20 Creative Ways to Wear White Eyeliner for Brighter, Bigger Eyes
Transform your look and make your eyes pop with these innovative white eyeliner techniques and expert product picks.
White eyeliner stands out as one of the most versatile and transformative tools in any beauty lover’s makeup collection. Whether you’re experimenting with bold eye looks, aiming to look more awake after a long night, or just searching for new ways to highlight your features, white eyeliner delivers instant results. This guide explores 20 innovative and achievable ways to wear white eyeliner—from subtle, everyday enhancements to daring editorial styles—complete with expert recommendations and pro tips for every skill level.
Why White Eyeliner?
While black and brown eyeliners may be staples, white liner offers unique benefits. According to makeup artist Geo Brian Hennings, white eyeliner not only makes your eyes appear larger, but also visibly brightens your whole look. It works magic on tired eyes, conceals signs of fatigue, and brings a fresh, revitalized appearance regardless of skin tone. Not convinced yet? These tips and styles will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone.
Getting Started: How to Apply White Eyeliner
- Lining the waterline: Gently draw the pencil along your lower waterline—from corner to corner—instantly making eyes look wide, bright, and rested.
- Inner corner highlight: Dot or draw white liner on the inner V of your eyes to lift and open up your gaze.
- Classic cat eye: Trace the upper lash line and flick the pencil outward for a bold, graphic cat eye with a twist.
- Double up: For dramatic contrast, apply black liner, then trace above it with white for doubled definition.
Ready to experiment? Discover 20 distinctive looks below and learn how to make each your own, regardless of your makeup experience.
20 Unique Ways to Wear White Eyeliner
1. Brighten the Waterline
Perhaps the most classic move: Apply white eyeliner directly to your lower waterline. Instantly, your eyes look more awake, open, and larger. It’s a makeup artist trick for faking a full night’s sleep or hiding the effects of allergies and long days. This technique suits all eye shapes and skin tones.
2. Highlight the Inner Corner
Add a pop of white liner to the inner V (the tear duct area) for a subtle, natural brightening effect. This helps catch the light, making the eyes sparkle and appear farther apart—a great hack for those with close-set eyes.
3. Classic White Cat Eye
Step away from black and trace a bold white cat eye along your upper lash line, extending outward in a flick. The high-contrast result is fresh, modern, and unexpectedly glam, perfect for both day and night.
4. Double Winged Eyeliner
Create two parallel flicks: a black wing along your top lash line, topped with a white wing just above. The stacked wings create depth, dimension, and a bold statement look that’s trending on social media and runways alike.
5. Layered with Eyeshadow
Swipe soft matte shadows across your lids, then use white liner to draw a sharp line above the crease or between two shadow hues for a graphic, negative space effect. This adds a futuristic edge to classic smoky or neutral eyes.
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6. Thick, Graphic Block Liner
Embrace the editorial look by drawing a thick, straight band of white liner along your upper eyelid. Intensify the pigment by patting a pearly white shadow on top. The result: geometric, bold, and eye-catching.
7. Outline Your Wing
Apply your go-to winged look using black or colored liner, then carefully outline the shape with white liner. This makes the primary color pop even more and sharpens the overall look—ideal for parties and night outs.
8. Floating Crease Lines
Draw curved or angular lines with white liner in the crease of your eyelid, floating above your natural crease. This modern, abstract style is a favorite for fashion shoots and editorial visuals.
9. Double Waterline
Pair white liner on the lower waterline with a darker pencil on the upper waterline. The dark color intensifies lash density, while the white instantly brightens and opens up the lower part of the eye.
10. Reverse Cat Eye
Instead of applying liner on the upper lid, create a cat eye effect along the bottom lash line, flicking it out at the corners. The white hue adds a soft, ethereal twist to the trend.
11. Halved Underliner
For minimalist drama, draw white liner only along the outer half of your lower waterline. This visual trick extends and lifts the eyes, especially when paired with mascara.
12. Stacked Liner Look
Apply a thin line of white above a classic black or navy liner for a stacked, multi-dimensional effect. This technique frames the eyes and can be personalized with different color combinations.
13. Dotted Accent Designs
Add tiny white dots along the lash line, outer corners, or along graphic shapes for a playful festival or artistic makeup look. White dots look striking on all skin tones.
14. Inner Rim and Outer Flick Combo
Lining both the waterline and extending a subtle flick at the outer corner combines the classic brightening trick with a gentle uplift for the eyes.
15. Negative Space Cut Crease
Use white eyeliner to carve out your crease, separating eyeshadow on your lid from the brow bone. This sharpens eye contours and highlights the makeup artistry.
16. Bold, All-Around Eyeline
Trace white liner all the way around both upper and lower lash lines for high-impact, editorial vibes. Pair with minimal mascara and bare lids for ultimate future-forward style.
17. Double Flick Outer Corners
Create two outward flicks at the outer edge of each eye—a traditional cat eye and a lower, parallel line using white liner. This elongates and lifts the eyes for a whimsical, wide-eyed appearance.
18. Layered with Glitter or Shimmer
Draw your desired white liner shape, then gently tap a holographic or glitter shadow atop the line for a sparkling finish. This look catches the light at every angle and amps up glamour for events or parties.
19. Graphic Shapes and Abstract Art
Explore your artistic side by creating squares, triangles, arrows, or swoops with a white liner pencil. Contrast with color blocks or negative space for a striking, creative effect.
20. Feathered, Smudged Liner
Apply your white pencil generously, then smudge it upwards toward the brow bone for a soft, blended look. Use fingers or a small brush to diffuse the pigment for a dreamy, ethereal finish.
Expert-Recommended White Eyeliners
The secret to these looks is using the right product. Here are some of the most recommended white eyeliners for various beauty needs:
- Long-Lasting: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil – Glides on smoothly, blends easily for 30 seconds, then locks in place without smudging all day.
- Easy to Blend: MAC Eye Kohl – Velvety texture, great for smudging and smoky eye looks.
- Best for Beginners: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – Precision marker tip, easy to use for steady lines and flicks, resistant to smudging.
- Budget-Friendly: NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil – Rich pigment, creamy texture, and extremely blendable (excellent for those just learning makeup techniques).
- Waterproof: Sephora Collection 12-Hour Contour Pencil – Stays put through rain, sweat, or watery eyes.
Pro Tips for Applying White Eyeliner
- Sharpen your pencil: A sharp tip ensures precision, especially for tight lines and details.
- Set with eyeshadow: Lock the liner in place and enhance pigmentation by topping the liner with matching powder or shimmer eyeshadow.
- Use gentle strokes: The skin around your eyes is delicate. Apply with a light, steady hand to avoid tugging.
- Pair with mascara: To avoid washing out your lashes, always finish with black or dark brown mascara for balance.
- Clean up edges: Use a fine brush dipped in makeup remover to sharpen mistakes or redefine graphic edges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can white eyeliner be worn every day or is it only for special occasions?
A: White eyeliner can be styled for both daily wear and creative, show-stopping looks. Opt for subtle waterline or inner corner techniques for daily brightness and save dramatic shapes for evenings or events.
Q: Will white eyeliner suit my skin tone?
A: Yes. White eyeliner brightens and opens the eyes on every skin tone. Pairing it with matching or complementary shades further personalizes the look.
Q: How do I prevent white eyeliner from smudging throughout the day?
A: Choose waterproof or long-wear formulas, prep lids with powder or primer, and gently layer matching white eyeshadow over your liner to set the product in place.
Q: Is white eyeliner safe for the waterline?
A: Most pencil white eyeliners are tested for use on the waterline, but always check product instructions and discontinue if you experience discomfort or irritation.
Q: How can I make my white eyeliner look more vibrant?
A: Layer the liner for intensity; apply an eye primer first, then follow up with a white shadow on top to seal and brighten the effect.
Table: White Eyeliner Looks & Their Effects
| Style | Effect | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Waterline Brightener | Opens and enlarges eyes | Beginner |
| Inner Corner Highlight | Makes eyes sparkle, reduces darkness | Beginner |
| Classic Cat Eye | Graphic, lifts and elongates eyes | Intermediate |
| Double Liner | Bold contrast and added depth | Advanced |
| Block Liner | Editorial, dramatic | Advanced |
Final Inspiration: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
From subtle enhancements to full-on runway creations, white eyeliner offers endless possibilities for self-expression and artistry. Don’t be intimidated to try new techniques—every go adds to your skill, and every look brings out a different facet of your style. So next time you reach for black or brown, slip in a stroke of white for instant impact. Your eyes—literally—will pop.
References
- https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/makeup/eye-makeup/ways-to-use-white-eyeliner
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/how-to/a4804/20-ways-to-wear-white-eye-liner/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1MYQWqCrwo
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/a10341622/recreate-love-island-girls-make-up/
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