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REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner Review

REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner is a long-wear pencil eyeliner designed for defined everyday eye makeup and smudged liner looks. It stands out for strong colour payoff, smooth application, and good value, though durability and eye-area tolerance appear less consistent across users.
Expert reviewed
84
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner is a drugstore eye makeup pencil positioned for long-wear definition with a waterproof, smudge-proof format. The product is designed for users who want a simple eyeliner that can work for both subtle definition and more dramatic looks, with a built-in sharpener for maintaining the tip and a smudger for blending. Based on the provided details and reviews, its strongest points are rich pigment, smooth glide, and generally impressive wear throughout the day. It is also offered in multiple matte and shimmer shades, which broadens its appeal beyond basic black liner. At the same time, the review data shows that not every user finds the formula equally stable, with some reports of smudging, breakage, and irritation. Overall, it appears to be a practical, affordable pencil eyeliner with broad mainstream appeal.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
REVLON
Number of Items
1
Age Range Description
Adult
Package Type Name
Tube
Manufacturer
Revlon
UPC
309973978010 712703284679
Global Trade Identification Number
00309973978010, 08902656300416
Manufacturer Part Number
1S10330801009301
Model Number
I0005168
Included Components
Person Care
Country as Labeled
United States

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
1 x 6.46 x 1.81 inches; 1 Pounds
Item model number
I0005168
UPC
309973978010 712703284679
Manufacturer
Revlon

Scores breakdown

85 /100

Effectiveness

88 /100

Beauty results

62 /100

Skin compatibility

85 /100

Hair compatibility

82 /100

Shade range

84 /100

Finish quality

86 /100

Longevity

70 /100

Ingredient quality

Strengths

  • Rich, dark colour payoff is repeatedly praised in customer feedback.
  • Smooth glide helps create both subtle and more dramatic eyeliner looks.
  • Strong longevity profile with many users reporting all-day wear.
  • Built-in sharpener and smudger add convenience for touch-ups and blending.
  • Large review volume and high average rating support broad customer satisfaction.
  • Available in multiple wearable matte and shimmer shades.
  • Accessible price point supports strong everyday value.

Limitations

  • Smudge resistance is mixed in reviews, with some users reporting transfer or smearing.
  • The soft pencil can break if too much product is extended.
  • Build quality and durability scores are weaker than the product's performance scores.
  • Some feedback suggests the sharpener design is not especially effective.
  • There are isolated reports of eye irritation, especially around the waterline.
  • The small product amount may feel limiting for frequent users.

Ideal user profiles

  • Users who want an affordable waterproof pencil eyeliner for everyday wear.
  • Makeup buyers looking for strong colour payoff in a simple twist-up format.
  • People who like having both a smudger and sharpener built into one eyeliner.
  • Shoppers who prioritise long wear over ultra-precise fine-line control.

Use cases

  • Everyday eyeliner for work or casual makeup routines.
  • Long-wear eye looks in heat or humidity.
  • Smudged liner looks using the built-in blending tip.
  • Waterline definition where tolerated by the user.
  • Quick travel or on-the-go makeup touch-ups.
  • Budget-friendly replacement for more expensive pencil liners.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This product sits firmly in the makeup category, specifically within pencil eyeliners for eye definition. Its main role in a routine is to add visible shape, depth, and emphasis to the lash line or waterline, depending on user preference and tolerance. Within the eyeliner category, it is positioned as a long-wear, budget-friendly option that combines everyday usability with features like a built-in smudger and sharpener.

Best for

This eyeliner looks best suited to users who want affordable, high-pigment eye makeup with good staying power and simple application. It is especially relevant for everyday makeup wearers, shoppers who prefer pencil liners over liquid formats, and users who like the flexibility to create either a clean line or a softly blended look. Strong review volume and a high customer satisfaction score also suggest broad appeal.

Not best for

It may be a less suitable choice for users with very sensitive eyes, those who need extremely precise fine-line control, or buyers who dislike softer pencil textures. The weaker build and durability scores, along with repeated breakage complaints, suggest that heavy-handed use or frequent sharpening may be frustrating. Users expecting completely uniform smudge-proof performance should also note the mixed review feedback.

Beauty results

The visible result is a bold, defined eye look with strong colour payoff and a mostly smooth finish. Reviews suggest it can create both crisp definition and softer blended liner effects, depending on how it is applied. The black shade in particular appears rich and deep, which helps it stand out in everyday and evening makeup looks.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Effectiveness analysis

With an effectiveness score of 85 , this eyeliner appears to perform well at its main job: delivering visible definition with good wear. The product details emphasise rich colour, long wear, and ease of application, and those points are broadly echoed across the review set. Many users say it stays on through the day and applies smoothly without much tugging. However, effectiveness is not completely uniform. Some reviewers report smudging, flaking, or poor usability when the tip becomes too soft or breaks. In practical terms, it looks like a strong performer overall, but with some variability depending on application style and eye area use.

Beauty results

The beauty result score of 88 is one of the highest in this profile, which fits the strong feedback on colour payoff and final look. Users frequently describe the liner as dark, rich, and easy to wear, with enough flexibility for both soft and dramatic results. The finish also appears visually solid, although over-application may lead to heavier or less tidy results for some users.

Skin compatibility

With a skin compatibility score of 62 , this is a more mixed area. The product is described as ophthalmologist tested and suitable for the waterline, and several users report comfortable wear. However, the review data also includes irritation complaints, including redness and tearing in one detailed account. For users with sensitive eyes or those cautious around the waterline, the tolerance profile looks less consistent than the wear and pigment profile.

Shade range

The shade range score of 82 suggests a solid level of choice for a pencil eyeliner. The product is described as available in 12 wearable shades across matte and shimmer finishes, which gives users more flexibility than a basic black-only liner. Review examples also reference black, brown, teal, grape, cherry, sapphire, and black brown, indicating variety across classic and more expressive colour preferences.

How it compares

Within the eyeliner category, this product appears stronger on colour payoff, wear performance, and affordability than on structural quality or precision control. It compares well for users who want a creamy pencil that applies easily and lasts well enough for daily use, and the built-in smudger adds practical versatility. Its large volume of positive reviews also gives it an advantage in customer confidence. Where it seems less competitive is in build stability: the soft core and mixed sharpener feedback suggest that users seeking maximum precision or sturdier pencil performance may find limitations. Overall, it looks more compelling as a value-focused longwear eyeliner than as a precision-led premium tool.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 84 , REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner ranks as a strong option in the pencil eyeliner category. Its best-performing areas are beauty result, customer satisfaction, longevity, application, and effectiveness, which together point to a product that delivers visible impact and practical everyday performance. It also benefits from strong value and a very large review base. What holds it back from an even higher position is the weaker build and durability profile, alongside mixed eye-area compatibility and inconsistent smudge resistance for some users. In short, it ranks well because it gets the makeup basics right, even if the pencil format is not flawless.

Buying advice

This eyeliner is worth considering if you want an affordable pencil liner with bold pigment, easy glide, and generally strong wear for everyday makeup. It is especially suited to users who like slightly softer pencil textures and the option to blend with a built-in smudger. If you have sensitive eyes, apply liner on the waterline cautiously and consider testing it gradually first. Buyers who prefer very sharp, ultra-precise lines or who get frustrated by soft pencils may want to be more cautious, as breakage is a repeated complaint. Before buying, it is also worth checking your preferred shade and deciding whether long wear or precision matters more to you.
84
Overall score

Final verdict

REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner is a strong option in the budget eyeliner category. Its main strength is the combination of rich colour, smooth application, and generally impressive wear at a low price, backed by a very large volume of positive customer feedback. Its main limitation is the pencil format itself, which appears softer and more breakable than some users would prefer. For shoppers who want an accessible everyday eyeliner and can work with a creamier pencil texture, it looks like a very good fit. For highly sensitive eyes or precision-focused users, it may be better viewed as a good but not ideal match.
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Key topics

REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Revlon eyeliner review, waterproof pencil eyeliner, smudge proof eyeliner, black eyeliner pencil, longwear eyeliner, drugstore eyeliner, eyeliner with built in sharpener, Revlon ColorStay review, eye makeup pencil

Frequently asked questions

Is REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner good for everyday use?
It appears well suited to everyday use. Reviews repeatedly mention smooth application, strong colour payoff, and reliable wear through a full day. Its low price and built-in sharpener also make it practical for frequent use, although some users report breakage or occasional smudging.
Does REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner really stay on all day?
The longevity profile is strong overall, supported by an 86 longevity score and many reviews describing all-day wear. That said, wear results are not completely uniform. Some users say it stays put very well, while others report smudging or reduced performance if too much product is applied.
Is this eyeliner suitable for sensitive eyes?
The product is described as ophthalmologist tested and suitable for the waterline, but the evidence is mixed for sensitivity. One detailed review reported eye irritation and redness, while others had no such problem. If you have sensitive eyes, a careful patch-style trial and cautious use near the waterline would be sensible.
How easy is REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner to apply?
Application is one of its stronger areas, reflected in an 86 application score. Many reviewers describe it as smooth, creamy, and easy to glide on. However, the softness can also make precise thin lines harder for some users, especially if the tip loses shape or breaks.
What are the main drawbacks of this eyeliner?
The main drawbacks are mixed smudge resistance, softer-than-expected pencil structure, and breakage concerns. Some users also found the built-in sharpener less useful than expected. There are isolated irritation complaints as well, which matter more for users applying liner close to the waterline.
Does REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner offer good value?
For many buyers, yes. At this price point, the product combines strong pigment, easy application, and generally good wear, supported by a value score of 84 and a large base of positive reviews. The main value caveat is that the small amount of product and breakage risk may reduce efficiency for some users.
Can this eyeliner create both sharp and smudged looks?
Yes, it appears versatile enough for both. Reviews and product details suggest it works for defined lines as well as blended looks, helped by the built-in smudger. The trade-off is that the softer formula may be less ideal for users who want consistently ultra-fine, very crisp lines.
How well supported are the product's waterproof and smudge-proof claims?
The claims have moderate support rather than complete confirmation. Many reviews agree that wear time and staying power are strong, which supports the longwear positioning. However, because some users report smudging, flaking, or easier-than-expected removal, the claim support looks solid but not fully consistent across all users.

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