Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eyeliner Pencil Review

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Quick Verdict (TL;DR)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Best for: Anyone who wants 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, or you want a pencil that stays blendable for a smoky, smudged look.

Why it stands out: The cream-gel formula glides on smoothly, then sets to a water-resistant, smudge-resistant finish. With simple prep, it’s less likely to migrate into the inner corners than many softer pencils. It’s a bit firmer than UD’s classic Glide-On pencils on purpose—once it sets, it grips the damp waterline better.

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What makes it different from regular 24/7 Glide-On?

Urban Decay’s standard 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are softer and more blendable for lids and lash lines. The Waterline version is made to adhere to the wet inner rim and feel more budge-resistant once it sets. It still glides, but it isn’t meant to stay “moveable” for a smoky effect.

Bottom line: Use Waterline for the inner rim; use Glide-On on the outer lash line when you want time to smudge and blend.

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Shades that matter

• Legend – inky, matte black. A go-to for tightlining and extra definition.
• Walk of Shame – nude beige that brightens the waterline, helps counter redness, and makes eyes look more awake.
• Rail – deep brown for softer, everyday definition.
• Street – deep green (limited/rotating availability).
  (Shade availability can change; black and nude tend to be the easiest to find.)

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Texture, finish & comfort

• Texture: Cream-gel that lays down color right away without tugging.
• Finish: Matte to soft-matte—ideal for the waterline (shimmer can be irritating on the inner rim).
• Comfort: Many contact-lens wearers tolerate it well when applied cleanly. If your eyes are sensitive, expect possible watering the first time you try any waterline pencil.

Tip: Keep the tip gently rounded—not needle-sharp—to avoid poking the inner rim. A sharper point is better for precise tightlining under the lashes, not the wet waterline.

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Wear test (what most people want to know)

Test conditions: Combination skin, mild seasonal allergies; 9–10 hour day; no eye primer on the waterline.

• First swipe payoff: Opaque in 1–2 passes.
• Set time: About 20–30 seconds to “lock in” (blink normally, just don’t rub).
• Midday check (5–6 hours): Black stays clearly visible; slight fading at the outer corners (common from blinking/tearing).
• End of day (9–10 hours): Still there, just less intense than hour one. Minimal transfer to the lower lash roots—easy to clean up with a cotton swab.

Compared with drugstore rivals: It tends to hold on the wet rim a bit longer than most, especially in Legend. Walk of Shame fades faster than black (that’s typical for nude waterline shades), but it generally outlasts many nude kohls.

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How to apply (so it actually lasts)

1. Start dry. Blot the waterline with a clean cotton swab to remove moisture.
2. Warm the tip. Scribble once on the back of your hand to get the product gliding evenly.
3. Anchor & lift. Look slightly up; gently press the pencil onto the rim (not the eyeball), and use small zig-zag strokes for even coverage.
4. Tightline step (optional): Lift the upper lid and apply along the upper waterline for fuller-looking lashes.
5. Let it set. Blink naturally for 15–30 seconds. Try to avoid eye drops or tearing for the next minute.
6. Protect the corners. If your outer corners water easily, stop a few millimeters short to reduce migration.
7. 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. Hold it in place for 10–15 seconds, then wipe gently to avoid rubbing.

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Who it’s best for / who should skip

Choose it if you:

• Want bold, long-lasting waterline definition.
• Need a nude brightener that won’t disappear in an hour.
• Wear contacts and want a formula that’s less likely to 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 (a classic kohl may suit you better).
• Want the lowest-cost option (see alternatives below).

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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	Strong stay-power without feeling overly dry
Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil	Creamy gel, sets	7–9h	Black, Brown, Nude	Budget option with impressive grip
Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal	Creamy kohl	5–7h	Black, Nude	Soft, affordable brightening nude
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Last	Gel hybrid	6–8h	Black, Brown	Reliable drugstore tightline pencil
Sephora 12Hr Contour Pencil	Gel-like, many shades	6–8h	Nudes vary	Shade variety at a mid-range price

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*Approximate real-world wear on the waterline; most pencils last longer on the lids.

Takeaway: If your top question is “will it last on the waterline?” UD Waterline in Legend is still one of the more dependable picks. For a budget nude, Rimmel Scandaleyes is a common backup; for budget black, Maybelline TattooStudio comes close in both grip and wear.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made for the waterline and resists smudging once it sets.
• Opaque color in 1–2 passes.
• Matte finish that works well on the inner rim and layers nicely with other eye makeup.

Cons

• Pricier than most drugstore alternatives.
• Nude shades typically fade faster than black, especially if your eyes water.
• Some shades can be harder to find depending on stock.

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Dupes & alternatives (if UD is out of stock)

• Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil – great payoff and staying power for the price.
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl – an affordable brightening nude with a softer feel.
• L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Last – a dependable drugstore tightline option.
• Sephora 12Hr Contour – solid wear with lots of shade choices.

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How to build a budge-proof eye with it (mini routine)

1. Tightline the upper rim with Legend for instantly fuller-looking lashes.
2. Line the lower waterline with Legend (more drama) or Walk of Shame (brighter, more awake).
3. Add a thin wash of matte shadow along the lower lashes to help absorb moisture and minimize corner fading.
4. Finish with waterproof mascara on the top lashes to reduce transfer.

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Should you buy it?

If your priority is long-lasting color on the waterline, the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil is still a strong choice—especially in Legend. You can get a similar look for less, but UD’s mix of glide, opacity, and wear makes it a reliable “apply it and move on” option for many makeup routines.

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Frequently Asked Questions ▾

Is Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline safe for the inner rim?

It’s sold for waterline use and many people use it on the inner rim. As with any eye product, avoid using it if you have an active eye infection or irritation, and remove it thoroughly at night. If you’ve had recent eye surgery or deal with chronic dry eye, check with your eye doctor first.

Will it transfer to my contacts?

Many contact wearers find it doesn’t flake or shed when applied in a thin layer and allowed to set. If you’re sensitive, apply it before inserting your lenses and remove it with an oil-based remover at the end of the day.

Does it work on watery eyes?

It can, but prep helps: blot the rim dry, apply in thin layers, and stop slightly short of very teary outer corners. A cotton swab is handy for quick corner cleanup.

Which shade makes eyes look bigger?

Walk of Shame (nude) helps neutralize redness and can make eyes look more open. For lash-thickening definition, use Legend (black) on the upper waterline.

How do I stop it wearing away in the center?

Blot first, then apply using short back-and-forth strokes instead of one long swipe. Tightlining the upper waterline can also help—color from above meets color below, so the waterline looks more filled-in even as it wears.

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 also 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 wear. If you’re building a dependable routine, those three reviews cover base, setting, and shadow in one simple toolkit.