Is putting eyeliner on waterline bad?

Author: Dr. Art Barton  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Don't apply makeup inside the lash line. If you're a fan of this technique (sometimes referred to as “waterlining”), you should know that this blocks the oil glands that secrete oils that protect your cornea. It also can introduce bacteria directly into the eye.

Is it bad to wear eyeliner in waterline?

No, it's not a good idea to put makeup, especially liquid eyeliner, on your waterline. This can cause eye complications and clog up the glands in your lower eyelid.

Does eyeliner on waterline age you?

Lining the waterline not only makes eyes look smaller, but it ages you, dulls your complexion, and makes us all very, very sad.

Is it bad to put eyeliner on your lash line?

Using eyeliner as mascara can result in clumpy , uneven , and potentially damaging application . Additionally , eyeliner is not formulated to be applied to the delicate lashes and can cause irritation or even infection_alt .

Does putting eyeliner on your waterline make your eyes look bigger?

Adding eyeliner to your waterline is an easy way to change up your eye makeup. It can add darkness to a smoky eye, brighten up tired/red eyes, make smaller eyes look bigger, and big eyes look smaller.

No Makeup Makeup & MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint

Why do people put white eyeliner on their waterline?

Using on your waterline will create the illusion of a more wide-awake, brighter looking eye, but it's also fabulous for other uses. Trace a faint line on your Cupid's Bow to emphasise your pout before applying a little highlighter. This will help to define the look of your lips for a truly kissable pout.

What's the difference between tightlining and waterlining?

Tightlining is applying eyeliner underneath the upper lash line, whereas waterlining involves applying eyeliner just above the lower lash line.

Where not to put eyeliner?

What Should You Not Do With Eyeliner? DON'T line your whole eye. DON'T tight line your waterline on top and bottom.

What is puppy eyeliner?

We've got something new for you to try: puppy dog eyeliner! Whereas cat-eye liner swoops up and out at the eyes' edge, puppy liner goes down. It's unusual, it's sexy and once you get the steps, it's easy to do!

Who should not wear black eyeliner?

"If you have light eyes and light skin, black liner will show up more dramatically on you," says Giglio. Simply put, "If you're very fair-skinned and don't want the drama of a black liner, opt for the brown." "Brown eyeliner creates a softer, more natural look.

What make up ages you?

These 5 Makeup Mistakes Might Be Ageing You
  • 1/Wearing Eyeliner On The Lower Lash Line.
  • 2/Not Prepping The Skin With Hydration.
  • 3/Wearing The Wrong Shade Of Foundation (Or Too Much Of It)
  • 4/Ignoring The Eyebrows.
  • 5/Skipping Concealer Under The Eyes.

Is liquid eyeliner out of style?

"Gen Z trends tend to favor more natural makeup styles that enhance features without heavy application. Winged eyeliner can sometimes appear too dramatic, which contrasts the minimalistic, effortless vibe many prefer."

Is it bad to tightline your eyes?

Is tightlining bad for your eyes? Tightlining isn't inherently good or bad for your eyes when done properly. However, it's important to remember that not all eyeliners are ideal for tightlining. Stick with creamy, easy-to-apply pencils and gels and avoid liquid liners, which could potentially run into your eyes.

Does eyeliner on waterline cause dry eyes?

Direct Contact with the Glands

When eyeliner is applied directly on the waterline, waxes, oils, silicones and other ingredients coat the openings of the Meibomian glands, creating blockages that interfere with oil production.

How to remove eyeliner from waterline?

For those stubborn bits of liner that just won't budge, it's time to bring in the big guns - Q-tips! Dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and carefully trace along your lash line to remove any remaining eyeliner. This is especially helpful for getting rid of liner on your waterline or between your lashes.

Do people still put eyeliner on waterline?

If you're still a fan of the look, you'll be happy to know that this makeup trend is pretty classic. Lining the rim of your eyes, also called tightlighting, requires placing eyeliner on your waterline, aka the inner rim of your top or bottom eyelid.

Is eyeliner safe for the water line?

It's really important to use waterproof eyeliner that's formulated for your waterline. Many standard eyeliners contain ingredients that aren't meant to go on your waterline. Certain colourants are irritating if they're applied too close to your eye.

What eyeliner does Billie Eilish use?

After prepping with Biba De Sousa skin-care products, Eilish goes to work on her eye makeup regimen, reaching for the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Sharpenable Gel Pencil Eyeliner ($10). She glides the creamy formula along her waterline before tightlining her upper waterline to define her eyes and add depth.

Does bottom eyeliner age you?

Does Bottom Eyeliner Age You? In certain circumstances wearing eyeliner on the bottom lid can make someone appear older or hardened as it can make the eye seem more sunken.

Is eyeliner damaging?

Swift application of kajal, mascara, or eyeliner poses a risk of corneal damage. The use of infected brushes or makeup pencils can scratch the eye's surface, potentially causing severe infections in extreme cases.

What type of eyeliner is best for waterline?

Marie Claire's Best Eyeliners for the Waterline
  • Best Overall Eyeliner for the Waterline: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil.
  • Best Affordable Eyeliner for the Waterline: Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil Eyeliner.
  • Best Luxury Eyeliner for the Waterline: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner.

Why do people line their waterline?

And when applied correctly and according to your eye shape, waterline eyeliner offers a host of benefits. “Applying eyeliner to your waterline can make your lashes appear fuller, accentuate the natural shape of your eye, or add extra sultriness to a smoky eye look,” makeup artist Sara Wren tells us.

Should I put eyeliner on my upper waterline?

Is it safe to put eyeliner on your waterline? "It depends on how you define safe. Applying anything to the conjunctiva or waterline is at higher risk than some other areas of the skin of causing infection, clogged pores, irritation, and allergy," explains dermatologist, Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD.

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