Today’s long-wear eyeliners are up to the challenge, with waterproof, smudge-resistant and gel formulas designed to stay put.

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There’s nothing worse than the disappointment of a perfectly placed eyeliner in the morning, only to discover that by lunchtime your lines are blurred, faded or disappeared altogether.
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The good news is that today’s long-wear eyeliners are up to the challenge, with waterproof, smudge-resistant and gel formulas designed to stay put; and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get staying power.
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Here are my top five eyeliners worth putting to the test, ranging from beauty-bargain to splurges:
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1. Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil
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For the price of a coffee, this little pencil is surprisingly hard to beat. Essence’s Long Lasting Eye Pencil delivers rich colour and easy application. It’s a great everyday choice if you want definition on a budget, and it proves that long-wearing makeup doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
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Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil: $3.99.
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2. Smashbox Always Sharp Longwear Waterproof Kôhl Eyeliner
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This is where the price climbs, but Smashbox makes a strong case for the investment. The Always Sharp pencil combines long-wear, waterproof colour with the convenience of a self-sharpening mechanism. It’s a smart pick for anyone who wants a traditional Kohl look without constantly checking the mirror for fallout or smudging.
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Smashbox Always Sharp Longwear Waterproof Kôhl Eyeliner: $33.
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3. Stila Stay All Day Smudge and Set Waterproof Gel Liner
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This is the ultimate no-budge pencil. This gel-based formula allows for effortless play and no-skip application. It delivers 12-hour, colour rich and fade proof wear and it’s a gel-based formula, which allows for effortless play and no-skip application.
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Stila Stay All Day Smudge and Set Waterproof Gel Liner: $33.
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4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
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There’s a reason this one has remained a beauty-bag staple, especially during wedding season. Urban Decay’s 24/7 pencil is intensely pigmented, creamy when applied and designed to set for long-wear. It’s also available in a wide range of shades, from everyday neutrals to much more vibrant colours.
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Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: $33.
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5. Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’N’ Kohl
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At the luxury end of the spectrum, Charlotte Tilbury’s Rock ’N’ Kohl offers a softer, smoky quality to a long-lasting liner. It’s ideal when you want definition with a little glamour rather than a razor-sharp liquid line. It’s definitely a splurge but ideal for the makeup lover who considers eyeliner an essential part of the look.
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Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl: $43.50.
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