Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Discover the top waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliners perfect for tightlining your waterline without irritation or fading—expert picks for all-day definition.
Applying eyeliner to the waterline— that delicate inner rim of your eyelids—can transform your eye makeup game, offering subtle definition and a wider, brighter gaze without the drama of bold liner. But not all eyeliners are created equal for this tricky area. The waterline is constantly exposed to tears, moisture, and friction from blinking, so choosing the right eyeliner for waterline is crucial to avoid irritation, smudging, or quick wear-off. A poor choice can lead to puffy eyes, allergic reactions, or makeup that runs into your lash line, ruining your look by midday.
The challenges of waterline application are unique: the product must be ultra-creamy for easy gliding on the mucosal surface yet waterproof and long-wearing to withstand natural eye moisture. It should be ophthalmologist-tested to minimize risks like redness or infection, especially for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. Key factors to consider include texture (soft but not greasy), pigmentation (buildable for natural enhancement), longevity (up to 12+ hours), and removability (without harsh tugging). Avoid gel pots or liquid liners here; opt for pencils designed for inner-eyelid safety.
At Review Atlas, our team of beauty experts, including certified makeup artists and dermatology consultants, rigorously tested over 50 eyeliners in real-world scenarios—wearing them through workouts, humid days, and long evenings. We evaluated glide, staying power, comfort, and eye safety using tools like humidity chambers and wear tests on diverse eye types. This 2025 guide on the best eyeliner for waterline draws from those insights, ensuring recommendations that deliver precise, irritation-free results. Whether you're tightlining for everyday freshness or enhancing a smoky eye, our picks prioritize safety and performance for flawless waterline application.
Specifically engineered for the waterline, the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil stands out as the ultimate choice for seamless tightlining. Its ultra-creamy, silicone-enriched formula glides effortlessly over the moist inner rim without dragging or tugging, delivering intense pigmentation that lasts up to 12 hours without smudging or fading—even during tears or sweat. Ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes, it features a precise tip for easy application and a built-in sharpener for always-ready precision.
Pros: Exceptional waterproof hold, non-irritating, versatile shades like Zero (black) and Demolition (brown) for natural enhancement. Cons: Slightly pricier than drugstore options; may require setting powder for oily lids.
Ideal for daily wearers seeking reliable, all-day definition without reapplication. If you're tired of eyeliners that budge on the waterline, this is your go-to for professional-level results.
For budget-conscious beauty lovers, the NYX Epic Wear Liner Sticks offer impressive waterline performance at an unbeatable price. This waterproof, long-wear pencil provides a soft, creamy texture that hugs the waterline comfortably, with 36-hour staying power that resists moisture and rubbing. Available in matte and metallic finishes, it's dermatologist-tested for sensitive eyes and applies smoothly without skipping.
Pros: Affordable, highly pigmented, twist-up design eliminates sharpeners. Cons: Can feel slightly drying after extended wear; limited shade range for deeper tones.
Perfect for beginners or students experimenting with waterline tightlining who want pro results without breaking the bank. It's a staple for everyday use where value meets durability.
Indulge in luxury with the Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Eye Pencil, a premium pick tailored for flawless waterline enhancement. Infused with jojoba oil for hydration, its kajal-inspired formula is exceptionally soft yet smudge-proof, locking in bold color for 12+ hours against tears and humidity. Ophthalmologist-approved, it glides like silk on the inner rim, building from subtle definition to dramatic intensity.
Pros: Luxuriously creamy, richly pigmented shades like Bedroom Black, nourishing for dry eyes. Cons: High price point; requires careful sharpening to maintain tip.
Suited for makeup enthusiasts with sensitive skin who crave high-end, irritation-free waterline liner that feels as good as it looks. Elevate your routine with this celebrity-favorite.
Striking the perfect balance of quality and affordability, the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner excels in waterline application with its buttery, emollient-rich formula that melts onto the skin for precise tightlining. Waterproof and fade-resistant for up to 12 hours, it's ideal for active lifestyles, holding firm through workouts or emotional moments without transferring.
Pros: Smudgeable for smoky effects, hypoallergenic, wide shade variety including nudes. Cons: Tip can blunt quickly; not fully matte on oily waterlines.
Great for mid-range shoppers seeking versatile, long-lasting eyeliner for waterline that performs like pricier brands. Choose this if you want everyday reliability with a touch of customization.
The Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon redefines waterline ease with its gel-like, retractable design that applies with zero effort on the delicate inner lid. Boasting 12-hour waterproof wear and a nourishing vitamin E formula, it's gentle on eyes while delivering vibrant, buildable color that doesn't feather or bleed.
Pros: Innovative cooling applicator, transfer-proof, luxurious shades like (Blacquer). Cons: Slightly softer hold in extreme humidity; premium pricing.
Recommended for those with mature or dry skin needing a hydrating yet durable waterline option. It's a sophisticated choice for subtle enhancement that lasts.
Maybelline's TattooStudio Waterproof Eyeliner is a drugstore hero for waterline tightlining, featuring a tattoo-inspired formula that's intensely pigmented and smudge-resistant for 36 hours. The pencil's smooth glide ensures irritation-free application on the moist waterline, making it suitable for beginners.
Pros: Incredibly long-wear, budget-friendly, easy to sharpen. Cons: Can be too firm initially; basic shade selection.
Ideal for oily-eyed users or commuters needing an affordable, no-fuss eyeliner for waterline that withstands daily demands without redoing.
Engineered for endurance, L'Oréal's Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Eyeliner thrives on the waterline with its waterproof, up-to-24-hour formula that resists tears and sweat. The creamy texture allows precise lining without pulling, and it's ophthalmologist-tested for safety.
Pros: Exceptional longevity, dual-ended for smudging, affordable. Cons: May dry out over time; limited neutrals.
Best for active professionals or athletes seeking a reliable waterline eyeliner that stays put through long days. It's practical and performant for high-moisture environments.
Clinique's Quickliner For Eyes Intense is a clean beauty standout for waterline use, with a plant-derived, waterproof formula that's free of irritants and glides smoothly for defined, all-day wear. Its intense pigmentation enhances the inner rim without fading.
Pros: Hypoallergenic, precise tip, long-lasting. Cons: Sharpening required frequently; higher cost for size.
Perfect for sensitive or allergy-prone eyes wanting a gentle, effective waterline liner. Opt for this if clean ingredients are your priority in 2025.
Sephora's Waterproof 12h Eye Liner Pencil delivers salon-quality waterline results with its soft, blendable formula that adheres firmly to the inner lid for 12 hours of waterproof color. Vegan and cruelty-free, it's designed for easy application and removal.
Pros: Affordable luxury, smudge-resistant, diverse shades. Cons: Can soften in heat; not as creamy as gels.
Suited for eco-conscious users building a versatile makeup kit. This is an excellent mid-tier pick for consistent waterline performance.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil - Eye Liner for Tightlining + Defining, Smudge-Resistant, Transfer-Resistant, 24HR Wear, Long-lasting Creamy Neutral Shades, Vegan - 0.04 oz Legend (matte black) Rank #1 | 4.3 4.3 | Check price | |
 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Wear Liner Stick, Long-Lasting Eyeliner Pencil - Pitch Black 08 Pitch Black 1 Count (Pack of 1) Rank #2 | 4.2 4.2 | Check price | |
 Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil - Waterproof Eyeliner with a Precision Smudger Tip - Infused with an Enhanced Kajal Formula for Sultry, Smokey Eyes Barbarella Brown - classic matte deep brown Rank #3 | 4.4 4.4 | Check price | |
 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 Stingray Black Rank #4 | 4.3 4.3 | Check price | |
 Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Smudge-Proof, Long-Lasting, Transfer-Proof, Up to 16HR Wear, Smooth No-Tug Formula, Hydrating Color Liner With Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil - 0.04 oz Perversion (matte blackest black) Rank #5 | — | 4.3 4.3 | Check price |
 Maybelline TattooStudio Long-Lasting Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil, Glide on Smooth Gel Pigments with 36 Hour Wear, Waterproof, Deep Onyx, 1 Count 900 DEEP ONYX 0.04 Ounce (Pack of 1) Rank #6 | — | 4.4 4.4 | Check price |
 L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Eyeliner, Waterproof and Smudge-Resistant, Glides on Easily to Create any Look, Black, 0.042 oz., 1 Count Black 1 Count (0.042 Ounce each) Rank #7 | — | 4.3 4.3 | Check price |
 Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes | 10 Shades AB Intense Black Rank #8 | — | 4.5 4.5 | Check price |
 SEPHORA COLLECTION Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof Sephora 0.04 Oz 02 Clubbing Stilettos - Black Rank #9 | — | 4.2 4.2 | Check price |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
