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10 Best Waterline Eyeliners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

stila Stay All Day® Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Liner | Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Pencil for Tightlining, Waterline & Smoky Eye Looks | 12-Hour Wear, No Budge & Fade-Proof

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,431
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
862 reviews

Formula
Goes on smooth and does not smudge.
Longevity
Glides on easily and stays put until it's removed.
Pigmentation
The black works well just under your lashes at the waterline without smudging all over the place.

The stila Stay All Day® Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner is a versatile option for those looking to enhance their eye makeup. Its gel-based formula stands out by offering a smooth, no-skip application, perfect for both lining and blending into eyeshadow. This makes it ideal for creating a variety of eye looks without much effort.

The eyeliner is designed to be waterline-safe and waterproof, ensuring that it stays put for up to 12 hours, which is great for long days or nights out. The pigmentation is impressive, providing immediate and intense color payoff in just one swipe, so you won't need to go over it multiple times. The retractable design adds to its convenience, allowing easy application without the need for sharpening.

While it's designed to be smudge-proof once set, it also allows a bit of playtime for blending before it dries, which can be beneficial for achieving your desired look. On the downside, the strong staying power might make it a bit challenging to remove, especially if you're using regular makeup removers. Opting for an oil-based remover might be necessary to ensure a clean wipe-off. Additionally, while the product claims to be waterline-safe, those with very sensitive eyes should test it cautiously. The range of available shades offers good options, and the metallic finish can add a nice touch to your makeup. It is a solid choice for those who value long-lasting wear and versatility in their eyeliner.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,431
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
862 reviews

Formula
Goes on smooth and does not smudge.
Longevity
Glides on easily and stays put until it's removed.
Pigmentation
The black works well just under your lashes at the waterline without smudging all over the place.
#2

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Smudge-Proof, Long-Lasting, Transfer-Proof, Up to 16HR Wear, Smooth No-Tug Formula, Demolition (Matte Deep Brown) - 0.04 oz

Rating
9.7
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
13241 reviews

Formula
Glides on smoothly without tugging, making application effortless and precise.
Longevity
Stays put all day without smudging or transferring, perfect for long wear.
Pigmentation
Delivers a rich, vibrant color that stays true without fading throughout the day.
Ease of Removal
Requires a dedicated makeup remover due to its strong waterproof hold.

The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner in Demolition (deep brown matte) is a strong choice for those looking for a long-lasting waterline eyeliner. Its creamy, smooth formula glides on easily without tugging, making application comfortable and precise. Thanks to hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil, it helps keep the delicate skin around your eyes moisturized, which is a nice touch for sensitive users.

Pigmentation is rich and intense, providing a deep brown color that stays true throughout the day. The waterproof and smudge-proof qualities ensure it lasts up to 16 hours without fading or transferring, which is excellent for busy days or humid conditions. However, because it is long-wearing and waterproof, removal might require a good makeup remover, so it isn’t the easiest to take off with just water or a gentle wipe.

This eyeliner is ideal if you want a vibrant, enduring line on your waterline or lash line and prefer a matte finish. If you value both comfort and staying power in a pencil format, this product fits well, but be prepared for a bit more effort during removal.

Rating
9.7
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
13241 reviews

Formula
Glides on smoothly without tugging, making application effortless and precise.
Longevity
Stays put all day without smudging or transferring, perfect for long wear.
Pigmentation
Delivers a rich, vibrant color that stays true without fading throughout the day.
Ease of Removal
Requires a dedicated makeup remover due to its strong waterproof hold.
#3

L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Never Fail Original Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner with Built in Sharpener, Black, 0.008 oz., 1 Count

Rating
8.8
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
27303 reviews

Formula
The formula is smooth and glides on effortlessly without tugging or pulling at the delicate skin around the eyes.
Longevity
The eyeliner's staying power is impressive, lasting all day without smudging or fading, even in humid conditions.
Pigmentation
The pigmentation is excellent, delivering rich color with a single stroke.

The L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Never Fail Original Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner offers a creamy, smudge-proof formula that promises longevity, lasting up to 16 hours. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need their eyeliner to last throughout the day without fading. The built-in sharpener is a convenient feature, allowing you to maintain a precise tip for more detailed application, whether you desire a classic or bold look.

The rich black pigmentation ensures that the color stands out, adding definition to your eyes. The eyeliner's matte finish offers a sophisticated look that complements various makeup styles and occasions. While the smudge-proof nature is an advantage for longevity, it may pose a challenge during removal. A good makeup remover will likely be necessary to effectively clean it off without causing irritation.

Additionally, the formula's richness might not be ideal for those with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses, as the creamy texture can sometimes cause slight discomfort. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Infallible Never Fail eyeliner is a versatile product suitable for everyday use as well as special occasions, making it a valuable addition to your makeup collection.

Rating
8.8
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
27303 reviews

Formula
The formula is smooth and glides on effortlessly without tugging or pulling at the delicate skin around the eyes.
Longevity
The eyeliner's staying power is impressive, lasting all day without smudging or fading, even in humid conditions.
Pigmentation
The pigmentation is excellent, delivering rich color with a single stroke.

Buying Guide for the Best Waterline Eyeliners

Choosing the right waterline eyeliner can make a significant difference in your makeup routine. Waterline eyeliners are specifically designed to be applied to the inner rim of your eyes, and they can help define your eyes, make them appear larger, or add a pop of color. When selecting a waterline eyeliner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
FormulaThe formula of a waterline eyeliner is crucial because it determines how well the product will apply and stay on your waterline. There are generally three types of formulas: pencil, gel, and liquid. Pencil eyeliners are easy to apply and great for beginners, but they may need to be sharpened frequently. Gel eyeliners offer a smooth application and are long-lasting, but they require a brush for application. Liquid eyeliners provide the most precise lines and are highly pigmented, but they can be tricky to apply. Choose a formula based on your comfort level and the look you want to achieve.
LongevityLongevity refers to how long the eyeliner will stay on your waterline without smudging or fading. This is particularly important for waterline eyeliners because the inner rim of your eye is naturally moist. Look for eyeliners that are labeled as long-lasting, waterproof, or smudge-proof. These products are designed to withstand the moisture of your waterline and stay put throughout the day. If you have watery eyes or wear contact lenses, opting for a long-lasting formula is especially important.
PigmentationPigmentation indicates how intense the color of the eyeliner will appear on your waterline. Highly pigmented eyeliners will give you a bold, defined look with just one swipe, while less pigmented options may require multiple layers to achieve the desired effect. If you prefer a subtle look, a less pigmented eyeliner might be suitable. However, for a more dramatic or defined appearance, choose a highly pigmented product.
IngredientsThe ingredients in your waterline eyeliner are important for both safety and performance. Since the waterline is a sensitive area, it's essential to choose eyeliners that are ophthalmologist-tested and safe for use on the waterline. Look for products that are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, this is particularly important to avoid irritation.
Ease of RemovalEase of removal is a key factor to consider because you don't want to struggle with taking off your makeup at the end of the day. Some long-lasting eyeliners can be difficult to remove, which can lead to irritation if you have to rub your eyes excessively. Look for eyeliners that are easy to remove with a gentle makeup remover or micellar water. This will ensure that you can take off your makeup without causing any harm to your eyes.

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