Beauty Urban Decay Glide-On Guide: Shades, Wear And Pro Tips Here
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
What the 24/7 Glide-On is
The 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is Urban Decay signature eye pencil. It launched as an alternative to pencils that tugged and faded by noon. The formula combines a creamy glide with serious staying power. Vitamin E and jojoba oil keep the texture smooth. It comes in dozens of shades, from neutrals to wild metallics. It remains one of the best-selling prestige eyeliners in the world.
How the formula works
Emollient waxes and oils create the famous glide, letting the pencil move without dragging skin. Film-forming polymers then lock the pigment in place as it sets. That two-stage action is why it feels creamy but wears like a liquid. The waterproof claim comes from water-resistant film formers. Once set, the line resists smudging, sweat and humidity. Oil-based removers break the film at night.
How to apply it step by step
Start with clean, dry lids and a light eye primer for best wear. Warm the pencil tip on your hand for a smoother glide. Draw along the upper lash line in short connected strokes. For a wing, extend the outer corner upward at a 45-degree angle. Tightline by dotting between upper lashes for fuller-looking lashes. Smudge within 20 seconds for a smoky effect, or leave sharp for definition.
Shade guide by eye color
Brown eyes can wear every shade, from black to green to purple. Blue eyes pop with bronze, copper and warm brown like Bourbon. Green eyes glow with plum, bronze and metallic green. Hazel eyes look stunning with green and gold tones. Fair skin suits softer browns for daytime. Deep skin carries bold metallics beautifully. When in doubt, black flatters everyone.
Mistakes to avoid
Pressing too hard deposits too much product and causes smudging. Skipping primer on oily lids shortens wear dramatically. Waiting too long to smudge means the formula has already set. Using a dull tip gives a thick uneven line, so keep it sharpened. Sleeping in waterproof liner irritates eyes over time. Rubbing eyes during the day breaks the waterproof film.
Recommended Products
These are the products our research team rates highest in this category.
Best for: Anyone wanting a dependable everyday black liner that truly lasts.
URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil (Perversion - Black Matte) - Smudge-Proof, Transfer-Proof, Smooth No-Tug Formula, Hydrating Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil - 0.04 Oz
- Iconic matte black Perversion shade
- Waterproof smudge-proof 16-hour wear
- Creamy no-tug glide application
- Vitamin E and jojoba oil formula
Pros
- Intense one-stroke pigment
- Excellent staying power
Cons
- Needs oil-based remover
- Premium price per pencil
Best for: Creative makeup lovers wanting a bold green liner that stays put.
URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Smudge-Proof, Long-Lasting, Transfer-Proof, Up to 16HR Wear, Smooth No-Tug Formula, Electric Empire (Metallic Green) - 0.04 oz
- Bold metallic green Electric Empire shade
- Same waterproof 16-hour formula
- Creamy no-tug application
- High-shimmer metallic finish
Pros
- Stunning unique color
- Same great wear as Perversion
Cons
- Not an everyday neutral
- Metallic can emphasize texture
Best for: Those wanting a softer shimmering brown alternative to harsh black liner.
URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil (Bourbon - Dark Brown Shimmer) - Smudge-Proof, Transfer-Proof, Smooth No-Tug Formula, Hydrating Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil - 0.04 Oz
- Dark brown shimmer Bourbon shade
- Waterproof smudge-proof wear
- Creamy no-tug glide
- Vitamin E and jojoba oil enriched
Pros
- Softer than black for daytime
- Flatters blue and green eyes
Cons
- Shimmer not ideal for all looks
- Premium price
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for urban decay glide-on eyeliner, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.
Tightlining for beginners, step by step
Tightlining means filling the skin between the upper lashes, not the waterline, and the distinction matters for both look and safety. Look down into a mirror, gently lift the lid, and use a waterproof pencil like the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On to dot and wiggle the product into the lash roots. The goal is no visible line, just the illusion of denser lashes. Work in small sections rather than one long stroke, which deposits too much product at once.
The common mistakes are pressing too hard, which irritates the eye, and using a soft kohl that migrates onto the lens or down the waterline within the hour. A firm waterproof pencil is the right tool; gel with a brush works for experienced hands but overwhelms beginners. If the eyes water during application, wait for them to settle before continuing rather than chasing the tears with more product. Our wing technique guide builds on tightlining for the full defined eye.
Colored eyeliner by eye color, with real shade names
Beyond try blue, specific colors flatter specific eyes. Brown eyes pop against navy, cobalt, and deep plum, since cool tones contrast warm irises. Blue eyes intensify with copper, bronze, and warm brown, which sit opposite on the color wheel. Green and hazel eyes glow with burgundy, plum, and deep purple. Brown liner, like the Bourbon shade in the 24/7 range, suits everyone for daytime when black feels too harsh.
White or nude on the lower waterline genuinely opens the eye, but stark white reads artificial; choose a champagne-nude for the effect without the costume look. Test colored liner on one eye against black on the other in daylight, since the difference is subtler than product photos suggest. Keep the rest of the eye simple when wearing color, letting the liner be the statement. Our Glide-On pencil guide covers the full shade range for experimenting.