Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eye Pencil is designed specifically for the inner rim—not just the lash line—promising creamy glide, rich payoff, and all-day, transfer-resistant wear. Below, we break down performance, shades, how to apply it so it actually stays, and the best alternatives if you want a drugstore price or a softer look.
Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Best for: People who want opaque, long-wear waterline color (especially in Legend black or Walk of Shame nude) without constant touch-ups.
Skip if: Your eyes are very sensitive to creams in the waterline, or you prefer a smudgy, kohl look you can blend for minutes.
Why it stands out: Cream-gel texture glides without skipping, sets to a water-resistant, smudge-resistant finish, and (with proper prep) resists migrating into the corners. It’s stiffer than UD’s classic Glide-On pencils by design—that extra “set” is what helps it cling to the damp rim.
What makes it different from regular 24/7 Glide-On?
Urban Decay’s standard 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are buttery and blendable on lids. The Waterline version is formulated to adhere to the wet rim and is more budge-proof once set. It still glides, but it doesn’t stay moveable for smoky looks. Think: creamier gel that dries down vs creamy kohl that wants to smudge.
Bottom line: Use Waterline on the inner rim; use Glide-On on the outer lash line if you want that smudge-to-smoky moment.
Shades that matter
- Legend – inky, matte black. The obvious “tightline/impact” shade.
- Walk of Shame – nude beige that brightens the waterline to counter redness and make eyes look more awake.
- Rail – deep brown for a softer, everyday tightline.
- Street – deep green (select availability).
(Availability rotates; black and nude are most consistently stocked.)
Texture, finish & comfort
- Texture: cream-gel that deposits color immediately (no hard tugging).
- Finish: matte/soft-matte—ideal for the waterline (shimmer can irritate).
- Comfort: Contact-lens wearers report good tolerance when applied cleanly; as with any waterline product, sensitive eyes may water at first use.
Tip: Because the formula is soft, keep the tip just rounded—not needle-sharp—to avoid pokes. A sharper edge is useful for tightline beneath lashes, not the wet rim.
Wear test (what most people want to know)
Test conditions: combo skin, mild allergies; 9–10 hour day; no eye primer on the waterline (not recommended).
- First swipe payoff: Opaque in 1–2 passes.
- Set time: ~20–30 seconds before it “locks” (blink normally, but avoid rubbing).
- Midday check (5–6 hours): Black remains visible on the rim; slight fading at outer corners (typical from blinking/tears).
- End of day (9–10 hours): Still present, though not as inky as hour one. Minimal transfer to lower lash roots—easily cleaned with cotton bud.
Compared with drugstore rivals: Holds color a touch longer on the wet rim than most, especially in Legend. Walk of Shame fades faster than black (all nude pencils do), but still outlasts typical nude kohls.
How to apply (so it actually lasts)
- Start dry. Blot the waterline with a clean cotton bud to remove tears.
- Warm the tip. Scribble on the back of your hand once to get cream flowing.
- Anchor & lift. Look slightly up; gently press the pencil onto the rim (not the eyeball), and zig-zag for complete coverage.
- Tightline step (optional): Lift the upper lid and run pencil along the upper waterline for fuller-looking lashes.
- Let it set. Blink naturally for 15–30 seconds. Avoid drops or tears for a minute.
- Lock the corners. If your corners water, stop a few millimeters short to reduce migration.
- Touch-up trick: If your eyes water later, blot first, then reapply a quick pass.
Removal: Use an oil-based eye makeup remover or cleansing balm; let it sit for 10–15 seconds before wiping to avoid rubbing.
Who it’s best for / who should skip
Choose it if you:
- Want bold, long-lasting waterline definition.
- Need a nude brightener (Walk of Shame) that doesn’t vanish in an hour.
- Wear contacts and want a formula that doesn’t flake.
- Prefer matte (no shimmer) near the waterline.
Skip or test first if you:
- Have very reactive eyes; any waterline product can trigger tearing.
- Prefer a smoky, blendable pencil for the rim (look at classic kohls instead).
- Want a super-cheap option (see dupes below).
Comparison: UD Waterline vs popular rivals
| Product | Finish/Texture | Waterline Longevity* | Shades for Waterline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline (Legend/Walk of Shame) | Cream-gel, sets matte | 8–10h | Black, Brown, Nude | Highest “stay” + comfort balance |
| Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil | Creamy gel, sets | 7–9h | Black, Brown, Nude | Budget “sticks like glue” feel |
| Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal | Creamy kohl | 5–7h | Black, Nude | Cheapest brightening nude |
| L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Last | Gel hybrid | 6–8h | Black, Brown | Drugstore tightline workhorse |
| Sephora 12Hr Contour Pencil | Gel-like, many shades | 6–8h | Nudes vary | Shade variety, good price |
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*Approximate real-world on the rim; lids usually wear longer.
Takeaway: If “does it last on the waterline” is your top criterion, UD Waterline in Legend remains one of the most reliable. For a budget nude, Rimmel’s Scandaleyes is the common backup; for budget black, Maybelline TattooStudio is very close in stick and wear.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed for the waterline; resists smudging after set.
- Opaque payoff in 1–2 passes.
- Legend and Walk of Shame cover the two most-wanted looks (defined vs brightened).
- Comfortable for many contact wearers; matte finish won’t irritate like shimmer.
Cons
- Costs more than drugstore dupes.
- Nudes fade faster than black (true for nearly all brands).
- Can feel a bit stiff compared to UD’s Glide-On pencils (that’s what makes it last).
- Availability of some shades rotates.
Dupes & alternatives (if UD is out of stock)
- Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil (Deep Onyx / Polished White / Striking Navy / Striking Blackest Black) – great stick and payoff at a lower price.
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl (Nude / Black) – cheapest brightening nude, softer formula.
- L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Last (Black) – dependable budget tightline pencil.
- Sephora 12Hr Contour (Tiramisu, Blonde Ambition, Sleek Black) – wide shade range, good wear.
How to build a budge-proof eye with it (mini routine)
- Tightline upper rim with Legend – instantly thicker lashes.
- Lower waterline with Legend (for drama) or Walk of Shame (for bright).
- Add a thin matte shadow along the lower lashes to soak any moisture and seal corners.
- Finish with waterproof mascara only on top lashes to avoid transfer.
Should you buy it?
If your priority is “long-lasting color on the waterline”, the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eye Pencil remains a top pick—especially in Legend. You can dupe the look cheaper, but UD’s balance of glide, opacity, and all-day hold makes it the most set-and-forget choice for many makeup bags.
Frequently asked questions
Is Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline safe for the inner rim?
It’s marketed for waterline use and widely used there. As with any rim product, patch-test, avoid if you have current eye infections, and remove thoroughly at night. If you’re post-LASIK/cataract or have chronic dry eye, ask your ophthalmologist.
Will it transfer to my contacts?
Most contact wearers report no flaking when applied correctly and allowed to set. Apply before inserting lenses if you’re sensitive, and remove with an oil-based remover.
Does it work on watery eyes?
Yes, but prep matters: blot the rim dry first, apply in thin layers, and stop short of very teary outer corners. Carry a cotton bud for quick corner cleans.
Which shade makes eyes look bigger?
Walk of Shame (nude) counteracts redness and visually opens the eye. For lash-thickening and drama, choose Legend (black) on upper waterline.
How do I stop it wearing away in the center?
Blot first, apply in small back-and-forth strokes, and tightline the upper rim too—color from above meets color below, improving the “fill.”
See Also:
Build an eye look with Best Eyeshadow for Older Women and find smudge-proof picks in Best Eyeliner for Older Women. For lashes that lift without flakes, see Best Mascara for Older Women, then complete the routine with Best Eye Makeup for Older Women.
Alongside this guide, we’ve road-tested the Urban Decay Face Bond Foundation for coverage, transfer resistance and shade match, put Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray through long-day and heat tests, and reviewed the Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette (Warm & Cool) for blendability, fallout and everyday looks. If you’re building a reliable routine, those three reviews cover base, set and shadow in one tidy toolkit.
