Tightlining, also known as invisible eyeliner, is a technique that involves applying eyeliner along the waterline, which is the thin strip of skin between the base of your eyelashes and your eyeball. The goal is to create the illusion of fuller, thicker lashes.
Tightlining is lining the lash line and waterline is the area between the lashes and eye. I think they can both be really noticeable if not done. It also depends on the look your going for. Usually when people refer to tighlining they're referring to lining the upper lash line.
What Is Tightlining? Tightlining is an eyeliner technique that applies eyeliner to the waterline, the eye area where the top and bottom eyelids meet when your eyes close. Tightlining defines your eye shape and makes the lash line appear fuller.
What Is the Waterline? The waterline is the area of skin between the base of the lash line and the cornea, where the eyelids meet when closed. Applying eyeliner to the waterline is a technique known as tightlining, enhancing the eyes and making eyelashes appear fuller.
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.
"When makeup is applied to the area known as the waterline, it can potentially block the glands known as meibomian glands that release an oily substance that contributes to the tear film, which can subsequently lead to dry eye or irritation," Garshick said.
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.
Can you put eyeliner just on the bottom lid? Absolutely! This look will suit some people's eye shape and personal style more than other's. So once again, test this at a time when it's safe to experiment - like before you're about to wash off your makeup- and not when you're about to head somewhere important.
Waterline Eyeliner Hack 2: Prep the Lash Line
To get the most out of your liner application, gently glide a tapered cotton bud along the upper and lower waterlines to lightly dry the area. This should help the eyeliner grip easier to the waterline, meaning your liner look will go the distance.
The standard size ranges from 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter. Size depends on factors like well depth, pump capacity, and regulations. Common pipe materials are PVC, polyethylene, cast iron, fiberglass, and copper.
Do: tightline your UPPER waterline. Yeah, some people consider tightlining a thing of the past. But, applied in the right ways, it can be really helpful in making eyes appear wider, and more awake. Tightlining the upper waterline with black or brown liner adds subtle depth to the eyes.
The waterline—a beauty term, not a medical term—is the line of skin between the eyelashes and the eye.
Tightlining is an easy technique of lining your upper waterline for a subtle yet impactful finish. It enhances the eye area and makes your lashes look fuller.
Tightlining is applying eyeliner underneath the upper lash line, whereas waterlining involves applying eyeliner just above the lower lash line.
Don't apply makeup inside the lash line.
Love to apply eyeliner along the inside of your eyelids? 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.
Apply Your Eyeliner Carefully
Carefully line your waterline by tracing along the edge of your eye—getting as close as possible to the root of your eyelashes. “I like to start in the middle of the waterline and gently run the pencil back and forth.
Opt for a soft and easy-to-apply gel liner and use a fine-pointed eyeliner brush. Start at the inner corner of the eye and draw a thin line along the lash line towards the outer corner. Then, using the brush, create a small flick at the end.
If you really want to make your eyes look bigger, try lining only the outer three-fourths of your upper lash line. This technique can help draw attention to the outer corners of your eyes and make your eyes appear larger.
Lining the waterline not only makes eyes look smaller, but it ages you, dulls your complexion, and makes us all very, very sad.
Using a gel pencil (as opposed to a traditional pencil eyeliner which is often too dry to adhere to the waterline) is the best way to achieve this look.
“It can cause eye irritation, infections, and clogged hair follicles, which may result in styes. Mascara and eyeliner can transfer to your pillow, leading to further contamination and irritation,” Dr. Joel Kopelman, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, tells Sleepopolis.