The Best Long-Wear Eyeliners

The Best Long-Wear Eyeliners

Like all good make-up, you want it to last, and the latest long-wear eyeliners on the market are more versatile than ever. Offering hours of smudge-proof wear without the irritation or drying effects, from Kat Von D’s famous liquid liner to Wander Beauty’s viral gel pencils, here are seven of the best…
Photography: LAMBADA/ISTOCK

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1

19/99 Precision Colour Eye Pencils, $26

Best For: Rich Pigment

Why We Recommend Them: A must-have for any make-up bag, these new, creamy pencils are rich in pigment and glide over both lips and eyes. The creamy texture quickly dries down into a matte finish, leaving behind a pretty wash of colour that stays on the lids all day. It also has a precise, sharp tip, which lends itself to graphic lines and feline flicks. It’s hard to pick a favourite shade, but ‘Barna’ is a classic brown, while ‘Neutra’ lends lids a hint of peach for something a bit different. 

Available At 1999Beauty.com

2

Marc Jacobs Highliner Liquid-Gel Eyeliners, £25

Best For: Metallic Finish

Why We Recommend Them: These are waterproof, but without any of the tell-tale stickiness often associated with those formulas. The gel-liquid texture glides on seamlessly to give a colour that’s thick – never watery or too thin – so you don’t have to keep going over it to up the intensity. Work with them quickly, as once they set, they’ll stay put for hours. Plus, there’s a vast range of shades to choose from – think aubergine to metallic golds. A great way to start experimenting with colour. 

Available At Net-A-Porter.com

3

Jillian Dempsey Natural Kohl Eyeliner, £18.50

Best For: Creating Smokey Eyes

Why We Recommend Them: Make-up artists love these silky eyeliners and it’s easy to see why. Not only do the last for hours, they also provide intense, rich colour, while the in-built smudger allows you to smoke out the look with ease. A great option for eyeliner novices, this tool eliminates all the guesswork and comes in some beautiful, deep tones, too. We love both navy and black for a classic smokey eye. 

Available At HarveyNichols.com

4

Kat Von D Beauty Tattoo Liner, £18

Best For: Feline Flicks

Why We Recommend Them: This wouldn’t be a proper round-up if we didn’t include Kat Von D’s famous Tattoo Liner. Able to withstand practically anything – sweat, rain, tears, humidity – it’s continued to be a bestseller for years thanks in part to its inky black tone, but also the glossy shine which never dulls throughout the day. If you’re looking to create easy feline flicks, make this your go-to. The sharp, pointed nib allows for precise application every time, while the brush can be used to create a bolder finish or not. We recommend using the liquid brown formula for faux freckles, too. 

Available Boots.com

5

Too Faced Killer Liner 36 Hour Waterproof Eyeliner, £16

Best For: Detail & Precision

Why We Recommend Them: If you’re after neat lines and precision, try Too Faced’s new Killer Liners. Promising up to 12 hours of wear, they have a creamy, comfortable texture that never feels too dry or cakey. We love the small, bullet tip, which creates razor sharp flicks, but equally, it’s thick enough to smudge out, too, thanks to the waxy formula. We love that it’s available in 11 shades – from soft brown, to jet black and vivid blue. 

Available At Boots.com

6

Tarte Tarteist Remix Double Take Eyeliner, £21

Best For: Dual Benefits 

Why We Recommend Them: You get the best of both worlds with this liner – one end is a liquid, the other a gel pencil. It allows you to draw any lines and create subtle smokey lids without swapping your tools. What’s more, both formulas go the distance – even in the sweatiest conditions. Despite its longevity, it has an opaque finish that looks both glossy and expensive, while added oils ensure a smooth, even glide, so delicate skin around the eyes is never tugged or pulled. 

Available At TarteCosmetics.com 

7

Wander Beauty Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner, $21

Best For: Clean Ingredients 

Why We Recommend Them: Free from gluten, parabens and synthetic fragrances, this vitamin-rich liner is incredibly natural. It uses jojoba and olive fruit oils to ensure a smooth glide, while also maintaining hydration on the upper lids. We love the built-in sharpener too, which keeps the point sharp and precise for flawless results every time. A staple for those looking for a reliable, jet-black eyeliner that really performs. Try applying a little under liquid eyeliner – it’s brilliant for maintaining the longevity of wetter formulas, too.  

Available At WanderBeauty.com

8

Ruby Hammer Precision Eyeliner, £18 

Best For: Jet-Black Results 
Why We Recommend It: When is a black liner ever more than just that? When make-up master Ruby Hammer MBE is behind it. She created this everyday staple with longevity in mind. Jet-black in pigment, it looks and feels glossy and expensive, while the smudge-free formula is seriously impressive. It’s easy to scribble on and blend too, thanks to its creamy, velvet-y texture.

Available At RubyHammer.com

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