Skip to Content

10 Best Eyeliners for Waterlines That Won’t Smudge or Run

And, they’re, like, way easy to apply.

By
Eyebrow, Product, Eye, Cosmetics, Beauty, Nose, Organ, Eyelash, Material property, Eye shadow,
Khadija Horton

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

There’s, like, a ton of makeup tips and tricks out there to make your eyes look bigger, but there’s one in particular that I’ve sworn by for years: tightlining (aka when you apply your liner along the waterline of your top lashes). It’s my tried-and-true trick for fuller lashes and wide-open eyes—especially when I'm going for that super-pretty, doe-eyed look. The only downside to applying eyeliner to your waterline? Because the liner is basically sitting directly inside your eye it can be really freakin’ hard to apply, which means you need an eyeliner that’s waterproof, high pigment, doesn’t flake, and slides on like a dream.

And since you probably don’t have the time to test out a bunch of liners to figure out what actually works, I did the hard part for you. Ahead, the 10 best eyeliners for your waterline that won’t make you tear up. Promise.

1
Best Waterproof Eyeliner for Waterline

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil
1
Best Waterproof Eyeliner for Waterline

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil

$22 at Urban Decay
Credit: Courtesy Image

This eyeliner is basically made for your sensitive-ass waterline. Because of its extra-creamy texture, it goes on without pulling or irritating your waterline and it sets in seconds. Once it’s on, it's on—this waterproof liner truly lives up to its name.

2
Best Drugstore Eyeliner for Waterline

Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil

Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil
2
Best Drugstore Eyeliner for Waterline

Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil

Credit: Courtesy Image

Doesn’t smudge? Check. Intense color payoff? Check. Under $10? Check. Thanks to the kohl formula of this drugstore eyeliner, it slides onto your waterline, leaving behind an intense black look that stays put. Oh, and it cost less than that salad you got for lunch.

3
Best Color Eyeliner for Waterline

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner
3
Best Color Eyeliner for Waterline

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner

Credit: Courtesy Image

If you’re not one to stick to black when it comes to your waterline, this eyeliner comes in every color, from cobalt to hot pink—it’s literally like choosing from a box of crayons. It also comes in sooo many finishes, including satin, shimmer, and matte. Seriously, your waterline will have never looked better. 

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Multitasking Eyeliner for Waterline

Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Shadow, Liner, Brow

Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Shadow, Liner, Brow
4
Best Multitasking Eyeliner for Waterline

Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Shadow, Liner, Brow

Credit: Courtesy Image

Not only is this a bomb eyeliner for your waterliner—it won’t make you cry, it’s bold, and it doesn’t budge—but you can also use the wide-tipped liner as an eyeshadow and a brow pencil, completing your entire look with one product. 

5
Best Pigmented Eyeliner for Waterline

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
5
Best Pigmented Eyeliner for Waterline

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

Credit: Courtesy Image

No need to worry about tugging with this eyeliner. One swipe and you’ll be left with a bold and vibrant color on your waterline. Seriously, the pigment is amazing and it’ll actually last (shout-out to the waterproof formula).

6
Best Eyeliner for Waterline for Beginners

Rimmel Ultimate Kohl Kajal

Rimmel Ultimate Kohl Kajal
6
Best Eyeliner for Waterline for Beginners

Rimmel Ultimate Kohl Kajal

Credit: Courtesy Image

If you have a shaky hand or if you’re new to the whole eyeliner on your waterline thing, you’re going to want to pick up this one. The tube is wide enough that you’re able to get a good, sturdy grip on it, and the wide, pointy tip allows for easy and precise application.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Lightweight Eyeliner for Waterline

Charlotte Tilbury Rock n Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

Charlotte Tilbury Rock n Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
7
Best Lightweight Eyeliner for Waterline

Charlotte Tilbury Rock n Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

Credit: Courtesy Image

When I’m applying eyeliner to my waterline, I don’t want to feel it during the day—I just want to swipe and forget that I’m even wearing it. If you’re in the same boat (TBH, who isn’t?), allow me introduce you to this eyeliner. It’s so lightweight, it basically melts into your waterline. You won’t remember it’s there until it’s time to take it all off.

8
Best Buildable Eyeliner for Waterline

BareMinerals Round the Clock Intense Cream-Glide Eyeliner

BareMinerals Round the Clock Intense Cream-Glide Eyeliner
8
Best Buildable Eyeliner for Waterline

BareMinerals Round the Clock Intense Cream-Glide Eyeliner

Credit: Courtesy Image

TBH, there’s nothing worse than trying to layer on an eyeliner to your waterline and having bb chunks fall into your eyeball because the formula doesn’t build well. It’s, like, the makeup equivalent to stepping on a Lego. With this eyeliner, though, you don’t have to stress about that anymore. The buildable formula allows it to go on easily, helping you create looks that range from subtle to over-the-top.

9
Best Easy-to-Apply Eyeliner for Waterline

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
9
Best Easy-to-Apply Eyeliner for Waterline

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner

Credit: Courtesy Image

After applying this eyeliner once, you’ll want wear it every damn day. There’s no need to press down—only a little bit of pressure is all you need to get this pigment onto your waterline. The XL size of the pencil (hence the name) makes the pencil easy to hold and apply along your eye, and the formula allows for smooth and easy application (no skipping included). 

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best Natural Eyeliner for Waterline

Jillian Dempsey Natural Khôl Eyeliner

Jillian Dempsey Natural Khôl Eyeliner
10
Best Natural Eyeliner for Waterline

Jillian Dempsey Natural Khôl Eyeliner

Credit: Courtesy Image

This waterproof eyeliner is just as good—if not better—than a lot of conventional ones. Natural ingredients including jojoba oil and shea butter, allow for seamless application, and it even comes with a built-in smudger in case you want to smoke out your look.

Headshot of Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was previously the associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.
Watch Next
 
preview for All Sections Playlist - Cosmopolitan US
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Makeup Products and Ideas

a glass bottle next to a glass with oranges

Trust, You Want a Citrus Perfume for the Summer

a woman brushes her teeth

These Concealer Brushes Got Ya Covered (Literally)

background pattern

All the Best Makeup You Can Buy on Amazon RN

best ulta products

15 Products You Should *Absolutely* Buy at Ulta

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below