How to Make Eyeliner Stay All Day

Let’s be honest: If there is one makeup step that takes you forever to perfect and still manages to get ruined by mid-day, eyeliner takes the cake. No matter if you use tape, a business card, or a stencil to sculpt precise lines, it never seems to go the distance. So much so, you may be wondering how to make your eyeliner stay all day. Instead of walking around with a less than perfect eye makeup look, there are a few tweaks you can make to your routine to turn things around and ensure your lines are in it for the long haul. Intrigued? Keep reading as we share seven tips to help create a long-lasting eyeliner look.

1. ALWAYS APPLY EYE MAKEUP PRIMER

First things first, before you decide to apply any makeup to your eyes (or your face), you should always reach for a makeup primer. Eye makeup primer comes in handy to help create a smooth base for the rest of your eye makeup and allow your makeup to wear evenly through the day and night. If you’re all out of eye makeup primer, feel free to dab a bit of foundation or concealer on your lids as an alternative.

2. USE A WATERPROOF EYELINER

One of the easiest ways to keep your gorgeous liner in place is to rely on a long-wearing, waterproof eyeliner to get the job done. After all, waterproof eyeliner isn’t reserved for rainy weather. Have your pick from two of our best long-lasting eyeliners, all of which are H2O-proof.  

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner: This creamy, smudge-proof formula works wonders to keep your lines in place all day long. And with 15 colors to choose from, you’ll be sure to find a chic color to complement your eye look.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner: Can’t resist a winged eyeliner look? This offering may be your perfect match. This eyeliner comes with a removable stencil wing that works to create precise winged looks and much more for a bold look you’ll love.

3. LAYER YOUR LINES

Even if you’re a pro at applying liquid eyeliner, sometimes smudging can happen. Stay ahead of the game by layering your lines. Simply line your eyes with a pencil eyeliner first, then follow up with a liquid eyeliner like the L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner to sharpen your edges and lock your lines in. Trust us; this tip will become your go-to for every eyeliner application!

4. DUST ON TRANSLUCENT POWDER

If you aren’t able to use eye primer, this step will save the day! Before applying your eyeliner, use a small angled brush and dust the lash line with a small amount of translucent powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder. This tip works to remove any excess oils you may have on your lids and lash line, which can cause smudging or running eyeliner. Follow up with your eyeliner, and you’re all set!

5. TRACE YOUR LINER WITH CONCEALER

One of the reasons we love concealer so much is because it’s a multi-use product—it can be used for far more than covering blemishes. By tracing your liner with concealer, it helps to protect your liner from smudging throughout the day. Using a small angled brush, trace your concealer along your lash line and follow up with your eyeliner. Just make sure you’re also using a long-wearing concealer formula!

6. SEAL YOUR MAKEUP

There is a reason why we always say to seal your beauty look with a makeup setting spray. Face sprays help to lock your makeup in place to prevent any smudging or transferring for a flawless look. Spritz four to six sprays of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray in ‘X’ and ‘T’ motions over your face to give your makeup a “just-applied” look that lasts all day long.

7. BLOT YOUR MAKEUP

Oil and makeup do not mix, especially when it comes to preventing smudging, smearing, and streaking. To help keep oils at bay, it would be smart to pop a few blotting papers into your bag, so you can blot while you’re on the go. Try blotting under your eyes as the day goes on, and you might just notice your eyeliner no longer ends up smeared down your face. Yes, please!

Next up: Now that you know how to make eyeliner last all day, why not focus on other eye makeup lessons? Head on over to our article, How to Do Double Flicked Eyeliner, to polish your skills.