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Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner Review

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner is a budget-friendly eye makeup pencil designed for bold black definition and easy glide application. It stands out for strong pigment, creamy texture and generally good wear, though recurring sharpening complaints are a clear limitation.
Expert reviewed
77
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner is a black gel-style eyeliner pencil positioned as a long-wearing, ultra-smooth eye makeup product. Based on the provided details and review summaries, it is designed for users who want strong colour impact with a creamy pencil that can be used for everyday lining as well as more defined looks. The product is described as waterproof, sweat-proof, heat-proof and smudge-proof, and it is also listed as dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, with sensitive-eye safety noted in the product details. In practice, customer feedback points most strongly to its rich black payoff and easy glide across the eye area. The main trade-off is the pencil format itself: sharpening is a frequent pain point, with several buyers reporting breakage, waste and confusion around the design. That makes it a product with strong makeup performance but weaker usability once the tip needs maintenance.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
Rimmel
Number of Items
1
Age Range Description
All
Package Type Name
Tube
Manufacturer
Coty Beauty
Manufacturer Part Number
COY-1629
Model Number
34788273001
Country as Labeled
Great Britain

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
5.47 x 0.31 x 0.31 inches; 0.32 ounces
Item model number
34788273001
Manufacturer
Coty Beauty

Scores breakdown

83 /100

Effectiveness

84 /100

Beauty results

78 /100

Skin compatibility

55 /100

Hair compatibility

22 /100

Shade range

80 /100

Finish quality

78 /100

Longevity

58 /100

Ingredient quality

Strengths

  • Strong black colour payoff with an ultra-smooth gel pencil texture.
  • High application score supported by repeated feedback about easy glide and precise lining.
  • Generally good wear performance for daily use, with many users reporting solid resistance to water, sweat and heat.
  • Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, with brand positioning that states it is safe for sensitive eyes.
  • Budget-friendly price point relative to the large review volume and generally positive rating.
  • Works for multiple eyeliner styles, from subtle definition to bolder looks and waterline use.

Limitations

  • Sharpening is a frequent complaint, with users reporting breakage, product waste and confusion about how to sharpen the pencil.
  • Longevity and smudge resistance are not fully consistent across reviews, despite the waterproof and smudge-proof positioning.
  • Packaging and build quality scores are weak, mainly due to the pencil design rather than colour performance.
  • Only one listed shade variant is provided here, so personalization is limited.
  • Ingredient transparency is limited in the provided data, which restricts deeper ingredient quality assessment.
  • Some users report transfer or creasing on the waterline after several hours.

Ideal user profiles

  • Budget-conscious makeup users who want a deep black pencil eyeliner.
  • Shoppers looking for a creamy eyeliner for quick everyday application.
  • Users who prefer pencil eyeliner for upper lash line or waterline definition.
  • People who want strong pigment without paying premium eyeliner prices.

Use cases

  • Everyday eye makeup routines.
  • Quick upper lash line definition before work or school.
  • Waterline lining for stronger eye definition.
  • Simple day-to-night eyeliner looks.
  • Humid weather makeup where better wear resistance is useful.
  • Travel or handbag makeup kits where a compact eyeliner pencil is convenient.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This product sits firmly in the makeup category, specifically within eyeliner and eye definition products. Its main role in a routine is to add shape, depth and contrast around the eyes, whether for subtle lash-line definition, waterline use or a more noticeable eyeliner look. Compared with softer everyday pencils, it appears positioned as a budget gel pencil option focused on stronger pigment and longer wear. The provided data suggests it performs best as a practical colour and definition product rather than a highly customizable or premium-format eyeliner.

Best for

This eyeliner is best suited to shoppers who want a low-cost black pencil eyeliner with strong immediate payoff and a creamy glide. It looks especially suitable for users who prioritize application ease, waterline use and strong colour intensity over packaging refinement. Buyers comfortable with sharpenable pencil liners may get the most from it, particularly if they want an affordable option backed by a large review base and generally positive ratings.

Not best for

It may be less suitable for users who want a low-maintenance eyeliner format with no sharpening hassle. The recurring complaints about breakage, sharpening difficulty and product waste make it a weaker fit for buyers who expect smoother long-term usability. It may also disappoint those who need fully reliable smudge-proof performance in every condition, since customer feedback on wear and waterproofing is positive overall but still mixed.

Beauty results

The visible result is one of this product’s strongest areas. Reviews repeatedly describe a deep black line with good definition and an eye-enhancing effect, while the formula’s creamy glide helps create a smoother finished look. For many users, the result appears bold and clean rather than patchy, though performance can depend on how well the pencil tip is maintained.

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 83/100 , this eyeliner appears to perform well at its core job: delivering visible eye definition with solid initial payoff. The strongest support comes from the large review base praising its smooth application, creamy texture and strong black colour. Many users also report that it holds up well through long days, humidity and water exposure. The main performance concern is consistency over time, since wear resistance is mixed in some reviews and the sharpening design can interfere with precision and continued usability. Overall, it looks effective as a budget black eyeliner, but not without practical drawbacks.

Beauty results

The beauty result score of 84/100 reflects one of the product’s clearest strengths. Customer feedback repeatedly points to deep black colour payoff, strong visual definition and a smooth finished line. This makes it a good fit for users who want noticeable lash-line contrast or waterline definition. The main limitation is that the final look may become less refined once sharpening problems affect the tip shape and control.

Skin compatibility

At 78/100 , skin and eye-area compatibility appears reasonably strong for a makeup product used close to sensitive areas. The provided data states that it is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes, which is relevant support. However, detailed ingredient information is not provided, so compatibility cannot be assessed more deeply. As with any eye-area product, individual tolerance can still vary.

Shade range

The shade range score of 22/100 is low, which makes sense based on the limited colour information provided here. This page only includes the 001 Black variant, so there is little evidence of broad shade flexibility or personalization. For buyers who specifically want a classic black eyeliner, that may not be a problem, but users looking for multiple tones or finish options may find the range restrictive.

How it compares

Within the eyeliner category, this product appears stronger than many budget options for colour payoff, glide and immediate visual impact. It also compares well on broad customer satisfaction thanks to its large review count and generally positive average rating. Where it seems less competitive is in packaging execution and long-term usability, since the sharpenable pencil design is a repeated source of frustration. Compared with stronger all-round category leaders, it likely stands out more for affordable performance than for polish, flexibility or format convenience. That makes it a good category contender for users focused on pigment and price, but a less complete option for those who value smoother maintenance and more customization.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 77/100 , this product ranks as a strong budget eyeliner rather than a top-tier all-rounder. Its position is supported by high scores for application (84) , beauty result (84) , effectiveness (83) , comfort (81) and value (80) . These strengths align with customer praise for creamy glide, deep black colour and generally solid wear. What holds it back is the weaker usability profile, especially packaging quality (52) , build quality (50) and ease of use (63) , driven by frequent sharpening complaints. In short, it ranks well for makeup performance at a low price, but loses points for design and long-term convenience.

Buying advice

Consider this eyeliner if you want an affordable black pencil that delivers strong colour, smooth application and generally good wear for daily eye makeup. It looks especially appealing for buyers who like creamy pencil liners and do not mind using a sharpener. If you are very sensitive to packaging issues or want the easiest possible eyeliner format, this may be one to approach more carefully. Before buying, note that wear performance is positive overall but not identical for everyone, especially on the waterline. If you have sensitive eyes, the tested-for-sensitive-eyes positioning is useful, but it is still wise to check ingredients when available and stop use if irritation occurs.
77
Overall score

Final verdict

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner is a strong budget option in the pencil eyeliner category. Its main strength is clear: it delivers rich black colour with a creamy, smooth application that many users find easy and effective for everyday wear. It also benefits from a very large review base and generally positive customer sentiment. Its main limitation is the pencil design. Sharpening complaints are too frequent to ignore, and they affect ease of use, product waste and overall satisfaction over time. If you can tolerate that trade-off, it looks like a worthwhile low-cost eyeliner. If not, a different format may be the better choice.
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Key topics

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner, Rimmel Scandaleyes eyeliner review, waterproof gel pencil eyeliner, black pencil eyeliner review, drugstore eyeliner, smudge proof eyeliner, waterline eyeliner, budget eye makeup, Rimmel eyeliner black 001, long wearing eyeliner

Frequently asked questions

Is Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner good for everyday makeup?
It appears well suited to everyday use thanks to its smooth glide, strong black pigment and generally solid wear scores. Many reviews describe it as easy to apply for both subtle and bolder looks. The main everyday drawback is the sharpening design, which some users find frustrating over time.
Is this eyeliner suitable for sensitive eyes?
The provided product details say it is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes. That supports cautious suitability for many users, but it does not guarantee the same experience for everyone. If your eye area is reactive, checking ingredients and patch testing first is still sensible.
How long does Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner last?
Its longevity profile is above average rather than perfect. Many customers say it lasts through a full day, humidity and even water exposure, but others report transfer, fading or smudging after a few hours. Based on the mixed feedback, wear time seems strong for many users but not fully consistent across all conditions.
Does it really stay waterproof and smudge-proof?
The product is marketed as waterproof and smudge-proof, and many reviews support good staying power in heat, sweat and water. However, customer feedback is mixed rather than unanimous. Some users say it performs very well, while others report smudging or movement, especially depending on application area and wear conditions.
What are the main limitations of this eyeliner?
The biggest limitation is the pencil design. Repeated reviews mention sharpening difficulties, breakage and wasted product. There is also some inconsistency in wear performance, since not every user finds it fully smudge-proof or waterproof despite the marketing claims.
Is Rimmel Scandaleyes easy to apply?
Yes, application is one of its stronger areas. The formula is repeatedly described as creamy, smooth and easy to glide on without much tugging. This makes it practical for quick lining, but keeping the tip usable can become harder once sharpening is needed.
Does this eyeliner offer good value for money?
At the listed price, it offers strong value if you prioritise pigment and smooth application. Its value score is helped by the large review base and generally positive customer sentiment. That said, users who struggle with sharpening may feel the product becomes less cost-effective because of waste and inconvenience.
Who is this eyeliner best for?
It is best for shoppers who want a low-cost black gel pencil eyeliner with strong colour payoff and a creamy feel. It should appeal most to users comfortable with pencil formats and those who want simple eye definition for daily wear. It may be less appealing for buyers who dislike sharpening issues.

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