In the world of makeup artistry, tightlining is a technique that's both subtle and transformative. By lining the upper and lower waterline, you can create the illusion of fuller, thicker, and more defined lashes and make your eyes pop without an overpowering look. To help you enhance your tightlining game, we, as per our expertise, have come up with a list of the best eyeliners for tightlining that won't disappoint. Whether you're aiming for an everyday natural look or a glamorous evening effect, these waterproof eyeliners promise to enhance your eyes' natural beauty with precision and finesse.

From pencil and gel to liquid formulations, we've scoured the beauty industry to find eyeliners for tightlining that are not only easy to apply but also gentle on the delicate waterline area. We'll delve into each product, highlighting their unique features, long-lasting capabilities, and ease of application, ensuring you find the perfect match for your tightlining endeavors.

So take a look at these eyeliners for tightlining that promise long-lasting results.

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  BEST OVERALL

  Maybelline New York Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil

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Maybelline New York Eyeliner Pencil in Deep Onyx is a waterproof, smudge-resistant, and sebum-resistant eyeliner that delivers pigment-rich hues and precise definition. The sharpenable pencil allows for a customized application tip, making it easy to achieve a variety of looks. The eyeliner glides on smoothly and stays on for up to 36 hours, making it perfect for day-to-night wear. The gel liner is fade and budge-resistant, so the eyeliner stays put even through tears.

Color: Deep Onyx

Shades: 16

Type: Gel, pencil

2

Best Smudge Proof

Lord & Berry SMUDGEPROOF Eye Liner

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Experience the epitome of precision with Lord & Berry Smudgeproof Eyeliner, tailored for tight lining perfection. Crafted with a creamy vegan formula, this eyeliner pencil effortlessly defines the waterline, enhancing your eyes with unmatched subtlety. From dawn to dusk, its waterproof magic holds tight, ensuring a flawlessly tight-lined look that lasts. Easy to use and boasting morning-to-night longevity, this pencil is your secret weapon for naturally defined eyes, adding depth without a hint of smudge. Embrace effortless elegance, redefining your gaze with this reliable, vegan-friendly eyeliner.

3

Most Precise Application

butter LONDON Eye Pencil

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Discover precision like never before with butter LONDON WINK Eye Pencil, the essential choice for tight-lining enthusiasts. This pencil defines your eyes subtly, allowing for a seamless application along the waterline. Its creamy texture glides effortlessly, leaving a rich, long-lasting pigment that accentuates without overpowering. Perfect for enhancing the lash line and making lashes appear fuller, this eye pencil achieves a natural, wide-eyed effect. Dive into the art of tight lining, emphasizing your eyes with a soft, velvety line that defines elegance with every stroke.

4

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil

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The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil in Brown is a creamy eyeliner pencil that delivers intense pigmentation and precise application. It has a twist-up tube that never needs sharpening, making it easy to use. The formula is renowned for its lasting power, so it stays put all day long. The creamy texture of the pencil moisturizes the skin while delivering intense pigmentation. The pencil is waterproof, so it won't smudge or smear.

Color: Brown

Shades: 13

Type: Pencil

5

URBAN DECAY Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

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The URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is a highly versatile and long-lasting eyeliner that offers a range of benefits. The retractable eyeliner pencil has a creamy and blendable formula that glides onto the skin with ease. It is made with 50% hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil. This favorite waterline eyeliner kajal eyeliner ensures a smooth application and prevents any tugging or pulling on the delicate eye area. Once applied, the eyeliner dries into a waterproof and smudge-proof finish.

Color: Smoke

Shades: 29

Type: Pencil

6

BEST CLINICALLY APPROVED

VASANTI Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil

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An important addition to your makeup collection, the Vasanti Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil is designed to be used in the waterline or inner rims of the eyes, to make your lashes look fuller with zero irritation. The eyeliner comes in an intense black color. The eyeliner is long-lasting, so you don't have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day. The eyeliner is waterproof, so it won't smudge or run if you get caught in the rain or sweat. The eyeliner is smudge-proof, so you can wear it all day without worrying about it smudging or fading. The waterproof liner is formulated for the most sensitive of eyes, and is safe to use on contact lenses.

Color: Intense Black

Shades: 9

Type: Pencil

7

BEST DRUGSTORE EYELINER

Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner

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Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner with Antioxidant Vitamin E is a smudge- and water-resistant eyeliner makeup that comes in a Dark Brown shade and weighs 0.004 oz. The eyeliner is designed for precise application and is formulated with Vitamin E to resist smudging. It is enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, which makes it smudgeable for the first 30 seconds, then dries to a smudge-resistant line that won't flake or fade.

Color: 30 Dark Brown

Shades: 11

Type: Gel

8

BEST COLOR RICH

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

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The Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner is a highly popular and long-lasting eyeliner that provides definition and color with ease.  This eyeliner is designed to stay put for up to 12 hours, ensuring long-lasting and smudge-free wear. The soft formula is waterproof, making it resistant to water, sweat, and humidity, ensuring that your eyeliner stays in place throughout the day. The black liner has a soft and extremely smooth texture, allowing for easy application without tugging or pulling on the delicate eye area.

Color: Stingray

Shades: 13

Type: Pencil

9

BEST GENTLE FORMULA

Esqido: Gel Pencil Eyeliner

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The Esqido Gel Pencil Liner in Black is a high-quality eyeliner that offers long-lasting wear and intense pigmentation.  The pencil formula is specially formulated to stay put throughout the day, even in humid conditions or when exposed to water. The gel formula delivers a rich, intense color payoff, allowing you to create bold and defined lines. The smooth texture of the eyeliner ensures effortless application without tugging or pulling on the delicate skin around the eyes. Each pencil provides up to 500+ strokes, making it a durable and cost-effective option.

Color: Black

Shades: 8

Type: Gel, pencil

10

BEST MATTE FINISH

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil

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The Urban Decay Waterline Eye Pencil in the shade Legend is a creamy, demi-matte eyeliner pencil designed to be used on the inner rim of the waterline. It is a waterproof formula that lasts all day, making it a long-lasting option for eye makeup. The pencil is made without mineral oil, paraffin, or preservatives, making it a good choice for those with sensitive eyes. The creamy texture of the pencil allows for easy application and glides smoothly along the waterline.

Color: Legend (Black)

Shade: 1

Type: Pencil

11

BEST NATURAL FORMULA

Pure Zivaª Black Matte Cake Eyeliner

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The Pure Zivaª Black Cake Eyeliner is a water-activated pressed powder that can be used as both an eyeliner and an eyeshadow. It is deeply pigmented and made with hypoallergenic ingredients, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. The product is gluten-free and cruelty-free and has not been tested on animals. To use the product, a brush should be dampened with water and mixed on top of the Cake Eye Liner. The product can then be built up into a soft, velvety consistency. The black matte finish is perfect for creating a bold and dramatic look, and the product can be used to create a variety of different eye makeup styles.

Color: Black

Shades: 5

Type: Powder

12

BEST SWEAT PROOF

Skone Cosmetics Tattooed Eyeliner Pen

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The Skone Cosmetics  Eyeliner Pen is a waterproof, long-lasting, sweat-proof, and smudge-proof liquid eyeliner that comes in the shade Jet Black. It has an ultra-pigmented formula that provides one swipe coverage and a rich liquid felt applicator that allows for smooth, fast, and accurate application. This clean formula is perfect for creating winged eyeliner or any other eye-popping look that requires precision and staying power.

Color: Jet Black

Shades: 5

Type: Liquid

13

JOAH Make Her Gel-ous Gel Eyeliner

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The JOAH Make Her Gel-ous Gel Eyeliner is a waterproof and long-lasting eyeliner that delivers intense color with the control of a pencil. The liquid formula glides on smoothly without tugging and is budge-proof, making it perfect for all-day wear. The built-in sharpener ensures that the pencil is always on point, and the vegan formula makes it a great choice for those who prefer cruelty-free products. Whether you're going for a natural look or a dramatic cat-eye, this waterproof eyeliner for tightlining is a versatile and reliable choice.

Color: Espresso

Shades: 5

Type: Gel, pencil

14

Mally Beauty – Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner

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This eyeliner for tightlining by Mally Beauty is a creamy, long-lasting gel formula that is smudge-proof and perfect for lining and defining the eyes. The eyeliner is designed to glide on easily and stay put all day, making it a great choice for those who want a long-wearing eyeliner that won't smudge or fade. While the brand has a wide range of shades to offer, The Milk Chocolate Shade is a warm, brown color that is perfect for creating a natural, everyday look.

Color: Milk Chocolate

Shades: 15

Type: Gel, pencil

Tightlining is a makeup technique that involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, the area right above your upper lashes, and beneath your eyelashes. The purpose of tightlining is to enhance the appearance of your eyes, making them look more defined and larger, and your lashes appear fuller, all while maintaining a natural and subtle look. The upper waterline is a thin and delicate area where your eyelid meets your eye. By carefully applying eyeliner here, you can create the illusion of thicker lashes and add depth to your lash line without the liner being visibly obvious on the skin. This technique is especially effective for those who want to define their eyes without a heavy or noticeable makeup look.

Here are easy and simple ways to effectively tightline your eyes with eyeliner - 

Step 1: Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler, sweeping them upwards, away from the eyes.

Step 2: Line your upper waterline using pigmented eyeliner.

Step 3: Apply eyeliner to your lower waterline. 

Step 4: Remove excess product with a cotton bud.

Step 5: Apply waterproof mascara to set your eye makeup look.

Tightlining and water lining are two distinct eyeliner techniques, each serving a unique purpose in enhancing your eyes. While they both involve applying eyeliner near the lash line, they target different areas and achieve different effects. Let’s see how different both the techniques are from each other

Tightlining:

Tightlining involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, the area between your upper lashes and your eye's upper rim. This technique creates the illusion of fuller and thicker lashes by filling in the gaps between the lashes, giving your eyes a more defined and awake appearance. Tightlining can make your lash line look denser and more impactful without the liner being noticeable on your skin. It's a subtle technique that works well for both natural and glam looks.

Waterlining:

Waterlining, on the other hand, involves applying eyeliner to the lower waterline, the inner rim of your lower eyelid. This technique can make your eyes appear larger and more defined, but it has different effects depending on the color of the eyeliner used. Using white or nude eyeliner on the lower waterline can make your eyes look more awake and open. However, using dark eyeliner on the lower waterline can create a more intense and dramatic look.

When it comes to tightlining, selecting the right type of eyeliner is crucial for achieving precise and comfortable results. Here are 10 types of eyeliners suitable for tightlining, each with its unique characteristics:

Gel Eyeliner: Gel eyeliners come in pots and are applied with an eyeliner brush. They offer excellent control, glide smoothly onto the waterline, and often have a long-lasting formula.

Kohl Pencil: Kohl pencils are soft and blendable, making them ideal for tightlining. They provide a rich, intense color that can be smudged for a smoky effect.

Gel Pencil: Gel pencils combine the ease of application of a pencil with the long-lasting formula of a gel eyeliner. They deliver a smooth line that adheres well to the waterline.

Waterproof Pencil: Waterproof pencils are perfect for all-day wear and are resistant to smudging. They're ideal for those with watery eyes or humid climates.

Liquid Liner with a Fine Applicator: Liquid eyeliners with fine brush or pen applicators offer precise control for a crisp and defined tight line.

Cake Eyeliner: Cake eyeliners are activated with water and applied with an eyeliner brush. They offer versatility in terms of intensity and are suitable for tightlining and creating winged liner looks.

Felt-tip Pen: Felt-tip pen eyeliners are user-friendly and can be used to tight line with precision. They often have a long-lasting formula and provide a consistent color payoff.

Automatic Twist-up Pencil: These self-sharpening pencils offer convenience and control, making them a great option for tightlining without the need for sharpening.

Gel Pot with Built-in Brush: Some gel eyeliner pots come with a built-in brush, offering a complete package for precise application on the waterline.

Cream Eyeliner: Cream eyeliners are smooth and blendable, making them suitable for tightlining and creating versatile looks. They often come in pots and can be applied with a brush.

Remember to opt for formulas that are safe for the waterline, hypoallergenic, and free from harsh ingredients that could irritate sensitive eyes. Experiment with different types of eyeliners to find the one that suits your preferences and gives you the desired tightlining effect.

Choosing the ideal eyeliner for tightlining involves considering factors that ensure both comfort and effectiveness. Here's a detailed guide  to help you make the best choice:

Waterproof Formula: Opt for a waterproof eyeliner formula to prevent smudging and ensure longevity, especially since tight lining involves lining the waterline.

Hypoallergenic: Select eyeliners labeled as hypoallergenic to minimize the risk of irritation, making them suitable for sensitive eyes.

Long-lasting: Look for eyeliners with long-lasting formulas that won't fade or transfer throughout the day, keeping your tight lined look intact.

Creamy Texture: Choose eyeliners with a smooth and creamy texture to facilitate easy application without tugging on the delicate waterline.

Smudge-resistant: Opt for eyeliners that are resistant to smudging and won't smudge onto the lower lash line, ensuring a clean and precise appearance.

Color Intensity: Consider the color intensity that matches your desired look. Dark shades like black or brown are popular for tightening, but you can experiment with other shades too.

Easy Application: Look for eyeliners with applicators or tips that allow for precise and comfortable application along the waterline.

Ophthalmologist-tested: Eyeliners that are tested by ophthalmologists are more likely to be safe for use on the waterline and around sensitive eyes.

Gentle Ingredients: Check the ingredient list for gentle components that won't irritate the eyes, avoiding fragrances and harsh chemicals.

User Reviews: Research user reviews and testimonials to gauge the experiences of others with similar concerns and preferences. Real-life feedback can provide valuable insights.

Remember to perform a patch test before applying the eyeliner to your waterline, as even products labeled as suitable for sensitive eyes may vary in individual compatibility. Prioritize comfort, safety, and the desired effect when selecting your ideal eyeliner for tightlining.