How To Prevent Your Eyeliner From Smudging

Eyeliner can make your eyes look bigger and more dramatic, or give a cool, grungy vibe to your look. But figuring out how to line your waterline without smudging is key to achieving that look without the frustration of smudged eyeliner under your eyes. 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, or where you can find eyeliner that doesn’t run, you’re in the right place. Making your eyeliner stay all day is not as difficult as you think—and we’ll also share tips on how to stop mascara smudging under your eyes throughout the day.

Why Does My Eyeliner Smudge?

While messy eyeliner can be annoying, once you know how to line your waterline without smudging, you can easily fix the issue with these simple solutions. The first step is wondering why it keeps happening.

1. You skipped makeup primer

Just like applying primer before your foundation, skipping eye makeup primer can lead to the dreaded smudged eyeliner. Without a proper base, natural oils on your eyelids can cause your eyeliner to break down, leading to eyeliner under the eye and ruining your look. Prepping with an eye primer creates the perfect surface for makeup application and helps you create eyeliner that doesn't smudge or run throughout the day.

How to fix it: Always use an eye primer. But if you're in a pinch, using a lightweight 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, set the concealer with a powder before applying your liner (and eyeshadow, if you want). These extra steps help absorb excess oils and lock your eyeliner in place, which makes it much easier to secure eyeliner that doesn’t run or smudge.

2. You’re not using waterproof eyeliner

Many eyeliners, especially those with kohl or cream formulas, aren't waterproof. While these are great for achieving an intentionally smudged eyeliner look, they fall short if you're looking for eyeliner that doesn’t smudge. Non-waterproof formulas can easily break down, especially on the waterline or if you're prone to oily skin, leading to smudging and dreaded panda eyes.

How to fix it: Invest in a waterproof eyeliner. Waterproof formulas, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner, are designed to resist moisture, oils, and sweat. These liners are essential tools if you’re struggling with how to keep eyeliner from smudging.

3. You didn’t set your eyeliner

Even if you're using a waterproof formula, your eyeliner can still smudge, especially when applied near your waterline. To prevent smudged eyeliner and keep your makeup looking fresh, it’s essential to set your eyeliner in place—just like you would use a face powder to set your foundation. This is key for achieving eyeliner that doesn't smudge or run throughout the day.

How to fix it: To keep eyeliner from smudging, set it with a long-wearing eyeshadow that matches your liner. Using a small flat-top brush, press the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow on top of your eyeliner to lock it in place. This technique works best for eyeliner on your top lid. Avoid using powder or eyeshadow on your waterline or eyeliner on your under eyes, as it can irritate your eyes.

4. You didn’t set your makeup

Setting your makeup with a setting spray is crucial for keeping your eyeliner—and all of your makeup—in place throughout the day. This step is key to achieving eyeliner that doesn’t run.

How to fix it: After completing your makeup look, apply a setting spray to lock everything in. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist With Microfine, Up To 36H Wear by spraying it in circular motions over your face to ensure your makeup, including your eyeliner, maintains that "just applied" look all day long. This simple step can help you learn how to keep eyeliner from smudging throughout the day.

5. You curl your lashes in the wrong order

Using your eyelash curler after applying your eyeliner could be the reason for those pesky smudges. An eyelash curler can easily move or smudge your perfectly placed liner, leading to a makeup mishap.

How to fix it: Always curl your lashes before applying any eyeliner. This way, you avoid disturbing your liner and get the best of both worlds: perfectly curled lashes and intact eyeliner. Mascara should likewise be applied before curling your lashes. Curling after mascara can cause clumping, and worse, it may lead to lash breakage.

6. You’re piling on eye cream

Eye cream is a skincare essential, but applying it too heavily or at the wrong time can contribute to smudged eyeliner. If you don’t give your eye cream enough time to absorb, it can leave the skin too moist, causing the eyeliner applied to your lower lash line or waterline to smear and not 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 then move on to styling your hair or picking out your outfit before applying your makeup. This gives your moisturizing products time to sink in before you apply your eyeliner, helping you get eyeliner that doesn’t smudge or run. If you’re wondering how to stop mascara smudging under your eyes throughout the day, this step should help, too.

7. You don’t consider your eye shape

Your eye shape plays a significant role in how your eyeliner wears throughout the day. Hooded eyes are the most likely to fall victim to smudged eyeliner because the skin that conceals your crease can cause the liner to transfer or smear. This can make it challenging to achieve eyeliner that doesn't smudge or run.

How to fix it: If you have hooded eyes, apply your 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.

8. You try to draw one long line

Getting perfectly straight eyeliner in one swoop can be tricky, and trying to do so often leads to crooked or smudged eyeliner.

How to fix it: Instead of trying to draw one continuous line, start with small dashes along your lash line. 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 prevents smudging your liner all over your upper lid or under-eye area.

How To Apply Eyeliner

Now that you know how to keep eyeliner from smudging, let's go through the steps to help you apply eyeliner effectively, ensuring a look that stays put throughout the day.

1. Choose your eyeliner

The type of eyeliner you choose is key to achieving a flawless look, especially if you're concerned about smudging or fading. Here’s a breakdown of the best options and their benefits:

• Gel eyeliner: Gel eyeliner is a fantastic option if you're looking for a long-lasting, smudge-proof finish. Its creamy texture allows for smooth application, making it ideal for bold, dramatic lines or winged looks. However, gel eyeliner needs to be applied with an angled brush, which can be tricky for beginners to master. It also tends to dry quickly, meaning mistakes can be harder to fix. And, it’s not ideal for the waterline or for tightlining, as its thick consistency and creaminess make it difficult to apply in these sensitive areas.
• Liquid eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner is perfect for those who want precise, sharp lines, especially for creating winged or cat-eye styles. Its quick-drying formula makes smudge-proof liquid eyeliner 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 so fast. Additionally, its liquid consistency isn't suitable for the waterline or tightlining.
• Pencil eyeliner: For those who prefer a softer, more natural look, pencil eyeliner can be a versatile option. To prevent smudged eyeliner, opt for a waterproof pencil, especially if you’re applying it to your lower lash line or waterline. This type of eyeliner is great for creating a smokey look but can also be smudge-proof if you choose the right formula.

Tips for choosing: When selecting an eyeliner, always look for labels that say “waterproof” or “smudge-proof.” These are essential if you want an eyeliner that doesn't run or smudge under the eyes. Ingredients such as wax and silicone can help make the eyeliner more durable. For sensitive areas like the waterline, use a pencil eyeliner specifically designed to stay in place, avoiding smudges or smearing.

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. Next, apply an eyelid primer to lock in moisture and provide a matte surface that helps eyeliner adhere better, reducing the risk of creasing or running. Then, lightly dust your eyelids with translucent setting powder. This will absorb excess oil throughout the day, keeping your eyeliner in place and preventing smudging under your eyes.

3. Dot your liner

Whether you’re a newbie to eyeliner or just want to reduce the chance of smearing, it’s easier to create dots close to the lash line than trying to do a straight line across your eye in one motion. Then, connect the dots that you just drew to form a line. Finally, retrace the line to make it darker or add a wing at the corner.

4. Set your look

Once you've applied your eyeliner, use a small brush to lightly press a matching eyeshadow or translucent setting powder over the liner. This technique helps lock the liner in place and absorb any oils that could cause it to smear or fade. However, be sure to only apply powder to your eyelids—using it on your waterline could irritate your eyes.

Afterward, finish with a quick spritz of setting spray 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.

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Photo Courtesy of L’Oréal Paris