How Do I Prevent My Eye Makeup from Running

Humidity, that heart-wrenching YouTube video, an Adele song that hits too close to home—these are all culprits in one thing: ruining your eye makeup.
In the dark category of annoying things (like chipped polish and snagged tights), running eye makeup tops the list. We asked makeup artist Tim Quinn how to avoid this cosmetic pitfall once and for all—here are his tips.

1. 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.

2. Consider Waterproof

“I like using waterproof shadows and pencils. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows are terrific,” says Quinn. For waterproof liner, we’re currently loving Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

3. Powder Up

“After applying liner on your upper lid, go over with a translucent powder using a fine liner brush. As for lower lashes, I use a sheer pressed powder along the lash line before and after applying liner,” Quinn suggests. Here at Team MDC, we like Make Up Forever HD Micro Finish Powder.