Those with monolids, hooded eyelids, inverted creases, any kind of eyes where the skin touches the area where eyeliner is applied, often have issues with eyeliners smudging, flaking, or fading. As we open and close our eyes, skin is basically rubbing against the eyeliner, causing it to not last as long. I’m an eyeliner junkie. I’ve been wearing eyeliner since the seventh grade, so I’ve definitely experimented with a number of eyeliners before I found out what works and what doesn’t. I’m the kind of person who does not carry a makeup bag with me. I apply my makeup in the morning and don’t think about it after that. I never touch up my makeup besides lipstick and lipgloss, so having makeup that lasts all day is a must. I’ve created a list of my monolid approved and unapproved eyeliners that I’ve personally tried. (Note that most of the unapproved eyeliners have been used by me years ago, so the formulas may have been updated. Also note that I am only speaking for the lasting power of the following liners. Colour and consistency wise, that is up to you to decide.)

Pencils (watch out for smudging)
Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner – smudges
Physicians Formula Eye Definer Automatic Eye Pencil – smudges
Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes – smudges
Stila Kajal Eye Liner – smudges
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencils

I have also heard of a technique you can use to make the pencil liners that smudge last longer. You go over your eyeliner with an eyeshadow (of the same colour) to set the liner. I have not tried this technique, but it makes sense that it would work. Personally though, I’d rather get a pencil where I wouldn’t have to do that extra step. It reminds me of a friend I had in high school. She had a lighter in her makeup bag and when I asked her what it was for, she told me that she heats up her eyeliner to make it apply more smoothly. Why not just get an eyeliner with a smooth formula to begin with?

Liquid Liners (watch out for fading and chipping)
Lancome Artliner – chips
Shiseido The Makeup Fine Liner – fades
Maybelline Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – chips and fades
Stila Liquid Eyeliner
Clinique Eye Defining Liquid Eyeliner
Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner
MAC Liquid Last Eye Liner

Gel/Cream Liners (all the ones I’ve tried have been long lasting. Gel liners are awesome! They do vary in consistency though, so that’s up to your preference)
Stila Smudgepot
Clinique Brush On Cream Liner
MAC fluidline
L’Oreal HIP Cream Liner

I’ve also made a little test for myself when I’m looking at new eyeliners. I use the tester on my hand and give enough time for the pencil, liquid, or gel to dry or set on my skin first. Then I take my finger and rub the eyeliner on my skin back and forth many times and with pressure. If the eyeliner smudges, fades, or flakes right away, then I know FOR SURE that it wouldn’t work on my eyes. If the eyeliner withstands my constant rubbing, then I’m usually confident that it will work as a long lasting eyeliner.