Why Does My Eyeliner Pencil Smudge? Common Mistakes and Fixes
There’s nothing more frustrating than applying the perfect eyeliner look in the morning, only to find it smudged and messy by midday. Eye pencil smudging is a common issue, and it can happen for a variety of reasons, from oily eyelids to improper application techniques.
If you’ve ever wondered why your eyeliner doesn’t stay in place, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the common mistakes that lead to smudging and, most importantly, how to fix them so your eyeliner lasts all day.
Common Reasons Why Eyeliner Pencil Smudges
A. Oily Eyelids
One of the main culprits behind smudging eyeliner is excess oil on your eyelids. Throughout the day, your skin naturally produces oils, which can break down your makeup. This is especially common in warm and humid climates or for individuals with oily skin.
B. Using the Wrong Eyeliner Formula
Eyeliner pencils are available in different formulations. Some have creamy textures that ensure effortless application but don’t set properly, leading to smudging. If you’re using a soft pencil liner that doesn’t dry down, it’s more likely to smear.
C. Skipping Eye Primer or Setting Products
If you apply eyeliner directly onto bare skin, it has nothing to adhere to and is more likely to move around. Eye primers and setting powders create a dry, smooth surface that helps prevent smudging.


D. Applying Too Much Product
Applying any makeup more than needed is like breaking the first rule of makeup application. Too much application of eye shading pencil can cause smudging, especially if setting spray is skipped.
2. How to Prevent Eyeliner Pencil from Smudging
Prep Your Eyelids Before Applying Eyeliner
Prepping your eyelids is key to ensuring that your eyeliner stays put. Start by cleansing your face with an oil-free cleanser and then apply an eyeshadow primer or dust a light layer of translucent powder over your lids. This absorbs excess oil and provides a dry base for eyeliner application.
Choose a Long-Lasting, Smudge-Proof Eyeliner Pencil
Opt for an eyeliner pencil with a waterproof or gel-based formula. Here are some of the best eyeliners you can try from Colorbar:
I-Glide Magic Eye Pencil: Colorbar I-Glide Eye Pencil is an award-winning colored pencil available in 20 highly pigmented shades. Enriched with ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil, this formulation is safe and nurturing for the eyes.

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Ultimate Eye Liner: Another award-winning eyeliner pencil by Colorbar that offers a glossy, high-pigmented finish. Its flexi-tip applicator provides ultimate accuracy, and its quick-dry formulation prevents any smudging.

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Apply Eyeliner in Thin Layers
Instead of applying a thick, bold line all at once, build up your eyeliner in thin layers. Use short strokes to create the desired intensity. This prevents the product from becoming too heavy and reduces the risk of transfer.
Set Your Eyeliner with Powder or Eyeshadow
Setting your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow helps lock it in place. After applying your eyeliner, take an angled brush and press a similar-colored eyeshadow over it.
Quick Fixes for Smudged Eyeliner
Even with the right eyeliner and application, there is a chance your eyeliner might smudge. For those situations, you can rely on these quick fixes.
A. Blot and Reapply
If your eyeliner starts smudging midday, use a blotting paper or tissue to absorb excess oil around your eyes. Then, lightly touch up your eyeliner with a pencil or powder to refresh the look.
B. Convert Smudges into a Smokey Eye
Instead of constantly fixing your eyeliner, embrace the smudged look by blending it into a soft smokey eye. Use a small smudging brush to diffuse the edges for an effortlessly sultry look.
C. Carry a Travel-Friendly Eyeliner for Quick Touch-Ups
If you’re prone to eyeliner smudging, keep a mini eyeliner pencil in your bag for quick touch-ups. A retractable pencil is the best choice since you won’t need to carry a sharpener.