Beauty Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer: Best Shades & Honest Review
The Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer is the best budget waterproof eyeliner for bold, long-wearing definition. This retractable pencil delivers intense pigment with a built-in smudger for smoky blending. We reviewed the verified Exaggerate shades on Amazon to find the strongest picks.
Our top pick is 262 Blackest Black for maximum drama and classic definition. The runner up is 212 Rich Brown, a softer shade that flatters beautifully for daytime wear. Both offer up to 10 hours of waterproof wear with a creamy, glide-on texture.
This guide compares shade payoff, waterproof performance, and versatility. You will learn which shade suits your style and how to use the built-in smudger. Every recommendation below links to a verified Amazon listing.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, 262 Blackest Black Retractable waterproof pencil.
- Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, 212 Rich Brown Same waterproof retractable formula.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Dramatic waterproof eye definition
#1 Best OverallRimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, 262 Blackest Black
- Retractable waterproof pencil
- 262 Blackest Black intense shade
- Built-in smudger tool
Pros
- Bold pigment in one stroke
- No sharpening needed
- Up to 10-hour waterproof wear
Cons
- Twist up sparingly to avoid breakage
- Smudger tip needs cleaning
Best for: Soft everyday eye definition
Runner-UpRimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, 212 Rich Brown
- Same waterproof retractable formula
- 212 Rich Brown soft shade
- Creamy blendable texture
Pros
- Softer daytime definition
- Forgiving for beginners
- Great budget price
Cons
- Less dramatic than black
- Fades faster on the waterline
What Makes Exaggerate Different
Exaggerate is a retractable pencil, so it never needs sharpening and never wastes product. The built-in smudger on the opposite end blends lines into smoky effects. The waterproof formula lasts up to 10 hours through normal wear. Pigment is intense from the first stroke, with no skipping. The shade range covers creamy mattes to metallics. For the price, the feature set beats most drugstore pencils.
Blackest Black vs Rich Brown
Blackest Black is the classic: maximum contrast, perfect for wings, tightlining, and evening drama. It suits all eye colors and gives the boldest definition. Rich Brown is the softer alternative: defined but gentler, ideal for daytime, office, and mature eyes. Brown flatters blue and green eyes especially well. Choose black for impact. Choose brown for softness. Many users keep both for different occasions.
How to Use the Built-In Smudger
The smudger turns a sharp line into a smoky eye in seconds. Draw your line slightly thicker than usual. Before the formula sets, blend the edge with the smudger using short strokes. Work quickly, since the waterproof formula locks down fast. For a soft daytime smoke, blend more. For evening drama, blend less and keep the line stronger. Practice the timing once and it becomes second nature.
Getting True Waterproof Wear
Waterproof means resistant, not invincible. Apply to clean, dry lids for the best bond. Avoid rich eye creams right before application. Set the line with a matching eyeshadow for extra insurance. The formula handles humidity and light tearing well. For swimming or heavy sweating, even waterproof liners have limits. Remove with an oil-based cleanser at night to protect lashes.
Value Compared to Prestige Liners
Exaggerate costs a fraction of prestige waterproof pencils. The retractable format means zero waste from sharpening. One pencil lasts months of daily use. The built-in smudger replaces a separate blending tool. Pigment quality rivals liners three times the price. If you go through liner quickly, the savings add up fast. Budget buyers lose nothing choosing this over luxury options.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right rimmel exaggerate waterproof eye definer product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the formula is waterproof with up to 10 hours of wear. It resists humidity, sweat, and light tearing. For swimming, reapplication may still be needed. Remove with oil-based cleanser.
No, it is a retractable pencil. Twist the base to advance more product. Only twist up a little at a time to avoid breakage. The built-in smudger is on the opposite end.
Yes, the creamy waterproof formula works on the waterline. Black gives dramatic definition there. Brown looks softer. Note that all liners fade faster on the waterline.
Draw a thicker line, then blend with the built-in smudger before it sets. Layer dark eyeshadow over the top for depth. Keep blending until no harsh edges remain.
Rich Brown is the most forgiving starter shade. Mistakes show less than with black. It gives definition without harshness. Move to Blackest Black once your technique is confident.