14 Best Waterline Eyeliners to Spruce up the Beauty of Eyes

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 06, 2024
Best Waterline Eyeliners to Spruce up the Beauty of Eyes
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Running a stroke of eyeliner on the lower and upper waterlines of the eyes has been a fail-proof story for ages now. For both beginners and professional makeup artists, using the best waterline eyeliners is a necessity, as it is a quick trick to make your eyes pop. It is recommended to rely on branded eyeliners that have conducted thorough research and then formulated safe products to amp up waterlines. Waterlines are naturally wet, sensitive, and delicate enough to require special attention during the application of eyeliners. This is where a good quality waterline eyeliner comes into the picture.

A single stroke of a good eyeliner on the rim of your eyes revives the exhausted and tired look of your eyes. This one stroke not only amps up the charm of your eyes, and your natural eye color, but also lends you a subtle look that can never go wrong. 

Waterline eyeliners, crayons, pencils, or kohl kajals allow others to “EYE-dentify” the beauty of your eyes at a glance. In addition, tightlining is also the most practiced way of brightening your eyes for creating a polished gaze. Mathias Alan, a celebrity makeup artist, says, “Tightlining is a technique of lining your eyes but actually going into the roots of the lash line on the top and making your lashes look thicker and denser without even the need to wear mascara.” Eyeliner pencils are crafted to comfortably sit on your waterline and thus make your lashes appear fuller and longer.

So, here we are with the products that help you raise your eye-makeup game in a simple way. Keep reading to explore the variety of liners we have narrowed down for you.

14 Best Waterline Eyeliners

This RETRACTABLE EYE LINER from NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP is a twist-up eye liner pencil that comes in a beautiful shade of brown. It is a highly pigmented and smudge-proof eyeliner with a creamy formula that stays on your waterline for hours. This is a pencil that never asks for sharpening. Plus, it easily glides on the inner rims of your eyes, and you need not rub it multiple times for attaining a well-defined matte stroke. It is a cult favorite makeup essential that is highly suitable for tight lining your eyes. The brand offers multiple stunning shades of this product for people who love colored liners.

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Waterproof
  • Smudge-proof
  • Certified by PETA
  • Available in 13 shades
Cons
  • Fragile
  • Best Vegan Formula

    e.l.f. NO BUDGE PRECISION EYELINER - Black

    e.l.f. NO BUDGE PRECISION EYELINER - Black
  • Renowned for its precise application and ultra-skinny gel formula, this NO BUDGE PRECISION EYELINER from e.l.f. ticks off all your eyeliner requirements. Its smudge-proof, and creamy formula runs on your waterline with ease. In addition, it is ultra-pigmented and enriched with skin-loving ingredients to magnify the beauty of your eyes within seconds of application. For acing the bold and daring eye-look, this eyeliner is worth investing in. With no need for any touch-ups, this vegan and cruelty-free eyeliner can be a perfect addition to your daily eye makeup.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • No harsh toxins
    • Transfer-resistant
    • Available in 3 shades
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last long
  • Best Finish

    URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON WATERPROOF EYELINER PENCIL - Smoke

    URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON WATERPROOF EYELINER PENCIL - Smoke
  • An eyeliner that has an intense color payoff, buttery application, and a long-lasting formula is on every makeup buff’s list. And, this 24/7 GLIDE-ON WATERPROOF EYELINER PENCIL from URBAN DECAY checks all the boxes and paves the way to the list of award winners. It is the best waterline eyeliner pencil that is waterproof, cruelty-free, and comes with a vibrant finish. With almost 50 percent of hydrating ingredients like cotton seed oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, this eyeliner’s ultra-creamy formula deserves applause. It has a sharpenable tip to help you pop your eyes out and hide your tiredness.

    Pros
    • Blendable formula
    • Lasts for up to 16 hours
    • Conditions the lash line
    • Available in 5 different finishes
    Cons
    • Smears badly
  • Best Shade Options

    stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

    stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
  • The finely carved tip of this eyeliner by Stila delivers precise strokes, which makes it suitable for super-fine and subtle eye makeup. Its consistency is smooth and buttery, ensuring that it doesn’t pull or tug at the delicate skin of the waterline or eyelid — so the chances of irritation, itching, or swelling around the eyes is far less. Owing to the product’s highly pigmented formula, it provides an excellent color payoff, so you don’t have to keep redoing your eye makeup. Besides, the product is available in a variety of beautiful matte and shimmery shades to tart up your eye makeup.

    Pros
    • Easy to glide
    • Waterproof
    • Lasts for about 12 hours
    • Rich emollient complex
    • Can be smudged as an eyeshadow
    • Gives excellent definition
    Cons
    • Not as nourishing as expected
  • Creamiest Formula

    Haus Laboratories By Lady Gaga: Eye-Dentify Gel Kohl Eyeliner

    Haus Laboratories By Lady Gaga: Eye-Dentify Gel Kohl Eyeliner
  • With its eye-opening color payoff and vibrant finish, this Kohl eyeliner by Haus Laboratories steals everyone’s hearts! Despite being a pencil-based product, the consistency of its formula is like a gel eyeliner — soft, smooth, and buttery. This allows you to line your eyes effortlessly and with a single stroke you can get a bold, exotic, and feline aesthetic. While you can diffuse this eyeliner for a smokey eye look, it has a sharpenable tip, so you can also use it for a simple, fine-lined look every day. 

    Pros
    • Water-resistant
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Stays put on the waterline
    • Intensely black
    • Super creamy texture
    Cons
    • A bit cakey
    • No built-in sharpener
  • Best for Sensitive Eyes

    VASANTI COSMETICS Kajal Waterline Eyeliner - Intense Black

     VASANTI COSMETICS Kajal Waterline Eyeliner - Intense Black
  • Nothing can beat the effect of a black kajal that defines the eyes beautifully. For a natural-looking finish and full-lash appearance, this unscented Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil from VASANTI COSMETICS is what you need in your makeup vanity. It is one of the best waterline eyeliner pencils for sensitive eyes. It is a non-retractable pencil that is cruelty-free, vegan, and free from kohl. It comes in 9 gorgeous shades and 4 finishes to fulfill every eye makeup dream of yours. Its easy-to-glide and long-lasting creamy formulation make it a must-have.

    Pros
    • Organic
    • Gluten-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Velvety matte finish
    • Ophthalmologist Tested
    Cons
    • Overpriced
    • Dries quickly
  • Easy-to-apply

    Annabelle Waterline MATTE KOHL EYELINER - Blackest Black

    Annabelle Waterline MATTE KOHL EYELINER - Blackest Black
  • A winning creamy formula, quick application, matte finish, intense color pay-off, and smooth texture sum the goodness of Annabelle WATERLINE MATTE KOHL EYELINER. Its blackest black shade and thick diameter will make your eyes bright, bold, and beautiful. Just one stroke of this eyeliner on your waterline, and you need not worry for 4 hours straight. Available in 2 different shades — matte and luminous, this eyeliner has to be your go-to eye makeup essential to intensify the charm of your eyes.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Cruelty-free
    • Transfer proof
    • Available in 3 shades
    • Ideal for sensitive eyes
    Cons
    • Not vegan
    • Breaks while sharpening
  • Best Hypoallergenic

    MARCELLE Velvet Gel Waterproof Eyeliner - Emerald

    MARCELLE Velvet Gel Waterproof Eyeliner - Emerald
  • This emerald Velvet Gel Waterproof Eyeliner from MARCELLE promises vibrant saturation for those bold and high-impact looks. It is a crayon eyeliner with a sharpenable ultra-precise tip that runs smoothly on your water lines as well as your eyelids.  Infused with the goodness of jojoba oil and vitamin E, this liner can make your eyes look more glamorous and well-defined all day long. Snag this eyeliner right away, as with just one creamy stroke, you can achieve any fancy look. In addition, it is waterproof and long-lasting.

    Pros
    • Easy-to-use
    • Fragrance-free
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Controlled application
    • Available in pearl and matte shades
    Cons
    • Smudges easily
  • Best Antioxidant-rich Formula

    Jillian Dempsey KHÔL EYELINER

    Jillian Dempsey KHÔL EYELINER
  • Popularly known for its smudging abilities, Jillian Dempsey KHÔL EYELINER has all heart. All the credit goes to its in-built smudger, natural antioxidants, zero preservatives, and plant-derived ingredients. You can trace the presence of hydrating and organic jojoba oil, rejuvenating marula oil, and moisturizing shea butter with its smooth glide, and soft finish. You will also sheerly love its super smooth application. Secondly, it is not formulated with parabens, petrochemicals, and sulfates. 

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Matte finish
    • Available in 6 shades
    • Excellent color intensity
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
  • essence extreme lasting eyeliner pencil - Black

    essence extreme lasting eyeliner pencil - Black
  • For wearing eyeliner on your waterline all day long, you need proof. And, this Extreme Lasting Eyeliner Pencil from essence is all set to promise everything that you are looking for. It is sharpenable, vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free and lends you an opaque finish type. It glides on your waterline with no effort and hence makes the application process an easy-breezy task. All the credit goes to its silky-smooth formula with zero preservatives, acetone, or alcohol.

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Affordable
    • Perfume-free
    • Comes in a pack of 5
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
  • Easy Application

    INGLOT Kohl Pencil 01

    INGLOT Kohl Pencil 01
  • Moisturizing, highly pigmented, easy blending, and smudge-proof application are a few reasons that make INGLOT Kohl Pencil 01 a win-win eye makeup product. It is soft and supple on your water lines and dries off quickly. For a fuller lash look, you can run it through your upper waterline. However, it can be transferred to your lower waterline, delivering a softer and more subtle look. The active ingredients allow you to blend it seamlessly and prevent a messy look.

    Pros
    • Matte finish
    • Easy to sharpen
    • Best for water lines
    • Smooth application
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
    • Smears all over
  • CHANEL STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Eyeliner

    CHANEL STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Eyeliner
  • An eyeliner that is resistant to water, humidity, and oil is still a dream of millions of makeup enthusiasts. But let us tell you that this CHANEL STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF is all you need in your kitty to get a versatile liner. It has an intense black color and a retractable tip promising ultra-precise application. In addition, its smooth texture gives you a chance to smoothly run it into the inner rims of your eyes. This is one of the best waterproof waterline eyeliners that doesn’t smudge and is soft due to its silicone-enriched formula.

    Pros
    • Sleek
    • Skin-friendly
    • Long-lasting
    • Detachable sharpener
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Kmeamty Gel Eye Liner Pencil Set

    Kmeamty Gel Eye Liner Pencil Set
  • No matter how many eyeliners you own, you still fall short of them. But with Kmeamty Gel Eye Liner Pencil set, you can satiate your hunger for vibrant liners. This set of 12 vibrant colors can be used as both eyeliners and eyeshadows. With a rotating core, the application of this vegan formula becomes quite simple.  These liners glide on your waterline smoothly and give you a chance to smudge with ease for attaining smokey eyes. You should note that these pencils do not smudge on their own. The mousse-like texture, creamy formula, and super-pigmented color make it a must-have product.

    Pros
    • Convenient
    • Easy-to-apply
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Colors might not stay for long
  • Julep Beauty When Pencil Met Gel All-Day Waterproof Eyeliner - Blackest Black

    Julep Beauty When Pencil Met Gel All-Day Waterproof Eyeliner - Blackest Black
  • The aura of blackest black waterline eyeliner is so overwhelming that you just cannot resist adding one to your cart. And, this When Pencil Met Gel All-Day Waterproof Eyeliner from Julep Beauty is something that will make you fall in love with black all over again. It is a high-performance liner with more than 20 shimmer and matte shades. In addition, this liner has a bold color payoff that allows you to ace the smokey eye game without any fuss. It is enriched with finely milled pigments and a blend of special wax for saturated color and gentle glide.

    Pros
    • Easy to sharpen
    • Long-lasting finish
    • One swipe application
    • Ophthalmologist tested
    • Ideal for top and inner waterline
    Cons
    • Non-adjustable pencil tube

    Waterline pencils or eyeliners are worth populating your kitty with. These sleek makeup products have the power to drastically transform your look in a blink of an eye. To help you make better purchasing decisions, we have jotted down a useful buying guide.

    How to Select the Best Waterline Eyeliners?

    Here are a few aspects to note before purchasing eyeliner for everyday use. 

     

    Ingredients: Always ensure that you are well aware of the ingredients that suit your eyes. Avoid eyeliner that is enriched with harsh toxins or makes you teary. Pick a liner that is formulated with lash-conditioning ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, cotton seed oil, and vitamin E.

    Type of Eyeliner: There are various types of branded and drugstore waterline eyeliners available in stores to suit the needs of a beginner as well as a professional makeup artist. There are liners that are retractable, non-retractable, and self-sharpening with a twist and application technique. Whereas some of the liners come in a crayon/pencil-like appearance so that you can sharpen them according to your own necessities. Both types tend to be good and convenient. However, crayon or pencil-type eyeliners last longer. Choose one as per your need and usage.

    Color: There is a wide range of shades to choose from. Widely purchased eyeliner color is black and white. White liners help in brightening your eyes, whereas black liners define the rim of your eyes beautifully. You may also choose to apply a stroke of green, brown, or blue to magnify the glory of your winged eyeliner or eyeshadow.

    Texture: Always make sure that your eyeliner has a smooth and soft texture that gently glides on your waterline. Stay away from those which compel you to apply three or four strokes to attain a perfect finish.

    Features: Always go through the features of the eyeliner as per your preferences. If you are more into attaining smokey eyes, make sure you pick an eyeliner that is easily blendable. For a long-lasting stroke, pick a long-wear, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof liner. You may also choose waterproof eyeliner to maintain your look all day long. However, an eyeliner that lasts up to 4 to 6 hours is safe and reliable.

    With the best waterline eyeliners, you can seamlessly skimp off the mascara and yet make your eyelashes appear fuller, longer, and dense. These liners are definitely the most valuable players in your makeup vanity. Even if you choose to flaunt a no-makeup look, these seek and travel-friendly tubes and pencils come to your rescue to enhance your natural complexion. So, relying on a waterline eyeliner for tightlining your lash line is definitely a great idea to uplift your makeup look within minutes. Secondly, kajals or liners amp up the glory of your waterlines, as well as eyebrows in a jiffy.

    FAQ's

    What type of eyeliner is the best for waterline?
    Waterproof eyeliner is the best for the waterline.
    Can I use a liquid liner on the waterline?
    No. The liquid liner is too slippery, more prone to smudging, and doesn’t dry off quickly.
    How do you get eyeliner to stay on your waterline?
    Always apply a waterproof, transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing eyeliner on your waterline. Make sure you apply it after you are done beautifying your eyelids with the best eyeshadows.
    Is pencil or liquid eyeliner better for waterline?
    A pencil eyeliner that is retractable is the best for the waterline.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani loves experimenting with makeup looks, and according to her waterline eyeliners are essential to define and enhance her eyes. Finding the best waterline eyeliner became her mission, as she wanted a product that would stay put, provide intense pigmentation, and be safe for sensitive eyes. She personally tested each product, considering factors like longevity, smudge-resistance, and ease of application. Hence, her informed review is equipped to assist others in finding the best waterline eyeliners that suit their needs and preferences.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    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