The subtle art of defining the eyes with waterline eyeliner has experienced a significant resurgence, signaling a return to classic beauty techniques that offer both simplicity and impactful enhancement. As London-based makeup artist Vincent Ford notes, this trend, whether a deliberate nod to 2010s aesthetics or a natural evolution in makeup artistry, provides an accessible method to elevate eye makeup. The modern iteration of waterline eyeliners boasts enhanced formulations, particularly waterproof options, designed for unparalleled staying power, even for those prone to watery eyes. This renewed popularity underscores the enduring appeal of eyeliners that can either brighten the gaze with shades like white or add a dramatic flair with deep, rich pigments, proving to be a quick and effective way to transform an eye makeup look.
The Enduring Allure of Waterline Definition
Waterline eyeliner, the practice of applying pigment to the inner rim of the eyelid, has long been a staple in makeup arsenals. Its power lies in its ability to manipulate the perception of the eye: lighter shades can open and brighten, while darker shades can create a more intense, smoldering effect. The recent revival of this technique is not merely a fleeting trend but a testament to its versatility and efficacy. Makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike are rediscovering the transformative potential of a well-placed line along the waterline, whether aiming for a sultry smudge, a shimmering accent, an inner corner highlight, or even a subtly redefined outer flick. The market has responded with a robust selection of products specifically engineered for this purpose, promising longevity and ease of application.
Top Waterline Eyeliners: A Curated Selection
This comprehensive guide delves into some of the most highly-regarded waterline eyeliners available, vetted by industry professionals and beauty editors for their performance, longevity, and pigment quality.
Best Overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil
Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil stands out as a top contender, primarily due to its exceptional staying power. The benchmark for any effective waterline eyeliner is its ability to remain intact throughout the day, resisting smudging and fading. This particular pencil excels in this regard, proving its mettle during long wear, inclement weather, and even emotional moments. A single application delivers intense, rich pigment without the need for excessive pressure or tugging at the delicate eye area.
For those seeking a slightly more substantial application that can be used around the entire eye, Urban Decay also offers its esteemed 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. Crystal Gossman, a New York City-based makeup artist, praises its formula for its ideal balance: "The formula has just enough glide to apply seamlessly without tugging, but once it sets, it doesn’t budge," she states, highlighting its dual capability for both precision and enduring wear.
Tester Feedback from Commerce Editor Sarah Han:
Sarah Han, an Allure commerce editor, shares her positive experiences: "Don’t get me wrong: I love my Asian eyes (elementary school bullies, calling you out!), but I’m never opposed to an eye-opening effect. I’ve been known to apply glitter liner underneath my lower lash lines, but hadn’t experimented with my waterline until I tried Urban Decay’s 24/7 waterline pencil. I like popping on Faux Doe, a shimmery light beige, or Hemp Milk (classic matte white) for subtle, cute definition. I’m wearing the Waterline Eyeliner in Tootsie as a regular liner, but perhaps I’ll use that to try a more dramatic tightlining look next."
Tester Feedback from Associate Manager of Audience Development Melanie Curry:
Melanie Curry, an associate manager of audience development, echoes the sentiment: "An Allure coworker actually recommended this eyeliner to me. I’m more of a liquid eyeliner girl, but when I want a smokey eye or a tightlined look, liquid can get, well, messy. But this Urban Decay liner is just as good as a liquid pen! The tip is super smooth (and whenever it becomes dull, a sharpener gets it right) and the formula is easy to blend. The best part, though, is the color payoff. It’s so much more pigmented than any liquid eyeliner I’ve used. Not to mention, it’s super long-lasting and doesn’t smudge at all, even when my tears are watering when I’m lining my eyes. Definitely worth the investment."
Best Waterproof: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner
Kulfi Beauty’s Underlined Kajal Eyeliner has earned its reputation as a top-tier waterproof option, evidenced by its consistent recognition as a multi-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. This product’s success lies in its ability to deliver intense pigmentation with a single swipe, a crucial factor for effective waterline application. The formula is lauded for its smooth glide, essential for comfort on the sensitive inner eye, and its remarkable ability to set into a budge-proof finish.
The practicality of its twist-up format is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for a sharpener and ensuring consistent application. Furthermore, Kulfi Beauty offers a unique range of shades beyond traditional black and brown, including vibrant options like Tiger Queen (an earthy terracotta) and Rain Check (a striking blue), allowing for creative expression. Once applied, the formula provides a brief window of about 20 seconds for adjustment before it fully sets for the day, ensuring a long-lasting look.
Tester’s Feedback from Contributor Jennifer Hussein:
Jennifer Hussein, an Allure contributor, highlights the product’s efficacy: "Just a few quick strokes are all I need to define my eyes with Kulfi’s pigmented eyeliner (no wonder it’s an Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning formula). A quick tip: For a longer-lasting, budge-proof look, I wipe my waterline with a Q-tip, then swipe on this liner, and finally use a black eye shadow powder as a tinted setting powder of sorts. It never fails to keep smudging at bay."
Most Glidable Formula: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
The Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner is a standout for its exceptionally creamy and blendable formula, a characteristic praised by makeup artists Vincent Ford and Christian Briceno. Briceno emphasizes its smooth application, noting that it "doesn’t disturb the eye, and it sets into a soft matte that looks elevated rather than harsh." This quality makes it particularly suitable for mature eyes, as it adds depth without appearing heavy or emphasizing fine lines. The liner’s versatile texture allows for precise application on the waterline or smudging for a softer, diffused effect.
Beyond its texture, the Satin Kajal Liner boasts a thoughtful formulation enriched with soothing ingredients like chamomile, hydrating pro-vitamin B5, and protective vitamin E, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. The line offers a diverse palette of finishes – matte, shimmer, and jewel tones – across 20 shades, catering to a wide range of preferences. Victoria Beckham herself is noted to favor the shade Cocoa, a rich matte brown, for everyday wear, underscoring its sophisticated yet wearable appeal.
Tester’s Feedback from Contributing Commerce Editor Deanna Pai:
Deanna Pai, a contributing commerce editor, attests to its performance: "The Satin Kajal Liner was already good—a buttery-smooth formula that never skips or pulls, the ability to draw a super-precise line or smudgy wash of color—but it’s a winner for my waterline. I swear my eyes look whiter and brighter, and the waterproof color lasted all day."
Most Versatile: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
Pat McGrath Labs’ PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil is celebrated for its remarkable versatility and long-wearing capabilities, essential qualities for any waterline eyeliner. The formula is designed to offer a generous blending time before setting into a transfer-proof, smudge-proof finish that rivals liquid eyeliner in its longevity, lasting up to 16 hours. This extended working time allows for a range of looks, from sharply defined lines to softly blended smoky eyes.
The PermaGel pencil’s ability to perform under challenging conditions, such as moisture and friction, makes it an indispensable tool for makeup artists and consumers alike. Its smooth glide ensures comfortable application, a critical factor for the sensitive waterline area. The availability of various shades, from intense blacks to softer browns, further enhances its versatility, making it suitable for diverse makeup looks and preferences.
Tester’s Feedback from Commerce Producer Sarah Hoffmann:
Sarah Hoffmann, a commerce producer, shares her insights: "Tightlining is probably the number one trick I learned over the years that completely transformed my eye makeup routine. My eyes are big and round, so adding a bit of black liner to my upper waterline makes my lashes look thicker, and my eyes look a bit more narrowed and less doe-like. I’ve tried my fair share of liners, and the Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel liners are, unsurprisingly, the gold standard. It’s miraculous how long they last against my very watery eyes, and they’re so versatile that I can easily execute a range of looks with just one pencil. I’m using Extreme Black in the photos above because ILD (I love drama), but Blk Coffee is also a great option for a more natural finish."
Best Applicator: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil
Makeup by Mario’s Master Pigment Pro Pencil distinguishes itself with its innovative dual-ended design, featuring a precision pencil on one end and a blending brush on the other. This thoughtful inclusion addresses a common challenge with waterline eyeliners: the need for immediate blending before the formula sets. Makeup artist Natalie Dresher highlights the pencil’s exceptional longevity and praises its "Perfect Brown" shade as the best she has ever encountered, noting its ability to provide softer definition compared to black.
The built-in brush is particularly advantageous for beginners, simplifying the process of achieving a smooth, diffused effect. This feature, combined with the pencil’s no-sharpening requirement, makes it a convenient and user-friendly option. The formula itself is designed for extended wear, ensuring that the defined look remains intact throughout the day.
Tester’s Feedback from Social Media Director Kassidy Silva:
Kassidy Silva, social media director, recounts her positive experience: "It took less than 15 minutes with Mario Dedivanovic to convince me to start wearing eyeliner again. After forgoing the product for years since it took too much time and gave me anxiety to get my lines even, I picked up the Master Pigment Pro liner, and it’s been a match made in eyeliner heaven. Plus, the pencil is ideal for beginners as the dual-tip pencil comes with a brush to smooth out any rough spots. I start by tightlining my upper waterline and using a Q-tip to clean up any excess on my lower line. Then I slowly begin lining my upper lid from the outer corner and working my way to mid-lash. Using the brush, I smooth out my inevitable bumps and continue to layer and blend until I have the color I’m happy with. Once I’ve finished with a strong coat, I apply my shadow and then go back in with the eyeliner once I’ve finished to beef up the color and definition. In under 10 minutes, I have defined eyes and carry on with my base products."
Best Bold Shades: Hung Vanngo Longwear Waterproof Precision Gel Eyeliner
Renowned makeup artist Hung Vanngo’s eponymous brand offers a Longwear Waterproof Precision Gel Eyeliner that stands out for its vibrant shade selection. While many waterline eyeliners focus on classic neutrals, Vanngo’s offering includes striking colors such as Personal Preference (royal blue) and One Eye At A Time (teal), providing an avenue for bolder, more expressive eye looks. The formula is a blend of vegan wax and run-resistant polymers, ensuring a waterproof and smudge-proof finish that lasts from morning to night.
The creamy texture allows for a smooth application, while the matte finish provides a sophisticated depth. The inclusion of a built-in sharpener adds to its practicality, particularly for on-the-go touch-ups. This eyeliner pairs exceptionally well with Vanngo’s Color Story Eyeshadow Palette, a recipient of the 2025 Best of Beauty Award, further enhancing the potential for creative eye makeup artistry.
Best for Diffused Looks: Dior Diorshow On Stage Crayon Kohl Liner
Makeup artist Christian Briceno has identified Dior’s Diorshow On Stage Crayon Kohl Liner as a superior choice for achieving diffused, sultry eye looks. The liner boasts a silky texture that glides on effortlessly before setting into a matte, waterproof finish, eliminating concerns about smudging or bleeding. Briceno specifically commends its ability to create dense, smoky depth without appearing heavy, making it ideal for a polished yet alluring aesthetic.
The application is versatile, suitable for defining the waterline or creating a smudged effect along the lash lines. Available in eight sophisticated shades, the Diorshow On Stage Crayon Kohl Liner is positioned as an essential staple for those seeking to master the art of diffused eye makeup.
Best Precise: Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner
Laura Mercier’s Caviar Tightline Eyeliner draws inspiration from the brand’s popular Caviar Stick Eyeshadows, known for their blendable yet long-wearing properties. This eyeliner features a creamy formula enriched with hyaluronic acid, ensuring a smooth glide that allows for precise line application without tugging. Briceno notes that the waterproof formula stays precisely where it is applied, offering subtle structure at the lash root and creating the illusion of fuller lashes without added weight. This precision makes it an excellent choice for those seeking definition without an overtly dramatic effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to put eyeliner on your waterline?
Generally, applying eyeliner to the waterline is considered acceptable for occasional use. Makeup artist Vincent Ford advises using eyeliners specifically formulated for this purpose and suggests avoiding daily application to maintain eye health. Proper removal before sleep is crucial to prevent irritation and potential bacterial transfer. The waterline contains vital oil glands, and excessive or improper eyeliner use can lead to dryness or discomfort. Individuals with sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, or those with pre-existing eye conditions should exercise caution or abstain from waterline application altogether. Using fresh, non-dried-out liners is also paramount.
What kind of eyeliner is best for the waterline?
The ideal eyeliner for the waterline is waterproof, smooth, and gentle on the delicate inner eye rim. Ford emphasizes the necessity of a waterproof formula that glides on without causing discomfort or tugging, ensuring both precision and extended wear.
What is the difference between tightlining and waterline eyeliner?
Tightlining involves applying eyeliner along the base of the upper lashes to create a fuller lash appearance, offering a subtle enhancement. Waterline eyeliner, conversely, is applied to the inner rim of the eye, providing more direct definition. Ford describes tightlining as a more natural approach, while waterline application offers a more pronounced enhancement of the eyes.
How do you keep your eyeliner from smudging on the waterline?
To ensure eyeliner longevity and prevent smudging, Ford recommends ensuring the waterline is dry before application. A clean cotton swab can be gently rolled along the waterline to absorb excess moisture. For enhanced staying power, he suggests setting the liner with a matching powder eyeshadow or layering a gel pencil over a pencil base.
Meet the Experts and Our Testing Methodology
Allure’s product testing and reviews are conducted with a commitment to thoroughness and inclusivity. We evaluate products based on ingredients, performance, wearability, packaging sustainability, and inclusivity across diverse skin tones and types. Our team comprises editors, writers, and external testers, including makeup artists, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation from multiple perspectives. This rigorous process, detailed on our reviews process page, aims to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy recommendations. Our diverse staff, spanning various ages, genders, skin tones, and hair textures, allows us to fairly assess beauty products for a wide range of consumers.
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