You know that feeling. You spend twenty minutes getting your wings perfectly symmetrical, you head out into the world, and three hours later you look in the mirror only to find you've morphed into a raccoon. It’s frustrating. Honestly, the search for a liner that actually stays put feels like a lifelong quest for some of us. But then there’s the 24 7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. It’s been around forever in "beauty years," yet it still sits at the top of the charts. Why? Because it actually does what it says on the box.
Most eyeliners are either too hard—dragging across your delicate eyelid skin like a dried-out crayon—or they’re too soft, smudging the second you blink. This one hits that weirdly specific sweet spot.
The Science of Why It Doesn't Budge
It’s not just magic. There is real chemistry happening here. The formula is packed with 50% hydrating ingredients. We’re talking jojoba oil, vitamin E, and cottonseed oil. Usually, "waterproof" is code for "drying as heck," but the Urban Decay team figured out how to balance the long-wear polymers with these emollients.
When you first swipe the 24 7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil across your lash line, it feels wet. It feels creamy. You have about 30 seconds—maybe 45 if you’re applying it over a primer—to smudge it out. If you want a smoky look, you have to move fast. Once those volatile ingredients evaporate, the waxes set. And they set hard.
Think of it like wet cement. Pliable for a minute, then permanent.
I’ve seen people wear this through hot yoga sessions and literal rainstorms. Does it look 100% perfect after a swim? Maybe not "just applied" perfect, but it won't be halfway down your cheeks. That’s the cross-linking polymer technology at work. It creates a flexible film that moves with your skin instead of cracking or flaking off like cheaper drugstore alternatives often do.
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Color Theory and the 38+ Shade Problem
One thing people get wrong about this liner is thinking it’s just about "Perversion" (their famous matte black). Sure, that’s the bestseller. It’s the blackest black on the market—deeper than "Zero," which is more of a classic charcoal black.
But the real genius is in the finishes.
- Mattes: These are your workhorses. Shades like "Whiskey" or "Demolition" are essential for that "I’m not wearing much makeup" definition.
- Metals: This is where the 24 7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil really shines. Shades like "Stargog" or "Mildew" have this multidimensional grit-free shimmer.
- Glitter: Some shades have actual micro-sparkle. Usually, glitter liners are scratchy. These aren't.
If you’re over 40, you might be avoiding shimmer liners. Don’t. A little bit of a metallic finish like "Mushroom" (a gorgeous taupe-grey) actually reflects light away from fine lines better than a flat matte that might sink into them.
Texture Matters
Ever tried to use a wooden pencil that felt like a needle? Yeah, none of that here. Because of the oil content, the lead is soft. This leads to one of the only real complaints about the product: you have to sharpen it a lot. If you want a crisp point, you’re going to lose some product in the sharpener. It’s the trade-off for that buttery application.
Some users try to freeze the pencil for five minutes before sharpening to keep the core from breaking. It works. Sorta. But mostly, you just accept that a creamy liner is a consumable one.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Waterproof Claims
"Waterproof" does not mean "oil-proof." This is the biggest misconception in the beauty world. Your skin produces sebum. If you have very oily eyelids, even the 24 7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil might migrate a little by 6:00 PM.
The fix isn't a different liner; it's a base.
Using something like the Urban Decay Primer Potion or even just a dusting of translucent powder creates a barrier between your skin’s natural oils and the waxes in the pencil. This allows the waterproof tech to do its job without being dissolved from underneath.
Also, removal. Don't try to wash this off with a standard foaming cleanser. You’ll just end up scrubbing your eyes red and losing three eyelashes. You need an oil-based remover or a micellar water designed for waterproof makeup. The "like dissolves like" rule is king here. You need oil to break down those waterproof polymers.
Real World Testing: Humidity and Tears
In a 2023 consumer study, a vast majority of participants noted that the liner stayed vibrant for a full 12 hours. But let's talk about the "waterproof" aspect in extreme conditions.
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I’ve seen bridal makeup artists rely on the shade "Rockstar" (a deep eggplant) because it makes green and hazel eyes pop but won't streak when the vows start. It’s a staple in professional kits because it’s predictable. In an industry where "new and improved" happens every week, staying relevant for over a decade is basically a miracle.
Comparison: The High-End Rivals
Is it better than the Marc Jacobs Highliner (RIP) or the Chanel Stylo Yeux?
Honestly, the Chanel is drier. It’s great for the waterline, but it doesn't give you that rich, one-swipe payoff. The 24 7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is much more pigmented. One pass and you’re done. You don’t have to keep digging into your eye to get the color to show up.
Compared to drugstore dupes? Most cheap liners lack the "set" time. They stay "greasy" too long, which means they end up in your crease within an hour. You pay the premium for the Urban Decay because of the sophisticated drying curve.
Actionable Tips for the Best Application
If you want to get the most out of your pencil, stop just drawing a line and hoping for the best.
- Tightlining: Use the shade "Perversion" specifically on your upper waterline. Because it’s waterproof, it won't immediately transfer to your bottom waterline and give you that "tired" look.
- The Smudge Hack: Apply the liner, then immediately take a small, dense synthetic brush and wiggle it. This softens the edge before it sets. Once it’s set, you can’t move it without remover.
- Warm It Up: If your house is cold, the oils in the pencil can stiffen. Scribble on the back of your hand for two seconds before touching your eye. The friction warms the oils and ensures that "glide on" promise.
- Sharpening: Use a high-quality sharpener with a sharp blade. A dull blade will chew up the soft core and waste your money. Urban Decay makes their own (the Grindhouse), but any cosmetic sharpener with a fresh blade works.
The Reality of the Waterline
Applying any pencil to the "wet" part of your eye is a gamble. The 24 7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is ophthalmologist tested, which is great. It’s safe. However, because that area is constantly moist, even the best waterproof liner will eventually fade there. Expect about 4-5 hours of solid wear on the waterline before you need a touch-up. On the actual lash line? It’ll last until you decide to take it off.
Final Practical Steps
If you're ready to stop the smudging cycle, start with one neutral shade. "Demolition" (matte dark brown) is usually the best entry point because it’s more forgiving than black but still provides high-contrast definition.
Check your current sharpener; if it’s more than a year old, toss it and get a new one to prevent the pencil from breaking. Always snap the cap on tight until you hear it click. If you leave these uncapped, the volatile oils will evaporate in the air, and your $25 pencil will turn into a useless stick of wood within a week. Keep them sealed, keep them sharp, and they’ll stay creamy until the very last bit of lead.