The Only 10 Eyeliners That Won’t Stress Out Your Waterline (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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, includingsatin, shimmer, and matte. Seriously, your waterline will have never looked better.

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 lineras an eyeshadow and a brow pencil, completing your entire look with one product.

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).

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.

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.

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. Thebuildableformula allows it to go on easily, helping you create looks that range from subtle to over-the-top.

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).

This waterproofeyeliner is just as good—if not better—than a lot of conventional ones. Natural ingredientsincluding 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.