These 15 Eyeliners Will Look Incredible on Your Waterline—They’re All Under $32

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. So 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 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.

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 15 of the best ones on the market that are easy on the waterline and check all my boxes. You’re welcome in advance!

The Best Waterline Eyeliners, Listed

1. For ease of use, try: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Longwear Eyeliner
2. For added brightness, try: Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal in Nude
3. For a mechanical option, try: Hourglass 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner
4. For tightlining, try: Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner
5. For a waterproof formula, try: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner
6. For a kohl kajal formula, try: Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil
7. For a smoky eye, try: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
8. For a universal nude, try: Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil
9. For a long-lasting formula, try: Milk Makeup Infinity Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
10. For eye-catching pigment, try: BareMinerals Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner
11. For beginners, try: Huda Beauty Cream Kohl Longwear Eye Pencil
12. For staying power, try: Nyx Professional Makeup Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil
13. For a hybrid formula, try: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
14. For the best price, try: SheGlam On-Line Creamy Eyeliner
15. For sensitive eyes, try: Sephora Collection Waterproof 12HR Retractable Eyeliner Pencil

Best Overall: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Longwear Eyeliner

Best Brightening: Chantecaille Brightening Eye Kajal

Best Mechanical: Hourglass 1.5MM 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 Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

Best Universal Nude: Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil

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: Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner

What to Look For in Your Eyeliner

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. If you want your eyeliner to last all day after applying it to the waterline, weed out the ones that aren’t waterproof or smudge-proof. It may also be worth considering eyeliners formulated from a gel or kohl as opposed to products marketed as 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 products with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera extract, avocado oil, and ceramides.