How To Keep Eyeliner From Smudging: Best Tips For Smear ... - Byrdie

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How to Keep Eyeliner from Smudging: 14 Tips From Makeup Artist

Your eyeliner will be smudge-free.

By Alina Gonzalez Alina Gonzalez Alina Gonzalez is a beauty and fashion writer residing in Los Angeles. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 16, 2025 05:40PM Reviewed by Jaleesa Jaikaran Reviewed by Jaleesa Jaikaran Jaleesa Jaikaran is a New York-based makeup artist who specializes in the transformative powers makeup can have. About Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Board Makeup Artist

You've likely been there: you spent precious time creating a flawless makeup look, a full contour, crisp liner, and all, only to have something smudge not long after you leave the house. This is especially true for eye makeup. Whether it's mascara running down your face after shedding a few tears or a rogue bead of sweat escapes your forehead and takes your winged eyeliner with it, smudging happens. But there are ways to prevent it. To help, we tapped celebrity makeup artists Kathy Jeung and Toby Fleischman for their tricks for getting the liners to stay in place all day long.

Ahead, find 14 expert-approved tips on how to keep eyeliner from smudging.

Meet the Experts

• Kathy Jeung is a celebrity makeup artist based in LA and NYC whose clients include Aubrey Plaza, Rita Ora, and Pink.
• Toby Fleischman is a makeup artist currently based in Santa Monica, California, whose clients include Anna Kendrick, Gabby Sidibe, and Ilana Glazer.

01 of 14

Choose a Long-wear, Waterproof Formula for Best Results

Possibly the best way to prevent smudging is to start with a product that aims to be smudge-free. Both Jeung and Fleischman say your best bet is to choose a long-wear, waterproof eyeliner. The staying power of a waterproof eyeliner can work wonders against tears, sweat, and any other causes of smudging. Jeung’s favorite is Rimmel’s Scandal Eyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, and Fleischman likes Lancôme's Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner.

02 of 14

Consider Your Skin Type When Selecting Your Eyeliner

A mismatch between your skin type and the type of eyeliner you're choosing may be to blame for constant smudging. If you have oily skin, you'll want to avoid softer-formulated eyeliners. These are more prone to running when combined with oily skin. Instead, reach for a liquid or felt-tip option– especially in a waterproof formula– to minimize smudging.

03 of 14

Prep Your Skin by Cleaning, Toning, and Moisturizing

Clean, tone and moisturize your eyelids to remove oil from your skin. A water-based moisturizer like Glow Recipe's Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer will hydrate the skin without making the area slippery. Allow your eyelid to dry before adding anything else. If you have oily skin, lightly dab excess oil with a tissue. And if you have really oily skin, you can skip the moisturizer.

04 of 14

For Smooth Application, Always Use an Eye Primer

If your lids are oily, primer is a necessary barrier from natural oils. A primer creates a smooth canvas for makeup application. Without an even base, the liner may slip across your eyelid as you apply. Matte concealer is a helpful dupe if you don't have an eye primer. Apply a small dot of the primer with your finger and pat it into the eyelid.

05 of 14

Curl Your Lashes First, Then Apply Eyeliner

Always, always, always curl your lashes first. There's nothing worse than spending time on your eyeliner and getting it just right, then smudging it while curling your lashes. If you usually save lash curling for last, try swapping steps and start with it instead.

06 of 14

Apply Concealer to Your Undereyes

Try applying concealer to your undereyes to prevent eyeliner from running. The concealer will create a barrier to help the eyeliner appear fresher for longer.

07 of 14

Powder First, Line Second

Jeung also recommends using setting powder before the first swipe of liner for additional protection. “Before applying eyeliner, you want to make sure the eye area along the lashes is free of excess oil. To do this, lightly dust along the lash line with a very small amount of translucent powder to absorb excess moisture and oil, and then apply your long-wear eyeliner and powder for maximum eyeliner longevity,” she recommends.

08 of 14

Double up on Eyeliner Layers for All-Day Wear

Jeung let us in on the secret to Rita Ora's all-day wear: “After your first application of eyeliner has dried, with a small fluffy brush, carefully dust a tiny bit of matte translucent powder, like Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, over the eyeliner with short inward strokes; then, draw a second coat of eyeliner for extra intensity and staying power.”

09 of 14

Use Dusting Powder in Between Liner Layers

Dusting powder in between layers of a liner is also the secret weapon of Fleischman to Anna Kendrick's precise feline flicks. “The key to making sure your eyeliner stays put is to layer, layer, layer,” says Fleischman, specifically in the liner, powder, liner order. “It may take a bit more time, but it will be worth it in the long run when your flick is still on point by the end of the night.” With gentle sweeping motions, brush off the powder so your lids don't feel heavy.

Byrdie Tip

For a "super bulletproof" liner, Jeung recommends layering formulas. To set and lock in the liner, you can layer a shadow in the same shade as your eyeliner on top of the last coat.

10 of 14

Don't Apply to Your Waterline

Not only do derms recommend against it (lining the waterline can obstruct the oil glands), but it also leads to watery eyes. If your eyes are watering, that's essentially a one-way ticket to smudged eyeliner. Even if you like the look of eyeliner lining your waterline, you're better off avoiding this technique if you want to avoid smudging.

11 of 14

Use Different Liner Formulas

Using multiple eyeliners helps Jeung layer on products without smudging. “For extra intense eyeliner, first draw your eyeliner line with a waterproof eye pencil like Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Pencil or Exaggerate Auto Waterproof Eye Definer, then apply a waterproof liquid, pen, or gel liner like Rimmel's Micro Liner over. This helps keep eyeliner strong along the lash line,” she says.

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On is a favorite for cat-eye lovers and tightlining pros alike. The eyeliner is hydrating and dries to a long-lasting finish that does not fade away. If you're a fan of gel liners, Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner contains a humidity-resistant and waterproof formula.

12 of 14

Spritz Setting Spray

Lock in your hard work with a long-lasting setting spray . In an 'X' motion, spray across your face, keeping the bottle six to eight inches away from your face. Keep your eyes closed and fan your face. Opening your eyes immediately may cause early creasing.

13 of 14

Use Oil Absorbent Sheets to Decrease Oiliness That Leads to Smudging

If you have oily skin, try using an oil-absorbing sheet before application and periodically throughout the day. This can reduce oiliness that can lead to eyeliner smudging.

14 of 14

Don't Slather On the Eye Cream

Listen, we love our eye cream, especially when we're trying to fake a full eight hours of shuteye. But if you're planning on an eyeliner-heavy look, it's best to apply your eye cream with a light hand, or not at all. If you're in desperate need, definitely go for a water-based option that'll hydrate without the greasiness.

FAQ

• Why does my eye makeup smudge under my eye?

  There are many possible reasons why your eye makeup is smudging. It could be caused by applying product too quickly without allowing time to dry between layers or by simply applying too much product in general. Eye makeup will smudge under your eye if your eyes weren't primed prior to application or if setting powder or spray wasn't used to hold the look in place.

• How can I keep my eyeliner in place all day?

  Keep your eyeliner in place all day by selecting a waterproof formula and using both primer and setting powder. By using products that are built to extend the wear of your makeup, you can avoid smudging and running throughout the day.

Read more:

• Makeup
• Eyes

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