8 White Eyeliner Looks We Can’t Get Enough Of

Black eyeliner is a classic for a reason. Effortless, versatile, and endlessly wearable, it’s long been a go-to for defining the eyes. But if black is the only shade in your eyeliner collection, you’re limiting your look more than you realize. White eyeliner is worth trying, too—and the light, icy hue is far more versatile than you may assume.

From making your eyes appear bigger to adding a pop of brightness to your everyday look, there’s a lot to love about white eyeliner. It truly comes into its own in graphic liner moments, where it adds immediate impact with minimal effort. If you need more convincing, keep scrolling—ahead, we’ll explain how to use white eyeliner and share eight white eyeliner looks sure to make you a believer.

Does White Eyeliner Look Good?

If you’re thinking about trading in your trusty black liner for a white eyeliner pencil, it’s natural to wonder whether the switch will actually flatter your features. The answer is a confident yes. When used strategically, white eyeliner can make your eyes appear bigger, brighter, and noticeably more awake. It’s especially impactful when swept along the waterline—a classic makeup artist trick that instantly helps open up the eyes to create a fresh, doe-eyed look.

What Does White Eyeliner Do?

Like any eyeliner, white liner draws attention to the eyes—but its effect is softer and more eye-opening than traditional dark shades. It’s best known for its brightening effect, instantly making the eyes look more awake, but it can also create the illusion of larger, more open eyes when applied along the waterline. The result is subtle yet impactful and can help enhance your natural eye shape without overpowering the rest of your makeup look.

White eyeliner comes in a variety of formats (including traditional pencils, liquids, and gel liners), but we’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in White. The pigmented formula glides on easily, delivering up to 36 hours of waterproof, transfer-proof wear. Plus, it boasts a narrow, pointed tip that makes it easy to draw precise lines—a must for a crisp, clean finish.

8 White Eyeliner Looks To Try Right Now

Whether your style leans subtle and minimalist or bold and graphic, there’s a way to make white eyeliner work for you. Ahead, discover eight standout ways to wear white liner that prove just how versatile this under-the-radar essential can be.

1. White cat eye

Cat eyeliner feels especially fresh and eye-opening when done in white, offering a crisp, modern alternative to classic black. If you have hooded eyes, try drawing your wing with your eyes open—this helps prevent the liner from disappearing into the crease and ensures the shape reads clearly once your eyes are relaxed.

2. Negative space eyeliner

Negative-space eyeliner offers a cool, graphic twist on classic liner by framing the eye while leaving the lid intentionally bare. To create the look, use a white liquid eyeliner to draw a wing along your upper lash line as usual. Then, trace a similar shape just beneath your brow bone and connect both of the lines at the outermost edge of your lid. The resulting look feels fresh, graphic, and modern, and it’s especially well-suited for nights out with friends.

3. Inner corner accents

We love a well-placed highlight—whether it’s sculpting the illusion of higher cheekbones or, in this case, brightening the inner corners of the eyes. Start by tracing the inner corner with a fine line of white eyeliner, then softly smudge just beneath it with a tiny brush for an extra-lit effect that makes the eyes pop. Then, add a touch of shimmer with a silvery highlighter or the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle for an extra-luminous finish.

4. White waterline eyeliner

One of the easiest ways to make your eyes look more awake is by lining your waterline with a white eyeliner pencil. This simple trick also helps create the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes and is a key step in achieving the viral doe-eye look. Gently sweep a single layer of liner along the waterline from corner to corner to achieve the effect. For added eye-opening benefits, pair your white eyeliner with a few coats of lengthening mascara, such as the L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Waterproof Mascara.

5. Double wing

Puts a graphic twist on the classic cat eye by tracing a thin white line just above your usual black wing for a striking, two-toned effect. This layered approach adds dimension and drama without overwhelming the eye, making it an easy way to elevate a go-to liner look. To keep the lines crisp, sketch your shape lightly first, then build up the contrast once you’re happy with the placement.

6. White shadow and liner

Keep all of your eye makeup white and bright by pairing a milky white eyeshadow with crisp white liner. This monochrome look feels both edgy and ethereal and pairs as well with a subtle glossy lip as it does with bolder lipstick shades (burgundy is especially flattering). If pure-white eyeshadow feels a little intimidating, try a shimmery silvery hue instead—the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle is an excellent pick.

7. White underliner

White underliner is a subtle but striking way to define the eyes without weighing them down. By lining just the lower lash line with white and keeping the upper lash line bare, you create a fresh, wide-eyed effect that feels modern and unexpectedly chic. For the cleanest finish, keep the line soft and close to the lashes so it enhances your eye shape without overpowering your look.

8. Graphic white liner

Graphic white eyeliner can be worn in countless ways—this is just one bold option we love. Try creating an open triangle that extends from the outer corner toward the center of the lid, just beneath the brow bone, for a clean, graphic effect. And don’t be afraid to experiment: play with shapes, angles, and placement until you find a look that feels like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does white eyeliner make your eyes look bigger?

Yes, when applied in the waterline, white eyeliner can make your eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more awake. The white color visually extends the whites of your eyes, creating the illusion that your eyes are larger than they actually are. For an added eye-opening effect, pair your white liner with long, wispy lashes and a subtle inner corner highlight.

How do you keep white eyeliner from smudging?

You can keep white eyeliner from smudging by starting with clean, dry skin and choosing a long-wear or waterproof formula, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in White. Setting the liner lightly with a matching white eyeshadow can help lock it in place. Avoid overloading the waterline with product, since too much can transfer more easily.

Is white eyeliner better than nude for the waterline?

White eyeliner isn’t necessarily better than nude for the waterline—it just creates a different effect. White delivers a brighter, more noticeable pop that’s great for bold or graphic looks. Nude tends to look more natural on the waterline and can be especially flattering on deeper skin tones or for everyday wear.

Can mature skin wear white eyeliner?

Yes, anyone can wear white eyeliner—but on mature skin, it can sometimes appear a bit stark. If your goal is to make your eyes look bigger and brighter while keeping the effect natural, consider opting for a light beige shade, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Nude. Nude delivers the same eye-opening effect with a softer, more seamless finish.

Next Up: Mastering Gel Eyeliner: Tips, Tricks, and Top Picks

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris