3 Hacks to Keep Your Eye Makeup From Running

What do humidity, a heart-wrenching YouTube video and a sappy song that feels like it’s about your life have in common? They can all ruin your eye makeup. In the dark world of beauty fails (like chipped polish and snagged tights), running eye makeup tops the list. And that’s why we asked Giorgio Armani celebrity makeup artist Tim Quinn how to avoid this cosmetic pitfall once and for all. Fortunately, he has a few tricks up his sleeve to keep our liner happy, healthy and tear-free.

Don’t Over-Moisturize

Excess moisturizer will cause your makeup to smudge, so don’t over-do the cream around your eye area right before applying makeup or intense liner. It’s also really important to prime your eyes prior to any application with a hefty product like the Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Use Waterproof Liners

“I love the Giorgio Armani Waterproof Pencil in Black,” says Quinn. And if you really want a more user-friendly waterproof experience: “The It Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Eyeliner is great as it needs no sharpening,” he says.

Powder Up

“After applying liner on your upper lid, go over with a translucent powder using a fine liner brush,” says Quinn. For lower lashes, try using a sheer pressed powder along the lash line before and after applying liner for extra staying powder. If you don’t have the exact tools to set the powder, don’t fret: “A bit of translucent powder on a cotton bud to set the liner works just as well,” he notes.