Ever wish your eyes could pop with a little extra definition, but you’re unsure how to apply eyeliner underneath them without looking like a raccoon? You’re not alone! Many people find lining their lower lash line tricky, and it’s easy to end up with smudges or a harsh look.
Choosing the right eyeliner for your under-eyes can feel overwhelming. There are so many kinds – pencils, gels, liquids – and different colors and finishes. Plus, the skin under your eyes is delicate, so you need something that’s gentle and stays put. Getting it wrong can make your eyes look smaller or tired, which is the opposite of what you want!
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which eyeliners work best for the under-eye area. We’ll explore the types of liners that give you a beautiful, defined look that lasts all day. Get ready to master the art of under-eye eyeliner and make your eyes shine!
Top Eyeliner For Under Eyes Recommendations
- 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
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand; We don't test any of our products on animals
- Discover NYX Professional Makeup: Try all of our professional makeup products today from eyeshadow, eyeliner, and false lashes to liquid lipstick, lip gloss, primer, concealer, setting sprays and eyebrow makeup
- Create A Rich Eyeliner Look: The Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil vault is finally unlocked! Grab the richest matte, shimmer & metallic eyeliner shades! From spicy pearl to amber stunner, these razor-sharp eye liners will create the richest eye look ever
- 1-Swipe Eye Liner: Our Vivid Rich Eyeliner Pencil comes in 12, 1-swipe vivid shades, each pencil eyeliner loaded with creamy gem-tone pigments for liner looks made easy! Mix & match our precious gem toned eye liner pencils or go monochrome
- 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
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand; We don't test any of our products on animals
- Remove Maybelline Makeup With Micellar Water: Use Garnier Micellar Water as a gentle makeup remover at night, and as a facial cleanser in the morning to prep skin for Maybelline makeup
- Built-in smudger and sharpener.
- Intensely pigmented shades.
- High-precision lines and subtle blending.
- Highly pigmented, waterproof eyeliner formula.
- Up to 10 hours of long-lasting wear.
- 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.
- CREATE AN 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.
- BEAUTY TIP: Apply all over the eyelid as a base for eyeshadow for an intense, dramatic, runway-inspired look.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
- 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
- INFUSED WITH HYDRATING INGREDIENTS: Packed with hydrating vitamin E, plus jojoba oil and cottonseed oil, these vegan, cruelty-free eyeliners condition and nourish your skin while delivering smooth, high-performance color payoff
- NEXT-LEVEL ROUTINE: Apply Face Bond Waterproof Foundation and prep eyelids with Primer Potion. Use the multi-purpose 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner that won't budge. Finish by adding a pop of color with Moondust Glitter Eyeshadow in shade Space Cowboy, then lock in your look for all-day wear with All Nighter Setting Spray
- Longwear Gel Eyeliner: This eyeliner delivers even strokes with 36HR hold, with a smudge-resistant, waterproof eye makeup formula. This eyeliner pencil glides on smoothly with no mess and no touch-ups
- Easy Glide Application: Apply eye liner as an even stroke or use the included blending tip to fade out lines for a dramatic eye makeup look. Ophthalmologist tested & suitable for sensitive eyes
- Define Your Eye: Your infallible look isn't complete without eye liner. Available in 6 color eyeliner shades. Enhance your classic look with a black eyeliner, get bold with a green, teal, or blue eyeliner, or try neutral grey or brown eyeliner
- Because You're Worth It: Create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
- L'Oreal Paris Beauty: A leading total beauty care company based in Paris, we offer innovative products and unique expertise from beauty experts in makeup, skin care, hair care, styling and hair color
- 【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!
- PLAY ALL DAY: Want an eyeliner that does it all? This multi-use pencil lets you create endless eye looks, from bold lines to soft smudges, any way you want to play it.
- BLEND LIKE A PRO: The built-in blending brush creates sultry eyes a pinch. Plus, it’s the first sharpenable pencil with a blending brush.
- EFFORTLESS GLIDE: No tugging, no skipping. Just smooth, liquid-like lines every time.
- LOCK YOUR LOOK: The creamy texture gives you time to blend and define before it sets, so your look is exactly where you want it.
- GO THE DISTANCE: Waterproof, fade-proof, and vegan with up to 12 hours of wear, so your look lasts through every moment.
Choosing the Best Eyeliner for Your Under Eyes
Want to make your eyes pop or hide those tired-looking shadows? Eyeliner for under your eyes can do wonders! But with so many options, picking the right one can feel tricky. This guide will help you find the perfect liner to brighten your gaze and boost your confidence.
What to Look For in Under-Eye Eyeliner
Key Features to Consider
- Color: Light colors like white, cream, or nude are great for making eyes look bigger and more awake. Darker colors can define your eyes, but use them carefully to avoid looking tired.
- Formula: You want a formula that won’t smudge or fade. Look for long-lasting or waterproof options.
- Tip Type: A fine tip is best for precise application. A thicker tip can be good for a softer look.
- Ease of Use: It should be easy to glide on without pulling or tugging at your delicate under-eye skin.
Important Ingredients to Know
- Waxes (like Carnauba or Beeswax): These help the eyeliner stay put and give it a smooth texture.
- Oils (like Jojoba or Castor Oil): These make the liner glide easily and can be moisturizing.
- Pigments: These give the eyeliner its color.
- Polymers: These help the liner dry down and become smudge-proof.
What Makes Eyeliner Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Smooth Application: The liner should go on without skipping or dragging.
- Long-Lasting Wear: It stays on all day without creasing or fading.
- Smudge-Proof: It doesn’t transfer to your upper lid or under your eye throughout the day.
- Gentle Formula: It doesn’t irritate your eyes or the sensitive skin around them.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Dry Formula: It tugs at the skin, making it hard to apply.
- Quick Smudging: It transfers easily, making your eyes look messy.
- Irritating Ingredients: It causes redness or stinging.
- Poor Pigmentation: The color is faint and needs many layers to show up.
User Experience and When to Use It
Using eyeliner under your eyes is simple. Most people apply it directly to the lower lash line or in the inner corner of the eye. A nude or white liner in the waterline (the wet part of your lower eyelid) can make your eyes look instantly brighter and more open. For a more dramatic look, a dark liner smudged softly along the lower lash line can add definition.
Use Cases:
- Brightening Eyes: Use a nude or white liner to make tired eyes look more awake.
- Defining Eyes: A soft brown or grey liner can add subtle definition.
- Creating a Smoky Look: Smudge a black or deep brown liner for a sultry effect.
- Correcting Eye Shape: A touch of liner can balance out your eye shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What color eyeliner is best for under my eyes?
A: Light colors like nude, white, or cream are great for brightening and making eyes look bigger. Darker colors can add definition but use them lightly.
Q: Can I use any eyeliner on my waterline?
A: No, only eyeliners labeled “waterproof” or “for waterline” are safe for the inner rim of your eye. Other liners can irritate your eyes.
Q: How do I stop my under-eye eyeliner from smudging?
A: Use a long-lasting or waterproof formula. You can also set it with a bit of eyeshadow powder using a fine brush.
Q: Is it bad to put eyeliner under your eyes?
A: It’s not bad if you use the right product and apply it gently. Avoid harsh tugging on the delicate skin.
Q: What’s the difference between eyeliner for upper and lower lids?
A: Liners for the upper lid are often more pigmented and designed for precise lines. Under-eye liners should be gentler and often come in lighter shades for brightening.
Q: How do I apply eyeliner to my lower lash line without it looking harsh?
A: Use a soft pencil or a brush with eyeshadow. Apply lightly and then smudge it with a clean brush or your finger for a softer look.
Q: Can I use a liquid eyeliner under my eyes?
A: Yes, but it’s trickier. A fine-tipped liquid liner can work for a precise line, but pencil or gel liners are usually easier for under-eye application.
Q: What if I have dark circles? What eyeliner helps?
A: A nude or peach-toned eyeliner applied to the waterline can help cancel out the blue or purple tones of dark circles.
Q: How often should I replace my eyeliner?
A: Pencils can last 1-2 years, while liquid or gel liners should be replaced after 6-12 months to prevent bacteria growth.
Q: Can I use eyeliner if I wear glasses?
A: Absolutely! Eyeliner can help define your eyes and make them stand out even when wearing glasses.