10 Best Nude Eyeliners to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger And Brighter

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Nude Eyeliners to Create Simple Yet Elegant Looks
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Nude eyeliners are probably the best go-to option when it comes to daily, yet subtle eye makeup! With so many options available on the market, one might get confused about which one to purchase. Don’t worry, because in this article we’ve curated a list of the best nude eyeliners to help you slay that ‘eyeconic’ look every day.

Nude or waterline eyeliners are slowly becoming a staple in every makeup lover's collection. Whether you prefer a subtle and barely-there look or a more defined and captivating gaze, they offer versatile options for everyday makeup looks. From achieving a soft and neutral look to a bold and more defined look, choosing the right nude eyeliner is key. 

Keep scrolling to read more about these eyeliners.

10 Best Nude Eyeliners

Nail the winged eyeliner look in no time with this brush-tip eyeliner from Maybelline New York. It promises to deliver a smooth glide without skips, slips, gaps, or struggle. The waterproof eyeliner has an easy-to-use brush tip that fits the shape of your eyes. Also, it has a satin finish and is available in pitch black and pitch brown shades. The waterproof formula can last for up to 24 hours! To apply it, draw along the upper lash line starting at the inner corner of the eye, extend the winged lineup and out, and let the formula dry for about 20 seconds – you are good to go.

Pros
  • Water-resistant
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Smudge-proof
  • Easy to apply
Cons
  • Available in only two shades
  • Best for Multi-purpose Wear

    Julep BEAUTY - When Pencil Met Gel Eyeliner Pencil

    Julep BEAUTY - When Pencil Met Gel Eyeliner Pencil
  • Experience a smooth application with Julep Beauty’s long-wear eyeliner pencil. It is one of the best waterline eyeliners that come in a gel formula – combining the ease of a regular eyeliner pencil with the smoothness of a gel eyeliner. It is available in over 20 matte and shimmer shades. The unique formula of the eyeliner combines a special wax blend that ensures that the color glides on gently without tugging or skipping. It sets in 30 seconds and provides 10+ hours of wear.

    Pros
    • Available in multiple shades
    • Water-proof
    • Transfer-proof
    • Lasts all-day
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Waterproof Formula

    URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON WATERPROOF EYELINER PENCIL

    URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON WATERPROOF EYELINER PENCIL
  • Achieve strikingly beautiful eyes with this award-winning, long-lasting nude eyeliner by Urban Decay that delivers intense, vibrant, and high-impact color in 38 pigment-packed shades that come with 5 different finishes – matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, and metallic. The ultra-creamy consistency of the eyeliner glides on smoothly and delivers intense color that won't budge. The formula is made with 50% hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil, which makes it gentle on the eyes.

    Pros
    • Water-proof
    • Smudge-proof
    • Lasts till night
    • Natural ingredients
    Cons
    • Needs sharpening quite often
  • Most Affordable

    RIMMEL LONDON EXAGGERATE EYE DEFINER

    RIMMEL LONDON EXAGGERATE EYE DEFINER
  • The waterproof formula of this retractable eyeliner pencil by Rimmel lasts for up to 10 hours, making it perfect for all-day wear. The nude pencil eyeliner comes with a built-in smudger for subtle blending and a sharpener to help you get high-precision lines. It has a soft creamy texture that effortlessly glides on the eyes with one swipe. The best part about this eyeliner is that it’s highly pigmented and comes in a range of shades from creamy matte to a high metallic finish.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Available in many shades
    • Gives you thin and precise lines
    • Smooth finish
    Cons
    • May dry up quickly if left exposed
  • Best for the Waterline

    LAURA GELLER NEW YORK INKcredible Gel Eyeliner - Beige to Beige

    LAURA GELLER NEW YORK INKcredible Gel Eyeliner - Beige to Beige
  • The shade Beige to Beige of this super-versatile nude eyeliner by Laura Geller is a great investment to apply on the waterline of the eyes to give them a bigger, brighter look. This eyeliner has a creamy formula that spreads effortlessly without tugging on the skin. With every stroke, you’ll notice that this eyeliner delivers an intense color payoff that works in favor of your overall eye makeup. Besides, you don’t need to apply a lot to achieve desired results. 

    Pros
    • Built-in sharpener
    • Waterproof formula
    • Highly pigmented
    • Long-lasting color
    • Doesn’t aggravate the eyes
    Cons
    • Tip breaks off easy
  • Best Texture

    Wunder2 SUPERSTAY LINER

    Wunder2 SUPERSTAY LINER
  • Experiment with intense color playoff using this high-performance eyeliner from Wunder2 that offers long-lasting wear. This nude eyeliner is designed to provide a precise and effortless application, allowing you to create various eye looks with ease. It is also waterproof and gives off a smudge-proof finish, ensuring that your eyeliner stays in place throughout the day. You can trust that it won't fade, smear, or transfer, even in humid or oily conditions. Additionally, the creamy texture glides smoothly along the lash line, allowing for a seamless and controlled application.

    Pros
    • Versatile application
    • Easy to remove
    • Long-lasting
    • Smooth formula
    Cons
    • May not work well dry
  • Best Shade Range

    CLIO Sharp So Simple WATERPROOF PENCIL EYELINER

    CLIO Sharp So Simple WATERPROOF PENCIL EYELINER
  • With its soft and creamy texture, the CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner gently runs along the lash line, making it easy for you to achieve perfectly lined eyes without tugging or pulling on the delicate eye area. The pencil format provides control and flexibility, enabling you to create thin or thick lines according to your desired look. This eye-highlighting pencil is formulated to offer intense pigmentation, providing a rich and vibrant color payoff with each stroke. Whether you prefer a subtle and natural look or a more dramatic and defined style, this eyeliner can help you achieve it effortlessly.

    Pros
    • Highly pigmented
    • Wide range of shades
    • Waterproof
    • Easy to apply
    Cons
    • Hard to remove
  • Best Long lasting Formula

    TheBalm Mr. Write Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil

    TheBalm Mr. Write Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil
  • Nail that perfect nude eye look every single day with this highly-pigmented eyeliner pencil by The Balm. It has a long-lasting formula with a smooth and satiny finish and it is also enriched with nourishing ingredients that help to condition and protect the delicate skin around the eyes. It allows you to effortlessly line your eyes in one stroke, ensuring a comfortable and quick application without any hassle.

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • Lasts all-day
    • Rich pigment
    • Draws precise lines
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
  • Best Smudge-proof Finish

    LORD & BERRY Eyeliner

    LORD & BERRY Eyeliner
  • Enhance your eyes with this high-quality nude eyeliner pencil by Lord & Berry, specifically designed to create a natural and wide-eyed look. This eyeliner complements the eyes without the intensity of traditional dark eyeliners, providing a subtle and fresh appearance. With a smooth and creamy texture, it is easy to be applied along the waterline or inner rim of the eyes. It glides on easily, delivering a soft and subtle color that brightens and opens up the eyes. Plus, it is formulated to be long-lasting, ensuring that the nude color remains in place throughout the day without smudging or fading. Its waterproof and smudge-proof properties make it suitable for various occasions and climates, providing reliable wear that lasts.

    Pros
    • Lasts for long periods
    • Offers a natural look
    • Won’t smudge
    • Smooth texture
    Cons
    • Comes in a small size
  • Best Color Range

    Pure Zivaª NUDE WOOD EYELINER PENCIL

    Pure Zivaª NUDE WOOD EYELINER PENCIL
  • That natural eye look is just one eyeliner pencil away! The wooden pencil liner by Pure Ziva offers a subtle yet sophisticated look to your eyes. It provides a soft and gentle application, making it suitable for sensitive skin. With its creamy and smooth texture, it goes on effortlessly in a single stroke, saving time and making the application process a breeze. Additionally, it delivers a flattering natural color that adds a touch of brightness and warmth to your eyes, creating a fresh appearance. It is long-lasting and will stay in place throughout the day without smudging or fading.

    Pros
    • Subtle look
    • Suitable sensitive skin
    • Available in many shades
    • Effortless application
    Cons
    • Requires a large sharpener

    Now that you’ve gone over some of the best nude eyeliners, let’s find out how to choose one that’s perfect for your lids!

    How to Choose the Best Nude Eyeliner?

    To choose the best nude eyeliner, consider the following factors:

    Skin Tone: Take into account your skin tone when selecting a nude eyeliner. Fair to medium skin tones usually look best with lighter nude shades, while deeper skin tones can opt for slightly darker nude shades that complement their complexion.

    Undertones: Consider the undertones of your skin and eyes. If you have warm undertones, look for nude eyeliners with peachy or golden undertones. For cool undertones, choose nude eyeliners with pink or taupe undertones.

    Finish: Decide on the finish you prefer. Nude eyeliners come in various finishes such as matte, satin, or shimmer. Choose a finish that suits your personal style and the overall look you want to achieve.

    Longevity: Look for a nude eyeliner that has good staying power and does not smudge easily. Waterproof or long-wearing formulas can help ensure that your nude eyeliner lasts throughout the day.

    How to Use Nude Eyeliner?

    To use nude eyeliner, follow these steps:

    Prep your eyes: Start by ensuring that your eyes are clean and free of any makeup residue. Remove any existing eyeliner or mascara.

    Apply base makeup: If you usually wear foundation or eyeshadow, apply your base makeup before applying nude eyeliner.

    Choose the right area: Decide where you want to apply the nude eyeliner. The most common area is the waterline or inner rim of the eyes.

    Gentle application: Gently pull down your lower eyelid to expose the waterline. Take the nude eyeliner pencil and carefully apply it to the waterline, starting from the inner corner and moving toward the outer corner of the eye. Use short strokes for a precise application.

    Inner corner highlights: Optionally, you can extend the nude eyeliner slightly beyond the inner corner of the eye to create a brightening effect. This can make your eyes appear larger and more awake.

    Smudge or blend: If you prefer a softer look, you can smudge or blend the nude eyeliner slightly with a smudging brush or your fingertip. This helps create a more natural and subtle appearance.

    Mascara and other eye makeup: Complete your eye makeup by applying mascara to your lashes and any other desired eye makeup, such as eyeshadow or eyeliner on the upper lash line.

    Experimenting with different brands and shades of some of the best nude eyeliners can help you find the perfect one that will accentuate your eyes and enhance your overall appearance. Remember, nude eyeliner can be a powerful tool to define and brighten your eyes while maintaining a natural look. So, whether you're aiming for a subtle enhancement or a bolder statement, adding a high-quality nude eyeliner into your makeup routine can surely make a noticeable difference.

    FAQ's

    Why use beige eyeliner?
    Beige eyeliner is used to create a natural and subtle look by enhancing the eyes without the intensity of traditional dark eyeliners.
    When to apply nude eyeliner?
    Nude eyeliner is typically applied on the waterline or inner rim of the eyes. It is best to apply nude eyeliner when you want to create a wide-eyed and brightening effect. It can be particularly useful in the morning before you go off to work or when you want to look more awake and refreshed.
    How to decide if nude eyeliner suits you or not?
    To decide if nude eyeliner suits you, consider your skin tone and eye color. Fair to medium skin tones can opt for a lighter nude shade, while deeper skin tones can go for a slightly darker nude shade that complements their complexion. Experimenting with different shades and observing the impact on your overall look can help determine if nude eyeliner suits you or not.

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    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More