The waterline is the narrow, wet strip located above the lower lash line and below the upper lash line. Adding liner (also known as tightlining) to the waterline can enhance, brighten, open and make the eyes appear larger. Using a flesh tone, light cream or white eyeliner in the lower waterline can make the whites of the eyes appear brighter, whiter and larger. I personally prefer a flesh tone eyeliner as it is more natural and white can look obvious and harsh. Another natural effect of waterline eyeliner application involves lining the upper waterline. This creates the illusion of thicker eyelashes and subtly defines the eyes. With this look, I would use brown or gray and wouldn't advise lining the lower waterline. A few dots with the eyeliner at the lower lash line will help complete the look and define the eyes naturally, the "no makeup" makeup look, one of my personal favorites. For a more dramatic effect, lining the lower waterline with a thick black or color eyeliner can intensify the look - a major component of the smoky eye is the lining of the waterline - both top and bottom. Keep in mind that lining the bottom waterline with dark colors can make eyes look smaller, so I would avoid doing this if opening the eye is the desired effect.
There are a few types of eyeliner to choose from. Pencil, gel, cream and kajal. Personally, I find that the pencil liner is easiest to apply and better on the go. Gel and cream liners are similar in consistency. Cream liners smudge easily and can create the raccoon eye, where gel liners are more precise and longer lasting. Kajal liners are creamy, highly pigmented kohl liners that are commonly used in India and date back to ancient Egypt. Kajal liners are more intense, but not as long lasting. Note: Liquid eyeliner should not be applied to the waterline, it can cause stinging and will almost immediately disappear.
Before you apply your chosen eyeliner, make sure the liner is sanitized. For the bottom waterline: use your pointer and middle finger, (make sure that they are clean and sanitized as well) gently place the two fingers just below the lower lash line and push down lightly - this will expose the waterline for easy application. Softly trace the pencil or brush along the waterline one or more times depending on the intensity you are trying to achieve. The upper waterline can be a bit more awkward. With the same 2 clean fingers, gently place them at the upper lash line and push up lightly. Softly trace the pencil or brush along the waterline until achieved intensity.
Contact wearers should be aware that the eyeliner can transfer onto the lenses. Allergies can also be a concern. To be safe, if you have allergies or sensitive eyes, test a small area on your eyelid before attempting waterline application. Also, be aware of the ingredients in the eyeliner that you choose. Bacteria and infection are by far the scariest possible outcome. Placing a contaminated pencil or brush so close to the eyes can cause many potential problems. There are many bacteria caused or passed along infections that can affect the eyes and potentially cause serious medical conditions. KEEP YOUR PENCILS AND BRUSHES SANITIZED, especially right before application. DO NOT share tools with others! Although we hope our friends would be honest about these things, some don't even know that they are infected. If you want the look but don’t want to risk it, try adding a bit of a black eyeshadow close to the lash line or add eyeliner dots at the lash line and smudge for the smoky effect.
To remove eyeliner from the waterline place your same, clean fingers at the lash line and push lightly, gently glide a q-tip soaked in saline solution, olive oil or a mild cleansing water (something mild to avoid irritation) along the waterline back and forth until the liner is completely removed. Make sure that the liner is completely removed, leaving eyeliner in the waterline overnight can cause clogged eyelash pores.
Here are some eyeliners that have staying power:
xo
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