Shading on the waterline is not a
necessary beauty product step when using eyeliner, but it can make a big difference. I believe comedian Alice Wetterlund once said (and we explain) that if you apply liner along the upper lash line but you don't draw the waterline, it looks like your eyes are wearing a belt. Of course, this isn't universally true - but it happens to be true for many Allure employees, so we like to give our upper waterline a long-lasting black or brown pencil liner to give our lash roots the look Extra thick even before mascara.
Also known as the "tight line," lining your waterline can make a huge difference to the look of your finished eye makeup, especially along the lower waterline. It can add continuity to an intense smoky eye look, or an unexpected punch of color to an otherwise understated look. But applying eyeliner inside your lash line requires a certain amount of finesse—that is, don't cringe when a somewhat pointy object is closer to your eyeball than otherwise.
What's more, the formula and product design are important - especially if you want to create a particularly graphic liner look. Waterproof and waterproof eyeliners are a must when you're applying color to the permanently wet areas of your eyes. Whether you're after the Margot Tenenbaum aesthetic, my lashes but a better body line, or the anxiety mall goth vibe on crayons, the best eyeliners will sit comfortably on your waterline all day.
Below, take an in-depth look at the 15 best waterline eyeliners with impressive staying power, based on recommendations from Allure editors and makeup artists from Victoria Beckham Beauty, L'Oréal Paris, and more.
In the world of black eyeliner, we appreciate that this eyeliner from Treslúce Beauty comes in a rainbow of shades—15 to be exact—from matte reds to shimmering greens. While eyeliner is opaque enough to emphasize every eye color, it's not limited to your eyes. In fact, this formula can be applied to your brows, lips and cheeks, creating endless possibilities. No matter which shade you choose (or where you choose to use it), the creamy formula glides on effortlessly, making tugging an issue.
Meet the latest shade from Victoria Beckham's Satin Kajal Liners collection: Fig. This rich, matte eggplant shade enhances brown eyes, brightens hazel eyes, widens blue eyes, and - most strikingly - contrasts with green eyes for a striking look. As for the formula, it's infused with conditioning vitamin E, moisturizing provitamin B5 and soothing chamomile so it won't irritate sensitive eyes. This bright shade is also a miracle: swipe it on your waterline once from the start for enviable color.
One swipe away at this highly opaque KVD eyeliner and it's easy to see why it's achieved cult status. Perfect for those craving a gel eyeliner option, you can apply the tattoo pencil liner to your waterline for all-day definition, or swipe it onto your lids for a graphic cat-eye. Either way, the formula is waterproof, transfer-proof, and will remain as bold and vibrant as it was on the first application when it's time to remove the pigment.
You have 10 shades to choose from, but our personal favorites are deep cherry red, madder red, which accentuates green eyes without looking sick. Plus, the twist-on applicator is easy to use and requires no sharpening - a win you won't be disturbed in the morning.
If you experience trembling hands or consider yourself a waterline beginner, you'll love the matte body of this Joah Beauty Make Her Gel-Ous Gel Eyeliner, which gives you a good grip on the product, ensuring you Achieve precise application (and avoid any accidental eye pokes). Apart from that, the formula has great staying power and you won't miss your liquid version, especially for those who are prone to tears. Also, it applies smoothly on both the waterline and upper lash line without tugging.
Choose from five wearable shades, including a deep ocean blue that pops brown eyes and two blacks that will definitely become your everyday makeup drawer.
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