What is tightlining between lashes?

Author: Kaitlyn Considine  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

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.

Is tightlining safe for your eyes?

Rule #2) Tightlining Why is it bad for you: Tightlining is when the eyeliner is placed on the inner rim of the eyelid. This space is part of your eye. It's not part of your skin. Its job is to lubricate your eyes with oils. Covering it with eye liner prevents the oils from coating your tears.

Should you put eyeliner on your lash line or waterline?

“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.

What is the difference between tightline and waterline?

There's no difference between tightlining and waterlining: Both terms describe the same technique of applying eyeliner to your waterline. Some may use “tightlining” to refer to only lining your upper waterline, and “waterlining” to describe lining both upper and lower waterlines, but this isn't a hard-and-fast rule.

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

Lining Your Waterline With Black Eyeliner

A light color opens up your eyes, making them look larger. You can certainly use black eyeliner, just avoid lining the inner rims of your eyes.

How to tightline your eyes w/ NO transfer

What type of eyeliner is best for tightlining?

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.

Should you tightline hooded eyes?

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.

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.

Can you tightline with mascara?

Tight lining is another technique where you apply eye liner to the underside of your upper lash line which gives you a very dark, sultry smokey eye look. You can tightline with your waterproof mascara by gently pressing your mascara brush at the very base of your lashes and waterline simultaneously.

Is it bad to wear eyeliner on your waterline every day?

Applying eyeliner directly on the waterline can sometimes obstruct the oil glands, potentially leading to irritation or infection.

How to line eyes over 50?

Here are some essential tips for applying eyeliner if you're over 50:
  1. Tip 1: Use a light hand. Delicate skin requires a gentle touch. ...
  2. Tip 2: Opt for a thin brush. ...
  3. Tip 3: Choose brown or black eyeliner. ...
  4. Tip 4: Focus on the top lid. ...
  5. Tip 5: Embrace waterproof formulas.

What are the benefits of Tightlining?

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.

What is 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.

Should you wear eyeliner on top or bottom?

Wear a darker colour eyeliner or eyeshadow on the top lid - and softer colour on the bottom lid. Avoid using eyeliner on the bottom lid in full daylight settings, such as for a garden lunch or the beach. Reserve bottom eyeliner for low light settings. Test the look of lining the wet line - not just the lid.

How to stop eyeliner transfer from hooded eyes?

Use Primer to Avoid Smudging

If you have hooded eyes, there's a chance that your eyeliner will smear or smudge because of the extra layer of skin on your eye that folds over your crease. Use an eye primer before eyeliner to help extend the wear of it and prevent any transfer by locking the liner into place.

Should I tightline with brown or black?

When it comes to choosing an eyeliner colour for tightlining, a black shade, like L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Black, will offer you a darker, more severe look, generally intensifying your eyes and the makeup you have on, whereas brown will give you a look that is quite a bit softer ...

What eyeliner stays on the waterline all day?

There's a reason Urban Decay dubs its 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Pencil as the "#1 Eyeliner in the U.S." Its smudge-proof, ultra-creamy, high-impact formula has won over legions of fans. Case in point: It's one of Jaikaran's favorite waterline eyeliners.

Do you put eyeliner on waterline or lash line?

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.

What color eyeliner makes eyes look bigger?

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.

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.

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!

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