Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil has a cult reputation for creamy color that locks in. I tested its best-selling and bold shades through long days, humidity, and rub tests to see which ones actually stay put and which need a little backup.
Overview
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is a classic wooden pencil with a gel-like core that delivers saturated color in a single pass. It goes on buttery, sets quickly, and claims waterproof, smudge-resistant wear that lasts from morning to night. The line spans a wide range of finishes and shades, from matte mainstays to metallics and sparkle. Popular colors include Perversion, a deep matte black, Demolition, a neutral deep brown, Bourbon, a warm brown with micro-shimmer, Rockstar, a blackened eggplant, Stash, an olive with gold, and Deep End, a bright teal. The pencil must be sharpened, which gives you precise control over point size.
The formula includes conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil, which help it glide without tugging. Once set, it resists smudging on most skin types and plays well with powder shadows layered on top. Removal typically requires an oil-based or dual-phase makeup remover.
Who it’s for
This pencil suits anyone who wants strong color with minimal effort and long wear in a familiar, easy-to-control format. It is especially useful if you prefer a pencil over liquid but still want intensity and staying power. It works on a wide range of eye shapes and ages because the tip is soft, so it does not skip or pull at delicate skin.
If you have oily or hooded lids and struggle with transfer, you will appreciate how quickly this formula sets. If your eyes are very watery or you intend to line the inner rim every day, a waterline-specific eyeliner may last longer and feel more comfortable for that purpose. Sensitive eyes will usually do best with the matte shades and thin lines at the base of the lashes. If your lids are on the drier or more mature side, the creamy glide prevents tugging and the softer shades can be very flattering.
How it feels and performs
The texture is creamy on contact, with opaque color in one to two passes. You get roughly 20 to 30 seconds before it sets, which is enough time to smudge or soften the line. After it sets, rubbing with a fingertip does very little, especially on the upper lash line. Lower-lash and waterline wear varies by shade and finish. Matte and satin shades tend to outlast metallics and sparkle, which can migrate slightly over the day, especially on the lower lash line.
Across testing days that included a full workday, a humid afternoon commute, and an evening workout, the upper lash line stayed crisp with only minor fading at the outer corners by the 10 to 12 hour mark. The lower lash line stayed defined for 8 to 10 hours before softening. On the waterline, longevity depended heavily on shade and eye moisture. Matte dark shades held for 3 to 5 hours, while sparkly or bright shades wore closer to 2 to 3 hours.
Smudge-tested shades and wear times
Below are the most useful shades I tested and how they held up. For consistency, I applied a thin line, let it set for one minute, then performed a fingertip rub test. I also tracked wear on the upper lash line, lower lash line, and waterline through a typical 12 hour day.
- Perversion (matte black): Rich pigment in one swipe, smooth glide. Minimal movement on the rub test after it set. Upper lash line lasted 12 to 14 hours with primer and about 10 to 12 hours without. Lower lash line softened slightly around hour 8. Waterline stayed deep for 3 to 4 hours, then faded evenly.
- Demolition (matte deep brown): Slightly softer look than black but still very opaque. Almost no transfer after setting. Upper lash line lasted 12 to 13 hours. Lower lash line looked clean until hour 8 to 9. Waterline lasted 4 to 5 hours, performing a touch better than black on the inner rim for me.
- Bourbon (warm brown with micro-shimmer): Beautiful everyday brown with glow. Excellent glide. Rub test revealed a small amount of sparkle lift on bare skin. Upper lash line lasted 10 to 11 hours. Lower lash line developed a faint shadow under the eye after 6 to 7 hours if not set with powder. Not my top pick for the waterline due to shimmer.
- Rockstar (blackened eggplant): A versatile alternative to black that brightens green and hazel eyes. Rub test showed no movement after setting. Upper lash line lasted 11 to 12 hours, lower lash line softened at 7 to 8 hours into a flattering haze. Waterline held for about 3 hours before fading.
- Stash (olive with gold): Unique olive with micro-shimmer that makes brown and hazel eyes pop. Rub test showed minor sparkle lift if you press hard. Upper lash line lasted 9 to 10 hours. Lower lash line showed a few traveling sparkles by hour 6 unless set with shadow. Not ideal for the waterline.
- Deep End (bright teal): Vivid color payoff and very smooth glide. After set, a firm rub dulled the finish slightly but did not smear the line. Upper lash line lasted 9 to 10 hours. Lower lash line faded around hour 6. Waterline wear was about 2 hours and best improved by layering and setting.
Transfer and humidity: On a hot, humid day, matte shades like Perversion and Demolition stayed put on the upper lash line with minimal transfer to hooded lids once set. Shimmer shades benefited from a quick press of matching shadow to keep any micro-sparkle from wandering. During a deliberate splash test with water and light blotting, the lines did not run, although waterline color faded faster, as expected.
Comfort: The glide is gentle enough for sensitive lids. On the inner rim, mattes feel the most comfortable. Sparkle shades can feel scratchy on the waterline and are better kept to the lash line or outer corner.
How to use for best results
Small tweaks in prep and application dramatically improve staying power and precision. Here is what worked best, especially for oily or hooded lids and long days.
- Prep the skin: Start with clean, dry lids. If you are oily, lightly blot with a tissue or apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer. If you do not use primer, dust a translucent or skin-tone powder over the lid to reduce slip.
- Work one eye at a time: The formula sets quickly. Draw short strokes along the lash line, then use a small smudge brush or a clean fingertip to soften the edge within 20 to 30 seconds.
- Set where needed: Press a matching powder shadow right on top of the pencil line to lock it down, especially on the lower lash line or if you chose a shimmer shade. A thin veil is enough. You can also dampen an angled brush with a tiny mist of setting spray and press it over the line for extra insurance.
- Keep eyes still while it sets: After lining, look down or close your eyes for 10 to 20 seconds so the pencil can fully set without transferring to the crease, which helps if your lids are hooded.
- Waterline tips: If you want to use this pencil on the inner rim, avoid sparkle formulas. Gently dry the waterline with a cotton swab, apply a thin layer, blink a few times, then add a second pass. You can reinforce at the base of the lashes with the same shade to create the illusion of longer waterline wear.
- Sharpen smart: This is a soft, gel-like core. To minimize breakage, chill the pencil for 5 to 10 minutes before sharpening and use a quality sharpener. Avoid over-sharpening to a needle point.
- Clean edges: A pointed cotton swab dipped lightly in micellar water tidies the wing or removes any fallout without disturbing the rest of your makeup.
- End of day removal: Hold a saturated cotton pad of oil-based or dual-phase remover against the area for 15 to 20 seconds, then wipe. This dissolves the set film so you avoid rubbing delicate skin.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- Creamy glide that does not tug, with rich payoff in one pass
- Sets quickly and resists smudging on the upper lash line even in humidity
- Wide shade and finish range for everyday looks and bold color
- Works well alone or under powder shadow to smoke out the line
- Matte shades wear better than most pencils on the waterline
- Cons
- Requires sharpening and the soft core can break if over-sharpened
- Shimmer and sparkle shades can migrate on the lower lash line without setting
- Waterline wear is good for a traditional pencil but still shorter than a waterline-specific formula
- Sets fast, which leaves a short smudge window for beginners
Final verdict
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil lives up to its reputation for glide and long wear, especially on the upper lash line. If you want a low-fuss pencil that lays down bold color, sets quickly, and resists smudges through a full day, it is still one of the most reliable options. The matte shades are the workhorses. Perversion and Demolition are outstanding for crisp definition that stays. Rockstar is a smart swap for black that flatters many eye colors. If you love dimension, Bourbon and Stash add a glow but benefit from a light dusting of powder on top for the lower lash line.
For all-day looks with minimal touchups, prep the lid, work in thin layers, and let the line set before blinking fully. If your main goal is a waterproof waterline, you may prefer a waterline-dedicated pencil for daily inner rim use, while keeping this pencil for the lash lines and smoky looks. Taken as a whole, the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil remains a staple that balances ease, color choice, and durability better than most.
See also
If you prioritize inner rim wear, compare performance with the dedicated formula in our Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eyeliner Pencil Review. To lock your finished eye look through heat and long days, see our real-world results in the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray review. For techniques that flatter texture and fine lines, you may find helpful tips in Best Eye Makeup for Older Women (2025).
If your lids are hooded and you need lift without transfer, our picks in Best Mascara for Hooded Eyes can complete the look. And to keep your pencils and smudge brushes performing like new, follow the cleaning steps in How To Clean Makeup Brushes The Right Way.
FAQ
Which Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil shade lasts the longest without smudging?
On the upper lash line, Perversion and Demolition performed best in testing. Both set quickly and held 12 to 14 hours with primer, with only minor softening at the outer corners by late evening. On the lower lash line, these same mattes outlasted shimmer shades by about two hours. For the waterline, Demolition wore slightly longer than Perversion on me, with 4 to 5 hours versus 3 to 4 hours.
How can I prevent transfer to my crease or brow bone with hooded or oily lids?
Prep the lid with a thin layer of eyeshadow primer or a light dusting of powder. Apply a thin line close to the lashes, then keep your eyes gently closed or look down for 10 to 20 seconds so the pencil can set. If you are using a shimmer shade, press a matching powder shadow over the line. Avoid over-layering on very oily lids, since a thick line softens faster than a thin one.
Is the Glide-On Eye Pencil comfortable and effective on the waterline?
Matte shades are the most comfortable and longest wearing on the inner rim in this line. Expect 3 to 5 hours depending on eye moisture. Avoid sparkle formulas on the waterline since micro-particles can feel scratchy and may migrate. For daily inner rim use or very watery eyes, a waterline-specific eyeliner will typically last longer and feel better.
How does this pencil compare to gel pots or liquid liner for longevity and control?
Compared with gel pot liner, this pencil is quicker and less messy, with similar upper-lash wear when set with shadow. Liquid liner usually beats them both for a razor-sharp, ultra-matte line, but it can be less forgiving to apply and touch up. The 24/7 pencil wins for versatility, since you can draw a crisp line or smudge it for a smoky effect within the first 20 to 30 seconds before it sets.
What is the best way to sharpen and store the Urban Decay 24/7 pencil?
Chill the pencil for 5 to 10 minutes before sharpening to reduce crumbling, then use a good cosmetic sharpener with a clean blade. Rotate gently and avoid grinding down to a needle-fine point, which breaks easier. Always cap tightly after use and keep it away from heat. If the tip dries slightly over time, a quick warm swipe on the back of your hand helps revive the glide.
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