The 14 Best Eyeliners for Waterline That Won’t Smudge or Budge
Discover the top waterline eyeliners to achieve bold, smudge-proof definition that lasts all day.

Finding a waterline eyeliner that genuinely stays put, resists smudging, and won’t irritate your eyes is no easy feat. The good news? There are now innovative formulas—creamy pencils, waterproof gels, and gentle kohl liners—that deliver bold pigment and unwavering longevity, even on watery eyes or oily lids. Below, discover the top-rated waterline eyeliners for every need, along with pro tips, insight into application, and FAQs to help you master waterline looks.
What Is ‘Waterlining’?
Waterlining is the technique of applying eyeliner directly to your waterline—the inner rim of your upper or lower eyelid. This area is sensitive and prone to moisture, making it challenging for many liners to adhere without smudging or washing away. Yet, when done right with the right pencil, waterlining adds dramatic depth, makes your lashes look denser, and defines your eyes—all while looking surprisingly natural or ultra-striking, depending on your color choice.
Best Eyeliners for Waterline
Here’s a comprehensive list of the top waterline eyeliners, with options for every preference and budget:
- Best Overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
- Best Drugstore: Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner
- Best Clean Beauty: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Eyeliner
- Best for Sensitive Eyes: Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Liner
- Best Gel Liner: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
- Best for Tightlining: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
- Best Twist-Up: NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Eyeliner
- Best Brightening: PUR On Point Eyeliner in Heartless (white shade)
- Best Color Payoff: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil
- Best For Long Wear: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil
- Best Multi-Tasker: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
- Best Vegan Option: bareMinerals Mineralist Lasting Eye Liner
- Best for Smoky Eyes: Smashbox Always On Gel Liner
- Best Splurge: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
Product Reviews: What Makes Each Waterline Eyeliner Stand Out
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
This cult-favorite pencil glides on with virtually no tugging, delivers intense pigment, and is resistant to water and sebum (the oil your eyelids produce). Its creamy texture blends easily if you want a smoky effect but, once set, resists smudging for up to 16 hours. It’s available in a broad shade range—meaning you’ll find go-to blacks, browns, and bold pops of color for any mood or eye color. Perfect for everyday use and graphic looks alike.
- Type: Gel pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Number of Shades: 30+
- Pros: Glide-on formula, excellent pigment, extended wear
- Cons: Dries quickly, making blending harder after a minute
Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner
Don’t underestimate this affordable favorite. The Maybelline TattooStudio liner is as pigmented and long-lasting as many luxury pencils—plus it sets incredibly fast, making it nearly budge-proof even on the oiliest waterlines. Gel-based and offered in several high-impact shades, it applies smoothly and stays where you put it for up to 36 hours.
- Type: Gel pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Number of Shades: 10+
- Pros: Ultra long-wear, smudge-resistant, budget-friendly
- Cons: Dries rapidly, so blend quickly if desired
Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Eyeliner
Designed specifically for the waterline, Kulfi’s vegan kajal offers high-performance pigmentation in shades curated for all skin tones. It’s creamy, ophthalmologist-tested, and stays put on the inner rim even for sensitive eyes.
- Type: Kajal pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shades: Multiple, including classics and vibrant options
- Pros: Clean formula, safe for sensitive eyes, non-irritating
- Cons: May wear down with very watery eyes over a long day
Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Liner
Recommended by pro makeup artists for sensitive eyes, this nourishing liner is enriched with vitamin E and provides a tug-free, smooth application. It holds up against humidity and tears, sets in about 30 seconds, and can be easily smudged out for a smoky effect.
- Type: Kohl
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shades: Classic browns and blacks
- Pros: Vitamin-infused, hypoallergenic, gentle
- Cons: Fewer shade options
Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
With a rich, creamy texture, this gel eyeliner is both waterproof and fade-resistant—perfect for long days (and nights). Its micro-fine tip ensures seamless, easy application along the waterline or lash line, while the color payoff remains strong without touch-ups.
- Type: Gel pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Number of Shades: 5+
- Pros: Precision tip, excellent staying power
- Cons: Can use up quickly due to soft texture
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
This hybrid pencil combines the silky glide of a liquid with the control of a pencil. It’s designed for smooth, intense color and sets in about 30 seconds for a budge-proof finish. With various rich, matte shades, it’s a favorite both for tightlining and dramatic looks.
- Type: Kohl
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shades: 8
- Pros: Effortless glide, excellent for sensitive eyes
- Cons: Needs sharpening often
NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Eyeliner
This reliable twist-up liner offers creamy texture, fade-proof coverage, and a budget-friendly price. Ideal for beginners and those who want no-mess, all-day waterline definition without needing a sharpener.
- Type: Mechanical pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shades: Solid range, including classic and bold colors
PUR On Point Eyeliner in Heartless
Want to brighten and enlarge tired eyes? A nude or white waterline liner is key. The PUR On Point delivers with opaque coverage and a self-sharpening tip for convenience. It’s also gentle for sensitive eyes.
- Type: Pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shade: Heartless (white)
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil
Perfect for those who love experimenting, this multi-use pencil works on eyes, brows, lips, and face. It’s highly pigmented, versatile, and ideal for bold waterline artistry without sacrificing comfort or wear-time.
- Type: Pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shades: Wide range
Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil
Known for its vibrant shades and fluid, gel-like glide, this liner can take you from subtle definition to bold drama—maintaining waterproof wear in the humidest conditions.
- Type: Gel pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
This luxury liner is beloved by both professionals and beauty editors for its flexibility: it works as a traditional pencil, waterliner, or smoky eye staple. Ingredients are gentle, the pigment is rich, and the finish never feels dry or cakey.
- Type: Kajal
- Waterproof: Yes
bareMinerals Mineralist Lasting Eye Liner
This vegan, mineral-infused formula glides on smoothly and is housed in a mechanical pencil. Creamy to apply but dries down for extended stay, making it ideal for lining your waterline in natural or bold shades.
- Type: Mechanical pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
Smashbox Always On Gel Liner
If you favor a sultry, smoky look, this liner’s blendable gel formula and 24-hour waterproof wear are must-haves. Once set, it’s transfer-resistant—no need to worry about panda eyes by midday.
- Type: Gel pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
For those looking to splurge, Chanel delivers exquisite payoff in a retractable format that’s creamy, ultra-fine, and endures humidity, tears, and oily lids alike.
- Type: Mechanical pencil
- Waterproof: Yes
How to Choose the Right Waterline Eyeliner
Not all eyeliners are created equal, especially when it comes to waterlining. Here’s how to choose and use the perfect product for your needs:
- Look for waterproof, ophthalmologist-tested formulas. These are less likely to smudge or cause irritation to sensitive eyes.
- Avoid liquid liners. They generally don’t adhere well on the damp waterline and can flake off.
- Prefer gel, kohl, or mechanical pencils. These have a creaminess and flexibility to stick, set, and last.
- Choose colors that flatter your eye color. Rich brown, black, and deep plum are versatile; try nude or white for brightening effects; go bold with emerald, blue, or metallics for fun.
Pro Tips: How to Apply Eyeliner to Your Waterline
- Start with a clean, dry waterline. Dab gently with a tissue to remove excess moisture before applying liner.
- Warm up your pencil. Rub the tip on the back of your hand to soften it for a smoother glide.
- Gently pull down your lower lid. Expose your waterline and use short, gentle strokes to fill in—avoid poking or excessive pressure.
- Let the liner set. Once applied, close your eyes for a few seconds to press the liner in place and prevent early smudging.
- Optional: Set with matching shadow. Tap a small amount of eyeshadow over the liner for added staying power.
Pros and Cons of Waterline Eyeliner
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Defines and intensifies the eyes | May smudge or fade with watery eyes |
Makes lashes look fuller | Requires special formulas for long wear |
Can brighten or enlarge eyes (with nude/white liner) | Not all eyeliners are safe for waterline |
Suitable for natural and dramatic styles | Some may cause irritation or allergy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it safe to put eyeliner on your waterline?
A: Yes, as long as you use eyeliners specifically labeled for the waterline or inner rim and are ophthalmologist-tested. Never use liquid liner or pens not designed for this purpose, as they can cause irritation or introduce bacteria.
Q: Why doesn’t my eyeliner stay on my waterline?
A: The waterline is naturally moist, and some pencils lack the staying power or resistance to oils and moisture required to last. Opt for waterproof, gel, or kohl formulas designed for the inner rim.
Q: How do I prevent eyeliner from smudging or fading off my waterline?
A: Start with a clean waterline. Choose a high-performance formula, let it set, and optionally top with a coordinating shadow. Avoid rubbing your eyes and refresh mid-day if needed.
Q: Will waterline liner make my eyes look smaller?
A: Dark liner can slightly “close” the eye, creating a more defined or sultry effect. Use nude or white liner if you want to brighten and enlarge the appearance of your eyes.
Q: Is waterlining suitable for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?
A: Yes, but always use hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested formulas and remove makeup thoroughly every night. Test new products first to check for any reaction.
Summary: Master Waterlining for Smudge-Free Definition
Upgrading your waterline eyeliner can be a game-changer for your beauty routine, instantly intensifying your gaze or subtly defining it, depending on your mood. By choosing the right formula, using expert-backed application strategies, and following best practices for eye health, you’ll enjoy head-turning, smudge-proof results from morning meetings to late-night plans.
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