Why does eyeliner smudge or transfer?

Short answer

Smudging and transfer are eyeliner moving off its original line - onto the lower lid, the crease, or a mask - usually within a few hours of application. Eyelids are one of the oiliest, most mobile areas of the face, which makes them harder to hold a line on than almost anywhere else.

Why it happens

The eyelid moves constantly (blinking) and produces oil that most other formulas aren't designed to sit on top of for long. Softer pencil formulas, in particular, are built to glide on smoothly, which is the same property that lets them move after application. Skipping eye primer means liner is applied directly onto naturally oily skin, giving it even less to grip.

How to prevent or fix it

• Prime the lid first. An eye primer or even a light dusting of setting powder over the lid removes surface oil and gives liner something to hold onto. See Primer.
• Set pencil liner with a matching powder shadow. Pressing a similar-toned eyeshadow over pencil liner locks it in place and extends wear significantly.
• Choose gel or liquid formulas for all-day wear. These generally dry down harder than pencil and resist transfer better, at the cost of being less forgiving to apply.
• Avoid touching or rubbing the eye area. Most transfer onto the lower lid happens from incidental touching, not from the formula failing on its own.
• Let each layer dry before blinking normally. Applying liner and immediately blinking hard or rubbing the eyes is the most common way a fresh line gets smudged before it's even had a chance to set.