We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Waterline Eyeliners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, Packaging May Vary, 209 Black Violet, 0.01 oz

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,287
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
37372 reviews

Formula
Love this eyeliner pencil! It's creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe. It stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline.
Longevity
Love this eyeliner pencil! It's creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe. It stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline.
Pigmentation
Love this eyeliner pencil! It's creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe. It stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline.

The Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Violet offers several appealing features for those seeking a reliable waterline eyeliner. Its waterproof and smudge-proof formula is designed to last up to 24 hours, making it ideal for long days and special occasions when you need your makeup to stay put. The smooth, creamy texture ensures it glides on effortlessly, minimizing tugging on the delicate eye area.

Additionally, the built-in sharpener and smudger add convenience, allowing for precise lines or a smoky, blended look depending on your preference. With 14 intense shades available, there's a color to suit various styles and moods. However, it is worth noting that while the longwearing formula is advantageous for durability, it may pose a challenge when removing the product. Users might require a good makeup remover to effectively cleanse the area.

This eyeliner is particularly suitable for women who prioritize longevity and pigmentation in their makeup products and enjoy experimenting with versatile eye looks. Its ophthalmologist-tested formula also ensures it is safe for those with sensitive eyes.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,287
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
37372 reviews

Formula
Love this eyeliner pencil! It's creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe. It stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline.
Longevity
Love this eyeliner pencil! It's creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe. It stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline.
Pigmentation
Love this eyeliner pencil! It's creamy and glides on smoothly, delivering bold color with just one swipe. It stays in place all day without smudging or fading, even on the waterline.
#2

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Black, Vegan Formula

Rating
9.6
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
99811 reviews

Formula
The smooth glide and pointed tip make it perfect for achieving a flawless cat eye.
Longevity
This eyeliner goes on effortlessly and stays put all day without smudging, even in the pool.
Pigmentation
The bold black color is rich and streak-free, providing a dramatic look with ease.
Ingredients
Knowing that it’s vegan and cruelty-free adds to its appeal for ethically-minded consumers.
Ease of Removal
It's easy to remove at night or if you make a mistake, despite being a waterproof formula.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner is a waterproof, matte liquid eyeliner that promises a long-lasting and precise application. One of its standout features is the ultra-precise, flexible tip, which allows for a highly controlled application, making it easy to achieve both fine and bold lines. This flexibility is great for users who enjoy experimenting with different eyeliner styles. The product’s black pigmentation is rich and intense, providing a dramatic look with just one stroke.

The fact that it is vegan and cruelty-free will appeal to ethically-minded consumers who are concerned about animal testing and ingredient sourcing. However, being a waterproof formula, it may be slightly more challenging to remove compared to non-waterproof eyeliners. Users may need a good quality makeup remover to effectively clean it off, which might not be convenient for everyone.

Additionally, while the product is designed to cater to a broad range of eye makeup preferences, those looking for a softer, less intense eyeliner might find the pigmentation too bold. Despite these minor drawbacks, the NYX Epic Ink Liner is an excellent choice for those seeking a highly pigmented, long-lasting, and versatile liquid eyeliner that can withstand water and wear throughout the day.

Rating
9.6
Formula
Longevity
Pigmentation

Most important from
99811 reviews

Formula
The smooth glide and pointed tip make it perfect for achieving a flawless cat eye.
Longevity
This eyeliner goes on effortlessly and stays put all day without smudging, even in the pool.
Pigmentation
The bold black color is rich and streak-free, providing a dramatic look with ease.
Ingredients
Knowing that it’s vegan and cruelty-free adds to its appeal for ethically-minded consumers.
Ease of Removal
It's easy to remove at night or if you make a mistake, despite being a waterproof formula.
#3

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner, Creamy, Ultra-Pigmented & Waterproof, Creates Bold & Defined Lines, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Black

Rating
9.4
Formula
Longevity

Most important from
28899 reviews

Formula
The eyeliner is smudge-proof and glides on smoothly, lasting all day and even overnight.
Longevity
Shows up even on oily lids and lasts for hours without smudging, making it a reliable choice.

The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner stands out with its creamy, ultra-pigmented formula that delivers bold and defined lines. Its waterproof nature ensures it stays put throughout the day, making it a great option for all-day wear. Whether you prefer a sharp, defined look or a smoky eye, this eyeliner offers versatility by allowing easy smudging before it sets in 30 seconds for a budge-proof finish.

Additionally, being 100% vegan and cruelty-free, it appeals to those who prioritize ethical beauty products. The ingredients are skin-friendly, aligning with e.l.f.’s commitment to affordable and accessible beauty. The intense pigmentation might be a bit challenging for beginners to apply evenly and could require some practice.

Ease of removal is another point to consider; while its staying power is a plus for longevity, it may require a good makeup remover to fully cleanse the eye area. For those seeking a reliable, long-lasting eyeliner with strong ethical credentials, the e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a solid choice.

Rating
9.4
Formula
Longevity

Most important from
28899 reviews

Formula
The eyeliner is smudge-proof and glides on smoothly, lasting all day and even overnight.
Longevity
Shows up even on oily lids and lasts for hours without smudging, making it a reliable choice.

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.

FAQ