Smudgeproof Eyeliners That Won't Smear, Ever

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

I separate the world of make-up-wearing girls into two categories: eye girls and complexion girls. The former never leaves home without some liner and mascara, and the latter focuses on covering blemishes and contouring lines. I'm an eye girl. Even when I'm surfing and spending hours in the water, I line my eyes and plump my lashes--not for the satisfaction of fellow surfers (although that probably mattered in my single days), but because it gives me an extra bit of confidence that helps me surf better and harder. And knowing my favorite liners never give me that dreaded "under eye smudge" while submerged in the ocean lets me trust them for nights out, dancing in crowded clubs.

The Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner, $22, is my favorite first layer of liner. Using a wet, flat brush, I carefully work the color (usually black) between lashes and swipe a line right above the lash line. Leave it at that for a subtle, daytime look or layer a more dramatic liner over this base for a bigger effect.

The Aqua Eyes waterproof liners by Make Up For Ever, $19, have a creamier texture, ideal for using as both shadow and liner for the ultimate smoky eye. And once placed in perfect position around the eyes, the color doesn't fade or smudge or melt--ideal for hot, summer days at the beach.

The Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen, $22, is my favorite liquid liner mainly because it acts like a pencil (very easy to control) but with liquid color that won't budge. I layer this one on as a final layer for a dramatic eye that doesn't need to be babysat while out on a big night.

I use Benefit's BADgal Liner, $20, for the blending tip, the best tool for setting liner and reducing the risk of smudges. The liner itself is perfectly waterproof but lacks pigment.

The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, $19, come in an array of colors. I use a bright color ("deep end" is a personal fave for brown eyes) below my bottom lashes after I rim my eyes with a first layer of black liner. The color glides on creamy but dries and stays put for worry-free eyes that pop.
·All Esther Tested Posts [Racked SF]