Should I use white or black eyeliner?

Author: Hoyt Senger  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

White eyeliner is a makeup artist trick for brightening up the face and making your eyes look bigger and more awake, particularly when used on the bottom waterline. When using a dark color on the bottom lash line, it can make eyes look smaller and drawn-down, but white has the reverse effect.

What is the point of white eyeliner?

Like any eyeliner, white eyeliner emphasizes your eyes. It's typically used to brighten your eyes, but it also helps to make your eyes appear bigger than they actually are when you apply it on the waterline.

What color of eyeliner should I use?

However , some popular and universally flattering options include black , brown , and navy blue . Black eyeliner is a classic choice that can add drama and definition to any eye look , while brown is a softer and more natural alternative that can enhance lighter eye colors .

Which eyeliner is most attractive?

The Best Eyeliner
  • High performance and affordable: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. ...
  • A beginner's go-to: Danessa Myricks Beauty Linework Paintbrush Fluid Liquid Eyeliner. ...
  • Standout drugstore star: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil.

Who should wear black eyeliner?

Looks great on anyone. Unlike brown tones, which tend to pop more on lighter eyes and skin tones, anyone can use black eyeliner to amp up their look. "Pretty much anyone with any eye color can wear black liner—it's up to preference," says Giglio.

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Is white or black eyeliner better?

White eyeliner is a makeup artist trick for brightening up the face and making your eyes look bigger and more awake, particularly when used on the bottom waterline. When using a dark color on the bottom lash line, it can make eyes look smaller and drawn-down, but white has the reverse effect.

Am I too old to wear black eyeliner?

If you are wondering what eyeliner colour an older woman should wear, brown or black is the answer. These classic colours provide a timeless look and lend a touch of youthfulness to your eyes.

Does white or black eyeliner make eyes bigger?

Rimming your eyes in inky black liner makes them look tinier than they actually are. Instead, make your eyes look wide awake with a white or nude-colored liner like the Maybelline New York TattooStudio White Eyeliner. A light color opens up your eyes, making them look larger.

What color eyeliner makes your eyes pop?

When in doubt Hughes says to think rich berry tones, deep purples, and emerald greens. For a more subtle approach, consider makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown's go-to eye-brightening strategy: A gold eyeliner dabbed on the inner corners. “It catches the warm light of brown eyes [for extra sparkle],” she says.

What eyeliner makes you look younger?

Instead, apply a white or nude shade of eyeliner just along the lower inner waterline. In conclusion, the best eyeliner practices for aging eyes involve using soft pencils, lighter shades, and smudging techniques to create a natural, youthful look.

Is white eyeliner in style?

The social media platform's biggest beauty trend is all about applying white eyeliner to the waterline of the eyes to brighten and widen them. And thanks to influencer Alix Earle, whose signature style includes drawing white on her lower lash line, the old-school makeup technique has been given a new life.

What color eyeliner makes your eyes look bluer?

According to colour theory, you'll need an orange-based shade to perfectly contrast your blue eyes. Charlotte suggests adding a copper shade to your eye makeup look – by finding a hue that's a perfect opposite to your eye colour, you can make your blue eyes appear bluer and even more mesmerizing!

What color eyeliner does Kate Middleton use?

To achieve her signature eyeliner look we recommend Middleton's favorite—the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Smudge-Proof Gel Eyeliner.

What is the white eyeliner trick?

White eyeliner (or nude eyeliner) has long been used by professionals to make eyes look bigger, more awake, and even curtail the shadowy effects of tiredness. When using a dark color on the bottom lash line particularly, it can make eyes look smaller and drawn-down, but white has the reverse effect.

What does black eyeliner do?

Black Eyeliner: The Classic Choice

It's perfect for those who want their eyes to stand out and make a statement. Drama: Whether you're going for a classic winged look or a dramatic smoky eye, black eyeliner is your best bet. It adds an element of drama and intensity that's hard to achieve with other shades.

Does white eyeliner make your eyes look smaller?

Black eyeliner on your waterline does not look good and it makes your eyes appear smaller and look a bit boxy. If you want to create the opposite effect and make your eyes look bigger and more open, use a nude eyeliner on your waterline and couple it with a dark brown liner on your lower eyelid.

Should I use white eyeliner?

Shading in your waterline with white eyeliner instantly makes your eyes look wider, brighter, and more awake by seemingly extending the whites and covering up any redness. Think of this trick as your best friend after a long night out or a grueling week at work.

Does black eyeliner make your eyes pop?

Enhancing Eye Shape and Color: Black eyeliner has a magical ability to enhance your eye shape and make your eye color pop. It can create the illusion of larger, more defined eyes by lining the upper lash line and the outer corners.

What color eyeliner makes you look awake?

Nude eyeliner (along with white eyeliner) has been used by makeup artists for years to make the eyes look bigger and to make the face look more awake and radiant.

Should eyeliner go above or below lash line?

Apply the liner thinly and as close to the lash line as possible to avoid a heavy look. If you want a more natural effect, apply the liner just under the lashes rather than on the waterline.

Is white or black better for eyes?

Dark mode makes it easier for your eyes to adjust from your dimly lit surroundings to your phone screen. This can reduce eye strain and minimize eye fatigue. Car navigation systems and GPS devices switch to dark mode after sunset for this reason.

Does black eyeliner under eyes make you look older?

Ali stated: "If you're using black around the eyes, that's it - plus five, 10, 15 years even. It not only ages you but it gives you a very severe look." Many women turn to a black eyeliner pencil in an attempt to "enhance" their eyes, but the expert advised strongly against this.

When not to wear eyeliner?

"The reasons eye doctors do not recommend to wear eyeliner on the waterline of your eye is because there are specialized glands there that produce and excrete oil. "The oil should be an olive oil texture, but as you can see here it looks more like toothpaste.

Should an older woman wear mascara on bottom lashes?

DON'T wear mascara on your lower lashes. Playing up your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to dark circles. It makes the eyes look older and accentuates the under eye wrinkles.

How to make eyes look bigger when older?

That being said, if you do want to make your eyes look bigger, here are some tips that can help you achieve just that.
  1. Use brown eyeliner. ...
  2. Know the three-fourths rule. ...
  3. Create a winged look. ...
  4. Tightline with white liner. ...
  5. Brush up your brows. ...
  6. Stick to neutral eyeshadow. ...
  7. Lightly contour your eye area. ...
  8. Highlight your brow bone.

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