4 Tips To Stop Eyeliner From Smudging
Stop eyeliner from smudging with these simple tricks. (Photo: Juli__a / VisualHunt.com)
So you’ve nailed that cat eye look today, but with humidity, rain and sweat at play, it’s hard to keep eyeliner where it’s supposed to be. Follow these tips to help eyeliner stay put!

#1: Use an eye shadow primer

If you find that your eyeliner always ends up on your eyelids, it’s due to the oil that your skin produces. They cause pigments to shift and smudge, so using an eye shadow primer would help prime the lids for eyeliner to go on. Just dab some on and leave it to set before applying eyeliner.
Eye shadow primer prevent eyeliner smudging
From left to right: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-ageing, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, Becca Eye Priming Perfector

#2: Avoid concealers with creamy textures

Applying a creamy concealer under the eyes can also cause the pigments in your eyeliner and mascara to smear, giving you the dreaded panda eyes. Switch to a concealer that is less creamy, otherwise, set it with a translucent powder to set it.

#3: Set your liner

Like how powder sets your foundation, you can also use a matte eye shadow to go over your eyeliner so that it is able to absorb excess oil and set the colour in place. Use an eye shadow that’s a similar shade to your eyeliner, or for a little bit more oomph, choose one with some shimmer to add sparkle to your eyes.
Prevent eyeliner smudging - eyeshadow setting
Clockwise from left: YSL Eye Shadow Ombre Solo in Midnight Black, Make Up For Ever Star Powder in Black Gold, Illamasqua Eye Shadow in Obsidian, MAC Eye Shadow in Black Tied

#4: Go waterproof

Some of us tear more than others and it could be genetics, irritation from your contact lenses or even the fact that you’re just way too emotional for your own good. The surest way to avoid runny eyeliner is to use one with a waterproof formula. If you’re worried about them being hard to remove, opt for an oil-based make-up remover — they do the job without tugging at the sensitive eye area.
Prevent eyeliner smudging
From left to right: Hourglass 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner, Eyeko Sport Waterproof Eyeliner, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes XL in M10