Exceptional value from a trusted brand with top-rated performance, priced competitively for daily use.
Price vs. rivals
Typical
CheaperTypicalPricier
This 2-pack is priced slightly below the typical range for comparable waterproof pencil eyeliners from mid-tier brands, making it a good value without being the cheapest option available.
Ease of use
Excellent 90/100
The pencil glides on smoothly and the built-in smudger makes application easy, though the waterproof formula requires makeup remover for removal.
Overview
This Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner review is your honest take on a drugstore waterproof eyeliner pencil. Is it worth it? Yes—if you need something that stays put on oily lids without requiring a chemistry degree to remove. It performs better than its $11 price suggests, though it’s not ideal for intricate wings.
The pencil solves the problem of eyeliner that smudges halfway through the day or disappears after a few hours. It’s made for anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss line that lasts from morning coffee to evening wind-down. The target audience is practical: people who prefer a pencil over liquid or gel because it’s faster and easier to control, especially on the lower lash line.
Key Features
Waterproof formula – It’s designed to resist sweat, tears, and humidity. On oily eyelids that eat most eyeliners by noon, this one holds its ground. You’ll still want a good eye makeup remover at night, but during the day it won’t budge.
Built-in smudger tip – The other end of the pencil has a sponge-like applicator. You can smudge the line into a soft smoky look right after applying. Works best within the first 30 seconds; after that the formula sets too firmly.
Pigmented in one swipe – The black shade (201 Black) is deep and opaque. You don’t need to go over the same section multiple times to get a solid line. That saves time and keeps the line smooth.
Self-sharpening cap – The cap has a built-in sharpener inside. Twist the pencil in and you get a fresh point without hunting for a separate sharpener. The catch: the sharpener is small, so it wears down after several uses and can leave a rough edge.
Two-pack value – For roughly $11 you get two pencils. That’s about the price of one premium brand pencil. You’ll have a backup or can keep one at your desk and one at home.
Ophthalmologist-tested – It’s safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Many users with eye allergies report no irritation, though individual reactions vary.
Fit for You
You have oily eyelids and have tried every “waterproof” liner that still gives you panda eyes by lunchtime.
You want a tightline—the pencil’s firm tip reaches the base of your lashes without stabbing you in the waterline.
You commute in rain or high humidity and need your liner to survive the weather without a mirror check.
You’re new to eyeliner and a pencil gives you more control than a brush or felt-tip pen.
You wear glasses that steam up; this liner won’t transfer to your lenses or leave marks on your frames.
You want a smoky eye look without buying a separate smudging tool.
Uses
Eight hours into a workday, after a lunch run and a couple of coffee breaks, you glance in the mirror—the line is still where you drew it. No smudge on the lower lash line, no faded gap. That’s the main use case: reliable daily wear.
Movie nights are a good test. Tear up at a sad scene and you’ll see a little transfer on the waterline if you rubbed your eyes, but the rest of the line stays intact. For a full weep-fest, you might want an extra layer of setter.
It also works well for tightlining. Run the pencil gently between your upper lashes from underneath. The formula grabs onto the lash line and opens up the eyes without a visible line. For bottom tightlining, it stays put longer than most pencils—expect about 5-6 hours before it starts to fade on the wet rim.
Experience
First twist out of the box: the pencil feels a bit stiff. You have to warm it up against your hand or the line will tug. Once the product warms to skin temperature, it goes on smoothly. The texture is creamy but not too soft—it won’t break off or crumble.
Application is straightforward. You draw a line along the lash line, and the tip stays sharp long enough for a thin line. For a thicker line, angle the pencil sideways. The smudger works well if you use it right after applying—wait longer than a minute and it just smears without blending.
The sharpener in the cap is convenient but not perfect. After a dozen or so uses, the blade gets dull. You’ll start seeing wood shavings more than pencil shavings, and the point becomes uneven. Keep a separate sharpener handy for the long run.
Removal is the biggest trade-off. This is waterproof in the truest sense—plain water does nothing. You need an oil-based cleanser or a bi-phase makeup remover. Micellar water alone? Not enough; expect to rub a bit. If you’re lazy about removal, you’ll wake up with remnants the next morning.
One small annoyance: the outer coating of the pencil can feel slightly waxy if you sharpen it a lot. That doesn’t affect the performance, just the initial feel when you apply. A couple of passes on the back of your hand fix it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Lasts all day – On oily eyelids, it holds 10+ hours without smudging. Even on a sweaty summer walk, only the very inner corners show any fade.
Great value for two – $11 for a pair is cheaper per pencil than most drugstore singles. You get a backup without thinking about repurchase.
Easy to smudge – The built-in sponge gives you two looks from one product. Keep it sharp for definition, smudge it for a diffused line.
Waterproof without being a chore – Unlike some hardcore waterproof liners that feel dry, this one applies comfortably and doesn’t tug once warm.
Safe for sensitive eyes – No stinging or burning reported by most users, even those who react to other brands.
Cons
Requires an oil-based remover – You can’t scrub this off with soap and water. If you forget makeup remover on a trip, you’re stuck with liner until you find a pharmacy.
Pencil can be stiff initially – The first few applications need a little pressure. If you’re in a hurry, you might drag the skin. Let it warm up in your pocket for a minute.
Sharpener wears out – The built-in sharpener isn’t a long-term solution. After a month of daily use, you’ll need a backup sharpener or you’ll waste product.
Not great for precise wings – The pencil tip is too thick for razor-sharp flick. You can get a small wing, but it won’t match the precision of a felt-tip pen.
Smudger can get messy – The sponge picks up product and can look grimy after several uses. You’ll want to clean it with alcohol or replace the pencil before the sponge gets gross.
Advantages: Revlon ColorStay vs Maybelline Tattoo Liner – This Pencil Wins on Staying Power
When people compare Revlon ColorStay vs Maybelline Tattoo Liner, they’re often deciding between a pencil and a felt-tip pen. The Maybelline Tattoo Liner is a liquid liner that dries fast and lasts, but it’s harder to control on the lower lash line. The Revlon pencil gives you more forgiveness—you can smudge, correct with a cotton swab, and work in sections. For tightlining and lower lashes, the pencil is the better choice. The Maybelline is better if you want a sharp, dramatic wing. Both are waterproof, but the Revlon holds up slightly better on oily skin because it’s waxier and sets more firmly.
Easier to apply on the waterline – Pencil formula glides without skipping; liquid tips can be too wet.
Better for smoky looks – Smudge then set; with a liquid liner you can’t smudge after it dries.
Lower risk of poking the eye – The pencil’s rounded tip is safer for the inner rim than a sharp felt tip.
Two pencils vs one pen – The Maybelline Tattoo Liner usually comes as a single pen for around $10. The Revlon two-pack beats it in value.
Who Should Buy
Buy it if you have oily eyelids and everyday eyeliners fail you by afternoon.
Buy it if you want a quick one-and-done liner that doesn’t need touch-ups.
Buy it if you like the look of a soft definition on the lower lash line without a sharp line.
Skip it if you’re after a dramatic cat eye—buy a felt-tip or liquid liner for that.
Skip it if you prefer a very precise, ultra-thin line without any smudging. Try a pen liner or a gel pot instead.
Skip it if you’re unwilling to use oil-based remover; the removal is non-negotiable.
FAQ
Is the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner worth it?
Yes, especially if you buy the two-pack. For $11 you get a reliable everyday pencil that outlasts many mid-range brands. The only downsides are the removal effort and the need for a separate sharpener after a while.
How long does Revlon ColorStay eyeliner last?
On dry to normal skin, expect 12–14 hours before minor fading. On oily eyelids, it typically lasts 8–10 hours. The lower waterline lasts about 5–6 hours before it starts to fade.
Is it safe for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?
Yes, it’s ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes. Most contact lens users report no irritation. If you have allergies, test a small spot first—the formula contains waxes that rarely cause reactions.
How do you remove Revlon ColorStay eyeliner?
Use an oil-based makeup remover or a micellar water labeled for waterproof makeup. Soak a cotton pad, hold it on your closed eye for 10 seconds, then wipe gently. Do not rub harshly.
Can you use a sharpener on it?
The cap has a built-in sharpener, but after a dozen uses the blade dulls. Any standard eyeliner sharpener will work. Avoid cheap plastic sharpeners—they can break the pencil tip.
Does it smudge easily?
Once set (about one minute after application), it resists smudging extremely well. If you want a smoky look, smudge within 30 seconds. After that, the formula becomes smudge-proof.
Final Verdict
The Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner is a no-regret buy for anyone who needs a truly waterproof pencil that handles oily lids. It delivers on its core promise: long wear without panda eyes. The two-pack makes the price painless, and the built-in smudger adds versatility.
Just don’t expect surgical precision or quick removal. Keep a good makeup remover nearby and a separate sharpener for the long term. If that sounds fine to you, this is one of the best drugstore waterproof eyeliners you can buy right now.
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner vs the Drugstore Competition in 2026
The drugstore eyeliner aisle has a few heavy hitters, but the Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in 201 Black has been a steady seller for years. Any honest Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner review in 2026 has to acknowledge that it faces tougher competition than ever. It sits in the middle of the pack price-wise, offering a solid two-pack for what some competitors charge for one. The question is whether it’s still the best waterproof eyeliner for oily eyelids, or if something else has taken the crown.
Creamy gel formula deposits color smoothly, rich pigment
Smudges faster on very oily lids, no sharpener included
Quick, smooth application with decent staying power
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil
Mid ($8–10)
Thin precision tip, extreme waterproof hold
Dries out in the tube, tough to remove, less forgiving
Precise lines and waterproof performance above all else
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Premium (~$22)
Buttery smooth, huge color range, easy to blend
Pricey, less waterproof than drugstore rivals, can crease on oily lids
Versatility, color options, comfortable wear
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner vs Maybelline Tattoo Gel Liner
This is the big one. The Revlon ColorStay vs Maybelline Tattoo Liner debate usually comes down to one thing: application comfort versus sheer staying power. The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil goes on like butter. You don’t have to tug or warm it up. It deposits a thick, dark line in one pass. But here’s the trade-off — that creamy formula is more likely to migrate if your lids are oily. The Revlon ColorStay is the opposite. It’s drier, stiffer, and demands you work with it a little. You’ll get a firmer, more locked-in line that genuinely doesn’t budge through a ten-hour day or a sweaty commute. If you have oily eyelids or you’re looking for a drugstore waterproof eyeliner pencil review that prioritizes longevity over luxury, the Revlon is the pick.
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner vs L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last
Where the Revlon gives you a thicker, more traditional pencil line, the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last aims for precision. Its tip is finer, letting you get closer to the lash line without guesswork. It’s also genuinely waterproof, maybe the most water-resistant of the bunch. But the Infallible has a shelf-life problem. The formula dries out in the tube faster than you’d expect, sometimes within a few months. The Revlon ColorStay eyeliner long lasting reputation applies both on your eyes and in your drawer. It keeps its consistency longer. So for everyday tightlining and waterline work where you need accuracy, the L’Oreal wins. For a reliable daily driver that won’t let you down mid-year, the Revlon is the safer bet.
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner vs Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On is the premium choice. It’s creamy, comfortable, and comes in fifty shades. But if you’re asking is Revlon ColorStay eyeliner worth it at a fraction of the price, the answer depends on what you want. The Urban Decay pencil is easier to work with, especially if you smoke out your liner or want to blend it before it sets. The Revlon ColorStay does not blend. Once it’s on, it’s on. That makes it less versatile but more reliable for a sharp, defined look that stays. The Urban Decay also tends to transfer to the lower lash line on oily lids. The Revlon doesn’t. If you have hooded eyes or oily skin and need the best waterproof eyeliner for oily eyelids, save your $20 and buy the Revlon. If you want a pencil you can play with and don’t mind reapplying, go Urban Decay.
Choose the Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner if your main concern is keeping liner where you put it for ten-plus hours without touch-ups. It’s not the easiest pencil to apply — you’ll want to warm the tip between your fingers for a few seconds, but it’s the most reliable drugstore option for oily lids and all-day wear. Skip it if you hate a dry pencil feel or need a precise, thin line; the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last or Maybelline Tattoo Studio will treat you better. For the price of a single premium pencil, the two-pack of Revlon gives you months of backup, and that’s hard to argue with.
Ready to decide on the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner?
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