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The Best Waterline Eyeliners of 2024

Waterline eyeliner is a makeup technique that can make your eyes pop, brighten your complexion, and enhance your eye shape. However, not all eyeliners are suitable for this delicate area, as you need a formula that is smooth, pigmented, waterproof, and long-lasting. In this blog post, we will review five of the best waterline eyeliners of 2024, based on expert opinions, customer reviews, and personal experience. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about waterline eyeliner, such as how to apply it, how to remove it, and how to choose the right color for your eyes.

Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga Eye-Dentify Eyeliner

This eyeliner by Lady Gaga’s beauty brand is our top pick for the best overall waterline eyeliner. It has a gel-like texture that glides effortlessly on the waterline, without tugging or skipping. It comes in 20 shades, ranging from classic black and brown to vibrant colors like purple, green, and blue. It is highly pigmented, so you only need one swipe to get a bold and defined look. It is also waterproof, smudge-proof, and fade-proof, so it lasts all day without budging. Plus, it is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, making it suitable for sensitive eyes.

Pros

  • Smooth and creamy texture
  • High color payoff
  • Long-lasting and waterproof
  • Wide range of shades
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Needs to be sharpened

NYX Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with this eyeliner pencil by NYX. It has a retractable design, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening it. It has a creamy and soft texture that applies smoothly on the waterline, without irritating the eyes. It comes in 18 shades, including matte, metallic, and glitter finishes. It is moderately pigmented, so you may need to layer it for more intensity. It is also water-resistant and long-wearing, but not as much as some of the other eyeliners on this list.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Retractable design
  • Creamy and soft texture
  • Variety of finishes
  • Water-resistant and long-wearing

Cons

  • Not very pigmented
  • Not completely waterproof
  • May smudge or fade throughout the day

Maybelline Eyestudio Master Kajal Eyeliner

This eyeliner by Maybelline is inspired by the traditional kajal eyeliners from India and the Middle East. It has a cone-shaped tip that allows you to create a precise and thin line on the waterline, or a thicker and smudged line on the lash line. It has a rich and creamy texture that delivers intense color in one stroke. It comes in four shades, black, brown, navy, and charcoal. It is waterproof and smudge-proof, so it stays put on the waterline for hours. However, some users have reported that it can be hard to apply and blend, and that it can break easily.

Pros

  • Cone-shaped tip for precision and versatility
  • Rich and creamy texture
  • Intense color payoff
  • Waterproof and smudge-proof

Cons

  • Hard to apply and blend
  • Breaks easily
  • Limited shade range

Melt Cosmetics Slick Waterline Eye Pencil

This eyeliner by Melt Cosmetics is designed specifically for the waterline. It has a thin and sharp tip that allows you to create a fine and accurate line on the waterline, without poking your eyes. It has a smooth and silky texture that slides on the waterline, without dragging or pulling. It comes in six shades, including nude, white, black, brown, and two metallic colors. It is highly pigmented, so you get a vivid and vibrant look with one swipe. It is also waterproof and smudge-proof, so it lasts all day without fading or transferring.

Pros

  • Thin and sharp tip for accuracy and ease of use
  • Smooth and silky texture
  • Highly pigmented
  • Waterproof and smudge-proof

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Needs to be sharpened
  • May irritate sensitive eyes

PAT McGRATH LABS PermaGel Eyeliner Pencil

This eyeliner by Pat McGrath Labs is a splurge-worthy option for those who want a luxurious and high-performance waterline eyeliner. It has a gel-like texture that melts on the waterline, creating a smooth and seamless line. It comes in 10 shades, including matte, metallic, and glitter finishes. It is extremely pigmented, so you get a rich and saturated color with one swipe. It is also waterproof and smudge-proof, so it stays on the waterline for up to 24 hours, without flaking or fading. Plus, it comes with a built-in sharpener, so you can always keep the tip sharp and precise.

Pros

  • Gel-like texture that melts on the waterline
  • Extremely pigmented
  • Waterproof and smudge-proof
  • Long-lasting up to 24 hours
  • Comes with a built-in sharpener

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • May be too creamy and soft for some
  • May break easily

FAQs

How to apply waterline eyeliner?

To apply waterline eyeliner, you need to gently pull down your lower lid with your finger, and use your other hand to glide the eyeliner along the waterline, from the inner to the outer corner of the eye. You can also apply eyeliner to the upper waterline, or tightline, by gently lifting your upper lid with your finger, and gliding the eyeliner along the waterline, from the outer to the inner corner of the eye. Make sure to use a clean and sharp eyeliner, and avoid rubbing or blinking your eyes too much after applying.

How to remove waterline eyeliner?

To remove waterline eyeliner, you need to use a gentle and oil-based makeup remover, and a cotton pad or a Q-tip. Soak the cotton pad or Q-tip with the makeup remover, and gently wipe along the waterline, from the inner to the outer corner of the eye. Repeat until all the eyeliner is gone. You can also rinse your eyes with water to remove any residue or irritation.

How to choose the right color for your waterline eyeliner?

The color of your waterline eyeliner can have different effects on your eye look, depending on your eye color, shape, and desired effect. Here are some general tips on how to choose the right color for your waterline eyeliner:

  • If you want to make your eyes look bigger and brighter, use a nude, white, or beige eyeliner on your waterline. This will create the illusion of more space and light in your eyes.
  • If you want to make your eyes look more defined and dramatic, use a black, brown, or dark eyeliner on your waterline. This will create the illusion of thicker and fuller lashes, and more contrast and depth in your eyes.
  • If you want to make your eyes look more colorful and fun, use a bright or metallic eyeliner on your waterline. This will create the illusion of more sparkle and dimension in your eyes. You can also use a complementary color to your eye color, such as purple for green eyes, blue for brown eyes, or green for hazel eyes.

Conclusion

Waterline eyeliner is a great way to enhance your eye makeup and create different effects. However, you need to choose the right eyeliner for this technique, as not all eyeliners are suitable for the waterline. The best waterline eyeliners are smooth, pigmented, waterproof, and long-lasting, and they come in a variety of shades and finishes. We hope this blog post has helped you find the best waterline eyeliner for your needs, and that you have fun experimenting with different looks. Happy lining! 

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