Top 5 Eyeliner for Under Eyes: Your Best Guide

Do you ever look in the mirror and wish your eyes popped a little more? Maybe you’ve tried drawing a line under your eyes, but it smudged, faded, or just didn’t look quite right. It’s a common frustration! Finding the perfect eyeliner for your lower lash line can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that brightens your eyes, not makes them look smaller or tired. The wrong formula can run, feel heavy, or even irritate your sensitive under-eye area.

But don’t worry! We’re here to help you conquer the world of under-eye eyeliner. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll explore different types of eyeliners, share tips for applying them like a pro, and help you pick the best one for your unique style and needs. Get ready to make your eyes shine!

Top Eyeliner For Under Eyes Recommendations

No. 1
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener,...
  • LASTING EYELINER: Rich color looks freshly applied all day long; transfer-proof, waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof
  • UP TO 24HR WEAR: Creates the look you want and stays on strong
  • EASY APPLICATION: Pencil eyeliner glides on, creating intensely defined lines that can go from subtle to dramatic. Includes built-in sharpener for the perfect pointed tip and a smudger to blend.
No. 2
wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner - Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour...
  • Waterproof Eyeliner: This ultra pigmented eyeliner delivers smudge proof, flake proof, cry proof color with a satin gel formula that glides onto lids without tugging or pulling. Lasts up to 16 hours
  • All Eyes On You: Our silky, waterproof retractable gel eyeliner is lightweight, comfortable, and ultra long lasting. Create bold looks effortlessly with the intense color rich formula
  • Best Face Forward: From bronzer and blush to primer, highlighter, natural finish powder, and concealer, we've got you covered and photo ready for your next big thing. You've met your true makeup match
No. 3
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil,Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner -...
  • Retractable Eye Liner: A line and defined eye is just a twist away with this eyeliner pen; Intense pigment covers like a liquid eyeliner while its creamy formula holds for hours; No need to sharpen just twist up and apply for a winged out eyeliner look
  • Smudge Proof and Smooth: This smudge proof eyeliner glides on effortlessly and lasts all day through heat and humidity no sad bleeding eyeliner here; Available in natural to bright shades, any eyeliner look is possible with our Retractable Eye Pencil
  • All Eyes On Eye Makeup: Complete your look with our full range of eye makeup products ranging from eyeshadow palettes to false eyelashes, eyeliners, concealers, setting sprays, eyebrow makeup, eyeshadow primer and more
No. 4
Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener,...
  • LASTING EYELINER: Rich color looks freshly applied all day long; transfer-proof, waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof
  • UP TO 24HR WEAR: Creates the look you want and stays on strong
  • EASY APPLICATION: Pencil eyeliner glides on, creating intensely defined lines that can go from subtle to dramatic. Includes built-in sharpener for the perfect pointed tip and a smudger to blend.
No. 5
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner, Creamy, Ultra-Pigmented & Waterproof, Creates Bold & Defined...
  • ULTIMATE EYE PENCIL: The e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is a waterproof, retractable eyeliner that checks all your pencil liner requirements
  • ALL-DAY WEAR: This product is creamy, ultra-pigmented, and has ultimate waterproof staying power
  • INTENSE LOOK: We recommend you use this retractable eyeliner pencil on your lash line, waterline, or all over the lid for intense eyes that last all day
No. 6
wet n wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner Pencil - Rich Hyper-Pigmented Color, Smooth Creamy Application,...
  • These long-wearing liners have rich, hyper-pigmented color, an oh-so-smooth, oh-so-creamy application, and are versatile enough to create any look you want
  • No wonder theyre so raved about by celebs and makeup artists
  • But dont worry, just because we're all Hollywood now doesnt mean we've forgotten about you
No. 7
REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, Smudge-Proof, Eye Makeup with Built-In Sharpener,...
  • LASTING EYELINER: Rich color looks freshly applied all day long; transfer-proof, waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof
  • UP TO 24HR WEAR: Creates the look you want and stays on strong
  • EASY APPLICATION: Pencil eyeliner glides on, creating intensely defined lines that can go from subtle to dramatic. Includes built-in sharpener for the perfect pointed tip and a smudger to blend.
No. 8
URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Smudge-Proof, Long-Lasting, Transfer-Proof,...
  • AWARD-WINNING 24/7 WATERPROOF EYELINER: Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil delivers creamy, high-performance color in over 30 bold, pigment-packed shades. Choose from matte, metallic, shimmer, glitter, and satin finishes for limitless eye looks
  • ALL-DAY WEAR BENEFITS: Achieve up to 16 hours of waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner wear with unbeatable formula staying power and intensly pigmented colors. From bold black and neutral eyeliner shades like taupe to electrifying pops of colorful eyeliner in pink, blue, and green
  • ULTRA-CREAMY FORMULA: This creamy, blendable eyeliner pencil glides on effortlessly without tugging or skipping. Perfect for creating crisp lines, winged eyeliner, a defined cateye or blending out like an eyeshadow for a smokey eye, it sets in place for long-lasting, fade-proof wear

Finding the Perfect Eyeliner for Your Under Eyes

Your under-eye area is delicate. It needs special care. Choosing the right eyeliner makes a big difference. It can brighten your eyes or define them. This guide helps you pick the best one.

1. Key Features to Look For

What makes an eyeliner great for under the eyes?
  • Smudge-Proof and Waterproof: This is super important. Under your eyes, you don’t want lines running. Look for formulas that promise to stay put all day.
  • Smooth Application: A creamy or gel formula glides on easily. It won’t tug at your skin. Tugged skin can cause wrinkles.
  • Long-Lasting Wear: You want your eyeliner to look good from morning to night. No touch-ups needed!
  • Gentle Formula: The skin under your eyes is thin. It can be sensitive. Choose eyeliners made with soothing ingredients.
  • Color Options: While black is classic, try brown or navy. These can look softer. White or nude liners can brighten the area.

2. Important Materials

What ingredients should you look for or avoid?

Good eyeliners often have nourishing ingredients. These help your skin. Look for things like:

  • Vitamin E: This is an antioxidant. It protects your skin.
  • Jojoba Oil: This oil moisturizes. It makes the liner glide smoothly.
  • Ceramides: These help strengthen the skin barrier.

Be mindful of harsh chemicals. Some ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid:

  • Parabens: Some people are sensitive to these preservatives.
  • Fragrance: Added perfumes can cause redness or itching.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes an eyeliner good or bad?

The formula is key. A well-made eyeliner has a balanced consistency. It’s not too dry and not too wet. This ensures easy application. It also helps it stay put.

Poorly made eyeliners can be crumbly. They might skip when you draw a line. They can also smudge easily. This happens if the formula is too oily or not pigmented enough.

The applicator matters too. A fine tip is great for precision. A thicker tip works for a softer look. Brands that use high-quality pigments create richer colors.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

How do people use under-eye eyeliner?

Many people use eyeliner to define their lower lash line. A thin line can make eyes look bigger. A colored liner can add a pop of fun. For a natural look, use a brown or grey pencil. You can also use it to tightline. This means applying liner to your upper waterline. It makes lashes look fuller.

Some people use nude or white eyeliner in the waterline. This brightens the eyes. It makes you look more awake. This is great for tired eyes. It can also make your eyes appear larger.

The experience should be comfortable. The liner should not irritate your eyes. It should be easy to remove at the end of the day. A good eyeliner makes you feel confident.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best type of eyeliner for under eyes?

A: Gel or pencil eyeliners are usually best. They are often creamier. This makes them gentle on sensitive skin.

Q: Can I use regular liquid eyeliner under my eyes?

A: It’s generally not recommended. Liquid liners can be too harsh. They might also smudge or crack easily.

Q: How do I prevent my under-eye eyeliner from smudging?

A: Use a waterproof formula. You can also set it with a little eyeshadow powder. Use a shade that matches your eyeliner.

Q: What color eyeliner should I use for my under eyes?

A: Black is classic. Brown or navy can look softer. Nude or white liners brighten and make eyes look bigger.

Q: Is it bad to put eyeliner on your waterline?

A: No, it’s not bad if you use a safe product. Use a pencil specifically designed for the waterline. Make sure it’s gentle.

Q: How do I apply eyeliner without tugging?

A: Gently pull your eyelid taut. Use a smooth, creamy eyeliner. Apply light pressure. Let the product glide.

Q: Can eyeliner make my eyes look bigger?

A: Yes! White or nude eyeliner in the waterline can make eyes pop. A thin line along the lower lash line can also enhance size.

Q: How do I remove under-eye eyeliner?

A: Use a gentle eye makeup remover. Micellar water works well. Be very gentle. Don’t rub hard.

Q: Will eyeliner make my dark circles worse?

A: Not necessarily. Some liners can help distract from dark circles. A bright liner can draw attention away.

Q: What if my eyes water when I apply eyeliner?

A: This can happen. Try a waterproof formula. Let it dry for a moment. You can also try applying it when your eyes are less watery.

Scroll to Top