8 Top Eyeliners for Tightlining That Make Seductive Eyes Easy

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Despite the eyes occupying a relatively small area, it’s widely regarded as the focal point of the face. So it’s not surprising that various makeup techniques focus on making the eyes look more beautiful.

Using fake lashes is a quick and easy solution. But there’s another way to give your lashes more definition. It’s called tightlining. But before you give it your first try, it’s important to find the top eyeliners for tightlining.

A woman applying eyeliner in front of a mirror.

The top product for tightlining eyes can achieve the coveted doe-eyed makeup look without you having to worry about smudges or even hurting your eyes.

We’ve gathered the top eyeliners for tightlining, especially if you’re looking for something that will work well for sensitive eyes and last for hours!

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil
Editor's Choice
  • Improved formula for tightlining waterline
  • Creamy and waterproof
  • Great color payoff
VASANTI Kajal Waterline Pencil Eyeliner
Premium Pick
  • Safe for sensitive eyes
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Highly pigmented
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner
Budget Pick
  • Long-wear for up to 24 hours
  • Comes in 12 shades
  • Can also be used for other eyeliner looks

8 Top Eyeliners for Tightlining

1
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil

Urban Decay took their beloved eyeliner formula and improved it to come up with a product that’s specifically made for the waterline.

Key benefits: Waterproof pigment; texture that glides easily; cruelty-free

Features:

  • Creamy and demi-matte finish
  • Improved formula for waterline application
  • Free of mineral oil and paraffin

If you’re a fan of Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, then you’ll definitely love this one too!

 

Your search for the top inner eyelid liner is over with the 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil.

Urban Decay took the best features of its popular 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and crafted another hit. This time, it’s specifically made for waterlining and tightlining.

If you thought that 24/7 Glide-On was creamy, Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil is even more so. That makes it much easier to apply even in the more delicate tightline area.

Thanks to its waterproof formula, it has a great color payoff. Plus, many reviewers have found it less likely to fade throughout the day! All in all, it has truly earned its right to be called one of the top eyeliners for tightlining. 

2
Pure Ziva Cake Eyeliner in Black Matte

Don’t let its compact powder form fool you. Many reviewers attest to its intense color payoff!

Key benefits: Hypoallergenic; safe for contact lens wearers; stays on all day; can also function as eyeshadow

Features:

  • Comes in compact powder form
  • Natural plant extracts
  • Designed to work for tightlining technique

An eyeliner that’s affordable, perfect for tightlining, safe on the eyes, and doubles as eyeshadow? Yes, please!

 

Tightlining can be quite an intimidating part of the makeup process, especially if you’re not used to it yet. But here’s where the Pure Ziva eyeliner comes in handy. 

Advertised as the “perfect” eyeliner for tightlining, it comes in a unique caked powder form. So you’ll need to find the top tightlining brush, wet it, and dab it onto the compact to make a paste.

While this requires extra work, it also makes tightlining easier to accomplish for first-timers and pros alike. Its powder form also goes on easily and lets you fix mistakes seamlessly. 

Plus, many fans of the product swear by its vibrant color payoff. With the right brush, it will stay on throughout the day. 

And if wearing contact lenses has prevented you from joining the tightline trend, your FOMO days are over! Pure Ziva’s Cake Eyeliner is hypoallergenic and shouldn’t cause eye irritation, even for contact lens wearers.

3
Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside Waterproof Gel Liner

The best waterproof eyeliner for tightlining! It’s a gel liner in a retractable pen form, so it’s easy to use and applies smoother than most pencil eyeliners.

Key benefits: Full-pigment formula for tightlining; smooth application; buildable formula

Features:

  • Retractable tip for better product control
  • Black gel fade-resistant formula
  • Waterproof matte finish

We love a versatile makeup product, and that’s exactly what this Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeliner is!

 

Pencil eyeliners are generally easy and straightforward to use. But they can be difficult to apply, especially when they’re not formulated for tightlining.

That’s why gel eyeliners packaged as retractable pens are some of the greatest makeup innovations, just like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside Waterproof Gel Liner!

What’s even better about this product is it’s designed to work well for tightlining. So you can expect a creamy, smooth-gliding formula to deliver intense pigment with minimal effort.

And when we say versatile, we mean it! The Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside Waterproof Gel Liner can do just about anything to make your eyes look even more beautiful. 

Apart from tightlining, you can use this to create winged eyeliner, cat eye, or smokey eye looks.

4
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner

This has all the words you want to see when looking for eyeliners for tightlining: waterproof, long-wearing, and smudge-proof.

Key benefits: Waterproof and smudge-resistant; creamy formula suitable for waterline application; with 12 shade variants

Features:

  • Sharpenable pencil form
  • Promises up to 24-hour wear
  • Easy-glide formula

The ultimate eyeliner for your waterline from the popular L’Oreal Paris Infallible series. Go ahead and give it a try!

 

Its versatility is one of the reasons thousands of makeup enthusiasts love this pencil eyeliner. Additionally, it’s recognized as the top eyeliner for your lower lash line.

As part of the Infallible collection, its long-wearing formula is one of its standout qualities. Apart from that, its creamy, easy-gliding formula also makes it one of the top eye pencils for tightlining. 

If you’re a tightlining newbie, this one could be a great product. And if you’re looking for more pop of color, you’ll also love this one because it’s available in 12 different shades!

5
VASANTI Kajal Waterline Pencil Eyeliner

It has everything you need from an eyeliner for delicate eyes: tested safe by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, free of harsh chemicals, and a gentle long-wear formula.

Key benefits: Formulated for sensitive eyes; easy-glide kajal liner; long-wearing; won’t cause irritation

Features:

  • Velvety matte finish
  • Safe on tightline and waterline
  • Paraben- and gluten-free

One of the best eyeliners for tightlining sensitive eyes!

 

When you have sensitive eyes, you also have to consider whether or not an eyeliner would cause irritation hours after application.

Luckily, Vasanti has exactly what you need! This kajal pencil liner has been tested safe by experts, so it won’t irritate your sensitive eyes during and after lining your tightline.

It also promises to last long on the tightline or inner rims of your eyelids without causing irritation. This way, you can achieve fuller and more defined eye makeup throughout the day.

But remember that it’s not a retractable pen liner. It only twists one way, which ensures the product stays clean. So twist just the right amount you need for tightlining.

Its design may be a little different, but the consideration for cleanliness makes this the top eyeliner to tightline eyes that are extra sensitive. 

6
Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner

A water-resistant and vibrant gel eyeliner with an extra helping of vitamin E.  

Key benefits: Water-resistant; formulated for lash line and waterline application; blendable but won’t budge once dry

Features:

  • Vitamin E
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist-tested

Here’s another option for makeup lovers with sensitive eyes and, unsurprisingly, it’s from Neutrogena!

 

With a hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested formula, this gel eyeliner deserves a spot on the top eyeliners for tightlining, especially for those with sensitive eyes

You’re also getting added antioxidant benefits when you use this for tightlining because its formula is enriched with vitamin E.

Because the Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner is blendable, it’s also the top eyeliner options for undereye applications. 

So If you want to make soft smudges for dramatic eye makeup, you can apply this product to your lower tightline and blend it outward within 30 seconds. 

After this, the liner will dry fully and become water-resistant and smudge-proof. 

7
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner

If you want a pencil liner but don’t like sharpening it, you’ll thank NYX for this crowd-favorite retractable pen eyeliner.

Key benefits: Intense pigment; all-day wear; smudge-proof; can last even on humid days

Features:

  • Retractable pencil
  • Matte finish
  • Cruelty-free

It’s formulated with a creamy texture for easy distribution and high pigment, making it a top-notch eyeliner for tightlining!

 

Here to find the top eyeliner for tightlining that’s also affordable? Here’s something from NYX for you!

All you have to do is twist this retractable pen eyeliner whenever you want your eyes and lashes to pop even more.

NYX professional makeup black eyeliner on a marble background

It’s amassed a huge following because of its intense pigment and smooth-gliding formula, making it a great product for tightlining.

Many beauty enthusiasts also swear it’s a long-lasting eyeliner for the waterline and tightline. Tons of reviews indicate that it doesn’t smudge unless wiped off with a makeup remover.

8
Maybelline New York TattooStudio Waterproof Gel Pencil

Can’t choose between gel and pencil eyeliner? You don’t have to because Maybelline has the perfect gel pencil for tightlining!

Key benefits: Long-wear formula for up to 36 hours; high pigment; available in 16 shades

Features:

  • Vibrant color payoff on minimal application
  • Waterproof and smudge-resistant formula
  • Smooth texture for more precise lines

Get creative with its metallic and colorful shades or go for a more natural look with this Maybelline eyeliner!

 

You won’t find the words “waterline” or “tightline” in its name, but this product has everything you want in an eyeliner for tightlining.

It’s a gel and a pencil eyeliner all at once, meaning it’s easy to use and has a creamy texture.

It deposits pigment with just one glide and applies easily on your waterline and tightline, making it a great waterproof pencil eyeliner for tightlining.

On top of that, it has excellent color payoff. And if you’re looking to party all night and through the morning, this one’s formulated to last up to 36 hours!

Overall, this eyeliner from Maybelline is a must-have, whether it’s for tightlining or other techniques. 

What Is Tightlining?

Tightlining, also known as the “invisible eyeliner,” is a makeup technique of applying eyeliner on the waterline, which is the thin, wet lining of skin between your eyes and lashes. 

It’s where your top and bottom lids meet every time you close your eyes.

When tightlining, you’re filling the gaps between the ends of your lashes. That’s how tightlining adds more definition to your lashes and makes them look fuller and more voluminous.

Tightlining vs. Waterlining

You might hear some beauty influencers use “tightlining” and “waterlining” interchangeably. For them, these two terms are synonyms of each other; they both simply refer to the the technique of lining the waterline.  

On the flip side, some makeup artists claim that tightlining applies eyeliner to the upper waterline, while waterlining does so to the lower waterline.  

Either way, all you need to know is that eyeliners labeled “ideal for waterline” typically work great for tightlining.

Types of Eyeliner for Tightlining

Eyeliner comes in various types that often differ in formula and manner of application. So choosing the right product, especially for a specific technique like tightlining, can be challenging. 

To help you zero in on the top products for this makeup method, here are the most recommended types of eyeliner for tightlining.

Pencil Eyeliner

Pencil eyeliner is highly recommended for beginners because it’s easier to control.

It comes in sharpenable and mechanical forms. If you’re using the former, makeup artists recommend sharpening the pencil eyeliner before tightlining. This will help you make more precise strokes along the tightline.

Quick Tip

One common issue with pencil liners is they might require more pressure and several applications.

A good way to avoid this problem is to draw a few lines on the back of your hand before tightlining. This can help warm the tip of the eyeliner so its pigment transfers onto your tightline more evenly.

Gel Eyeliner

Gel eyeliner is another common choice for tightlining. It usually comes in a creamy texture, which makes it easier to spread along the upper waterline.

But because its pigment can transfer faster, you’ll have to be more precise with every stroke. While most gel liners come with their own brush, you may have to acquire a separate flat or angled eyeliner brush for better application.

What To Look for in Eyeliners for Tightlining

Formula

The waterline and tightline are very delicate and close to your eyeballs. So you want to use an eyeliner that can be easily applied on that thin strip of skin on your eyelids.

As such, it’s important to look for a creamy and smooth-gliding formula when looking for eyeliners for tightlining. 

Waterproof, Smudge-Proof, and Long-Wearing

These are the words you’ll want to see when shopping for eyeliners, especially when it’s for tightlining. 

Many environmental factors can make eyes water. So if you’re not wearing waterproof eyeliner along the waterline, you’re basically taking the risk of having smudged, raccoon eye makeup.

Quick Tip

Note that applying eyeliner along the waterline can be uncomfortable. So get a long-lasting eyeliner that won’t require reapplication later in the day.

Dermatologist-Tested or Ophthalmologist-Tested

Not every eyeliner for tightlining is labeled as having been tested by skin and eye experts. But if you have sensitive eyes, this is something that you should look for when shopping for eyeliner. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Tightline With Liquid Eyeliner?

Technically speaking, you can use liquid eyeliner for tightlining. A pen type of liquid liner (the ones with pointed felt tips) and a quick-drying formula can get the job done. 

The question, however, is “Should you use it?”

Makeup experts generally advise against using liquid eyeliner for waterlining. Most liquid formulas take time to dry, so it’s more prone to smearing and could easily irritate your eyes.

What Color Is Top for Tightlining?

Black and brown are generally the top colors for tightlining. Black gives you a bold, dramatic look, while brown lends a subtle yet striking hint of definition.  

You can also experiment with colors like blue, green, purple, or any other color! 

Choose Only the Top Eyeliner for Tightlining Your Waterline

When choosing makeup products, we have to make sure we’re grabbing the best in terms of formula. That’s even more important when we’re looking for eyeliners for tightlining.

A woman applying the best eyeliner in front of a mirror.

The delicateness of the tightline area and its proximity to our eyes are great reasons to invest in the top eyeliner for tightlining. And we hope you’ve found the next product to try from the list above!

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Author

  • Ashley Pena

    Ashley Pena brings over 13 years of seasoned writing and editing expertise, fortified by her Bachelor of Science in Management. Esteemed in the beauty domain, her content captivates readers with its depth and authenticity. While she navigates a broad spectrum of beauty trends, Ashley shines particularly as our resident K-beauty guru. Her articles are a harmonious blend of passion and profound knowledge, inspiring readers on their unique beauty journeys.

One Comment

  1. Great information…I was looking for liquid eyeliner from Cover Girl.

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