Whether or not you call it a nod to the 2010s, one thing's clear: The best waterline eyeliners have made their grand return to our collections, as they offer a simple way to define and enhance the eyes, says London-based makeup artist Vincent Ford. And with waterproof liner options that are smudge-proof on even the most teary-eyed makeup wearers, this lineup proves its staying power.
Whether you want to brighten your eyes à la white eyeliner or add drama with a rich, deep shade, these eyeliners are a quick and easy way to upgrade your eye makeup look.
Our Top Waterline Eyeliners
- Best Overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil, $23
- Best Waterproof: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner, $20
- Most Glidable Formula: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner, $35
- Most Versatile: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, $29
Looking for a sultry smudge? A shimmery pop? An inner corner, backwards cat eye? There's a waterline eyeliner for you below, vetted by Allure editors and makeup artists.
Best Overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil
Why we love it: The number one criterion for an excellent waterline eyeliner? It must be able to last all day, and Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil can handle your longest, rainiest, and most emotional stretches without any signs of smudging or needing touch-ups. A single swipe delivers rich, intense pigment without any tugging.
If you want an option that’s a bit thicker and made for use around your entire eye, go for a Best of Beauty winner and favorite of New York City-based makeup artist Crystal Gossman: the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. “The formula has just enough glide to apply seamlessly without tugging, but once it sets, it doesn’t budge," she says, adding that it offers both precision and longevity.
Tester's feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
"Don't get me wrong: I love my Asian eyes (elementary school bullies, calling you out!), but I'm never opposed to an eye-opening effect. I've been known to apply glitter liner underneath my lower lash lines, but hadn't experimented with my waterline until I tried Urban Decay's 24/7 waterline pencil," says. "I like popping on Faux Doe, a shimmery light beige (above), or Hemp Milk (classic matte white) for subtle, cute definition. I'm wearing the Waterline Eyeliner in Tootsie as a regular liner, but perhaps I'll use that to try a more dramatic tightlining look next." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
“An Allure coworker actually recommended this eyeliner to me. I’m more of a liquid eyeliner girl, but when I want a smokey eye or a tightlined look, liquid can get, well, messy. But this Urban Decay liner is just as good as a liquid pen! The tip is super smooth (and whenever it becomes dull, a sharpener gets it right) and the formula is easy to blend. The best part, though, is the color payoff. It’s so much more pigmented than any liquid eyeliner I’ve used. Not to mention, it’s super long-lasting and doesn’t smudge at all, even when my tears are watering when I’m lining my eyes. Definitely worth the investment.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, jojoba oil, cottonseed oil
- Shades: 7 (matte and metallic finishes)
- Waterproof: yes
Best Waterproof: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner
Why we love it: With one swipe of the incredibly pigmented Kulfi Underlined Kajal Eyeliner, it's clear why it’s a two-time Best of Beauty Award winner. The smooth, stay-put formula—two prerequisites for a legit waterline eyeliner—is joined by a practical twist-up format and unique shades such as Tiger Queen (an earthy terracotta) and Rain Check (a vibrant blue). Once applied, you'll have about 20 seconds to play with your look before it fully sets for the day.
Tester's feedback from contributor Jennifer Hussein
"Just a few quick strokes are all I need to define my eyes with Kulfi's pigmented eyeliner (no wonder it's an Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning formula). A quick tip: For a longer-lasting, budge-proof look, I wipe my waterline with a Q-tip, then swipe on this liner, and finally use a black eye shadow powder as a tinted setting powder of sorts. It never fails to keep smudging at bay." —Jennifer Hussein, contributor
More to know
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, vitamin E, safflower seed oil
- Shades: 8 (shimmer and matte finishes)
- Waterproof: yes
Most Glidable Formula: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
Why we love it: Blendable, versatile, and oh-so posh, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal Liner is a favorite of Ford and New York City-based makeup artist Christian Briceno. “It’s extremely creamy, so it doesn’t disturb the eye, and it sets into a soft matte that looks elevated rather than harsh,” he says, adding that he loves using it on mature eyes because it adds depth without heaviness. You can use it on your waterline or smudge its buttery texture onto your lid after tightlining.
Ford also assures us that irritation won't be a concern because the formula's soothing chamomile, hydrating pro-vitamin B5, and protective vitamin E are all excellent ingredients for sensitive skin. It's available in three finishes—matte, shimmer, and jewel (a light-catching step up from shimmer)—and 20 shades. Insider secret: Victoria Beckham herself loves and wears Cocoa, a rich, matte brown, on the day-to-day.
Tester's feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
"The Satin Kajal Liner was already good—a buttery-smooth formula that never skips or pulls, the ability to draw a super-precise line or smudgy wash of color—but it's a winner for my waterline. I swear my eyes look whiter and brighter, and the waterproof color lasted all day." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: chamomile, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5
- Shades: 20 (matte, shimmer, and jewel finishes)
- Waterproof: yes
Most Versatile: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
Why we love it: Waterline eyeliners have to deal with a lot—constantly exposed to moisture, they're made to stay put all day in a tricky environment. The catch? Because of this, most formulas set fast, leaving little room for blending or adjustment. Enter Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel, which gives you more than a few seconds to blend and build your look. Whether you're going for a smoky eye or a sharp, defined line, this eyeliner lets you create any style before it dries down to a finish similar to that of liquid eyeliner and lasts for up to 16 hours.
Tester's feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
"Tightlining is probably the number one trick I learned over the years that completely transformed my eye makeup routine. My eyes are big and round, so adding a bit of black liner to my upper waterline makes my lashes look thicker, and my eyes look a bit more narrowed and less doe-like. I've tried my fair share of liners, and the Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel liners are, unsurprisingly, the gold standard. It's miraculous how long they last against my very watery eyes, and they're so versatile that I can easily execute a range of looks with just one pencil. I'm using Extreme Black in the photos above because ILD (I love drama), but Blk Coffee is also a great option for a more natural finish." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
- Key ingredients: antioxidants, dimethicone
- Shades: 5 (matte and metallic finishes)
- Waterproof: yes
Best Applicator: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil
Why we love it: What’s better than your usual, one-sided waterline pencil? One that has a custom brush on the other end to blend and smoke out your formula before it locks into place. According to Natalie Dresher, a makeup artist based in Miami, Makeup by Mario’s Master Pigment Pro Pencil is a super long-wearing formula that she loves using on her clients’ waterlines. Plus, the aptly-named Perfect Brown shade happens to be the “best brown” she has ever tried. (Just like brown mascara, brown eyeliner offers softer definition for days when you’re not in the mood for an intense black.) Along with waterline application, we love using the brush to smudge out color on our upper and lower lash lines. No need for a separate brush or sharpener (it’s built into the pencil)? We’re sold.
Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva
“It took less than 15 minutes with Mario Dedivanovic to convince me to start wearing eyeliner again. After forgoing the product for years since it took too much time and gave me anxiety to get my lines even, I picked up the Master Pigment Pro liner, and it's been a match made in eyeliner heaven. Plus, the pencil is ideal for beginners as the dual-tip pencil comes with a brush to smooth out any rough spots.
I start by tightlining my upper waterline and using a Q-tip to clean up an excess on my lower line. Then I slowly begin lining my upper lid from the outer corner and working my way to mid-lash. Using the brush, I smooth out my inevitable bumps and continue to layer and blend until I have the color I'm happy with. Once I've finished with a strong coat, I apply my shadow and then go back in with the eyeliner once I've finished to beef up the color and definition. In under 10 minutes, I have defined eyes and carry on with my base products.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director
More to know
- Key ingredients: vitamin E
- Shades: 5 (matte and metallic finishes)
- Waterproof: no
Best Bold Shades: Hung Vanngo Longwear Waterproof Precision Gel Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: It may not have the most color options on this list, but sometimes, less is more—especially when it comes to a makeup artist who’s worked with every hue under the sun. Hung Vanngo’s Longwear Waterproof Precision Gel Eyeliner serves up 10 gorgeous shades like Personal Preference, a royal blue, One Eye At A Time, an eye-catching teal, and A Lot Of Love, a reddish-pink, to lend a fun pop of color whenever we’re craving a brighter look. Of course, the hold factor can’t be overlooked: This creamy, waterproof formula is made out of vegan wax and run-resistant polymers, ensuring it lasts from morning coffee to nighttime cleansing. The built-in sharpener is handy for travel, keeping your pencil sharp and ready. And, this liner goes perfectly with the 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Hung Vanngo Color Story Eyeshadow Palette.
More to know
- Key ingredients: vegan wax, run-resistant polymers
- Shades: 10 (matte finish)
- Waterproof: yes
Best for Diffused Looks: Dior Diorshow On Stage Crayon Kohl Liner
Why it’s worth it: Briceno has tried more kohl liners than he can count, but Dior’s Diorshow On Stage Crayon Kohl Eyeliner sits comfortably at the top of his rankings. It glides on like silk before settling into a matte, budge-proof (yes, it’s waterproof!) finish—no smearing, no bleeding, and definitely no frantic bathroom touch-ups. Briceno loves how its silky finish allows you to get a dense, smoky depth while still feeling polished, adding that it’s ideal for sultry, diffused eyes. Apply it to the waterline for definition and on either your lower or upper lash line (or both) before buffing it out. Available in eight shades, it’s the eye makeup staple you’ll want to stay in rotation.
More to know
- Key ingredients: synthetic wax, caranuba wax
- Shades: 8 (matte finish)
- Waterproof: yes
Best Precise: Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve ever tried Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eyeshadows, you know how creamy and blendable, yet long-lasting they are. The same deal goes for the Caviar Tightline Eyeliners. Thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid, it’s super smooth and glides on like a dream, so it’s super easy to draw precise lines. According to Briceno, the waterproof formula sits exactly where you place it and gives subtle structure at the lash root, making your lashes look fuller without adding any extra weight.
More to know
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 7 (matte and shimmer finishes)
- Waterproof: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to put eyeliner on your waterline?
Generally speaking, it's fine to put eyeliner on your waterline on occasion. To keep your eyes happy and healthy, Ford says to stick to liners specially formulated for the waterline and try not to apply them every day. Like all your makeup, always remove it thoroughly before bed to prevent irritation—a cleansing oil or balm will do the trick!
Just keep in mind that the waterline houses important oil glands, which can lead to potential dryness or discomfort if you overdo it with the liner. If you have sensitive eyes (hi, contact lens wearers) or existing eye conditions, it's best to skip eyeliner on the waterline altogether. Otherwise, follow Ford's advice and save waterline looks for special occasions, avoid using old or dried-out liners that can flake into your eyes and introduce bacteria.
What kind of eyeliner is best for the waterline?
The key is to find a formula that's waterproof, smooth, and gentle enough for the delicate inner rim of your eye. Ford emphasizes the importance of a waterproof formula that glides on without tugging. This ensures precision and comfort while minimizing the chance of smudging throughout the day.
What is the difference between tightlining and waterline eyeliner?
The difference is in where and how the eyeliner is applied. According to Ford, “Tightlining is when you apply eyeliner to the base of your upper lashes to create a fuller lash look, whereas waterline eyeliner focuses on the inner rim of the eye.” He says that tightlining is a subtler and more natural way to enhance the lash line, whereas lining the waterline adds definition to the eyes.
How do you keep your eyeliner from smudging on the waterline?
To extend your eyeliner's wear time and avoid smudges, Ford recommends prepping the area by ensuring it's dry before application. The safest way to do this is with a clean Q-tip that you very gently roll over your waterline, making sure to avoid touching your actual eye. For maximum staying power, he suggests lightly setting the liner with matching powder eye shadow or layering a gel pencil liner if you use a pencil base.
Meet the experts
- Christian Briceno is a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Crystal Gossman is a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Natalie Dresher is a makeup artist in Miami.
- Vincent Ford is a makeup artist in London.
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best waterline eyeliners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.
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