How to Apply Eyeliner to Your Waterline

Once upon a time, you probably rimmed your lashes in black eyeliner—after all, this was one of the biggest makeup trends of the ‘90s. And now this beauty trend—along with fashion from the decade (like platform slip-ons and overalls)—is back! The makeup technique of rimming your eyes with eyeliner requires placing eyeliner on your waterline, a.k.a. the inner rim of your eyelid. This makeup technique can be tricky to pull off, as eyeliner can often disappear when applied here. But you can do it—if you know which eyeliner to use in your waterline and how to apply it correctly. Below, learn about our best eyeliner for your waterline and find a step-by-step tutorial for applying eyeliner to your waterline.

Our Best Eyeliner for Your Waterline

Before you pick up any ol’ eyeliner, hear us out: You’re going to want to use a pencil eyeliner for this task. Our best eyeliner for your waterline? That’d be the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner, which comes in six colors: black, purple, cobalt blue, nude, grey, and brown. This waterproof eyeliner, which is suitable to use on the inner rim in the waterline, glides on easily and has a smudge-resistant formula that lasts. While applying black eyeliner to your waterline offers a classic makeup look, consider using eyeliner in a brighter hue, like purple or cobalt blue, for an updated take on this makeup trend. Lining your waterline with nude eyeliner can help brighten the look of your eyes, so keep that in mind as well for whenever your face needs a little perking up.

How to Apply Eyeliner to Your Upper Waterline

Now that you know which eyeliner to use to line your waterline, it’s time to actually get to the main event: applying eyeliner to your waterline! Start by using eyeliner in your upper waterline. Learn how to apply eyeliner to your upper waterline by following our tutorial.

Step 1: Expose your waterline. Use your ring finger to gently lift your upper lid, exposing the waterline beneath your upper lash line.

Step 2: Absorb excess moisture. Use a cotton swab to soak up any extra moisture that could interfere with your eyeliner application.

Step 3: Apply eyeliner. Simply swipe your eyeliner along the dried area of lash line real estate and voila– you’ve done it! Just make sure to look straight into the mirror and slightly tilt your head down while you’re working.

How to Apply Eyeliner to Your Lower Waterline

Once you’re done applying eyeliner to your upper waterline, move on to your lower waterline by following our tutorial.

Step 1: Expose your waterline. Looking head on, you won’t be able to see your full waterline. To achieve a perfectly lined waterline, you’ll want to gently pull your lower lid down using your ring finger to apply as little pressure as possible. Be gentle!

Step 2: Absorb excess moisture. Take a cotton swab to your exposed waterline to absorb any extra moisture that could get in the way of your eyeliner application.

Step 3: Apply eyeliner. Once you’ve done that, pop the top off of your eyeliner and trace it along the exposed area. Continue swiping eyeliner on until you’ve achieved the full color intensity you’re looking for.

You officially know how to apply eyeliner to your waterline! If you notice any smudges once you’re done applying eyeliner to your waterline, soak a cotton swab in micellar water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, and use this to clean up any stray eyeliner. You can also apply a dab of conceal underneath your eyes to cover anything up. The more you practice applying eyeliner to your waterline, the better you’ll get at it.

Ready to try your hand at another eye makeup trend? Next, read our article on How to Do Color-Blocked Eyeliner. Because sometimes two eyeliners are better than one!