Top-Rated White Eyeliners That Will Make Your Eyes Look Bigger (2024)

We don’t know about you, but it feels like everyone is wearing white eyeliner these days. Sophie Turner, Janelle Monae, Lady Gaga, and Margot Robbie have all tried out the technique that some are calling the biggest makeup trend of 2019. We wanted to learn more about why it was so eye-catching, how people apply it, and which products are considered the best white eyeliners on the market today. In an effort to do this, we turned to a professional makeup artist and online shoppers just like you to find the best products for our specific needs.

White eyeliner can make a big impact on how your eye looks, which can make you feel more confident and even more awake. So the next time your reaching for a third cup of coffee, you should consider reaching for white eyeliner instead (Whaaat?). Allow us to explain.

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. It also provides '60s vibe to makeup looks as well.”

Is it safe to put eyeliner on your waterline?

You do have to be careful when it comes to applying white eyeliner to your waterline. After all, your eyes won’t look brighter if your cornea is scratched. Gray recommends ensuring that your eyeliner pencil is sharpened. And, to apply, “ … all you need to do is gently hold down your eye, separating your waterline from your eye, and apply it with a light hand.”

What is the best white eyeliner for your waterline?

Because a liquid liner is more pigmented and can run more easily, it’s your best bet to choose an eye pencil. Once you’ve found the right one (from our list below, of course!), use Gray’s advice to apply your white eyeliner. But if you’re going for a strong white cat eye look, a liquid liner will give you the most defined line.

The most popular white eyeliner at Ulta is under $10. And what got us even more excited was how people described the product and its eye-boosting effects."I've used Lancôme, Estée Lauder and 'other major beauty store brand' white liner and this is the absolute best for water lines!" shared one customer.We're sold!

One of the most affordable liquid white eyeliners is this one from NYX. And while it works well for a precise wing, we're loving how one Ulta shopper used it to create her cosplay costume for Guardians of the Galaxy's Gamora. If it's so pigmented it can go over green face paint, what can't this white eyeliner do?

A whitening and brightening effect that costs less than your morning coffee? We'll take two please. Ulta shoppers are on board too, as one said it was safe on her waterline and even replaced her more expensive option.

This is on the more expensive end, but Dermstore customers are loving it. The product contains vitamin E, so it should have a smooth, comfortable feel when you apply it. If you can't get enough of it, you can also try it in seven other shades.

This received five stars from all of its reviewers at Dermstore. "Very creamy and bright," shared one, who works as a makeup artist. "Glides on perfectly. I really like using it on the waterline for clients with smaller eyes, it makes them look bigger and brighter."

This Sephora favorite isn't pure white, but the off-white champagne tone can do wonders for your eyes. With over 200,000 loves, particularly because of its long-lasting, smooth finish, what's not to love about that?

All you really need to do is read this review from an online Sephora shopper:"This is my favorite product on Earth!I have bought this countless times and although I have tried other liquid eyeliners, this is my favorite one and I always end up going back to it. It's my holy grail liner!" ... need we say more?

We're all about a 2-in-1 product. This pink and white combo allows you to highlight your brows, around your eyes, and really anywhere you need a little boost.