5 Best Semi-Permanent Eyeliners, According To A Makeup Artist (2025)
Carve those beautiful, bold wings and stunning cat eyes without worries of smudging.
LA-born Pilar DeMann is a seasoned makeup artist with 30 years of experience. She is popularly known as the Eyebrow Queen of Litchfield County and has conceived a simple routine coined as BLLaC (Brows, Lashes, Lips and Cheeks) to make it easy for her clients to remember.
Read full bio of Pilar DeMann
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
The worst fear of eyeliner lovers is halfway wearing off of the product when you have to look your best. That’s when you should put your trust in some of the best semi-permanent eyeliners. You don’t have to worry about it smudging away at the end of the day as it remains strongly intact. It also highlights your eyes beautifully instead of leaving gaps in between, which is ideal for those who like sporting semi-permanent makeup. No amount of sweating, rainwater, or crying can make these long-wearing formulas run down, that’s the guarantee. Here are the 5 best semi-permanent eyeliners for you to choose from.
In This Article
5 Best Semi-Permanent Eyeliners Of 2025
1. Best Long-Lasting:Stargazer Semi-Permanent Eyeliner Pen
The Stargazer Semi-Permanent Eyeliner Pen offers you a super precise, dramatic eyeliner look. The ultra-fine tip of this eyeliner pen glides smoothly and delivers rich color in a single stroke. This eyeliner is waterproof and smudge-proof and lasts up to 24 long hours. The felt tip is reversible and helps create accurate lines and shading. This video helps you know more about the product.
Pilar DiMann, professional makeup artist with 30 years of experience, says, “I suggest pre-drawing your line with your favorite liner, then applying the waterproof liquid over it as it has strong holding power. That way, your lines are clean and clear.”
Pros
- Reversible tip
- Long-lasting
- Easy to remove
- Easy to apply
- Value for money
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- All-day wear
Cons
- None
"I like this eyeliner because it offers a rich color. It is easy to apply and glides smoothly across my lids. Oh, and it lasts throughout the day!"
Pro Tip2. Best Waterproof:Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Liquid Ink Liner
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This long-lasting eyeliner by Maybelline New York is resistant to sebum, tears, sweat, and water. The intense liquid formula offers a tattoo-like definition and lasts up to 36 hours. With its smooth and creamy texture, this liquid eyeliner glides effortlessly along your eyelids, allowing for a smooth application. One stroke of this quick and easy eyeliner delivers rich pigments for a bold look. Also, the precision brush of the liner provides an expert finish. Check out this video to know more about this waterproof eyeliner.
Pros
- Easy to remove
- Creamy formula
- Sweat-proof
- Provides high pigmentation
- Smudge resistant
- Fade-proof
- Water-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Lasts up to 36 hours
- Available in three shades
Cons
- May irritate the skin
Pro Tip3. Best Smudge-Proof:NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Eye & Body Liquid Liner
Indulge in a luxuriously rich and bold look with this liquid gel liner by NYX Professional Makeup. This eyeliner can be used on the eyelids and body. The unique felt tip ensures easy and precise application, making it effortless to achieve the desired winged eyeliner effect. The long-lasting formula can stay on for up to three days. This waterproof eyeliner offers a matte finish that looks elegant and chic. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details.
Pros
- Flake-free
- Liquid-gel formula
- Matte finish
- Bleed-proof
- Flexible applicator
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Cruelty-free
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- None
"This eyeliner stays for a long time without budging. I can apply it smoothly and create the most perfect lines. I can remove it easily with a good makeup remover."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 6,480 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
| Stargazer Semi-Permanent Eyeliner Pen Best Long-Lasting | Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Liquid Ink Liner Best Waterproof | NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Eye & Body Liquid Liner Best Smudge-Proof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | Ink Black | Sapphire |
| Dimensions | 5.31 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 0.35 Ounces | 0.6 Ounces. | 0.48 Ounces. |
| Dimensions | - | 0.91 x 1.26 x 5.59 inches | 0.8 x 1.11 x 5.09 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 284 | 4,831 | 6,480 |
| Price | $5.25 | $9.12 | $9.95 |
4. Best Gel Formula:Mommy Makeup Waterproof Stay Put Gel Eyeliner
The Mommy Makeup Waterproof Stay Put Gel Eyeliner is a product that truly stays in place throughout the day. Its waterproof, smudge-proof formula is perfectly crafted for long wear. This eyeliner provides high pigmentation and comes in four amazing shades to match your skin tone and moods. Its gel formula gently defines your eyes without irritating them. For easy application, use a pointed makeup brush and let your eyes do the talking.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
- Highly-pigmented
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
"This eyeliner glides on smoothly. I like it because it gives me a fresh eye look without smudging or fading. It does not irritate my eyes and wipes off easily like my other makeup products."
5. Best Easy Application:Stargazer Semi Permanent Eye Liner Pen
Avoid the daily hassle of smudged-up eyeliners with the Stargazer Semi Permanent Eye Liner Pen. Its fine-tip makes precision eyeliner application super easy. Its semi-permanent formula can easily last 24 hours and is a perfect partner for late-night parties. Despite its rich, dark intense color, the eyeliner does not irritate your eyes and is also quite easy to remove.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Rich color-payoff
Cons
- None
"This eyeliner is easy to apply. It glides without causing any irritation on my eyelids. It is gentle on my eyes and helps me create dramatic eye looks."
A long-wear eyeliner that requires no touch-ups is a must-have in every makeup enthusiast’s kitty. Read on to find out what you should consider before buying one.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Semi-Permanent Eyeliner
- Color
The first and most important thing you need to decide is the color of the semi-permanent eyeliner. You can choose a good old black liner with high pigmentation for everyday use. If you want your eyes to stand out during special occasions, go for other vibrant colors such as intense brown, dark green, or royal blue.
- Durability
If an eyeliner does not stay for long and smudges, flakes, or transfers easily, it will ruin your look. Always check if your product is resistant to water, tear, sweat. Opt for a smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and flake-proof eyeliner. Also, your semi-permanent eyeliner should last not less than 24 hours.
- Applicator
The most common types of applicators are liquid liners or felt tip liners. Different types of eyeliner applicators help achieve different thicknesses. For instance, felt tip liners create a thick and soft line, whereas ultra-thin tip liners give you sharp and thin lines and let you create that perfect wing.
- Grip
If the brush or pen is heavy and thick, it will be uncomfortable to draw a perfect line. You might also find it difficult to rotate or move the liner to make a precise wink. Thus, choose a semi-permanent eyeliner that you can control easily.
- Price
Make sure you select a product that is superior in quality and justifies the price. If you end up going for a cheaper option, you might end up with a non-effective formula.
Infographic: Tips To Make Semi-Permanent Eyeliners Last Long
Semi-permanent eyeliners are like a boon. They not only save a lot of time but are also water- and sweat-resistant. However, one needs to know a few tips that must be followed after the application of these eyeliners to maintain the look and vibrancy. Check out the following infographic to learn more! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Eyeliners elevate the overall eye makeup look. It helps to define and highlight your eyes. Unlike regular eyeliners, semi-permanent eyeliners last longer and are smudge-resistant. If you are looking for an eyeliner that requires no reapplication, you should consider semi-permanent eyeliner. These eyeliner pens have sharp tips which make the application process a breeze and deliver rich color. In addition, the creamy texture of these semi-eyeliners glides smoothly over the eyes. Some eyeliners listed in our article offer 24 hours of protection, while others offer 36 hours of smudge resistance. The Stargazer Semi-Permanent Eyeliner Pen is known for its long-lasting formula, while the Mommy Makeup Waterproof Stay Put Gel Eyeliner features a gel formula that provides a smooth and precise application. Or if you want a matte finish that does not flake, use the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Eye & Body Liquid Liner. However, stay away from eyeliners that irritate your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth getting semi-permanent eyeliner?
Yes, a semi-permanent eyeliner lasts for a long time without smudging or flaking. It is also a cost-effective and time-saving makeup investment.
Are there any side effects of semi-permanent eyeliner?
No. Semi-permanent eyeliners are non-invasive and usually have safe and skin-friendly formulas.
When can I wear mascara after semi-permanent eyeliner?
You may start wearing mascara 72 hours or 3 days after applying semi-permanent eyeliner.
How long does a semi-permanent eyeliner last?
Semi-permanent eyeliner can last up to three years on your eye lines.
Does semi-permanent eyeliner fade completely?
Yes, semi-permanent eyeliner gradually fades away in two to three years.
Can I remove semi-permanent eyeliner with makeup removers?
No, you cannot remove semi-permanent eyeliners with makeup removers and makeup wipes.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She has curated this list of the best semi-permanent eyeliners after carefully browsing online reviews. These products are smudge-proof and easy to remove. Not only are these semi-permanent eyeliners budget-friendly but also they are fade-resistant and available in many shades.
Read full bio of Pilar DeMann
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
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