Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner

The Verdict

The $8 eyeliner that thinks it’s luxury — and mostly pulls it off

Most drugstore eyeliners force a compromise: easy application or long wear, but rarely both. Rimmel’s Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil is the exception. It’s the rare pencil that behaves like a high-end gel pot but comes in a convenient twist-up format. At roughly $8, it’s punching well above its weight class — and 215 Amazon reviewers agree with a 4.3-star average.

What you actually get

The pencil arrives in a sleek black retractable tube with a built-in sharpener in the cap — a small touch that saves you from hunting for one before your morning routine. One pencil contains 0.04 ounces of product. That’s standard for eyeliners, but the gel formula is dense, so expect 3-4 months of daily use before it runs dry.

The application experience

Here’s where this pencil earns its keep. The tip glides across the lash line with minimal pressure — no tugging, no skipping, no dragging your delicate eye skin. The gel texture is creamy enough to deposit rich pigment in a single pass, yet firm enough to maintain a precise point for winged looks.

You get about 60 seconds of working time before the formula sets. During that window, you can smudge it for a smoky effect or sharpen your wing. After that, it’s locked in. One reviewer noted, “I’ve worn this through a crying session at my sister’s wedding and it didn’t budge. My waterproof mascara failed, but this liner stayed perfect.”

Real-world performance

The waterproof claim holds up. This pencil survived my 45-minute HIIT workout, a rainy commute, and an accidental face-plant into a pillow during a nap. The pigment doesn’t fade, flake, or transfer to your crease. Twelve-hour wear is realistic, not marketing hype.

Color payoff is genuinely opaque. The black is a true, deep black — not a charcoal that needs three passes. If you’re used to cheap pencils that leave patchy gaps, this will feel like a revelation.

Where it falls short

The same quick-set formula that gives you long wear is also the biggest drawback. If you’re slow with your eye makeup, you’ll find yourself locked into a shape you didn’t intend. There’s no going back once it cures.

Removal is another consideration. Standard micellar water will smear this into a raccoon mess. You need an oil-based remover or cleansing balm. That’s an extra step and an extra purchase for a budget-friendly product.

Also, the shade range is frustratingly limited. Most retailers stock black and brown. The deep plum and metallic shades that exist in Rimmel’s international lineup rarely make it to US shelves.

Who should buy this

• Watery-eye sufferers — if your eyes water from allergies, wind, or emotional moments, this pencil won’t betray you.
• Low-maintenance makeup wearers — apply it once, forget about it for 12 hours.
• Gym-goers who want makeup that survives a workout — this is your liner.
• Skip it if you love a smudgy, lived-in look that you can blend for five minutes, or if you refuse to buy a separate makeup remover.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Does this eyeliner smudge on the lower lash line? A: Once it sets (about 60 seconds), no. It stays put. But if you blend it into your lower lash line and then rub your eyes, you’ll move it. Give it time to cure before touching your face.

Q: Is it truly waterproof or just water-resistant? A: Truly waterproof. It survived a swim test in my review. But that means it won’t come off with water alone — you need an oil-based remover.

Q: How does it compare to higher-end gel pencils like Urban Decay’s 24/7? A: For about a third of the price, you get comparable wear time and pigmentation. Urban Decay has a wider shade range and a slightly smoother initial glide, but for basic black and brown, Rimmel delivers 90% of the experience.

The verdict

Buy it if you want long-wear, waterproof eyeliner without paying luxury prices. Skip it if you’re a blend-for-days smoky eye devotee or refuse to stock oil-based remover.

Rimmel Scandaleyes isn’t perfect, but at this price point, it’s the best waterproof gel pencil you’ll find. It does what it claims — no marketing fluff, just solid performance. That earns it a 4.2 out of 5 from me.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.