Why does my eyeliner smudge under my eye?

Author: Mrs. Rosa Ullrich III  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

Just like applying primer before your foundation, skipping eye makeup primer can lead to the dreaded smudged eyeliner. Without a proper base, natural oils on your eyelids can cause your eyeliner to break down, leading to eyeliner under the eye and ruining your look.

How do I keep my makeup from rubbing off under my eyes?

5 MAGIC TIPS to prevent makeup transfer
  1. Make sure your face is clean and hydrated! For a successful makeup application that stays in place, you should always start with a clean and hydrated canvas! ...
  2. Always use a primer! ...
  3. Apply your makeup in small amounts! ...
  4. Always use a setting spray! ...
  5. Tilbury tip!

Why won't my eyeliner stay on my waterline?

If your eyeliner won't adhere to your waterline, it's probably too hard or dry. It's best to use a gel eyeliner under your eyes or even in your waterline occasionally, because it's softer and spreads easily.

Why does my eyeshadow smudge under my eyes?

Sometimes, smudges are the result of fallout during eye-makeup application. A rogue droplet of mascara or sprinkle of shadow may be imperceptible when it first lands under your eyes, but the minute you sweat or your skin pumps out a little sebum, the pigment remoistens, slides, and smears.

Why does my eyeliner smudge throughout the day?

The reason your eyeliner is wearing off is because the oils on your eyelids are removing it. You can start by applying a primer and/or concealer to the eyelid to act as a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup. Then use a translucent powder to add another dry layer of protection.

THE SNEAKY EYELINER TRICK FOR MATURE WOMEN | Nikol Johnson

How to stop eyeliner from smudging under eye?

To prevent smudged eyeliner, opt for a waterproof pencil, especially if you're applying it to your lower lash line or waterline. This type of eyeliner is great for creating a smokey look but can also be smudge-proof if you choose the right formula.

What is the best smudge proof eyeliner?

  • Best Budget. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner. PHOTO: Walmart. ...
  • Best Brown. Kulfi Underlined Kajal Eyeliner. PHOTO: Sephora. ...
  • Best Smudge. Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. ...
  • Best Liquid Eyeliners. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner. ...
  • Best Precision. Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

How to stop eye makeup from smudging under eye reddit?

Primer on your eyelid and transluscent powder under your eye. Use a durable eyeliner. Bring a little powder to work to dab under your eye through the day as needed. Since you aren't wearing foundation and are in a rush, get a primer that's clear, like the Milani or Viseart.

What mascara doesn't smudge under eyes?

More Smudge-Proof Mascaras I Love
  • e.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara. $7 at Amazon $7 at Ulta $7 at Target.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Volumizing and Curling Mascara. $35 at Amazon $29 $15 at Sephora $29 at Ulta.
  • Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. View on Thrivecausemetics.com.
  • Maybelline Washable Mascara.

Why does my makeup always crease under my eyes?

Your chosen makeup formulas and application techniques can also play a role: heavy formulas, insufficient blending, and lack of setting can all exacerbate creasing under the eyes and spoil that smooth finish you're after.

Why shouldn't you put eyeliner on your waterline?

"When makeup is applied to the area known as the waterline, it can potentially block the glands known as meibomian glands that release an oily substance that contributes to the tear film, which can subsequently lead to dry eye or irritation," Garshick said.

How to apply eyeliner so it doesn't smudge?

Powder First, Line Second

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.

Why doesn't my makeup stay under my eyes?

If you notice that your under eyes look dry or crepe-like after you've applied your concealer, ensure you use a good eye cream and primer beforehand, and opt for a more moisturising cream-type concealer. When your under-eye concealer is too rich and moisturizing, it will smudge in our humid weather.

What is the best waterproof setting spray?

  • Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist. ...
  • Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray. ...
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. ...
  • ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray. ...
  • NARS Light Reflecting™ Hydrating Makeup Setting Mist.

Should I use setting spray or powder?

If you prefer your skin to look a bit glowier, you may favor setting spray. Setting sprays have a lighter application compared to powders so the coverage is sheerer and more natural-looking. Plus, unlike powders, they come in an array of finishes, so you should be able to find one that suits your preferences.

How do I stop my makeup from smudging under my eyes?

  1. Combat Oily Skin.
  2. Combat Oily Skin. Oil from the skin around your eyes can penetrate your mascara and cause it to melt, so you should always start your makeup routine with clean and dry skin. ...
  3. Double Prime.
  4. Double Prime. ...
  5. Powder Your Under Eyes.
  6. Powder Your Under Eyes. ...
  7. Choose a Waterproof Formula.
  8. Choose a Waterproof Formula.

What color mascara is best for older eyes?

Both Brissette and Spieler recommend using brown mascara, rather than black mascara, on mature eyes. “When I do mature women for special occasions, I always use brown or black/brown mascara,” Spieler says.

What is the number one mascara for sensitive eyes?

Vogue's Favorite Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
  • Best for Doe Eyes: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, $29.
  • Best Tubing: Merit Clean Lash Lengthening, $26.
  • Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Mascara Waterproof, $12.
  • Best Mascara Wand: Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara, $20.

Why does eyeliner smudge under eye?

One primary reason eyeliner smudges is due to the natural oils in your skin. These oils can break down the eyeliner, causing it to migrate and create that unwanted "panda" effect. Skincare products can also contribute to this issue if they haven't fully absorbed into your skin.

How do you get makeup to stay under your eyes?

Powder to Set (Optional)

Bags can be enhanced by creasing concealer (which is a result of oily skin), so a light dusting of translucent powder, like Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder can be helpful. Instead of dusting it on, use a brush or sponge to "stamp" it into the skin to prevent streaking.

Why does mascara smudge under my eye?

"The oil in our skin, or creamy products applied around the eyes, can make the pigment of the mascara transfer onto skin, even after the mascara is dry," says Nikki Wolff, the global creative director of artistry for KVD Beauty. Even if your skin isn't naturally oily, sweat and heat can cause mascara to run.

What type of eyeliner is best for mature eyes?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner at Amazon $19.
  • Best Pencil: Jones Road Beauty The Best Pencil at Amazon $36 $25.
  • Best Liquid: KVD Liquid Eyeliner at Amazon $23.
  • Best Gel: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil at Amazon $26.
  • Best Pigmentation: ...
  • Best Waterproof:

Is there such a thing as smudge proof mascara?

If you're looking for a mascara that will keep your eye makeup in place all day long, look no further than smudge-proof mascaras. These mascaras are designed to keep your eye makeup looking fresh and vibrant by coating your lashes with a thin layer of waterproofing that prevents it from smudging.

Does setting spray help eyeliner from smudging?

Setting spray does not smudge eyeliner, in fact, it does the opposite. It will set your eyeliner in place so it doesn't move or smudge throughout the day.

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