How to Keep Eyeliner from Smudging: Best Tips for Smear-Free Makeup

Choose The Formula

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Both Jeung and Fleischman say your best bet is to reach for a long-wear, waterproof eyeliner formula. Jeung’s favorite is Rimmel’s Scandal Eyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner ($6), and Fleischman likes Lancôme's Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner ($27).

Prep Your Skin

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 ($39) will hydrate the skin without making the area slippery. Allow your eyelid to dry before adding the primer. If you have oily skin, lightly dab excess oil with a tissue. And if you have really oily skin you can actually skip the moisturizer and go straight to primer, since you'll want to avoid any additional moisture.

Use a Primer

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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 skip across your eyelid as you apply, especially if your skin is on the dry side. 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.

Powder First, Line Second

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Jeung also recommends using 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.

Layer Between the Lines

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 ($4), over the eyeliner with short inward strokes; then, draw a second coat of eyeliner for extra intensity and staying power.”

Take Your Time

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.

Use More Than One Liner

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On ($22) 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 ($27) contains a humidity-resistant and waterproof formula.

Drugstore eyeliners help 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 ($4) or Exaggerate Auto Waterproof Eye Definer ($4), then apply a waterproof liquid, pen, or gel liner like Rimmel's Micro Liner ($7) over. This really helps keep eyeliner strong along the lash line,” she says.

Spritz Setting Spray

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Lock in your hard work with a long-lasting setting spray (or setting powder!). In an 'X' motion, spray across your face, being sure to keep 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.

Apply Concealer to Your Undereyes

Consider Your Skin Type

Curl Your Lashes First

Buy Waterproof Eyeliner

Don't Apply to Your Waterline