The 10 Best White Eyeliners for Your Waterline and Beyond
These pencils hold the key to a retro, mod look or brighter, perkier eyes.
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When it comes to eyeliner, you probably have black, brown, and maybe a navy or deep purple in your arsenal. But what about white? The unexpected hue has a number of uses. "I love using it in the waterline, on the inner corner, blended under the brow, or as a classic wing liner," Urban Decay Global Makeup Artist Steve Kassajikian says. 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. No matter how you use it, find the 10 best white eyeliners—from liquid to sparkly to super-skinny—ahead.
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Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Makeup-artist-approved
- Slightly pearlescent
Cons
Urban Decay's blendable, long-lasting liners are cult faves for a reason, and this shade is no exception.
What the Experts Are Saying:
"It has a satin finish so it gives a pearl-like effect," says Kassajikian, adding that the pencil "glides on creamy like a gel that doesn’t skip or tug the eyelid. Also once it sets, it doesn’t budge since it’s waterproof."
r.e.m. beauty At The Borderline Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
r.e.m. beauty At The Borderline Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Intensely pigmented
Cons
This kohl liner from Ariana Grande's makeup line comes in just three hues—black, brown, and white—all of them must-haves.
What the Reviews: Are Saying:
"This liner is so creamy. It's just what I've been looking for. Ariana slayed with this. 10/10 she's definitely getting a new customer." —taylorg1029
Anastasia Beverly Hills NORVINA Chroma Stix Makeup Pencils
Anastasia Beverly Hills NORVINA Chroma Stix Makeup Pencils
Pros
- Ultra-precise and has a built-in sharpener
Cons
If you're looking for a liner that draws a super-thin, precise white line, look no further than this ultra-pigmented pencil.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"This is the most amazing white eye pencil I have found yet. It makes no transfers and doesn’t budge! You need this!" —allinbloom
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil
Pros
- Can be used on any part of the face or body
Cons
This pencils is designed to be multi-use, so you can use it to draw on whimsical eye makeup looks, or even body makeup.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I can apply this to my waterline and it doesn’t BUDGE! I own in black and white and use them daily!" —Mrsmesty
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner
Pros
- Just the right amount of sparkle
Cons
Fenty Beauty's retractable liner is flecked with silver glitter (but not too much!) for a pretty, ice-princess vibe.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I love these, and don't regret buying them in just about every color. Some go on smoother than others but the more you play with them the more you love them!" —Samantha
DIOR Diorshow On Stage Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
DIOR Diorshow On Stage Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Pros
- Waterproof
- Precise tip
Cons
For a capital-D dramatic white liner look, you need a pigmented, liquid liner like this one from Dior.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"Best eyeliner ever! Goes on easily and stays where you put it. Dior has quality eyeliner with some great pops of color that you can’t find elsewhere."
J.Cat Beauty The Big Eye Pencil
J.Cat Beauty The Big Eye Pencil
Pros
- Can also be used as shadow
- Great price
Cons
This heftier pencil does double duty as a thicker liner or as an eyeshadow stick.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I'm obsessed with this eye pencil. I have it in white and it makes my eyes look bigger when I put it in my waterline." —Ash
NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil
NYX Professional Makeup Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Retractable for easy application
- Long-lasting
Cons
Long-lasting, creamy, and precise, this pencil is a an all-around bargain.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I bought the white pencil and I'm enjoying it so far! I've been loving making my eyes look bigger and brighter!"
Jillian Dempsey Eyeliner
Jillian Dempsey Eyeliner
Pros
- Includes a sponge on opposite end
Cons
Natural makeup can sometimes lean into neutral territory, but this pencil is bright white. Plus, it's made with nourishing jojoba oil, organic shea butter, and marula oil.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"This is my go to eyeliner! The experts recommend it a few years ago and I've been using it ever since! The issue I have with most eyeliners is they irritate my eyes. So while the liner looks nice, my eyes are bloodshot red. Not with this one. I can leave it on forever and have zero issues." —Tiffany
Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil
Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil
Pros
- Helps brighten tired eyes
Cons
If you're looking for an option that isn't stark white, this close-enough waterline pencil is a great option if you're looking for a product that will brighten your eyes in seconds.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I'm really impressed by this pencil. I've bought several other similar products from well known brands in the past but the color has never been quite right—always too white or too pink. This pencil is more of a cream color which suits the eye perfectly! It's really subtle but so flattering!" —Andrea D.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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