I Refuse to Have Raccoon Eyes—Good Thing These 16 Eyeliners Are Engineered to Combat Smudging

These are *almost* too good to be true.

Women wearing glam makeup.
(Image credit: @glossipgirl; @symphanisoto)
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There's one common experience most, if not all, makeup wearers can recall that triggered a turning point in the way they shop for their products. Surprisingly, I've just gone through mine. I discovered that my skin and eyes are much more sensitive now as a 20-something than they were when I picked up a makeup brush for the first time. My end goal has always remained the same no matter what makeup look I'm aiming to create: to identify the products and routines that work for me. What's to be said about the products that don't make the cut?

Last week, I experienced the worst possible makeup outcome after dedicating more time to application than I'd like to admit to it. My eyes watered up within minutes of me leaving the house. With stinging eyes and nothing in the small bag I was carrying to help, I was forced to remove what little remained of my eye makeup using a napkin. The eyeliner I used on my waterline was the only new product in my routine, and it was the culprit behind the unfortunate waterworks. Although there's no way to predict when eye makeup mishaps may strike, there are ways to prevent them when it comes to using eyeliner—starting with finding the right product for the job.

A smoky eyeliner look by Judi Gabbay for Tara Sears.

(Image credit: @glossipgirl)

How can eyeliner be used on the waterline?

If you've always wanted to achieve a defined look for your eyes but haven't unlocked the right makeup routine to create it, you might be missing one crucial step. "Waterlining is when you line the inner rim of your eyes—top [and] bottom of both," explains Omayma Ramzy, makeup artist and founder of Omayma Skin. While this step is subtle, she tells me that it creates a powerful look. Waterlining along the top of the eyes makes lashes look naturally full, and doing so on the bottom can switch up the overall look of the eye makeup. "Think smoky and sultry or clean and defined, depending on the color," she continues. "It's one of those small tweaks that can completely change the mood of your makeup."

Without a doubt, the best eyeliners for this specific job are those with long-lasting waterproof formulas. Ramzy tells me the waterline is naturally teary and slick, meaning most liners that aren't formulated for the area run the risk of melting off with wear. "A waterproof formula locks in pigment and actually holds," she says. By choosing a budge-proof eyeliner that's gentle enough for use on the eyes, your eye makeup won't disappear halfway through the night or run down the face.

What should I look for in eyeliners for the waterline?

Finding the best eyeliner to use on the waterline may seem like a daunting task, but it is much easier when you know what you're looking for. To have eyeliner that lasts all day, weed out the products that aren't waterproof or smudge-proof from those that offer comfortable wear with long-lasting pigment. For a smoldering, smoky look, consider eyeliners formulated with gel or kohl as opposed to liquid eyeliner pens since the waterline, like the rest of the skin around the eye, is sensitive and delicate.

Eyeliner is safe to use on your waterline, but you want to ensure that it's getting the best possible treatment by only using options crafted with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera extract, avocado oil, and ceramides. According to Ramzy, eyeliner with a creamy gel texture is nonnegotiable. "You don't want to drag across your waterline. Bonus points if the formula has skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E so it feels comfortable all day," she says. When shopping for an eyeliner, Ramzy prefers to use products that will set fast without budging, which is especially helpful if you have sensitive or watery eyes. She looks for eyeliners that apply smoothly, don't sting the eyes, and have bulletproof wear.

I've taken it upon myself to try a number of eyeliners on the waterline that meet each of the aforementioned qualifications, allowing for long-lasting makeup with no tears. Interested in seeing which ones I'll always recommend? Below are 16 of the best ones on the market that are easy on the waterline and check all my boxes. You're welcome in advance!

How can I ensure flawless eyeliner application?

Applying eyeliner to the waterline might look daunting, but there are some ways to ensure it's effective, comfortable, and long-wearing. Ramzy suggests warming up the pencil on your hand to help you achieve a smooth, gliding motion across the skin without skipping or tugging. "Make sure the pencil is sharpened too. A blunt eyeliner pencil can scratch your eyes," she warns. Next, apply the eyeliner in light layers rather than by using a single heavy stroke before building it up.

If you make a mistake or just want a sleek, crisp look, clean up the product with a cotton swab before it sets. If you want some extra insurance, Ramzy recommends pressing a matching shadow on top of where the liner has been placed. Her other biggest rule of thumb? Balance is key. "If you go heavy on the lower waterline, give your top lashes some love too so that your eyes stay open and lifted," she explains. When it comes to favorite products, she swears by Urban Decay's creamy 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($23) and Make Up For Ever's Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner ($26) as well as others from Hourglass, Charlotte Tilbury, and Marc Jacobs.

The Best Waterline Eyeliners, Listed

Best Overall: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Longwear Eyeliner

Best Brightening: Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal

Best Mechanical: Hourglass Mechanical Gel Eye Liner

Best for Tightlining: Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner

Best Waterproof: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner

Best Kohl Kajal Formula: Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil

Best for a Smoky Eye: Stila Stay All Day Smudge Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner

Best Universal Nude: Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil

Symphani Soto wears a subtle cat eye.

(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

Best Long-Lasting Formula: Milk Makeup Infinity Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

Best Pigment: BareMinerals Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner

Best for Beginners: Huda Beauty Cream Kohl Longwear Eye Pencil

Best Staying Power: Nyx Professional Makeup Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil

Best Hybrid Formula: Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

Best Price: SheGlam On-Line Creamy Eyeliner

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Sephora Collection Waterproof 12HR Retractable Eyeliner Pencil

Best for Fuss-Free Application: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

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We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

Maya Thomas
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.

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