11 Best Waterline Eyeliners That Actually Stay Put – 2024
Get that ultra-defined look you always wanted with the right eye-makeup essentials.
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Indian and Middle Eastern women have been lining their waterlines with a clean stroke of kohl, eye pencils, or eyeliners for centuries now. Though this beauty practice has been around for a long time, the trend has picked up recently due to many models, beauty magazines, and other influencers slowly endorsing the use of the best eye pencils for waterlines. If you love lining both your upper and lower lines, you are basically ‘tight-lining’ for that ultra-defined eye look. Take note of these 11 best eyeliners that are perfect for lining your waterline. Scroll down!
In This Article
11 Best Eye Pencils (Eyeliners) For Your Waterline That Won’t Make You Tear Up
1. Best Overall: Vasanti Cosmetics Waterline Kajal
Your search for the best waterline eyeliner could very well end here with this miracle product! Add drama and definition to your eyes with this top favorite waterline eyeliner pencil specially designed for tightlining. Safe to apply on both your upper and lower waterline, it can give your eyes an instant lift by making it look bigger. It can also make your lashes look dense and fuller. Many reviewers on online forums have noted that it offers a smooth finish that lasts all day. The creamy formula glides like a dream. Even if you have the most sensitive eyes, you need not think twice before using this eyeliner pencil, as it is both dermatologist-tested and ophthalmologist-approved. To add to that, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain any parabens. Experience the joy of effortless application, long-lasting wear, and the perfect winged look with this waterproof makeup essential.
Pros
- Safe for sensitive eyes
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Long-lasting wear
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- No parabens
Cons
- None
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 3,161 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
2. Best Smudge- Proof: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner
When it comes to offering makeup products that go the extra mile, Urban Decay doesn’t disappoint. This matte eyeliner pencil with a rich formula for waterline glides on smoothly and stays put for the entire day. Its velvety and creamy texture makes it easy to apply and stays soft for at least 30 seconds if you wish to give it a little blending. Not only is it free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, but it is also formulated with a host of moisturizing ingredients and coated with a waterproof formula. This dramatic eyeliner pencil offers a multi-colored, iridescent finish. So, whether it’s a subdued day look, a sultry night-time look, or a whole new makeover you want to achieve, this best eyeliner pencil for waterline won’t let you down. This video details a tester’s experience with the product. It will give you a better insight into this waterproof eyeliner pencil.
Pros
- Creamy texture that can be blended easily
- No parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Rainbow finish
- Waterproof formula
- Long-lasting finish
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Does not self-sharpen
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 890 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
3. Best Professional -Grade: Artisan L’uxe Velvet Eyeliner Pencil
Designed to make your lashes look thicker and intensify your eye makeup, this statement-making eyeliner pencil kills two birds with one stone. The waterproof makeup product glides smoothly on the waterline and can also be used on the eyelids to help you create a flattering smokey-eye in a matter of minutes! It is not only long-lasting, but it is water-resistant as well. Have you come across an eyeliner that provides ultimate hydration and delays the signs of aging? If you haven’t, you should get your hands on this one as it is formulated with essential oils such as sunflower seed oil, which also works towards cell stimulation. Many reviews indicate that the product is also suitable for contact lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes.
Pros
- Made with essential oils and organic ingredients
- Waterproof
- Delays the signs of aging
- Safe for sensitive eyes
- Provides hydration
- All-day wear
- Can be used to create a smokey-eye
Cons
- Should be sharpened with the Artisan Lúxe Eye Pencil Sharpener as other sharpening tools might easily break it
"This eyeliner glides effortlessly on my skin without tugging or pulling. Its versatility is something I am a great fan of, as it not only allows me to create stunning smokey eye looks but also achieve minimalist, sharp wings. If you want to have one single eyeliner on your vacation, I'd recommend you go with this one."
:
| Vasanti Cosmetics Waterline Kajal | Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner | Artisan L’uxe Velvet Eyeliner Pencil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Intense Black | Smoke (deep gray - matte finish) | Black |
| Dimensions | 0.75 x 5.2 x 0.59 inches | 6.02 x 0.55 x 0.55 inches | 0.7 x 1 x 5.7 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 0.04 Ounces | 0.32 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,161 | 890 | 2,321 |
| Price | $19.0 | $25 | $19.99 |
4. Best Clean Beauty: Jillian Dempsey Kohl Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Created by celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey, this kohl pencil is arguably one of the best waterline eyeliners. Infused with the natural goodness of ingredients like organic jojoba oil, organic shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and avocado oil, this eyeliner pencil makes the tight lining look like a walk in the park. Not only does it deliver a clean yet edgy finish, but the built-in smudger helps you blend out your eyeliner to create a smokey eye as well. Made without parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, and synthetic fragrances or dyes. Moreover, this waterline eye pencil is not tested on animals, which makes it an ideal cruelty-free option for ethically conscious makeup lovers.
Pros
- Made with oils like jojoba, sunflower seed, and avocado oils
- Easy application
- Can be used for smokey-eye
- Comes with a built-in smudger
- Phthalate and GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not long-lasting
5. Best For Easy Application: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
Do you struggle to wear eyeliner to your waterline? Are you tired of going through the same process over and over again, rubbing it out, and applying it again to get the eyeliner to stay just right? If yes, this top-selling waterproof eyeliner pencil is something that both professionals and amateurs will love. It’s dense, rich, with a smooth texture, and extremely easy to use (you’ll have to use it once to believe us) and gives a metallic finish. Not only can it be used on the waterline, but it can also be applied on the eyelids, and you won’t have to ever worry about it tugging or pulling. If you want a faded-out soft look, you can use your finger to smudge it out to work like an eyeshadow. Moreover, the lionfish shade looks very chic with its metallic copper brown color. It is also available in fourteen other beautiful shades providing a long-lasting finish. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product based on a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Contains vitamin E
- Waterproof
- Available in multiple colors
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
Cons
- It may not be suitable for sensitive eyes
6. Best Budge-Proof: Immovable By Mia Adora Eyeliner Pencil And Sharpener
Do you need to cry your heart out but also have a meeting to attend right after it and are worried that your eyeliner won’t hold? With this waterline smudge-proof eyeliner, you can shed tears freely and still maintain a flawless look. This waterline eyeliner helps in accentuating your waterline, making your eyes look bigger and brighter.. Another way to make your eyes shine is by using this eyeliner to create a smokey-eye. Apart from these styles, you can also trust this pencil to give you the perfect cat-eye, one that won’t smudge for anything in the world. It is free of harmful chemicals, making it safe for your delicate skin. This best eyeliner for waterline comes with a special eyeliner pencil sharpener, so you never have to worry about dull lines ever again. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product based on a tester’s experience with it.
Pros
- Affordable
- Smudge-proof
- Waterproof
- Paraben and fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sharpener included
Cons
- Some may find the intensity of the black color not up to mark
7. Best For Intense Color: e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
The Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner from the celebrity-endorsed brand e.l.f. is a long-lasting, waterproof eyeliner pencil with a thick, creamy, and smooth texture that glides smoothly on your delicate skin without tugging it. Use this flexible1pencil on your lower lash line, waterline, or all across the lid to get dramatic eyes that stay sharp all day long! The felt tip pen allows you to draw precise, sleek, or bold lines to customize your look for every occasion and with every outfit. This fast-drying, highly-pigmented eyeliner formula gives the lash line a rich, long-lasting, non-smearing color.
Pros
- Affordable
- Budge-proof
- Smudge-proof
- Waterproof
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- None
- As the eyeliner is soft, it may break off easily when not sharpened with Milani sharpeners
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,205 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
8. Best Travel- Size: YOUNG VISION Liquid Eyeliner Pens
Take your eye makeup up a notch with the YOUNG VISION Liquid Eyeliner Pens that come in a set of 5 colors – black, white, brown, reddish brown, and blue. This liquid waterproof eyeliner pencil is a smudge-resistant buildable eyeliner formula that gives you a fine line and precise application.
The smooth and super flexible nib of this fade-resistant, smudge-proof eyeliner allows you to draw thick and thin lines with maximum pigmentation. The one-stroke color payoff can be used on the waterline as well as on eyelids. Reviewers have noticed that this pigmented eyeliner formula stays as fresh as new all day long without fading away.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Waterproof formula
- Smudge-proof formula
- Precise application
- Versatile use
- Lasts all day long
- Fade-proof formula
- High color payoff
- Buildable coverage
- Available in 5 attractive shades
- Easy to remove
Cons
- The nib dries off quickly
- May sometimes leak
"The eyeliners offer strong pigmentation and a seamless application experience, making them the perfect choice for makeup newbies or for those days when you are in a rush. I have it in different shades that have me covered for various occasions and outfits. It's long-lasting and never makes my eyes look dull or boring."
9. Best Ophthalmologist-Approved: Vasanti Cosmetics Hazel Brown Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil
For those who are looking for a way to subtly define the shape of their eyes without black eyeliner making it look too intense, this little gem can come in super handy. The hazel-brown shade of this eyeliner pencil will help you tightline with ease while giving your eyes a naturally radiant look. Its smooth and creamy formula comes with a twist-up feature, glides across in a single stroke, and offers you a non-messy application. It is a perfect combination of color and smooth texture. As it is made with no harsh chemicals such as parabens, it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact wearers as well. It is also ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. This cruelty-free product is considered to be the best eyeliner for lower lash lines. Embrace the subtle sophistication and effortless charm with this go-to favorite eyeliner pencil.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Available in 5 colors
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
- No parabens
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- As it is a non-retractable eyeliner pencil, it should not be over-twisted
"I knew this kohl liner was going to be a worthy addition to my makeup routine the second I used it! It glides smoothly and offers me exceptional results. Its rich black hue is something that instantly makes my eyes look camera-worthy. The pencil-like liner is easy to maneuver as well. I recommend it for beginners, as well as, professionals."
10. Best Long- Wearing: MAC Technakohl Liner
One of the best waterproof eyeliners for the waterline; this one by the celebrity-endorsed brand MAC, doesn’t fall short when it comes to impressing beauty gurus all over the world. Sleek and chic, this eyeliner pencil comes with a precision tip to help you achieve any look and also to tightline your waterline like a pro. It not only offers a smudge-free finish and is no-transfer but also blends easily and dries quickly. As it is a mechanical pencil, one can achieve exceptional results when holding the pencil at a 90° angle for a precise line.
Pros
- Precision tip
- Smudge-free
- Easy to blend
- Dries quickly
- Transfer-proof
Cons
- Lasts upto 8 hours only
"This eyeliner has a stable place in my collection and for all the valid reasons of course. The exceptional product offers a deep black color and smooth application. Its retractable nature is another plus point that contributes to easy application. It is one of my go-to products for simple eye makeup looks!"
11. Best Waterproof: Anabelle Waterline Matte Kohl Eyeliner Crayon
This gel liner crayon from Anabelle is a must-have for make-up enthusiasts, particularly those who love to enhance their eye looks with precise waterline application. The matte eyeliner has been allergy-tested to be used on the sensitive waterline. The creamy gel eyeliner glides smoothly and lasts long without smudging or flaking and gives a matte finish. The smudge-proof eyeliner claims to last 4 hours on your waterline and 12 hours on your eyeline. Best of all, it enhances your eye look by giving you the appearance of fuller lashes.
Pros
- Waterproof gel formula
- Smooth application
- Flake-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Doesn’t last long
How To Choose The Best Waterline Eyeliner – A Buying Guide
What Is Waterlining?
Waterlining or tight-lining is a technique of using an expertly crafted eyeliner pencil to line the upper and lower waterline. You can use an eyeliner of any color to tightline, but black is the most preferred color. Apply the eyeliner directly on the waterline, right above and below the lashes. This will make your lashes look thicker from the roots and also give the illusion of bigger eyes.
How To Choose An Eyeliner For Waterline
Before you buy an eyeliner for your waterline, ensure that it is of a creamy texture. It should be blendable and smudge-proof as well. Look for a creamy pencil that does not contain any parabens, sulfate, or phthalates and is suitable for sensitive eyes as well.
How Do You Use A Waterline Eye Pencil?
Step 1:
Start with a clean slate. Make sure that your eyes are clean and remove any makeup residues from the night before.
Step 2: Apply the eyeliner directly on the upper waterline, right underneath the lashes.
Step 3: In the same manner, apply the eyeliner on the lower waterline, right above the lashes.
Step 4: Wait for it to dry.
Step 5: Wipe off the excess (if any) from the corners of the eye.
How Do You Get Eyeliner To Stay On Your Waterline?
After you have finished tightlining, take a wide flat makeup brush. Dip it into some black eyeshadow and gently press it over the waterline eyeliner for the best results. Don’t apply too much eyeshadow on the first go. Build it up slowly and steadily with a buildable eyeliner, without making it look like you have too much on. Wipe away any excess build-up from the eyes and cheeks with a thicker brush.
How Do I Keep My Eyeliner From Smudging On My Waterline?
It may sound complicated, but it is easy as pie. The first step to ensuring that your eyeliner stays in place is to find the correct eyeliner; one that is specifically designed for the waterlines. If you have any eyeliner or eye-makeup left over from the night before, wipe it off properly. After you are done applying eyeliner to your waterline, apply concealer on the corner of the eyes, and underneath the eyes as well.
Infographic: How To Choose A Waterline Eyeliner
If you want to achieve an ultra-defined eye look, lining the waterline is the trick. A waterline eyeliner is what you need to make your eyes pop out and define their shape. If you are considering buying one, scroll down and check out the infographic below to learn what factors to consider before adding a waterline eyeliner to your cart. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The eyes are the most sensitive part of your body. And the products used to enhance your eyes must be carefully formulated, not triggering any allergies, especially the products that go on the waterline. This is why you need an eyeliner specifically made for the waterline. The Vasanti Cosmetics Waterline Kajal offers an intense color payoff and contains no harsh chemicals, while the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner has an ultra-nourishing and creamy formula that smoothly glides on your lashes. If you need an easy-to-use product that works both as a pencil liner and a smudgy eyeshadow, Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner is a great choice. These liners are dermatologist-tested and considered safe as they are formulated using safe ingredients. It is best to invest in eyeliners formulated with no nasty chemicals. You also need an eyeliner that comes with a net brush and formula that glides smoothly without irritating your eyes. Furthermore, ensure that the eyeliners are long-lasting and water-resistant as they might smudge if you have watery eyes. If you wear contact lenses, get one that is made for contact lens wearers. But avoid eyeliners that don’t last for hours and smudge easily. As a word of caution, always remove your eye makeup before sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I use on my waterline?
Look specifically for an eyeliner that is creamy, easy to blend, and is safe to be used for the waterline. Look for products that are free of parabens, sulfate, fragrance, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
Does eyeliner on the waterline make your eyes look smaller?
When applied correctly, eyeliner on the waterline can make your eyes look bigger and intense.
Can I use liquid liner on the waterline?
As a liquid eyeliner may not stay on the waterline and also irritate your eyes, it is not recommended.
Can I use black color on the waterline?
Yes, it is the most commonly used eyeliner shade for tightlining. However, if you don’t like black, you can also try brown or a shade of blue in the inner and outer corners for a more dramatic effect.
Can I line my waterline if I have watery eyes?
There are waterline eyeliners available for sensitive eyes. However, tightlining watery eyes may lead to more irritations, and it is best to avoid it.
Is it bad to put eyeliner in your waterline?
Using an eyeliner that is not designed to be used in the waterline may cause an infection. Hence, if you are going to tightline, make sure the eyeliner is waterproof and safe for its intended purpose.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Chaitra Krishnan, is a makeup enthusiast. She helps users make an informed choice when choosing different products. For this article, she has reviewed tens of eyeliners for waterline besides scrolling through several web pages to analyze reviews. This list of the best eyeliners has been created keeping in mind safety and their ability to give a smoother finish that lasts all day.
Read full bio of Simone de Vlaming
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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