Have you ever stared at your reflection, wishing your eyes looked brighter and more awake? A bright waterline can make a huge difference in how your eyes pop! But finding the perfect drugstore eyeliner for that delicate inner rim can feel like a treasure hunt where all the maps are wrong. You want something that stays put all day, doesn’t smudge into your eye, and doesn’t cost a fortune, right?
The drugstore aisles are packed with pencils, gels, and crayons, all promising magic. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices and end up with a product that fades before lunchtime or irritates your sensitive eyes. Don’t waste another dollar on a dud!
In this guide, we cut through the noise. We tested the top contenders to find the drugstore waterline eyeliners that deliver intense color, serious staying power, and comfort. You will learn exactly which products deliver the best bang for your buck.
Keep reading to discover the budget-friendly secrets to achieving that wide-awake, defined eye look you’ve always wanted.
Top Drugstore Waterline Eyeliner Recommendations
No. 1
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil - Eye Liner for Tightlining + Defining, Smudge-Resistant, Transfer-Resistant, 24HR Wear, Creamy Neutrals - Legend (matte black eyeliner)
- WATERLINE SAFE: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencils are award-winning, waterproof eyeliners delivering intense, long-wearing color that will not budge. Available in versatile shades including white, brown, nude, gray, and black to deepen or brighten your eyes.
- 6 NEW NEUTRAL SHADES: Waterproof, waterline eyeliners now come in six new matte and shimmer neutral shades. Waterproof, sweat-resistant, transfer-resistant, and smudge-resistant, offering up to 24 hours of wear with no touch-ups needed.
- SMOOTH, NO TUG FORMULA: This formula is hydrating, ultra-creamy glides on smoothly for effortless blending, with no dragging or pulling on delicate eye skin. Made with ultra-hydrating Vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil to keep skin smooth and nourished.
- BRIGHTEN + DEFINE: Shades like matte white (Hemp Milk) and shimmery beige (Faux Doe) brighten the eyes for a more awake look, while matte black (Legend), charcoal (Cool Coyote), and medium brown (Tootsie) offer subtle to dramatic definition for versatile makeup styles.
- COMPLETE YOUR EYE MAKEUP LOOK: Multi-use eye pencil works as eyeliner, eyeshadow, eyeshadow base, or gel eyeliner. Use with Eyeshadow Primer Potion and set with All Nighter Setting Spray for long-lasting makeup.
No. 2
Nude Waterline Eyeliner Gel Pencil,Peach Eyeliner Waterline Waterproof Smudge-Proof, Long Stay Eye Liner Brightener Pen with Sharpener, Safe for Sensitive Eyes, Soft Cream Rich Color Eye Makeup Pen-03
- Colorful Eyeliner Pencil - Our gel eyeliner pencil with sharpener comes in 10 different popular colors that gives an instant color effect with natural-looking color. The eyeliner pen tip has smooth lines, delivers intense color and precise definition, vegan and cruelty free. It can provide long-lasting, dazzling colors to help you easily create fashionable makeup and make you be the center in the crowed.
- Soft & Smooth Eyeliner - The cream eyeliner pencil with high pigmented quickly dry, waterproof formula, that is easy to apply and colored. Ultra-smooth and high precision tip that draw a smooth line and meet your different makeup needs, making you eye-catching in any occasion for this color set eyeliner crayon.
- Waterproof & Long Lasting & Smudge-Proof - The delineador de ojos is waterproof, does not smudge and anti-sweat. Meanwhile the eye pencil with intense color can lasts for a long time. Even you are in hot summer, you don't have to worry it will flake out. The waterproof eyeliner pen infuse your eyes with charming charm, offering a long wear exquisite finish. Showing the most confidence of women.
- Different Eye Makeup Effects - The cream eyeliner contains shimmer and matte collections, meanwhile the different colors allow you to wear different eye makeup for different occasions, from youthful bright makeup to party eye makeup. This collection has a perfect shade, not only for your daily makeup, but also for your Halloween makeup look. White and nude eyeliners are also great for lining the inner waterline of the eye.
- Perfect Gift - Our eyeliner pencils with sharpener are lightweight and easy to use, so you can store in your makeup bag for easy use. With an exquisite package, it's a perfect gift to friends or your lover, family, mom on Christmas day, Birthday, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and other special holidays.
No. 3
BEPHOLAN Black Eyeliner Pencils,Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil Waterline Eye Liner Pen for Women Waterproof Smudge Proof Long-lasting (BLACK)
- 【High Intensity Color for an Instant Impact】BEPHOLAN’s black eyeliner pencil delivers rich, highly pigmented color that defines and frames your eyes for a bold, beautiful look
- 【Waterproof & Smudge-Proof】No more worrying about smudging or fading! The long-lasting formula ensures your look stays intact through sweat, humidity, or rain, and even if you rub your eyes, it won’t budge, keeping your eyes fresh thoughout the day
- 【Up to 24H Wear】Enjoy up to 24Hs of vibrant, flawless waterline eyeliner that won’t fade. Perfect for both daily wear and special occasions, it provides crisp, natural lines for simple definition
- 【Effortless, Smooth Application】With its ultra-smooth, creamy texture, this black gel eyeliner glides on easily, making application a breeze and giving you beautifully defined eyes with minimal effort
- 【Built-In Sharpener for Perfect Lines】The convenient built-in sharpener ensures you always have sharp, precise lines - from everyday natural to bold, winged black eyeliner. Twist up and go!
No. 4
White Eyeliner For Waterline, Cream Gel Eyeliner Waterline Waterproof Smudge-Proof Eye Liner Pen, Safe for Sensitive Eyes, Matte Color Eye Brightener Colored Eye Liner Pen Makeup with Sharpener-02
- Colorful Eyeliner Pencil - Our gel eyeliner pencil with sharpener comes in 10 different popular colors that gives an instant color effect with natural-looking color. The eyeliner pen tip has smooth lines, delivers intense color and precise definition, vegan and cruelty free. It can provide long-lasting, dazzling colors to help you easily create fashionable makeup and make you be the center in the crowed.
- Soft & Smooth Eyeliner - The cream eyeliner pencil with high pigmented quickly dry, waterproof formula, that is easy to apply and colored. Ultra-smooth and high precision tip that draw a smooth line and meet your different makeup needs, making you eye-catching in any occasion for this color set eyeliner crayon.
- Waterproof & Long Lasting & Smudge-Proof - The delineador de ojos is waterproof, does not smudge and anti-sweat. Meanwhile the eye pencil with intense color can lasts for a long time. Even you are in hot summer, you don't have to worry it will flake out. The waterproof eyeliner pen infuse your eyes with charming charm, offering a long wear exquisite finish. Showing the most confidence of women.
- Different Eye Makeup Effects - The cream eyeliner contains shimmer and matte collections, meanwhile the different colors allow you to wear different eye makeup for different occasions, from youthful bright makeup to party eye makeup. This collection has a perfect shade, not only for your daily makeup, but also for your Halloween makeup look. White and nude eyeliners are also great for lining the inner waterline of the eye.
- Perfect Gift - Our eyeliner pencils with sharpener are lightweight and easy to use, so you can store in your makeup bag for easy use. With an exquisite package, it's a perfect gift to friends or your lover, family, mom on Christmas day, Birthday, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and other special holidays.
No. 5
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil - Eye Liner for Tightlining + Defining, Smudge-Resistant, Transfer-Resistant, 24HR Wear, Creamy Neutrals - Tootsie (medium brown eyeliner)
- WATERLINE SAFE: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencils are award-winning, waterproof eyeliners delivering intense, long-wearing color that will not budge. Available in versatile shades including white, brown, nude, gray, and black to deepen or brighten your eyes.
- 11 NEW NEUTRAL SHADES: Waterproof, waterline eyeliners now come in six new matte and shimmer neutral shades. Waterproof, sweat-resistant, transfer-resistant, and smudge-resistant, offering up to 24 hours of wear with no touch-ups needed.
- SMOOTH, NO TUG FORMULA: This formula is hydrating, ultra-creamy glides on smoothly for effortless blending, with no dragging or pulling on delicate eye skin. Made with ultra-hydrating Vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil to keep skin smooth and nourished.
- BRIGHTEN + DEFINE: Shades like matte white (Hemp Milk) and shimmery beige (Faux Doe) brighten the eyes for a more awake look, while matte black (Legend), charcoal (Cool Coyote), and medium brown (Tootsie) offer subtle to dramatic definition for versatile makeup styles.
- COMPLETE YOUR EYE MAKEUP LOOK: Multi-use eye pencil works as eyeliner, eyeshadow, eyeshadow base, or gel eyeliner. Use with Eyeshadow Primer Potion and set with All Nighter Setting Spray for long-lasting makeup.
No. 6
Wugbc 2 PCS Nude Waterline Eyeliner Pencil, Cream Gel Eyeliner Smooth Waterproof Smudge-Proof Lasting Ultra-Pigmented Eye Brightener Pen with Sharpener Makeup for women Multi-Use Eye Liner Crayon
- Waterline Gentle Formula: Specifically designed for sensitive waterline, Wugbc nude eyeliner pencil features a gentle formula. The creamy gel glides on smoothly without irritation, making it ideal for tightlining & defining the upper & lower waterlines for a brighter eye look
- Waterproof & Smudge-Proof Wear: Enjoy long-lasting definition with this waterproof eyeliner. The advanced formula is resistant to sweat, tears & water, ensuring your look stays vibrant without fading, bleeding, or smudging
- Convenient 2 PCS Nude Eyeliner Set: Get this convenient set of 2 nude eyeliner pencils. Keep 1 in your makeup bag & another in your purse for effortless, on-the-go quick application to maintain a fresh, bright-eyed look
- Creamy & High-Pigment Application: Experience effortless application with a creamy matte formula. It delivers vibrant, bold color in a single stroke without skipping, tugging or pulling, ensuring a precise & highly pigmented every time
- Create Defined & Brighter-Looking Eyes: Achieve bigger, brighter & more defined eyes. The nude shade neutralizes other shade adds depth & dimension, ideal for enhancing your natural nude makeup looks
No. 7
VASANTI Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil - Long-lasting, Waterproof, Smudge-proof, Safe for Sensitive Eyes, Waterline Eye Liner - Opthalmologist Approved and Tested (Intense Black)
- SAFE FOR SENSITIVE EYES - Our pencil eyeliner is formulated for the most sensitive of eyes to give you comfort without compromising long-wear. Safe to use on delicate eye areas and has been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and approved.
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS - Our premium black eyeliner is vegan-friendly, never tested on animals, paraben free and gluten-free.
- DERMATOLOGIST AND OPTHALMOLOGIST TESTED AND APPROVED - our Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil is safe for sensitive eyes.
- WATERPROOF AND SMUDGE-PROOF - Instantly defined, youthful and sultry eyes
- EASY APPLY - So intense looks similar to a liquid eyeliner with ease of application of a pencil.
No. 8
stila Stay All Day® Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Liner | Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Pencil for Tightlining, Waterline & Smoky Eye Looks | 12-Hour Wear, No Budge & Fade-Proof
- NO-BUDGE PENCIL: A gel-based formula allows for effortless play and no-skip application as you create multiple eye looks – lining, smudging, and blending into a shadow for versatile effects. It is waterline-safe, waterproof, and stays put for up to 12 hours of continuous wear.
- LONG-LASTING WEAR: This easy-glide gel pencil eye liner has intense and immediate color payoff in a single swipe. Perfect for adding depth and definition to waterline, too. Endless play from one go-to pencil, sets in seconds and delivers color-rich, fade-proof and sweat-proof wear.
- MULTIPLE LOOKS: Can be used as a classic pencil liner or a smudgy eyeshadow-simply smudge with your fingers or a brush. Allows enough time to line or smudge for your desired effect, then stays put all day - no budging or fading. Available in a range of shades that stay put and deliver rich and lasting color payoff without fading.
- RETRACTABLE & EASY TO USE: Trace along upper and lower lashes with this retractable pen. For a smudged shadow look, blend out with your fingertip or a brush before the color sets. Be sure to close the cap tightly.
- ABOUT US: From runway to real way to right now. We see the artist in you. Makeup is about expressing, exploring, and even “winging it”. Our cult classic, high-performing products do it all and they’re design for you. Come and play. It’s the Stila way. A proud product of the USA.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Drugstore Waterline Eyeliner
Want eyes that pop? A waterline eyeliner can do that! Applying liner to the inner rim of your eye—the waterline—makes your lashes look thicker and your eyes stand out. Drugstore options offer great quality without the high price. Here’s how to choose the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for waterline liner, some features matter more than others. These features help you get a great look that lasts.
1. Waterproof and Smudge-Proof Formula
- This is the most important feature. Waterline liners sit near your tears and eye moisture.
- A good waterproof formula will stay put all day. It will not run or smudge easily.
- Test this by blinking a few times right after application.
2. Intensity of Color
- You want a color that shows up clearly on your waterline.
- Look for high pigmentation. This means the color is rich and dark (usually black or dark brown).
- A sheer color will look faded quickly.
3. Ease of Application (Glide)
- The skin on your waterline is very sensitive. You need a liner that glides on smoothly.
- A creamy texture helps you apply the liner in one smooth swipe.
- Avoid liners that feel dry or require you to press hard.
Important Materials and Safety
Because this product goes so close to your eye, the ingredients matter a lot for safety and comfort.
Safe Ingredients
- Look for ophthalmologist-tested products. This means eye doctors checked them for safety.
- Many good liners contain waxes (like beeswax or synthetic waxes) to help them set and stay put.
- Some formulas include conditioning agents to keep the sensitive skin soft.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
- If you have very sensitive eyes, avoid harsh preservatives or strong dyes.
- If a product causes immediate stinging or redness in the store display (if you can test it), skip it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one drugstore liner better than another? It usually comes down to staying power and comfort.
Quality Boosters
- Quick Setting Time: A liner that sets firmly within 30 seconds stays in place the best.
- Retractable or Pencil Format: Retractable pencils are often creamier than standard sharpenable pencils. Sharpenable pencils can sometimes become gritty, which reduces quality.
Quality Reducers
- Oiliness: If the liner feels too oily, it will migrate (move) onto your lower lash line quickly.
- Hardness: A very hard liner drags on the skin, causing irritation and creating broken lines.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the liner affects your choice.
Daily Wear vs. Special Events
- For daily wear, prioritize comfort and a formula that lasts through a normal workday.
- For long events or humid weather, you absolutely need the most waterproof formula you can find.
Choosing Your Tool
- Pencil Liners: These are the easiest for beginners. They offer good control for tightlining (lining right at the base of the lashes).
- Kajal Liners: These are usually very soft and highly pigmented. They give a smoky, dramatic look but might require more touch-ups than a hard gel pencil.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drugstore Waterline Eyeliner
Q: What is the difference between tightlining and lining the waterline?
A: Tightlining means applying liner only to the upper lash line roots from underneath. Waterlining means applying liner to the wet rim of the lower or upper eyelid.
Q: Is it safe to put eyeliner on my waterline every day?
A: It is generally safe if you use ophthalmologist-tested products and keep your eyeliner pencils clean and sharpened. Do not share waterline liners.
Q: Why does my waterline liner always smudge after an hour?
A: Smudging usually happens because the formula is not truly waterproof, or your eyes produce a lot of moisture. Try blotting your waterline gently with a tissue first.
Q: Should I choose black or white/nude for my waterline?
A: Black makes eyes look more defined and dramatic. White or nude liners make your eyes look wider and brighter, which is great for small eyes.
Q: How long should a good drugstore waterline eyeliner last once opened?
A: Most pencil eyeliners should be replaced after 6 to 12 months to prevent bacterial growth.
Q: Can I use my regular eye pencil on my waterline?
A: You should only use pencils specifically labeled as safe for the waterline. Regular eye pencils can be too harsh or contain ingredients that irritate the wet part of your eye.
Q: What if my drugstore liner feels gritty?
A: If it feels gritty, the tip might be broken or dirty. If it’s a sharpenable pencil, wipe the tip clean or sharpen it carefully. If it’s a retractable pencil, you might need a new one.
Q: Do gel or wax formulas work better on the waterline?
A: Gel formulas often provide the best staying power and color payoff on the waterline because they adhere well.
Q: How do I make my eyeliner last longer once applied?
A: After applying the liner, gently set it by lightly dusting a matching eyeshadow powder over the top with a small, fine brush.
Q: What is the best way to remove waterline eyeliner?
A: Use a gentle, oil-based eye makeup remover. Oil dissolves the waterproof waxes that keep the liner in place, making removal easy and preventing tugging.