Best Eyeliners For Waterline 2023

If you didn’t get enough sleep the night before or you simply want to draw more attention to your eyes, lining the waterline can be a pretty magical trick. It’s basically the secret to having big, beautiful eyes that really stand out.

Making your eyes appear larger and simulating thicker, fuller lashes are two effects that can be achieved by swiping liner across the narrow inner rims of your eyes, upper and lower. According to NYC-based makeup artist Kelli J. Bartlett, “waterline eyeliner can be a very effective method to help brighten and open up the eyes when you use a flesh-toned liner, or you can bring out your eye color by using a complementary color (such as purple for hazel eyes).” “You can also make the eyes POP by smoking out the waterline liner for a sultry effect, or you can add depth and thickness to the lash line by tightlining with a dark brown or black liner.”

In contrast to the rest of your lids, this region of the eye is infamously delicate and fussy (in addition to being naturally wet). It calls for liners designed especially for this region. When looking for the ideal one, there are a few important considerations to bear in mind.

For some delightfully creamy, long-lasting waterline eyeliners designed to frame your eyes, keep reading.

Our Top Picks

Review

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil – Best Overall

What We Like

• Great color payoff
• Creamy formula
• Glides on smooth

What We Don’t Like

• Needs to be sharpened

You can trust this eyeliner—it even states so in the name—because not all eyeliners are appropriate for the waterline. A creamier version of the brand’s original cult fave. This 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is designed to smoothly trace the inner rim of the waterline (and any other desired area) without skipping or dragging. It applies incredibly smoothly and leaves behind a demi-matte finish that truly doesn’t budge. It comes in the timeless black shade. I adore this pencil,” Bartlett exclaims. The secret is to get it going by warming it up on the back of a clean palm before applying it.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 38
• Free of: Parabens
• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: No

Essence Makeup Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil – Best Budget

What We Like

• Affordable
• Great color payoff
• Glides on smooth

What We Don’t Like

• Reviewers note it breaks easily

For less than $5, you can get a silky, waterproof eyeliner with intense pigment and long-lasting wear. That may seem impossible, but it is feasible thanks to Essence’s Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil, a waterproof pencil liner that won’t budge or fade. It glides on velvety smooth and comes in four widely eye-popping colors: black, brown, dark gray, and nude.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 4
• Free of: Animal byproducts, alcohol, oil, parabens, fragrance, preservatives
• Size: 0.05 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner – Best Splurge

What We Like

• Creamy formula
• Includes a sharpener
• Glides on smooth

What We Don’t Like

• Pricey

Despite being marginally more expensive, Bhatty lists this retractable liner from Chanel as her preferred high-end option. She praises how effortless, easy, and effective it is. For liner enthusiasts, this slim-tipped liner, which is available in 17 hues mostly in neutral blacks and browns with a few jewel-toned options, is a must-have. The recipe contains a detachable sharpener for the ideal swipe each and every time, and it is silicone-enriched for a smooth, even application. You want to go above the water? It works wonderfully for smudging too, she continues.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 14
• Size: 0.01 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Eye Pencil – Best Drugstore

What We Like

• Affordable
• Comes in various finishes
• Slim pencil

What We Don’t Like

• Glittery shades may irritate eyes

This best-selling makeup from NYX is unbeatable for the price. As its name implies, this slim pencil’s long-wear formula won’t budge or bleed throughout the day, making it perfect for getting into small, confined areas like the waterline. With its 31 creamy shades, which range from neutrals to brights and have both matte and shimmery finishes, you can create any style you want. The charcoal and black/brown colors are Bartlett’s favorites for producing a soft smoke without being overly dramatic. She loves using this pencil in the waterline and beyond.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 31
• Size: 0.04 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: No

Haus Labs Eye-Dentify Gel Eye Pencil – Best Waterproof

What We Like

• Waterproof
• Great color payoff
• Glides on smooth

What We Don’t Like

• Can be difficult to remove

Bhatty previously stated that the key to finding the best waterline eyeliner is looking for a durable and water-resistant formula; one of her favorites is this waterproof pencil from Lady Gaga’s Haus Laboratories. This gel formula applies creamy with a vibrant pigment payoff and is available in 20 matte, metallic, and shimmery hues. Her preferred hue? “Punk,” a matte, inflexible deep black. It glides and is very black with staying strength.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 20
• Size: 0.04 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil – Best Pencil

What We Like

• Great color payoff
• Glides on smooth
• Waterproof

What We Don’t Like

• Pricey

In our opinion, makeup guru Pat McGrath can do no wrong, and her Permagel Extreme Eye Pencil is proof of that. While it’s ideal for producing all the smudgy and smoky looks you can imagine, this pigment-packed pencil glides on with the easiness of a gel, and its waterproof formula will stay put in any finicky waterline all day long. There are a total of six colors available: dull black, brown, and mid-tone taupe; shimmery bronze and blue; and espresso brown with a natural finish.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 6
• Free of: Sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban
• Size: 0.42 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: No

Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner – Best Pigment Payoff

What We Like

• Great color payoff
• Comes in various finishes
• Water-resistant

What We Don’t Like

• Reviewers note it breaks easily

Leave it to Rihanna to genuinely deliver when it comes to deep, vivid color. The Flypencil by Fenty Beauty features a hyper-pigmented formula and comes in a spectrum of colors with matte, glimmery, and metallic finishes. Additionally, it is water-resistant and long-lasting, enabling you to make a variety of attention-grabbing looks that hold their place all day.

Despite the fact that it wasn’t created with the waterline in mind, users gush about how easily and comfortably it lines this region of the eye without tugging. Just to prevent any potential irritants, we wouldn’t advise using any of the glitter eyeshadow colors in your waterline.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 20
• Size: 0.01 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner – Best Cake Liner

What We Like

• Made for tightlining
• Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
• Great color payoff

What We Don’t Like

• Will need a brush to apply

Although it may seem odd to use a non-pencil liner on your waterline, this cake eyeliner is designed to make your eyes look absolutely stunning. This compacted powder, which was created for tightlining, transforms into a paste when used with a damp brush, making it simple to line the roots of your upper lashes. It is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, comes in four widely flattering shades—deep gunmetal with delicate sparkle, vibrant indigo, a gentle charcoal gray, and a mahogany brown—and won’t irritate those of us who wear contacts.

Unsure of how to use it? According to Bartlett, a brush with a straight edge and a closely woven brush head, like the MAC 212 Flat Definer, is the ideal tool for this formula. It makes it simple to wiggle the formula in between your eyebrows.

• Type: Cake/powder
• Shades: 3
• Size: 0.05 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: No

Shiseido Kajal InkArtist Shadow, Liner, Brow – Best Multi-Tasker

What We Like

• Travel-friendly
• Glides on smooth
• Multi-use product

What We Don’t Like

• Reviewers note color can apply patchy

This multi-tasking retractable marvel from Shiseido is here to simplify your life and is ideal for travel or anyone seeking to streamline their routine. This four-in-one kajal can be used to line your lids, fill in your brows, and serve as an eyeshadow in addition to lining your waterline with its waterproof, 12-hour wear solution. It helps that it is safe for even the most delicate eyes and comes in 10 gorgeous hues, including a vivid crimson and teal.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 10
• Free of: Parabens, sulfates, phthalates
• Size: 0.02 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener – Best Eye-Opening Neutral

What We Like

• Creates an eye-opening effect
• Soothing formula
• Retractable pencil

What We Don’t Like

• Reviewers note color payoff could be better

The waterproof cream-to-powder liner from Thrive Causemetics is ideal for achieving this brightening, eye-opening effect. Fact: Lining your waterline with a lighter nude shade can immediately make you appear more awake (a game-changer for all of those early A.M. Zoom calls). From pearly pink to glinting mauve-taupe, it comes in seven softly shimmering neutral shades that suit all skin tones. It is also enriched with a variety of calming and hydrating plant oils like macadamia seed and jojoba. While you can easily apply this retractable liner to your waterline, you can also use it to emphasize the inner and outer corners of your eyes as well as your brow bone to give the appearance that you’ve slept for an additional eight hours.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 13
• Free of: Parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance
• Size: 0.049 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

Kjaer Weiss Eye Pencil – Best Clean Formula

What We Like

• Creamy formula
• Glides on smooth
• Soothing formula

What We Don’t Like

• Reviewers note it smudges easily

This straightforward pencil from Kjaer Weiss is a favorite of Bartlett’s when it comes to a liner with a tried-and-true clean recipe. There is no need to forego this product because of the organic coconut oil in its creamy formula, which gives it a silky texture. Once it is fixed, it is also durable and holds its position. It comes in a total of five colors, including the traditional black and brown and the enlivening nude as well as deep purple and blue.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 5
• Free of: Fragrance
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

IT Cosmetics Superhero No Tug Sharpenable Gel Eyeliner – Best Black

What We Like

• High pigment shades
• Smooth glide
• Waterproof formula

What We Don’t Like

• Can be tough to remove

This creamy gel liner lives up to its moniker because it won’t tug as you draw, and the sharpenable tip lets you get the precise point you need for fine lines wherever you want them. It’s perfect for lining the waterline because the soft tip slides on smoothly and won’t poke or irritate your eyes. Rich pigments give lines that stand out sharply and color that won’t budge for hours until you determine it’s time to wash those lines away.

• Type: Gel
• Shades: 8
• Free of: Parabens
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner – Best Retractable

What We Like

• The wallet-friendly price tag 
• Good for smoky eye
• Retractable tip 

What We Don’t Like

• Not the best for precision lines

There are many reasons why a retractable eyeliner is appealing, and this $5 version is just as effective as any of the more expensive options. It comes in three timeless colors: black, charcoal, and coffee. These colors give strong color payoff with just one swipe, eliminating the need for continuous lining and layering to achieve a deep, defined shade. When the mood hits, you can carefully smudge out the formula to create a smoky eye look because it is rich and blendable, but once it sets, it will remain in place for hours. The formula has remarkable staying power, which will help prevent your defined eyes from changing raccoon eyes by the end of the day. The tip is soft, so it won’t poke or tug as you line.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 3
• Free of: Parabens, sulfates, phthalates
• Size: 0.006 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

ILIA Clean Line Gel Eyeliner – Best Vegan

What We Like

• Precise tip
• More expensive 
• Recyclable packaging

What We Don’t Like

• Only available in two colors 

This flawless formula combines the ease of use and control of a pencil liner with the long-wearing hold of a gel liner, making it a go-to for both daily definition and dramatic looks for special occasions. Since the water-resistant formula is smoother than most and resists perspiration and tears admirably, lines and eye definition stay defined all day. The precise tip slides equally well along the water line without vanishing at first blink and hugs right up against the lash line for a smooth application as you line. Even though this liner may cost more than some others on this list, you can be confident that the exacting formula and defined, long-lasting results will make up for the higher price.

• Type: Gel
• Shades: 2
• Free of: Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes
• Size: 0.01 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: Yes

Stila Stay All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner – Best Longwear

What We Like

• Smooth, no-tug application
• Extensive color range
• All day wear 

What We Don’t Like

• Color dries fast

It only takes one stroke of this rich, waterproof formula to realize it is exceptional. This soft—but not too soft—gel tip glides on buttery smooth, particularly along the waterline, in contrast to many waterproof formulas that trade off a stiffer tip. The remarkable 12-shade collection offers both matte and shimmer finishes in a variety of attractive hues that are adaptable for both casual and dressy occasions. It is a hassle-free liner thanks to the retractable tip, which curls up to expose a crisp, fine tip whenever you need it. The color applies more subtly than you might anticipate, but this gives you more control over how bold you want to appear. Additionally, you can simply build up the color to match your desired look because of how beautifully it lines and layers.

• Type: Pencil
• Shades: 12
• Size: 0.01 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes
• Byrdie Clean: No

Final Verdict

Overall, the 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil from Urban Decay is the finest. It applies smoothly and creamy, and once it dries, the waterproof, demi-matte pigment won’t move. Additionally, it was created especially for the barrier. When we don’t want to spend a lot of money, particularly, we love NYX’s Slim Eye Pencil for its bold color choices and creamy formulation. You want to reward yourself with a more opulent gift. The waterproof, pigment-packed Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil from Pat McGrath Lab is ideal for lining the inner edges and achieving a smoldering smokey eye.

What to Look For in a Waterline Eyeliner 

A Water-Resistant Formula Is Key

In order to avoid smudging or worse, raccoon eyes, celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty suggests looking for formulas that are water-resistant or waterproof when lining the inner corners of the eyes. Since you’re applying it to your waterline, your eyes still naturally hydrate even if you don’t plan to work out or swim, so something water-resistant will have much more staying power (just have a good makeup remover on hand that’s gentle on the skin but tough on your makeup for the end of the night!).

Look For Specific Keywords

Bartlett suggests keeping an eye out for a few other keywords in addition to the word “waterline,” even though you’re probably fine to go if the liner has the word anywhere in its name or description. A good guideline to follow, she advises, is to only buy liners that are labeled as being “formulated” or “approved” for use on the waterline. Words like “kohl” and “kajal” frequently give you the impression that a product is smooth and suitable for the waterline.

The Creamier, The Better

The waterline is delicate, so you shouldn’t use any regular eyeliner pencil on it, particularly one that requires some rubbing. Both Bhatty and Bartlett suggest applying lines that are soft, smooth, and simple to use. In addition to kohl and kajal, Bhatty looks for eyeliner with a “smooth glide formula,” and Bartlett suggests searching for a formula that isn’t dry and won’t flake. If you are unable to physically test the product out before purchasing, carefully read through customer reviews to verify the texture and feel of the item.

Avoid Mica-Heavy or Glittery Products

Although we all enjoy a little shimmer and glimmer, Bartlett warns that some glittery cosmetics can irritate or scratch the eye if used near the waterline, which is very close to the eyes themselves. Look for formulations that don’t contain mica or do so with very small mica particles and no glitter, advises the expert.

FAQ

• Is it safe to put eyeliner on my waterline?

Certainly, if the proper formula is used. To avoid dragging, tugging, or scratching at the delicate region, look for eyeliner with a soft formula.

• Does eyeliner expire?

Eyeliners can last anywhere from three months to more than a year, depending on the composition. Maintaining a fresh layer of product in touch with your waterline requires regular pencil sharpening. If your eyeliner begins to form an odd film or changes in consistency, you should replace it.

• Can you use liquid eyeliner on your waterline?

Since liquid eyeliner is, well, liquid, applying it to your waterline is probably not a good idea because it might cause it to stream into your eyes.

Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API