The Best Eyeliners For The Waterline

Putting eyeliner on your waterline is one of the fastest ways to define your eyes. But it’s also one of the fastest ways to get raccoon eyes if you use the wrong product. That wet, sensitive area is a tough spot for makeup to cling to.

I’ve tested so many eyeliners that claimed to be waterproof, only to find them smudged under my eyes an hour later. Or worse, they irritated my eyes and made them water, which just created a mess. A good eyeliner for the waterline needs to be creamy, intensely pigmented, and completely budge-proof.

These are the liners that actually work. They stay put without fading or migrating, giving you that bold, defined look all day long.

 

 

The Best Eyeliners for Your Waterline

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

This pencil is $23, and it’s a favorite for a reason. The formula is unbelievably creamy and just glides on without any pulling, which is a must for the delicate waterline. I have sensitive eyes, and this one never causes irritation.

It’s packed with pigment, so you get a bold line in just one pass. And it really does last. I can put this on in the morning and it’s still there by the end of the day. The formula has Vitamin E and jojoba oil, which makes it feel super comfortable.

The Downside: You do have to sharpen it, which can feel a little wasteful sometimes. But a sharp tip is key for precision.

 

 

Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner

For just $8, this drugstore find is incredible. It has the intensity and staying power of a much more expensive liner. The gel formula is really smooth and applies without skipping.

I love this one for smokey looks because you have a little bit of playtime to smudge it out before it sets. Once it’s set, though, it doesn’t move. It holds up so well on the waterline, even on my oiliest days.

The Downside: Like the Urban Decay pencil, this one needs to be sharpened to keep a fine point.

 

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

This retractable liner costs $18. It’s my go-to for a night out when I need my makeup to last for hours. The gel formula is super soft and delivers a true, jet-black line.

It glides right onto the waterline and sets pretty quickly. You can smudge it a bit if you work fast. Once it’s on, it’s completely waterproof and stays put until you take it off.

The Downside: My only complaint is that it only comes in one shade: black. I’d love to see this in a brown or a bronze.

 

 

Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner

At $20, this kajal liner is fantastic, especially for sensitive eyes. The formula includes aloe vera extract and Vitamin E, so it feels really soothing. It’s incredibly creamy and doesn’t tug at all.

The color payoff is amazing, and it shows up beautifully on all skin tones. I’ve worn this all day without it smudging or fading from my waterline. It truly stays put.

The Downside: Some people find that the pencil can dry out in the tube if the cap isn’t on tight.

 

 

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

Okay, so using a liquid liner on the waterline is advanced stuff, but this $24 liner is the one to try it with. The fine felt tip allows for insane precision. I use it for tightlining—applying it right at the base of my top lashes—for a super defined look without a harsh line.

This is also the best eyeliner for lash extensions because the precise tip lets you work between the lashes without snagging them on a pencil. The formula dries down fast and does not budge.

The Downside: The felt tip can sometimes dry out if you store it improperly or if it gets clogged with eyeshadow.

 

 

Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner

This liner is a splurge at $35, but it feels so luxurious. It’s ophthalmologist-tested, so I feel completely safe using it on my waterline, even when I’m wearing my contacts. The creamy kajal formula just melts onto the skin.

The finish is beautiful and pigmented, and it comes in a bunch of gorgeous, wearable shades. It’s easy to blend out for a smokey effect, but it stays put for hours once it sets.

The Downside: The price is definitely on the higher end for an eyeliner pencil.

 

 

Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

For $29, this is another higher-end option that delivers. The vegan gel formula is so creamy and pigmented. A little goes a long way, and it applies so smoothly to the waterline.

This is what I grab when I know I’ll have a long day. It absolutely does not budge or smudge, preventing that dreaded raccoon eye look, even on my combination skin.

The Downside: It’s another premium-priced pencil, which might not be in everyone’s budget.

 

 

Neutrogena Smokey Kohl Water-Resistant Eyeliner

This Neutrogena liner is a steal at around $9. It’s formulated with Vitamin E, so it glides really nicely and doesn’t feel scratchy on the waterline. It’s another great choice for sensitive eyes.

You get about 30 seconds of blend time before it sets, which is perfect for a quick smokey look. After that, it’s water-resistant and stays in place really well for the price.

The Downside: That 30-second window is no joke. You have to work quickly if you want to smudge it out.

Finding the best waterline eyeliner really depends on what you’re looking for. Whether you need something for sensitive eyes, a budget-friendly option, or a liner that will survive a night out, there’s a formula here that will work.

The key is a creamy, waterproof formula that sets down and won’t irritate your eyes. Once you find the right one, you’ll never have to worry about smudged, fading liner again.