It is a simple hack and deserves to be included in your eye makeup routine, especially for the no-makeup days. First, however, you need to choose the right eyeliner to get the desired effect. In this article, we have made a list of the 15 most effective eyeliners for tightlining. Take a look.
15 Best Tightlining Eyeliners That Will Make Your Eyes Pop
1. Best For Sensitive Eyes:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lacquer Eyeliner – Blackest Black
This blackest of black eyeliner comes with a gel eyeliner brush that makes it easy for you to create clean, intense, and precise lines smoothly. The gel formula gives a high-shine lacquered finish and is dedicated to your service for 24 hours after application. It is tested ophthalmologically and therefore suitable for users who wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes. Additionally, the fade-free formula of this eyeliner secures its place as one of the best tightline eyeliner of this year. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of this product. Pros
Stays long Smudge-free Glossy finish Smooth Application Comes in 5 shades Can be used on the waterline without irritation
Cons
Transferable if eyes are rubbed Removal can be difficult May dry out if the lid is not closed properly
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2. Best Waterproof Formula:Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner – Stingray
The formula of this pencil eyeliner is a mélange of moisturizing components including Vitamin E and therefore gives you a smooth glide while applying. Though we aim to find the best tightline eyeliner, this eyeliner can multitask as a classic pencil liner and a smudgy eye shadow. Stila Smudge Sticks not only come in a variety of shades, but they also come in a variant of hues such as pop, shimmer, and matte. In addition to being moisturizing, the formula is waterproof and hence is less likely to fade on wear. Check out this video on YouTube for a detailed understanding of the product. Pros
Color-rich Easy-to-apply Waterproof Smudge-free Variety of colors and textures
Cons
Hard to remove Runs easily Resistant to waterline
3. Best Smudge-Proof Formula:Lavish Liner – Jet Black
Lavish Liner’s waterproof and smudge-proof qualities make it a good candidate for tightline eyeliner. This is a liquid eyeliner that is infused with botanical eyelash serum, biotin, and castor oil.Free of harsh chemicals, this kajal waterline eyeliner is safe for sensitive eyes in addition to being one of the cheapest eyeliners. Made with high-quality ingredients, the serum present in this tightline eyeliner is clinically and dermatologically tested. Pros
Easy to apply Stays long Water-resistant Smudge-proof Clinically and dermatologically tested Regular usage boosts length and thickness of eyelashes naturally
Cons
Might dry up fast Might be blotchy on application
4. Best Free Of Harsh Chemicals:Vasanti Kajal Waterline – Intense Black
This eyeliner for waterline has a creamy formula, and therefore, smoothly glides on the surface. The kajal has a velvety matte finish and lasts long despite being applied to the watery rims of the eye. Free of harsh chemicals, this kajal waterline eyeliner is safe for sensitive eyes in addition to being one of the cheapest eyeliners. To get that dark color in one precise stroke, you can try out Vasanti Kajal Waterline eyeliner. Pros
Paraben-free Gluten-free Cruelty-free Dermatologically tested
Cons
Might not stay for long durations Might be blotchy after application
5. Best Quick Drying Eyeliner:Skone Insanely Intense Tattooed Waterproof Eyeliner – Jet Black
As the name suggests, this eyeliner stays all day tattooed to the applied area and therefore works wonders for oily eyelids. In addition to being waterproof and smudge-proof, this eyeliner dries fast after applying. It’s liquid felt tip brush gives tight and crisp strokes, making precise application on waterline effortless. The Skone’s high pigment formula gives intense color pay off when applied. Pros
Water-resistant Smudge-proof Easy-to-apply Stays long Rich color Cruelty-free Dries fast after application
Cons
Prone to smear It can give bumpy lines due to the irregular flow of liquid to the eyeliner brush tip.
6. Best Long Staying Power:It Tightline Full Lash Length Black Primer With Peptide Enhancing Serum
Get most of your eye make-up needs sorted with this one purchase. In addition to being an eyeliner, the It Tightline also functions as a lash primer and mascara. Furthermore, the ultra-conditioning formula of this product contains proteins, biotin, collagen, olive, jojoba, and avocado oil that nourishes and enhances the lashes naturally. Its waterproof formula ensures that the eyeliner stays on even after 12 hours of party-time. Pros
3-in-1 functionality Lash enhancing formula Long staying Waterproof
Cons
Might uncurl your lashes Might be flaky after application
7. Best Resistant To Fading:Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner – Black Ebony
This cake eyeliner glides smoothly across your lash line and stays on for as long as you need to stay out. For tightlining, this powder formula works better than other eyeliners in terms of water-resistance. There is no smudging, flaking, or smearing with this tightline eyeliner, making it one of the best eyeliner for the waterline. If you want to know more about this product, check out this video on YouTube. Pros
Long-staying Intense colors Resistant to fading Easy-to-use Dermatologically tested
Cons
Can be uneven during application
8. Best Richly-Pigmented:bareMinerals Lasting Line – Absolute Black
The Vitamin C and mineral-enriched rich formula of this eye-liner has a soft and creamy texture that is long-lasting. In case you are one of the gals who would like to seamlessly blend your tightline eyeliner, this eye-liner is ideal for you. It’s ergonomically-smudged tip gives smooth, effortless blending. This is a justified purchase as a great drugstore eyeliner. Pros
Smudge-free Richly-pigmented Enriched with Vitamin C Easy-to-apply
Cons
Might bleed
9. Best Creamy Texture:Mally Beauty Eyeliner – Milk Chocolate
Tired of the same old black for tight lining your lashes? Don’t worry, Mally Beauty Eyeliner brings you a range of shades to choose from. Specifically, the Milk Chocolate color that gives you a nude look to your eyelashes. When you tightline with a color like that, your eyes seem defined and bigger but without the visible traces of an eyeliner. Additionally, this eyeliner is waterproof and smudge-proof, giving the wearer ample time to party with that no-makeup look. Pros
Creamy texture Waterproof Blends well Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
Prone to smear Washes off easily
10. Best Sweat-Proof:Clio Sharp, So Simple Waterproof Pencil Liner – Black
No products found. Define your eyelashes flawlessly with this creamy smooth pencil liner. The liner is of high pigment quality in addition to having a self-sharpening tip that makes it very easy to apply on the waterline. The waterproof, sweat-proof, and smudge-proof features further promotes the perspective of using this liner as tightline eyeliner. Pros
Long-staying Waterproof Smudge-proof Available in other colors
Cons
Might be crumbly May irritate if your eyes are sensitive
11. Best Tear-Proof:Mireneese – Black
A multitasking eyeliner, this product is perfect to achieve that fuller and thicker eyelashes look. In addition to being amazing to tight line eyes, this product works as a lash primer and mascara. The unique brush of this liner reaches even the shorter lashes, making sure that they are coated from root to tip. Proper application of it not only defines your lashes but also lifts and extends them. What makes it a prime candidate in the category of best eyeliner for tightlining you ask? Its amazing quality of being both tear and smudge-proof. Pros
Promotes natural lash growth Cruelty-free 3-in-1 functionality Tear-proof
Cons
Can be clumpy Strong smell Pointed applicator might hurt your eyes if you are not careful while applying.
12. Best Drugstore Product:Modster Eyeliner – Deep Purple
Tightlining eyes with a purple eyeliner will create an alluring depth to your eyes while making them look vibrant and dynamic. People can’t look away as they see the glint of purple every time you nonchalantly look up or just blink. This particular shade of Modster Eyeliner comes in a unique, royal purple color with a tinge of red undertone. The high pigment level of the liner makes it effectively visible, while the creamy, waterproof formula makes it easy to apply on the waterline. This drugstore eyeliner for tightlining creates the glam look you desire for the evening parties. Pros
Waterproof Creamy formula Unique colors Long-lasting
Cons
Hard to remove The tip might break off easily.
13. Best Smear-Free Eyeliner:NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner – Black
This highly pigmented eyeliner is perfect for achieving that dramatic, intense look you desire. The formula is long-lasting and is easy to apply with one smooth glide. In addition to Black, NARS Eyeliner comes in a variety of colors with the claim that it does not cake or smear after application. Pros
Stays for 12 hours Rich color Smear-free
Cons
Tends to smudge Soft tips tend to break while sharpening.
14. Best Flawless Silky Finish:NYX Always Keepin’ It Tight Eyeliner – Black
This slim, retractable eyeliner gives the flawless silky finish to your desired natural look. Made with waterline in mind, this eyeliner is qualified for the serious job of tightlining. NYX Always Keepin’ It Tight Eyeliner is quite a candidate when it comes to securing the look of long and thick lashes for you. Pros
Cruelty-free Smudge-free Long-lasting Comes in different colors
Cons
Not easy to apply The tip tends to break off easily.
15. Best For Natural Look:Esqido Gel Eyeliner – Black
This gel eyeliner is perfect for you if you plan to rock a natural look throughout the day without any worries. This liner is rich in color. Its ultra-smooth application takes only one stroke to draw the clean tightline. It seamlessly blends with your fake lashes when applied to the inner eye, and the built-in sharpener ensures that the drawn line is on point. Pros
Vegan Paraben-free Easy to clean Waterproof Highly pigmented
Cons
Can bleed Can be hard to apply
Now that you have a list of the best eyeliners for tighlighting, here’s a buying guide to help you understand how to pick one.
A Buying Guide To Help You Choose the Best Tightline Eyeliner
What Is Tightlining Eyeliner?
Theoretically, any regular eyeliner can be used for tightlining. However, in practice, the eyeliner you use for your upper waterline should be skin-friendly, waterproof, and smudge-proof. The chosen tightline eyeliner should also be applied evenly and without any blotches. Tightlining can define your eye’s beauty, whilst creating the illusion that you are not wearing any eyeliner at all. In case of doubts, help yourself to the scores of tightline eyeliner tutorials available on the internet before trying it out at home.
What’s The Best Eyeliner For Tightlining?
Typically, there are 3 kinds of commonly available tightline eyeliner: the pencil eyeliner, the liquid eyeliner, and the gel eyeliner. All these categories have their own pros and cons. For instance, a tightlining eyeliner pencil can be resistant to make an even mark on your waterline, while the success rate of a liquid and gel eyeliner is dependent on the makings of the application brush. Tightlining with liquid eyeliner can require more practice than gel or pencil eyeliner. Therefore, it is not enough to narrow down your perfect tightline eyeliner to the kind of eyeliner you are comfortable with. To choose the best eyeliner for tightlining you need to indulge in the minute details. To help you decide on the best tightline eyeliner for you, we present our review of the best 2021 eyeliners for tightlining.
How To Select The Right Tightline Eyeliner?
Though you may have always been a pencil liner girl, it is okay to step out of your comfort zone and try out other bases such as gel and liquid. Explore the textures to find out what suits your requirements the best. Tightlining makeup constitutes putting a foreign substance in the inner lid of your eye, which is quite a sensitive area. Make sure that your chosen tightline eyeliner is safe for your skin. Not to forget the essentials, the selected eyeliner should be waterproof, smudge-proof and long-lasting so that you can flawlessly carry your natural look throughout the day without having to retouch your eye make-up every other hour.
How To Tightline?
Step 1: Curl your lashes and dry your upper lash line with a soft tissue. These easy steps make application easier. Step 2: Choose your preferred tightline eyeliner— pencil, liquid, or gel. If you don’t have a favorite, decide according to the look you are going for. Step 3: Lift your eyelids from the brow and apply the tightline eyeliner on the upper waterline. If you are having trouble drawing a straight line, put dots at the roots of your eyelashes, and join them with one single stroke. Step 4: Set the look with some powder or nude eye-shadow to avoid it from smudging. If you see clumps, you have applied too much of it. Kerrin Jackson, a 4-time Emmy-nominated film and television makeup artist, says, “Tightlining is a fun way to create a bolder look for your eyes. If you struggle with applying it, or you have a shaky hand, rest a powder puff on your face, underneath your hand when you apply the liner. This will help support your hand and also prevent making a mess as you go. While tightlining is an effective technique to create drama on your eyes, it is important to remember to clean your makeup off at the end of the day as makeup residue can get left behind in your eyes and it’s vital to remove it all to look after your eyes.”
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author Chaitra Krishnan is a beauty and lifestyle enthusiast who loves experimenting with different kinds of makeup products. She believes in using the best eyeliner for tightlining your waterline to achieve the desired doe-eyed look. She has thoroughly researched these eyeliners and sifted through online reviews to help her readers pick the best ones. Tightlining fills the gaps between the lashes and creates an illusion of defined lashes even when flaunting a no-makeup look! Can you use liquid eyeliner for tightlining? Yes. Many liquid eyeliners are dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be safe for sensitive skin. You can pick a waterproof eyeliner for tightlining that dries fast for easy wear. Is tightlining safe? Too much of anything can have negative effects. Stick to moderation and pick out the days when you think tightlining is essential to your look. Is this tightlining for everyone? Tightlining is a make-up choice like any other. If you choose a no-makeup look, but you still want your eyes to look defined and bright you may opt for tightlining. Is gel eyeliner good for tightlining? Yes, gel eyeliners are highly pigmented and with the right brush, they can be used to tightline your eyes. Does tightlining make eyes look bigger? Yes, tightlining enhances the eyes and makes them look bigger. How do you get eyeliner to stay on your waterline? Start by using a cotton q-tip along your waterline to absorb excess moisture. Use a thin brush to rub some eyeshadow along the waterline and then use the gel eyeliner to tightline the eyes. This way it will stay on longer. How do you tightline without smudging? Use a waterproof, gel eyeliner to tightline the eyes without smudging. While applying it, curl your toes to prevent shaky hands; eventually your hands will become naturally steadier.
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