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.
To limit the risk of developing dry eyes, Dr Carver told BuzzFeed that people should avoid wearing eyeliner or eye makeup in their waterlines on all occasions, as there is no eyeliner that is “safe” for doing so.
There's a half-baked theory behind the white-dot makeup trick: By placing four dots around your eye in a diamond configuration — one on either side, as well as above and below your pupils — you're psychologically manipulating the person looking you in the eye.
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.
If you want to make your eyes look bigger then use white or nude liner, especially if the rest of your eye look is very dark. Using black in the water line closes the eye and makes it look smaller.
As it turns out, it's probably not the safest idea. Applying eyeliner on the waterline increases your risk of contaminating your eye. Any bacteria or contaminants on the tip of your eyeliner have the potential to travel into your eye and cause discomfort, irritation or redness to those with sensitive or dry eyes.
The best part of waterline eyeliner is that it's truly so easy for all eye and lid sizes and shapes. It actually might be one of the most universally-appealing makeup trends TikTok ever yielded.
On what shade to choose to brighten the waterline, Aharon notes that “it really depends on your skin tone, the natural color of your waterline, and the effect you're attempting.” For every day, she's partial to an off-white or nude shade that's a bit more versatile and subtle than a stark white.
"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.
The bold claims started from TikTok creator Michelle Diaz, who shares dating tips on her account. Diaz shared the hack on TikTok, saying that men have been unable to stop looking at her when she wears the white dot liner look.
Also known as the “four dots eye trick” or “four dots eye thing,” the trend involves applying four dots of white eyeliner on the inner and outer corners of your eyes, as well as above and below the center of your eye, to create a hypnotic love spell of the sorts.
This #FourDots TikTok makeup trend is everywhere – apparently, if you put four dots around your eyes, people are more attracted to you.
What does white eyeliner do for your eyes? “White eyeliner makes the eyes look bigger and brighter,” says Ashley Gray, a professional makeup artist and the owner of Ashthetics Skincare. “Applying it to your lower waterline or doing a cat eye with a white eyeliner can really make the eyes pop.
Thankfully, there are plenty of eyeliner formulas out there that are perfectly safe to use on your waterline. Just be sure to be very gentle when going near your eyes with the pencil as you don't want to poke yourself. It's also best to use a waterproof formula to prevent as much transfer into the eyes as possible.
To make your brown eyes appear brighter, go for colored eyeliner in contrasting shades. For instance, think shades of midnight blue and teal, shades of olive and emerald green, shades of vivid purple and soft purple for a regal look, and even grey and charcoal to bring out any gold flecks in your brown peepers.
Dr. Carver-Schemper does not recommend doing it at all — and no type of eyeliner is "safe" to put in your waterline either. "It doesn't matter what kind of eyeliner it is, all of them can obstruct the oils glands and cause irreversible gland damage," she said.
If you have brown eyes, blue, green, and purple liners will make them pop, though jet black can also be flattering. For hazel eyes, purple, green, gray, and taupe are all excellent choices. People with green eyes should look for burgundy, rust, and other warm, reddish tones, though black and brown can also work well.
Also called "tightlining," lining your waterline can make a huge difference in your finished eye-makeup look, especially along the lower waterline. It can add continuity to an intense, smoky eye or an impactful jolt of unexpected color in an otherwise low-key look.
“It gives a softer, more natural look as opposed to a black or pop of colored liner,” says O'Leary. It proves brown eyeliner makeup doesn't necessarily need eyeshadow to make the eyes pop; just pair it with a lengthening mascara to add definition.
A statement color, glowing skin, and graphic eyeliner are not going out of style anytime soon. And don't forget to add on your face gems–they're a must-have (trust us).
White liner on the lower lash line will create the illusion of being more awake as it emphasizes the whites of your eyes, consequently allowing you to look younger and more vibrant.
You can also use white for more whimsical eyeliner looks—the white dot trend was even one of Google's top trending searches for 2022. White liner is especially good for making the eyes pop. "It instantly brightens the eyes and makes your eyeballs look whiter," the pro adds.
DON'T line your whole eye.
Drawing your eyeliner from outside corner all of the way to the inside corner of your eye, on top and bottom, is just a whole lotta eyeliner. It's harsh and unflattering, and makes your eyes appear smaller. It also makes it look like you wear a studded black belt over your Billabong t-shirt.