There's one common experience most (if not all) makeup wearers can recall that triggered a turning point in the way they shop for their products. Surprisingly, I've just gone through mine. I discovered that my skin and eyes are much more sensitive now as a 20-something than they were when I picked up a makeup brush for the first time. My end goal has always remained the same no matter what makeup look I'm aiming to create: to identify the products and routines that work for me. So what's to be said about the products that don't make the cut?
Last week, I experienced the worst possible makeup outcome after dedicating more time than I'd like to admit to it. My eyes watered up within minutes of me leaving the house. With stinging eyes and nothing in the small bag I was carrying to help, I was forced to remove what little remained of my eye makeup using a napkin. The eyeliner I used on my waterline was the only new product in my routine, and it was the culprit behind the unfortunate waterworks. Although there's no way to predict when eye-makeup mishaps may strike, there are ways to prevent them when it comes to using eyeliner—starting with finding the right product for the job.
What to Look For in Your Eyeliner
Finding the best eyeliner to use on the waterline may seem like a daunting task, but it is much easier when you know what you're looking for. If you want your eyeliner to last all day after applying it to the waterline, weed out the ones that aren't waterproof or smudge-proof. (After all, it is called the waterline.) It may also be worth considering eyeliners formulated from a gel or kohl as opposed to products marketed as a liquid pen since the waterline, like the rest of the skin around the eye, is sensitive and delicate. To ensure the waterline is getting the best possible treatment, use eyeliners with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera extract, avocado oil, and ceramides.
I've taken it upon myself to try a number of eyeliners on the waterline that meet each of the aforementioned qualifications, allowing for long-lasting makeup with no tears. Interested in seeing which ones I'll always recommend? Below are 15 of the best ones on the market that are easy on the waterline and check all my boxes. You're welcome in advance!
Best Overall: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Longwear Eyeliner
Lancôme's long-wearing hybrid gel eye pencil has the pristine and pigmented look of a liquid formula while offering the ease of application of a pencil liner.
Customer review: "This is the ONLY thing I will use on my waterline. Absolutely zero transfer or migration, great pigmentation, smooth application, and relatively easy to remove for a waterproof eyeliner. The biggest factor for me though is that my waterline is super sensitive—most other eyeliners will start to itch or burn on me within a couple hours. Never had a problem with this one!"
Pro: Available in a matte, glitter, and metallic finishes.
Con: None.
Best Brightening: Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal
Say goodbye to sleepy-looking eyes. This aloe-infused brightening eye pencil from French luxury brand Chantecaille illuminates the whites of your eyes when applied directly to the lash line.
Customer review: "I have very sensitive eyes and normally can tolerate long wearing on them. I have had no problems with this liner. It goes on easy and smooth and it makes your eyes look brighter."
Pro: Erases signs of redness.
Con: Luxury price point.
Best Mechanical: Hourglass 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner
This mechanical waterproof gel eyeliner delivers precise and easy application every time with no pot, brush, or cleanup required every time. It's also transfer-proof and ridiculously long-wearing.
Customer review: "This is the only eyeliner I will buy. I usually go for the three-pack, it's that good. The line is so precise and applies smoothly, even if your skin is a little dry. I can do a soft cat eye or a more striking shape, or just tight line with this pencil. Great color payoff, wears beautifully, even through a bootcamp workout. Hourglass, please don't ever stop making this!"
Pro: Lasts for approximately 17 to 20 uses.
Con: The mechanical pencil does not retract.
Best for Tightlining: Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner
Here's a true waterproof eyeliner you can rely on to smoothly line the waterline and lash line. With 16-hour crease-proof wear and a pigmented formula that won't smudge, transfer, or tug the skin, this Laura Mercier eyeliner is a hard one to beat.
Customer review: "Love it. Creamy and easy to apply. Stays put. And the espresso color is just what I've been searching for… nearly black dark brown with no reddish tint."
Pro: Applies smoothly and evenly.
Con: None.
Best Waterproof: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner
Kulfi's long-wearing, waterproof eyeliner uses a clean formula crafted from aloe vera extract and vitamin E to ensure a creamy glide with drag-proof application and all-day moisture. It also comes in six pigment-packed shades for every makeup look.
Customer review: "I received the Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner in the shade Cheeky Chiku and I was stunned at the formula. I loved how this pencil glided on and applied so smoothly across my eyelid. It was easy to create a wing with the eyeliner. The eyeliner stayed put through the humid weather. I look forward to trying more shades of this eyeliner!"
Pro: Retractable, easy-to-use pencil.
Con: None.
Best Kohl Kajal Formula: Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil
Milani's kohl kajal eyeliner glides seamlessly onto the lids without tugging or transferring, giving its wearer a bold, long-lasting look that can be transformed from a sharp, precise line to a smoky smolder depending on your preference.
Customer review: "I am probably on my 45th Milani Kohl eyeliner and I absolutely love it and would never switch to any other eyeliner. It is dark, soft, and rich looking without being smudgy. Love love the quality!"
Pro: Safe for irritable eyes.
Con: Minor smudging throughout the day.
Best for a Smoky Eye: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
If you've been on the hunt for a waterproof eyeliner that can be applied as easily to the waterline as the lash line, you're in luck. Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner offers reliable color payoff that's long-lasting and crafted from a blend of moisturizing ingredients.
Customer review: "I have used this brand and color for years and can’t speak enough about it. It stays truly on your waterline all day until you take it off. It’s never given me any problems in years and I’m to the point where if my store doesn’t have it I will wait and order it. I won’t use any other brand."
Pro: Does not tug or pull the skin.
Con: Somewhat drying.
Best Universal Nude: Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil
I've had my eye on this Brightening Waterline Pencil from Victoria Beckham Beauty for a while now. Like the aforementioned Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal, it brightens and widens the eye while neutralizing redness. One of the biggest selling points for this one is how complementary the nude shade is for all skin tones and eye colors.
Customer review: "I love this pencil. It glides onto the waterline and really wakes up my eyes. I have sensitive eyes but feel no irritation at all. Great pencil so pleased I bought it."
Pro: Uses soothing ingredients on delicate skin.
Con: High price point.
Best Long-Lasting Formula: Milk Makeup Infinity Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Milk Makeup fans, rejoice. The brand has created a long-lasting, waterproof eyeliner that provides precise application that's waterline safe and applies smoothly for up to 12 hours of wear. Its unique formula is also packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera extract, avocado oil, and ceramides.
Customer review: "I bought both Limitless and Outer Space and am highly impressed with the pigmentation and the staying power of these liners. I am a contact lens wearer and this is the only liner I have found that doesn’t irritate my eyes. I love that it comes with a smudger."
Pro: Comes with a detachable sharpener.
Con: Smudges and transfers when applied in layers.
Best Pigment: BareMinerals Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner
I love using this BareMinerals eyeliner for the waterline because of how gentle it is on delicate skin. Its formula features avocado oil and aloe vera extract to nourish, hydrate, and soothe the skin while its mineral pigments provide rich color payoff.
Customer review: "I love how smooth this eyeliner goes on and the shimmer the Garnet color has. It gives my brown eyes a bit of a pop and a different option to the brown or black eyeliner I typically wear. It’s my new favorite go-to eyeliner for everyday simple eyes."
Pro: Mineral-based formula.
Con: Thick tip and no built-in sharpener.
Best for Beginners: Huda Beauty Cream Kohl Longwear Eye Pencil
Huda Beauty's Creamy Kohl Longwear Eye Pencil is the best hybrid "eye gel" pencil I've gotten my hands on for the waterline. Because it has a soft melting point, the eyeliner glides seamlessly across the skin with the precision of a liquid liner and the "smudgability" of a kohl pencil.
Customer review: "I received this product complimentary from Huda Beauty. I must say this eye pencil has exceeded my expectations. It combines precision, long-lasting wear, and a high-quality formula, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and sharp eyeliner. I highly recommend giving it a try."
Pro: Transfer-proof and waterproof formula.
Con: Breaks easily with applied pressure.
Best Staying Power: Nyx Professional Makeup Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil
Combining intense pigmentation with all-day staying powder, Nyx's retractable eyeliner pencil is definitely a favorite among beauty editors. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors for all your eyeliner needs and is extremely gentle on the skin.
Customer review: "I use this in my waterline and have much better luck visibly seeing it than I have had with other products where you could barely tell they were there."
Pro: Smooth and easy application.
Con: Not ideal for a fine line.
Best Hybrid Formula: Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
If it's a brightening product for the waterline you're after, I'm including one last nude kohl eyeliner to consider. This one by Charlotte Tilbury has long-lasting formula that lasts for up to 14 hours. It even uses crushed pearl powder to support natural collagen and promote hydrated and smooth skin.
Customer review: "Fantastic pencil! Goes on creamy smooth and doesn't budge. Great for the water line but I also use it as a quick concealer to tough up around my lips. Perfect color for me for that and lasts so much better than standard concealer."
Pro: Offers intense, long-lasting color.
Con: High price point.
Best Price: SheGlam On-Line Creamy Eyeliner
SheGlam's On-Line Creamy Eyeliner is a must-have in my makeup bag. It features unique waterproof technology and a formula combining nourishing botanicals and sodium hyaluronate to keep the skin moisturized.
Customer review: "Will definitely buy again when I run out! It's super creamy and glides on perfectly for both day and night looks."
Pro: Easy to apply and remove.
Con: None.
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
I'll never say no to a good hybrid eyeliner, especially when it comes to Lancôme. The brand's Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner delivers vibrant color with rich, creamy pigments that don't fade, smudge, or transfer. Did I mention it lasts for up to 24 hours? That's right—no reapplication needed.
Customer review: "I am highly impressed with this eyeliner! It truly is waterproof. So much so that I tested it out at our community pool. It did not come off at all! I have a severe vision impairment, so I am constantly touching my eyes as well, and this stuff does not smudge at all. This is the first and last eyeliner I will ever need. If I could rate it higher than five stars, I would!"
Pro: Suitable for sensitive eyes.
Con: Tends to flake after all-day wear.
-
Celebrity Makeup Artists Say These Are the Best Eyeliners for Hooded EyesNo more bad eyeliner days.
-
29 Eye Creams That Always Work on Dark CirclesIncluding some celebrity favorites.
-
Celebrating South Asian Beauty and Inclusivity Is at the Heart of This BrandKulfi Beauty deserves all the hype.
-
Wear Blue Eyeliner, Get Major Compliments: These 4 Are Makeup Artist–ApprovedThey're makeup bag must-haves.
-
These 13 Brow Pens Are the Next Best Thing to a Spendy Microblading AppointmentWe're never going back.
-
We Asked, Experts Answered—7 Ways to Level Up Your Makeup Game With GlassesTake a look.
-
95% of Mascaras We Apply to Our Bottom Lashes Smudge—Here Are the 5% That Don'tYou're welcome.
-
This Popular Beauty Brand Has Been *Everywhere* on Insta, so I Gave It a TryIt's seriously good.
