You skipped makeup primer and setting products

Just like applying primer before your foundation, makeup primer can help avoid the much dreaded smudged eyeliner. Without a proper base, natural oils on your eyelids can cause your eyeliner to break down, ending up all over the place and ruining your look.

How to fix it: Prepping with an eye primer creates the perfect surface for an eyeliner that doesn't smudge or run throughout the day. Try the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Blurring Face Primer Infused with Serum, with a rosy serum formula that instantly smooths the look of lines and pores and helps boost healthy-looking, radiant skin. But if you're in a pinch, using a lightweight concealer with medium coverage, such as theL'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, can do the trick.

Apply a small amount to your eyelids and blend in gently with your ring finger to create a smooth canvas. Then, make sure to set the product with powder before applying your liner (and eyeshadow, if you want). Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, which is transfer-resistant for up to 24 hours. These extra steps help absorb excess oils and lock your eyeliner in place for a look that doesn´t budge.

3. You didn’t set your eyeliner

Even if you're using a waterproof eyeliner, it can still smear if you don’t set it properly, especially when applied near your waterline. To achieve an eyeliner that doesn’t smudge, setting it is essential, just like it is with foundation.

How to fix it: Set your waterproof eyeliner with a matching, long-wearing, powder eyeshadow like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow, which you can find in 16 different colors. Using a small flat-top brush, press the color powder over your eyeliner to lock it in place. This works especially well on the top lid, but never try it on your waterline if you don’t want powder in your eyes.

You can also add an extra safety step by using setting powder or spray, or both. Lightly dust on the transfer-resistantL’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, or mist your whole face in circular motions with theL’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist that dries instantly (just keep your eyes closed for a few seconds to avoid irritation).

4. You curl your lashes in the wrong order

Using your eyelash curler after applying your waterproof eyeliner could be the reason for those pesky smudges (or clumpy lashes, too). An eyelash curler can easily smear your perfectly placed liner (even if it’s a smudge-proof eyeliner, it can be messy if it hasn’t set yet), which can lead to a makeup mishap.

How to fix it: Always curl your lashes before applying any eyeliner. This way, you get the best of both worlds: perfectly curled lashes and eyeliner that doesn’t smudge. And for the perfect look, mascara should be applied after curling your lashes. Curling over mascara can cause clumping, and worse, it may lead to lash breakage. If you want intense length and lash-by-lash separation, try the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara.

5. You’re piling on eye cream

Eye creams and serums such as the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum are a skincare essential, but applying them too heavily or not waiting for them to absorb won’t help if you want eyeliner that doesn’t smudge. When your skin is too moist, your eyeliner can’t dry properly.

How to fix it: Use only a pea-sized amount of eye cream, and apply it as the last step of your skincare routine. A good rule of thumb is to apply your eye cream and move on to styling your hair or picking out your outfit before doing your makeup. This gives your moisturizing products time to sink in before you apply your waterproof eyeliner. This trick is also useful for mascara.

6. You don’t consider your eye shape

Your eye shape plays a significant role in how your eye makeup wears throughout the day. For example, hooded eyes are more likely to have problems with smudged eyeliner. Not considering your eye shape and working with it can make it even more challenging to achieve eyeliner that doesn't smudge.

How to fix it: If you have hooded eyes, apply your waterproof eyeliner in a thin line as close to your lashes as possible to minimize product transfer. This technique will help you keep your eyeliner from smudging and ensure it stays in place throughout the day.

7. You try to draw one long line

Getting perfectly straight eyeliner in one swoop can be tricky. More often than not, the effort leads to crooked edges, undefined lines, or unwanted smudging.

How to fix it: Instead of trying to draw one continuous line, start with small dashes along your lash line for a smudge-proof eyeliner application. Then, go back and connect the dashes for a more precise and even result. If needed, you can go over it again to make the line darker or thicker. This method might seem slower at first, but it helps prevent smudging your liner all over. Remember, practice makes perfect.

8. Avoid applying too much product to the waterline

The waterline is a tricky area prone to smudging due to its natural moisture and exposure to blinking and tears. Overloading this area with products will most likely lead to smears.

How to fix it: To get a smudge-proof eyeliner in this sensitive area, opt for a waterproof eyeliner pencil like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, specifically designed for the waterline. When it comes to tightlining, less is more, so make sure to apply a thin line to prevent product build-up and smudging.

How To Apply Eyeliner

Now that you know how to keep eyeliner from smudging, it’s time to focus on nailing down the application. Follow these steps to apply eyeliner smoothly and keep your look put throughout the day.

1. Choose your eyeliner

The type of waterproof eyeliner you choose is key to achieving a flawless look, especially if you're learning how to stop eyeliner from smudging. Here’s a breakdown of the best options and their benefits so you can pick the best one for you:

Gel eyeliner

Gel eyeliners like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner are a fantastic option if you're looking for a long-lasting, smudge-proof finish. Their fluid texture allows for smooth application, making them ideal for bold, dramatic lines or winged looks. However, gel tends to dry quickly, meaning mistakes can be harder to fix.

Some waterproof gel eyeliners can work on the waterline eye area because they offer both precision and staying power. Their smooth consistency makes them easy to apply without irritation.

Liquid eyeliner

Waterproof liquid eyeliners like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof are perfect if you want precise, sharp lines, especially for creating winged or cat-eye styles. Their quick-drying formula makes these smudge-proof eyeliners a great choice for all-day wear.

On the downside, liquid eyeliner can be challenging to apply, especially if you're new to it. Mistakes can be difficult to correct because it dries fast. Additionally, its liquid consistency isn't suitable for the waterline or tightlining.

Pencil eyeliner

If you prefer a softer, more natural look, waterproof pencil eyeliners such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyeliner can be a great option. This versatile eyeliner works perfectly well for tightlining, creating a smoky look, or drawing a clean, smudge-proof line.

2. Prep your eyelids

To ensure your eyeliner stays in place all day, it’s crucial to properly prep your eyelids. Start by cleansing and moisturizing your skin to create a smooth, clean base. You can use the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30 to moisturize and protect your skin in a single step. Next, apply primer to lock in moisture and provide a canvas that helps eyeliner adhere better. Try the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Blurring Face Primer Infused with Serum, which instantly blurs your skin for a natural-looking, soft-focus effect.

Then, lightly dust your eyelids with translucent setting powder like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder. This will absorb excess oil, keeping your eyeliner in place and preventing smudging under your eyes.

3. Dot your liner

Whether you’re new to eyeliner or simply want to avoid smudging, start by making tiny dots or short dashes close to the lash line instead of trying to draw one long, straight line in a single motion. Then, connect the dots into a smooth line, and retrace for extra intensity or flick it into a wing at the corner. This technique makes it easier to control your liner, reduces mistakes, yields crispier lines, and prevents smears.

For even more definition, try carefully tightlining with a waterproof pencil eyeliner like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyeliner to avoid irritation.

4. Set your look

Once you've applied your eyeliner, use a small brush to lightly press a matching eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow, and translucent setting powder, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, over the liner. This technique not only helps lock your waterproof eyeliner in place and absorb any oils that could cause it to smear or fade, but also gives more depth to the color you are using. However, be sure to only apply powder to your eyelids, as using it on your waterline could irritate your eyes.

Afterward, finish with a quick spritz of a setting spray like theL'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to create a protective barrier over your makeup, helping it resist humidity, sweat, and oil throughout the day. This step is crucial for preventing both your mascara and eyeliner from smudging.

For a smudge-proof eyeliner, we also suggest you avoid lining the inner corner of your eyes, as this area tends to be more watery and causes liner to break down quickly.

How to Remove Waterproof Eyeliner

After your day (or night) is over, it’s time to remove your makeup and move on to your skincare routine. To remove your long-lasting, waterproof eyeliner, you want to do it safely and gently to protect your lashes and delicate eye area. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose your remover

Use an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water when taking off waterproof eyeliner. These formulas are designed to cut through even the most resistant pigments without the need for excessive rubbing. They’ll make the removal process easier, gentler, and far more effective. For sensitive eyes, opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic removers to minimize irritation.

Avoid tugging to prevent lash breakage

Be gentle while removing your makeup, as harsh rubbing can weaken or break your lashes. Instead, press a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover onto your closed eyelid for a few seconds to let the formula dissolve the smudge-proof eyeliner. Then, gently wipe it away without tugging or scrubbing.

Cotton pads vs reusable makeup cloths

For waterproof eyeliner removal, you can choose between classic cotton pads or reusable makeup cloths. Both are effective at wiping away eyeliner and mascara, so it really comes down to your personal preference.

For a non-negotiable skincare step, we suggest you follow up with a gentle eye cream, such as the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Midnight Eye Opener, to keep your skin nourished after makeup removal.

Next Up: Eyeliner Hacks That Will Change the Way You Do Your Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris