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Of all the cosmetics in the world, eyeliner may have the edge for its versatility: it onlysoThere are many ways to use it. thisbest eyelinerJust one swipe to your eyelids will make your eyes sparkle a mile away. If your forte are fun and daring looks,liquid coatingis your best friend. Or maybe you like a subtle smoky look, in which casepencil eyelinerAlways at your service. If you like to experiment with fun ringtones, there's evencolored eyelinerover there. But let me tell you about another amazing use for eyeliner: the waterline.
Waterlining is a makeup technique in which eyeliner is applied to the moist, fleshy part of the lower inner eyelid. It can change the look of your entire face, for example.relativemakeup masterJalisa Jacaran. "Using a white or neutral eyeliner on your waterline can help you look more awake and remove redness from your eyes," she says. "On the other hand, wearing a bright color that complements your skin tone can accentuate your eyes and brighten your complexion a bit." Also, you can paint on the inner eyelid, also known astight lining, making your lashes appear thicker and fuller.
If you're looking for bigger eyes and fuller lashes, look no further than the best waterline eyeliners. But keep in mind that eyeliner on the waterline can cause dryness for some people. "It clogs the openings of the Meibomian glands," says board-certified ophthalmologist,Dra. Diane Hilal-Campo. "This prevents oil from being released into the tear film, which can lead to dry eyes in patients."
we are inMarie ClaireWe've put together this list of the best eyeliners for the waterline: all of them are long-wearing, waterproof, highly pigmented, and best of all, have a silky-smooth texture that protects sensitive areas from damage. . Read on for professional shopping tips from beauty guru Jaikaran andEllie Lunaand shop our favourites.
What to look out for when using waterline eyeliner
You cannot casually drop any eyeliner on the waterline. The waterline is a particularly sensitive area, so any tugging or jumping can cause irritation and damage. If you are looking for a specific waterline eyeliner,According to professional makeup artist Ehlie Luna, silicone-basedwaterproof eyelinerThe formula is your best option."To spot them, you might see words like cyclopentasiloxane or trimethylsiloxysilicate in the ingredients." But he offers another pro tip: "You don't need to remember those words, but look for the ingredient name '-sil' hidden in the first five ingredients. They often mention 'waterproof' somewhere on the package."
Another quality to take into account? texture."The best eyeliner for the waterline is the pencil liner, which has a creamy finish but is long-lasting," says Jaikaran. Pencils with a creamy texture (like Maybelline's TattooStudio Pencil, below) won't pull or skip on your waterline, which means irritation is less likely to occur. Luna also notes that Kohl and Kajal formulas are often used on the waterline because they are extra gentle.
The best eyeliner for the waterline
- Best Overall Waterline Eyeliner:Urban Decay 24/7 Glide Waterproof Eyeliner
- Best Budget Waterline Eyeliner:Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Eyeliner
- Best Waterline Eyeliner Worth Splurging For:Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner
- Best Vegan Waterline Eyeliner:Pixi Eye defines the waterline
- Best Colored Water Line Eyeliner:Kulfi Underline Kajal Transparent Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide Waterproof Eyeliner
There's a reason Urban Decay calls their 24/7 Waterproof Glide Pencil "America's #1 Eyeliner." Its ultra-creamy, smudge-resistant, high-efficiency formula has won numerous awards, including the 2022 and 2021 Glamor Awards.Readers Choice Award, a near-universal favorite in the beauty world (it's one of Jaikaran's favorite waterline eyeliners). If you want to experiment with color, there are up to 38 different shades and finishes to choose from, including brilliant white for an instant makeover.
advantage:Long lasting; waterproof; glides on easily; available in over 30 shades; vegan; mixable.
flaw:More than $20; hard to sharpen
Customer feedback:"I wear contacts and my eyes water a lot. This is the only eyeliner I've ever bought that lasts all day (seriously) and I don't need to reapply. Great for over-compacting eyeliner." -Sephora
Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Eyeliner
We're big fans of MC's Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Eyeliner, but Jaleesa Jaikaran considers herself a fan, too. She says this drugstore pick is "nice because while it's easy to blend into a smoky eye or smoky lash look, it doesn't change." In other words, if you need a blendable look that stays on the liner, this is a good choice. . This eyeliner is especially resistant to sebum, the oily substance that the eyelid produces to protect the surface of the eye, which means this eyeliner works especially well on the waterline.
advantage:Long lasting; waterproof; antisebum; mixable; available in more than 10 shades; highly pigmented.
flaw:Quick drying, difficult to sharpen.
Customer comments: "I've been using this eyeliner for about 10 years...it's the best thing I've ever used for my bottom eyeliner and waterline...I've worn it for over 12 hours with no smudging! It is preserved even during concerts and long shifts. 10/10. "-ulta
Neutrogena Smokey Eyeliner
This selection from Neutrogena has been pro-approved by Jaikaran. It meets your three criteria for the best waterline eyeliner: long-wearing, waterproof, and non-irritating. In fact, this eyeliner is formulated with vitamin E for an ultra-smooth, no-stir glide. Once applied, you can blend the highly pigmented color for a sexy smoky eye look. Or, if you prefer a precise line, wait 30 seconds after applying the liner to allow it to set for a smudge-free look.
advantage:Glides on easily; long-lasting; waterproof; less than $10.
flaw:The tip is a bit thick.
Customer feedback:"Best water line eyeliner ever!!! Doesn't run down or pool in the corners of my eyes (which is a major problem for me as I have very oily skin). If I leave it on , even in the morning it still looks good all night!!" - Amazon
MAC Technakohl Eyeliner
Professional makeup artist Ehlie Luna says that of all her favorite eyeliners they are "long-lasting, pigmented, and best of all, they don't sting my eyes," and this MAC eyeliner is one of her three favorites. We love that this eyeliner has been ophthalmologist tested and specifically states that it is safe for water lines and contact lens wearers. It's a mechanical pencil eyeliner, which means it doesn't need a sharpener and delivers great, rich color. Once dry, the coating will not budge for up to eight hours.
advantage:Ophthalmologically tested; long-lasting; waterproof; stain resistant
flaw:More than $20.
Customer feedback:"OMG I am blown away by the use of this eyeliner. It's easy to apply and the first time you swipe it across the waterline the effect kicks in. Most eyeliners I've used take at least 2 minutes to look. The waterline is as black as I want it to be. Plus, it's waterproof and wearable. I can go swimming in it..." — MAC
Kevyn Aucoin Precision Eyeliner
"I've used eyeliner every day since I was 16. No lie. Black, blue, grey, pencil, liquid, gel or marker - I've tried them all whether it's eyeliner and overall it's my favorite on the market. However, "I'm not a fan of things that smear or make you look like a raccoon in the middle of the day. That's why Kevyn Aucoin's Precision Eye Definer is my go-to. Glides on easily, lasts long, and requires fewer touch-ups Brown is also suitable for less dramatic occasionseyeliner look”。—Dina Campbell, beauty director
advantage: Easy sliding; Dirt resistant; Raincoat; self-sharpening
flaw:More than $20.
Customer feedback:"I love this eyeliner for the waterline and upper lash line and for a humid work environment. I work long hours and don't have time for touch-ups, and in my case, I find that it's actually sweat and tears .(It's nothing 100% perfect, but it works great.) This is one of the best liners I've found to justify a budget in tough situations!" - Nordstrom.
Kulfi Underline Kajal Transparent Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner
As Luna said, kajal eyeliners work well on the waterline due to their creamy texture, and this one from Kulfi fits the bill. this election won2022 Allure Awards for Best of BeautyThanks to its long-lasting formula and its unique range of shades (I love Purply Pataka, a bright berry shade). Additionally, it contains aloe vera extract, safflower seed oil and vitamin E for additional soothing and moisturizing properties. Did I mention that it is a completely vegan and clean formula?
advantage:Long lasting; waterproof; vegan; highly pigmented; Contains calming ingredients.
flaw:It can get dirty after a while.
Customer feedback:"Love this eyeliner!...it glides on my lids easily and is waterproof and tear resistant. I wear it below and above the waterline and it lasts all day! I'll be reviewing it soon! I will buy it again in the future." — Zipporah
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner
"First and foremost: This eyeliner is ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested and safe for use on the waterline;asThat. But that's just the tip of the iceberg as to why I love this eyeliner. The crayons are non-irritating (I hold the record for the most sensitive eyes in the world) and glide perfectly on my waterline. Personally, I like to apply it a bit; it really enhances the effect of the painting. It is also worth mentioning that this is a waterproof formula, so even though it is very close to my tear ducts, I did not experience any dripping or smudging. "-Samantha Holender, beauty editor
advantage: Tested by ophthalmologists and dermatologists; waterproof; prolonged use; mixable.
flaw: $20+.
Customer feedback:"Very smooth and silky. This is my favorite eyeliner. It goes on easily, has a nice sharpness, and is perfect for the waterline." —Victoria Beckham Beauty
Pixi Eye defines the waterline
When it comes to your eyes, you really don't want to mess with parabens and harmful ingredients – we only have one set of eyes! So when you're doing your makeup, especially around your ultra-sensitive waterline, it's never a bad idea to reach for clean, doctor-approved products, like this eyeliner from Pixi. Not only is it formulated with clean ingredients and ophthalmologist-tested, but it's also specifically approved for use on the waterline and delivers deep, rich color.
advantage: Vegan; Ophthalmologically tested; highly pigmented; Waterproof.
flaw: Available in a single shade; the tip breaks easily.
Customer feedback:"This baby is for waterlines and tight lacing and doesn't budge...holds up great, taking it off was a challenge! I only took the 5th star because I like colors other than black." - Goal
Laura Mercier Pastel Compact Eyeliner
Using a non-pencil liner on your waterline can be intimidating, but trust me when I say this vintage pastel liner is worth a try. Think of it as a more pigmented, dry eyeshadow. This compact is specially formulated for use when tightening the lashes, as it imparts a subtle "oomph" to make the lashes appear thicker. Simply use a damp flat brush to turn the liner into a paste, then apply to the upper lash line with a short brush. Critics especially love its versatility.
advantage:Ophthalmologically tested; safe for contact lens wearers; stain resistant; highly pigmented.
flaw:Brush is required; can be transferred with oil-based tops; more than $20.
Customer feedback:"Great product! I've been using this for years. I can draw an even line deep into the lash line for a natural look. And it lasts until I take it off at night without flaking or fading." —Laura Messier
meet the experts
Jalisa Jacaran
Jaleesa grew up in Trinidad before moving to New York to pursue her makeup dreams. She began assisting industry greats like Kabuki, Pat McGrath, and Diane Kendall on sets and fashion weeks in New York, Milan, and Paris. Jaleesa began to develop an eye for color and a greater focus on complexion perfection in every shade, leading to her work being featured in Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Essence, L'Officiel, Vogue Italia, and Refinery29. , among other publications. As a content creator, Jaleesa is dedicated to producing content that teaches, inspires, and implements makeup, and is known for her inside tips and signature designs. Jaleesa also runs the Life of a Makeup Artist podcast and regularly posts to it.Tik Tokaccount. In 2022, she was named a LinkedIn Top Endorser of Fashion and Beauty.
Ellie Luna
Ehlie Luna is a professional makeup artist whose transition from New York City Ballet Principal Makeup Artist to commercial freelance work in 2020 allowed her to delve into content creation. Her work has been featured in music videos and she has appeared on the red carpet and in the New York Fashion Week runway shows. She has also worked with brands like Daily Paper, Mac Cosmetics, Pattern Beauty, Beautyblender, r.e.m. and more. Beauty, UOMA Beauty, Macy's and more. Luna shares her career secrets and injects her unique personality into the beauty space through her TikTok page.@EhlieLuna。
Dra. Diane Hilal-Campo
Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a board-certified general ophthalmologist with experience in ophthalmic medical and surgical care. Dr. Hilal-Campo has practiced in Oakland, New Jersey for over 23 years. A graduate of Columbia University, she was the first woman admitted to Columbia College in 1987. Dr. Hilal-Campo subsequently earned her medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internal medicine internship at Columbia University and then her residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Hilal-Campo is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. She is also a founding member of the New Jersey Group of Women's Ophthalmologists. After spending decades treating women with dry eye and other distressing conditions caused by cosmetic and makeup treatments, she developed her own brand of eye care formulas,twenty/twenty beauties。