The 11 Best Eyeliners for the Waterline That Won’t Smudge or Fade
It's a makeup artist's best-kept secret for fuller-looking lashes and brighter eyes.
If you know me, you know I’m a soft glam girl even on days when I have nowhere particularly exciting to be. And whenever I do my signature smokey eye, it never feels quite finished until I’ve lined my waterline. Naturally, finding the best waterline eyeliners has become a bit of a personal project. That little bit of extra depth makes a difference in how full my lashes look, especially with my newfound love of a dark brown pencil. But my preferred shade is only one way to go about it.
For a brighter effect, professional makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran suggests going lighter. “Using a neutral or white liner in the waterline can make you look more awake and take away any look of redness in the eyes,” she says. “On the other hand, using a brighter colored eyeliner that is complementary to your skin tone can emphasize your eyes and make your complexion a bit brighter.”
The Marie Claire beauty team has compiled this list of the best eyeliners for the waterline—all of which are long-wearing, waterproof, highly pigmented, and, most importantly, have silky smooth textures to prevent irritation in the sensitive area. Keep scrolling for our tried-and-tested favorite eyeliners, including Urban Decay's cult-favorite 24/7 eyeliner and a drugstore favorite, alongside makeup artist insight on what to look for in the best liners for the waterline.
Best Eyeliners for the Waterline
- Best Overall Eyeliner for the Waterline: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
- Best Affordable Eyeliner for the Waterline: Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner
- Best Luxury Eyeliner for the Waterline: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner
- Best Gel Eyeliner for the Waterline: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
- Best Eyeliner for the Waterline For All Skin Tones: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner
There's a reason Urban Decay dubs its 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Pencil as the "#1 Eyeliner in the U.S." Its smudge-proof, ultra-creamy, high-impact formula has won over legions of fans. Case in point: It's one of Jaikaran's favorite waterline eyeliners. If you're one to experiment with color, there are a whopping 31 different shades and finishes to choose from, including a bright white to make you look instantly awake.
What I Love: Long-wearing; Waterproof; Glides easily; Offered in over 30 shades; Vegan; Blendable
What I Don't: Can be difficult to sharpen
Number of Shades: 32, metallics, shimmers, and mattes
Type: Pencil
Review for MC: "After testing Urban Decay’s eyeliner for three weeks, I’ve decided that if and when I want a pencil liner (I prefer liquid) this is the only one I’ll reach for. First and foremost, this formula packs a punch of pigment. One swipe is all you need to make your eyes pop from a mile away, whether you use the black or brown shades. Secondly, I noticed that this pencil glides on like a dream. My eyes are extra sensitive, and I never had to worry about irritation because this liner applies so smoothly, without any tugging or skipping. Finally, its wearing power was seriously impressive. I applied it to my waterline in the morning, and it didn’t budge until I came home nearly 12 hours later. Essentially, this is the eyeliner formula to end all eyeliners." — Brooke Knappenberger, Former Associate Commerce Editor
We're big fans of Maybelline's TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner here at Marie Claire, and Jaleesa Jaikaran is, too. She says this drugstore pick is "nice because while it blends easily for a smokey eye or smokey lash line look, it does not budge." In other words, this is a good option if you need a blendable liner that stays put. This one is specifically resistant to sebum, the oily substance your eyelids produce to protect the surface of your eye, so it's no surprise that this liner works especially well along the waterline.
What I Love: Long-wearing; Waterproof; Sebum-resistant; Blendable; Offered in over 10 shades; Highly pigmented
What I Don't: Dries quickly
Number of Shades: Nine metallics and mattes
Type: Gel pencil
Review for MC: "This liner has quickly become a staple in my makeup bag for many reasons. First, the pigment is seriously impressive. It goes on smoothly and gives you that bold, deep color you want from an eyeliner. This liner is perfect whether you’re doing a subtle everyday look or something bold. What also stands out is how long it lasts. Once you apply it, the liner stays in place all day without smudging or fading. I wore it through a busy day and a night out, and it looked just as good at the end as when I first put it on. It’s also so easy to blend, thanks to its gel formula. You can create a perfect smokey eye with such ease. Overall, I would say that the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Liner is a game-changer. It’s reliable, has great color payoff, and is easy to use. If you’re looking for a new eyeliner to add to your collection, this one’s worth a try." — Kelly, a Marie Claire tester
This Victoria Beckham Beauty liner has been tested by an ophthalmologist and a dermatologist for safety around the eyes, including the waterline. It comes in 18 shades and offers a smudge-proof finish that stays put in the waterline and on the lid. The kajal formula glides on smoothly and is safe to wear with contacts.
What I Love: Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested; Waterproof; Long-wearing; Blendable
What I Don't: Some reviewers found it hard to remove
Number of Shades: 18 shimmers, metallics, and mattes
Type: Pencil
Review for MC: "The packaging is giving Posh Spice. It has a sexy, womanly feel — and that definitely transfers to the product. This eyeliner reminds me of the type of eyeliner my mom used to buy at the big department store beauty counter—quality, luxury, reliable. The application is everything. It’s smooth, it glides right on. I wouldn’t sharpen this liner too finely because the pencil is so soft it can break off. But I will say that precision is not lost. I loved this on my waterline, tight line, and lid. This is the first brown eyeliner I’ve ever felt has shown up on me as a black women with a deep skin tone. I have tried a bunch of eyeliners, and as someone with smaller eyes and glasses most of my life, I never leave the house without an eyeliner on. It’s the one product I have to put on! I was shocked at how well the brown eyeliner showed up on my skin tone. It gave me the perfect no-makeup, makeup look. The black was perfect and everything I look for: It was pigmented, crisp, and dark. Both formulas were smooth and worked well with the smudge applicator. This eyeliner is perfect for your “grown woman makeup” upgrade—on the go or in the vanity, you’ll feel sexy and posh pulling this eyeliner out." — Tonna, a Marie Claire tester
MC's former Fashion E-Commerce Editor, Julia Marzovilla, counts herself a fan of this eyeliner pencil, saying, "The vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free formula is so easy to use, but it lasts all day—even when you use it in the waterline." This has an especially creamy gel formula, so rest assured you won't experience any irritating tugging or skipping. It's a must-have for waterline eyeliners. Each of the five shades, which include classic black and brown, olive and chestnut, and gold, offers a high-impact payoff and a smudge-proof finish.
What I Love: Waterproof; Editor-approved; Long-wearing; Offered in five shades; Highly pigmented; Glides easily; Vegan; Cruelty-free; Paraben-free
What I Don't: Can be hard to remove
Number of Shades: Five matte shades
Type: Gel pencil
Review for MC: "I have been looking for a waterline gel eyeliner for years. My combination skin and eye shape tends to turn any waterproof eyeliner into a raccoon-shaped mess. The Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner has blown my wildest expectations. The only negative is the price, but considering the pigmentation and how little product I use each wear, I truly believe it’s worth it. This eyeliner stayed on beautifully through a tear-inducing summer wedding and a full day outdoors on a classically humid New York summer day. The pigmentation is extremely rich. One smooth swipe and it’s perfectly opaque! Once applied, there’s a few seconds to smudge it around, but it will not budge once it sets. I love to apply it on my waterline and lids for a budge-proof smokey eye. To remove, I double cleanse with an oil cleanser and face wash, and it comes off just fine. I have also used micellar water to remove the product. Considering how resiliently it stays on my eyes, this eyeliner comes off quite easily! It’s staying in my makeup kit indefinitely. " — Hara, a Marie Claire tester
Kajal eyeliners work well in the waterline because of their creaminess, and this one from Kulfi fits that bill. Available in six shades, this one from Kulfi is formulated with aloe vera extract, safflower seed oil, and vitamin E for extra soothing and moisturizing power. Did I mention it's a completely vegan and clean formula?
What I Love: Long-wearing; Waterproof; Vegan; Highly-pigmented; Contains soothing ingredients
What I Don't: May smudge after a while
Number of Shades: Six shimmers and mattes
Type: Kajal
Review for MC: "I usually skip eyeliner in my everyday makeup routine. However, after using the Kulfi Kajal Eyeliner, I will be adding eyeliner back to my routine. The Kulfi Kajal Eyeliner applies smoothly and does not tug or get caught on my waterline. Rich in color and pigment, this eyeliner is brown girl-friendly as the black and brown eyeliners show up on darker skin. The eyeliner moisturizes and doesn't dry out my eyes from application to removal. You must let the product dry before it becomes smudge- and water-resistant. However, removing it with micellar water or cleansing balm is still easy. I love that it's in retractable packaging, as it does not require sharpening and can be easily taken with you when you travel or a night out for touch-ups and reactions." — Mackenzie, a Marie Claire tester
This Neutrogena pick comes to you pro-approved by Jaikaran. It hits on her three criteria for the best waterline eyeliners: Long-wearing, waterproof, and non-irritating. In fact, this kohl eyeliner is formulated with vitamin E for an ultra-smooth, tug-free glide. Once applied, you can blend out the highly pigmented color for a sexy smoky eye. Or, if you prefer a precise line, wait 30 seconds after applying for the liner to set, resulting in a smudge-free look.
What I Love: Glides easily; Long-wearing; Waterproof
What I Don't: The tip is thicker than other options on this list
Number of Shades: Four matte shades
Type: Kohl
Review for MC: "The Neutrogena Smokey Kohl glided on smoothly and is long-lasting. If you want a smokey look, you can smudge it quickly to blend it out, but if you wait 30 seconds, it will set and dry. It was very easy to apply to my waterline and didn’t pull at my skin. It lasted most of the day on my waterline but not the entire day. The black is very pigmented and lasts a little longer than the brown. Although it is fairly long-lasting, it is not irritating at all. I re-applied it very easily. It easily came off on my waterline with water and a Q-tip or an oil-based remover. Overall, this eyeliner is easy to apply. If you want a budget-friendly eyeliner that is creamy, smudges easily and lasts for the majority of the workday on your waterline, I would say this one is a great buy!" — Bre, a Marie Claire tester
This eyeliner from Kevyn Aucoin comes in two colors and stays put for hours on end. The formula is creamy but matte and dries quickly on the lid to make a clean, sharp line. On the waterline, it's a pigmented option that doesn't budge. With a self-sharpening design, you can all but guarantee that you'll get a thin, precise line—and the promised 12-hour wear time.
What I Love: Glides easily; Smudge-proof; Waterproof; Self-sharpening
What I Don't: Over $20
Number of Shades: One matte shade, black
Type: Gel pencil
Review for MC: "I’m an eyeliner purist: my formulas need to be long-lasting, ultra-black, and easy to use. This pen from Kevin Aucoin hits on every level. The ultra-fine tip makes lining my waterline a breeze, and it doesn’t move for hours after I apply it. It’s easy to blend (if you move fast, it’s quick to dry down) but lasts through nights spent sweating on the dancefloor or crying through a soppy movie—I’ve tested it in both scenarios. It’s especially good in the summer because it stands up to sweat and stays just as black as the minute I applied it. I appreciate how tiny the tip is, but this isn’t the liner for you if you love a thick black line in one swipe." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion Commerce Editor
Not all pencil eyeliners are beginner-friendly, but rest assured this one is. NARS' High-Pigment eyeliner offers a tug-free glide that makes this pencil incredibly easy to apply, even if you don't have as practiced of a hand. It also gives an intense swipe of color, meaning you don't have to run it back and forth to get a dark line. Whatever look you create with this liner, know that it won't budge after it sets, either.
What I Love: Highly pigmented; Glides easily; Long-wearing.
What I Don't: It can be difficult to sharpen
Number of Shades: Six shimmers and mattes
Type: Pencil
Review for MC: "When I swatched it on my hand, I felt the product was super pigmented and smooth to apply since it had a gel-like consistency. Once it dried, the product didn’t smudge unless using a paper towel or wipe. I also loved how the product didn’t tug on the skin or the waterline—the application was super smooth and didn’t lift the already-there product when I added another coat. I have extremely sensitive eyes, and I noticed no reaction to either color. It claims to last 12 hours but I had to reapply after three or four hours. I have a very active lifestyle so it’s hard for me to find eyeliners that last the whole day, and this wasn’t great for lasting through sweat. I felt the brown color lasted slightly longer than the black. I think the best use of this eyeliner would be for maybe a night out or date night dinner." — Giulia, a Marie Claire Tester
The best eyeliner shade for you all boils down to personal preference. If black is too stark for you, I recommend this pick from Makeup by Mario, one of the best brown eyeliners out there. Pro makeup artist Isabel Rosado is a fan and previously told Marie Claire, "I love it for tight-lining, winged liner, smokey smudged lines, for a doe-eye look or detail work." It basically does it all in the perfect cool-toned brown (hence the shade name).
What I Love: Pro-approved; Glides easily; Long-wearing; Highly pigmented; Comes with smudge brush; Comes with sharpener; Easy to blend.
What I Don't: Can be difficult to sharpen
Number of Shades: Three matte shades
Type: Pencil
Review for MC: "The first black and brown swatches on the back of my hand were matte, richly pigmented, and set down quickly. I tried lightly smudging it with my finger, and it didn’t budge. I pushed down harder and was awed when it stayed in place. I wear contacts, suffer from allergies, and have watery eyes. I tight-lined my upper waterline, slicked it across my lower waterline, and smudged a generous amount on my lash line. The pencil glided smoothly, and I could smudge it out despite setting it down quickly during my swatch test. The provided brush was too flimsy to achieve the precision I needed. The sharpener gave me a creamy glide with no breakage. I first wore it in a sweaty club, and it stayed put for several hours until I got home. Removing it was easy with an oil-and-gel cleanser, but it isn’t for someone who prefers a low-maintenance routine. I did wake up the next day with gritty, dark streaks. For all its positives, this one downfall was pretty minor in comparison. Adding a dedicated removal with micellar water cleared the problem right up. " — Kish, a Marie Claire tester
As mentioned before, kohl eyeliners like this one are typically a better bet for the waterline as they have a much smoother formula. This Charlotte Tilbury pencil takes the cake for smoothness. In fact, it's said to have the silky-smooth glide of a liquid liner but with the ease of a pencil. The Kohl formula also allows for some playtime if you want to create a smudged-out look. After about 30 seconds, this eyeliner sets in a budge-free, high-impact finish.
What I Love: Glides easily; Highly pigmented; Comes in eight shades; Waterproof; Long-wearing.
What I Don't: Can be difficult to sharpen
Number of Shades: Eight matte shades
Type: Kohl
Review for MC: "For an eyeliner pencil to become an everyday staple in my makeup routine, I need it to glide like butter and to have the versatility to deliver as diffused or as pigmented a finish I crave on that given day. This eyeliner pencil by Charlotte Tilbury aced both of those requisites. I went 10 hours without touching up the soft wing. I finessed it thanks to this eyeliner pencil — and on a sweaty New York City day, mind you. It doesn’t have an intimidating sharp tip either, which is exactly what I need to line my top and bottom waterline without getting teary-eyed." — Chelsea, a Marie Claire tester
Another tried-and-true favorite of MC's former Fashion E-Commerce Editor, Julia Marzovilla, is this MAC pick, which she says she's tried almost every single shade of. "They last all day and are blendable right after you apply them before they settle, so it's better if you work fast while you use them." This eyeliner has a silky smooth glide that stays put for up to 12 hours on the waterline and a whopping 24 hours anywhere else. It also comes ophthalmologist-tested, a significant bonus for waterline eyeliners.
What I Love: Editor-approved; Waterproof; Long-wearing; Glides easily; Comes in more than 10 colors; Ophthalmologist-tested
What I Don't: Some reviewers note that the tip is prone to breaking off
Number of Shades: 15 metallics, mattes, and shimmers
Type: Gel pencil
Our Review: “I’m always on the go and need a lightweight, long-lasting product. This liner was very impressive because it looked just as fresh at 8 pm on my train to Boston as it did at 8 a.m. when I first applied it. Even in 80-degree weather, my winged eyeliner did not smudge. It glides easily along the waterline but is not as smooth when applied to the eyelid. To avoid breaking the eyeliner tip when applying it, be gentle with how hard you press. Although long-lasting and waterproof, it comes off easily with makeup remover. I did try just removing it with water to see if it was as waterproof as it had claimed, and it did not budge on the back of my hand, so that claim holds up. I also wear contact lenses, which do not irritate my eyes. I would recommend it in a heartbeat." — Emily, a Marie Claire tester.
What Should I Look For In Waterline Eyeliners?
- A Waterproof Formula: The waterline is an especially sensitive area, so any tugging or skipping may cause irritation and damage. If you’re looking for an eyeliner specifically for your waterline, pro makeup artist Ehlie Luna says silicone-based and waterproof eyeliner formulas are your best bet. “To spot them, you might see words like cyclopentasiloxane or trimethylsiloxysilicate listed in the ingredients.” But she gave another pro tip: “You don't have to memorize these words, but notice ingredient names with ‘-sil’ buried in them among the first five ingredients. Often, they will mention 'waterproof' on the package somewhere.”
- Consistency: “The best liner for the waterline is a pencil liner that has a creamy payoff yet is long-lasting,” says Jaikaran. A creamy-textured pencil won’t tug or skip across your waterline, meaning there will be less chance for irritation. Luna also notes that kohl and kajal formulas are often used in the waterline because they are especially creamy.
Are Eyeliners Safe to Use in the Waterline?
Yes, you can safely use eyeliners in the waterline if you use the right formula. Opting for matte formulas are a great place to start. Formulas with sparkle in them can contain ingredients that can harm the delicate eye area. However, remember that eyeliner in the waterline can cause dryness for some. "It occludes the openings of the meibomian glands,” says board-certified New Jersey-based ophthalmologist Diane Hilal-Campo, MD. “This prevents the oils from being released into the tear film. This will cause the patients' eyes to be dry.” So, you're better off not wearing eyeliner in the area every day.
What Is the Difference Between Tightlining and Using Waterline Eyeliner?
These two techniques often get confused, but they’re actually different. Tightlining is a technique where liner is applied to the upper inner lashline, whereas waterline liner is applied to the lower inner lashline. Both methods often use pencil formulas like the ones on this list.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
After chatting with our experts and conducting our own independent research, we selected 11 waterline eyeliners in two classic shades: brown and black. Our independent testers (plus one Marie Claire editor) then reviewed their liners based on staying power, ease of application, ease of removal, and pigmentation. Our testers reviewed the products over two weeks and shared their feedback with us to compile this list.
Meet the Experts
Growing up in Trinidad, Jaleesa moved to New York City to pursue her dream of makeup. She started assisting industry greats like Kabuki, Pat McGrath, and Diane Kendal on sets and fashion weeks in New York, Milan, and Paris. Jaleesa began to develop her eye for color and strengthened her focus on the perfection of skin tones of all shades, which has led to her work being published in publications including Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Essence, L’Officiel, Vogue Italia and Refinery29. As a content creator, Jaleesa strives to make content that teaches, inspires, and makes makeup achievable, and is known for her insider tips and signature skin. Jaleesa also runs The Life Of a Makeup Artist podcast, and regularly posts to her Tiktok account. In 2022, she was named one of LinkedIn's Top Voice in Fashion Beauty.
Ehlie Luna is a pro makeup artist whose experience goes from key makeup artist for the New York City Ballet to freelance commercial work in 2020 allowing her to move deeper into content creation. Her work has been featured in music videos and has graced the red carpet and catwalks of New York Fashion Week. She’s also worked with brands such as Daily Paper, Mac Cosmetics, Pattern Beauty, Beautyblender, r.e.m. beauty, UOMA Beauty, Macy’s, and more. Luna shares her expert tips and injects her unique personality into the beauty space through her TikTok page @EhlieLuna.
Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a Board Certified General Ophthalmologist who is highly skilled in both medical and surgical eyecare. Dr. Hilal-Campo has been practicing in Oakland, New Jersey for more than 23 years. She is a graduate of Columbia University, and was in the first class that accepted women at Columbia College in 1987. Dr. Hilal-Campo then went on to receive her medical degree from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internship in internal medicine at Columbia and then went on to complete her residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Hilal-Campo is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. She is also a founding member of a group for female Ophthalmologists in New Jersey. After spending decades treating female patients struggling with dry eye and other painful conditions caused by makeup and beauty treatments, she developed her own brand of eye-friendly formulas, twenty/twenty beauty.
Isabel Rosado is a New York City-based makeup artist who has worked with Ashley Graham, Whitney Port, Emmy Rossum, and more.
