White eyeliner isn’t anything new, but the do-it-all makeup product is currently having a moment. You can use it on your upper or lower waterline to make your eyes look bigger or create a variety of white eyeliner looks (like a wing across your eyelid). “I love using white eyeliner in a line through the eye socket for a mod-inspired look,” celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman tells Byrdie. And no matter the technique, she says, “It always helps to brighten the eye and make you look more awake.”
To find the best white eyeliners, we conducted hours of research, evaluating each product on its formula, pigmentation, ease of application, and longevity. We also considered makeup artist recommendations before naming these the best white eyeliners for a wide-awake look.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Budget:
Best Fine-Tipped:
Best Long-Wear:
What We Like
Rich pigmentation
Smooth gel formula
Long-wearing liner
What to Consider
Tip can snap
Type: Pencil | Shade: White | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Our favorite white eyeliner is this gel pencil from MAC. It offers a smooth formula that doesn't tug at the skin or drag against the waterline, and delivers full opacity in one swipe. Once it's on, it promises to stay put for up to 24 hours without running or fading. It's also been ophthalmologist-tested and is safe for contact lens wearers. And if you fall in love with the performance of the white shade, it comes in tons of other options, like classic black, pale lavender, and more.
What We Like
Affordable
User-friendly
Long-lasting formulas
What to Consider
May smudge on oily skin
Type: Pencil | Shade: White | Waterproof: No | Size: 0.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
On a budget? This super-affordable eye pencil won't let you down. The white shade goes on easily and is surprisingly pigmented. We appreciate that it contains coconut oil for a smooth glide—just bear in mind it's more prone to smudging on oilier skin types.
Best Waterproof
Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Waterproof Eyeliner
What We Like
Waterproof and tear-proof
Long-lasting formula
Rich pigmentation
What to Consider
Can be hard to remove
Type: Pencil | Shade: Polished White | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Waterproof eyeliner is great for longevity, especially when applied to the waterline. We love this one from Maybelline because as its name suggests, it offers seemingly permanent results for up to 36 hours without fading or smudging. Just note that because it's waterproof, it's a bit thicker and therefore harder to remove than your traditional pencil formula. You may want to enlist the help of a dedicated eye makeup remover to wash away residue without tugging or pulling at the delicate eye area.
What We Like
Smooth glide
Precision tip
Dries quickly
What to Consider
Hard to remove
Type: Liquid | Shade: Snow | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Prefer liquid liners? Stila is your best bet. While some liquid formulas (especially those in light colors) lack pigmentation, this one offers a bright white shade. The award-winning product is easier to use than most in its category, thanks to the ultrafine, marker-like tip and smooth-gliding formula that dries quickly without smudging. Similar to the Maybelline product above, an eye makeup remover (like a pad or an oil) might be your best bet for removing this one.
What We Like
Dual-ended design offers control
Makes eyes look bigger and neutralizes redness
Gentle and smooth
What to Consider
Could be more long-lasting
Type: Twist-up pencil | Shade: White, universal nude | Waterproof: No | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Tarte Fake Awake liner is our favorite option for the waterline. It comes in a classic white that neutralizes redness and makes the whites of your eyes look brighter. (Tip: If you find white looks too stark on you, try the nude shade—it does the same thing, just less intensely.) The formula glides on and offers an opaque color payoff in just a swipe. According to pro makeup artist Delina Medhin, to get the most natural-looking application, apply your line right where the whites of the eyes are, stopping where the colored part of your eye is. But for a more dramatic finish, bring the line all the way from one corner of the eye to the other.
What We Like
Glides on smoothly and imparts a shimmery finish
Waterproof
Long-lasting formula
What to Consider
Not ideal for sensitive eyes
Type: Gel pencil | Shade: Yeyo | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The shimmery metallic Yeyo shade of this award-winning eyeliner offers a stunning pearlescent effect. We appreciate that the waterproof gel formula glides on super smooth and lasts all day (or night). This one also works really well as an inner-corner highlight. Just keep in mind that it’s not the best option for those with very sensitive eyes (or those who wear contact lenses), as the shimmery bits can make eyes itchy or get stuck in lenses.
Best Glittery
Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner
What We Like
Goes on smooth despite having lots of glittery bits
Long-lasting liner
Twist up pencil prevents tip breakage
What to Consider
Not waterproof
Type: Twist-up pencil | Shade: Bad Bride | Waterproof: No | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
When you're feeling fancy and looking for a glitter eyeliner, reach for Fenty's Flypencil. The Bad Bride hue is a highly pigmented white shade with a hint of silver glitter. Not only that, but the twist-up design is easy to use, and the gel-like formula glides effortlessly without pulling or dragging on your lids. Keep in mind, though, that it's not waterproof. If it's a particularly rainy day or if you find yourself with unexpected tears, you may see it fade rather quickly.
What We Like
Fine pointed tip offers precision
Highly pigmented
Transfer-resistant liner
What to Consider
Hard to remove
Type: Liquid | Shade: Graceland | Waterproof: No | Size: 0.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
"White eyeliner can be used as a backdrop for jewels à la Euphoria-style eye makeup," says Dorman. If you like this look, ColourPop BFF is, well, your new best friend. It's got an ultrafine felt tip for easy lines, dots, and wings, and you can expect intense pigmentation in a single swipe.
What We Like
Smudge-proof payoff
Rain, sweat, and humidity-resistant
Retractable packaging prevents breakage
What to Consider
Doesn't sharpen
Type: Twist-up pencil | Shade: White | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This retractable eyeliner promises to last for hours and hours without smudging or transferring, holding up in hot, humid environments. Basically, it lasts as long as you want it to, and may even resist when you finally try to take it off. To remove it gently, we recommend enlisting the help of a cotton round and micellar water.
What We Like
Highly pigmented stark white
Blendable formula
Multiuse
What to Consider
Not ideal for precision application
Type: Shadow stick | Shade: Oxide | Waterproof: No | Size: 0.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Eyeshadow sticks are versatile and ideal when you want a rich color payoff on your lids. This liner-shadow hybrid from Halsey's makeup brand About-Face is the multiuse eye product you didn't know you needed. It offers impressive color payoff in a single stroke, blends effortlessly, and lasts for 10 or more hours. Because it's an eyeshadow stick, it has a chubbier tip that isn't the most precise. However, if you're looking to smudge on some color and go, this is a nice option.
What We Like
Felt tip feels soft on eyelids and offers control
Intensely pigmented
Waterproof and smudge-proof
What to Consider
Tip can dry out
Type: Felt tip | Shade: Bone white | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.019 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you like the idea of liquid liner but have never gotten along with those flimsy little brushes, try this robust felt tip instead. The pen-like design is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to control whether you’re a pro or a beginner. Its white hue is richly pigmented with brilliant opacity from the first swipe, and it dries quickly with no smudging or fading throughout the day. Just make sure you replace the cap properly after use or the tip will dry out.
Best Brightening
Victoria Beckham Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil
What We Like
Creates brightening effect
Reduces redness
Comes with a sharpener
What to Consider
Not super long-lasting
Type: Pencil | Shade: Neutral | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Next time you wake up tired and bleary-eyed, reach for the Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil. Technically, it’s actually more of a neutral shade than a pure white. It blends seamlessly with the whites of your eyes, instantly reducing redness and making you look more awake. We also love that it’s formulated with soothing ingredients like aloe to help calm any eye irritation, leaving you looking refreshed and ready to slay the day.
What We Like
Highlighter end brightens inner-eye corners and lash line
Works in the waterline
Goes on smoothly
What to Consider
Can be difficult to blend or remove
Type: Pencil | Shade: Neutral | Waterproof: Yes | Size: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This dual-ended baton takes the wide-awake look one step further by pairing a waterline-brightening pencil with a shimmery highlighter. After carefully applying the pencil end to your lower lash line to neutralize any redness, dab the sponge tip around your inner-eye corners and brow bone to color correct and illuminate the entire eye area. The result is transformational.
What to Look for in White Eyeliner
- Color Payoff: If you're looking for an eyeliner to brighten your eyes, Medhin recommends using a shade that matches the natural color of your waterline or is just slightly brighter. For fair skin tones, this might mean staying true to snow-white liners, while darker skin tones may prefer a nude or neutral shade. If you're using it to create a double-winged or graphic look on your upper eyelid, you'll want a true white that offers full opacity.
- Staying Power: Are you looking for a white eyeliner that can withstand sweat and tears? Or are you more comfortable with a creamier formula that will last just long enough to get through the day? Whatever you prefer, most products clearly detail the level of water resistance and staying power. If you're looking for serious longevity, be sure to pick an eyeliner that claims to be waterproof or lasts for 12+ hours.
- Formula: Gel eyeliners, kohl pencils, liquids, and cream formulas all serve different purposes. Liquids can be great for precise lines but can often be too tricky for the waterline, while cream and kohl formulas blend softly for a natural look. Gel eyeliners tend to work better for smudging. It takes a bit of experimentation to understand the difference between the types, but for newbies, we recommend gel for easy and seamless application.
FAQ
What does white eyeliner do?
When applied to your waterline, white eyeliner can create a wide-awake appearance and make your eyes look bigger. If you're using the liner to impart this effect, make sure you're working with a soft formula to prevent any pulling, tugging, or scratching at the sensitive area. White eyeliner can also be used along your upper lashes to create a graphic effect that makes your lashes pop or as a base for your eyeshadow to give bright and neon hues a truer color payoff.
How should I use white eyeliner?
To create a more wide-eyed appearance, run your white eyeliner along your lower lash line, then apply mascara onto areas of your bottom lashes that may have gotten covered in the liner. You can also run the white eyeliner along your upper lash line to give your cat eye a graphic spin or as an eyeshadow base. Simply fill in your lid with the white liner, press the shadow over the top, then blend out the edges with an eyeshadow brush.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer and freelance content creator. She considered dozens of white eyeliners for this roundup, evaluating each on formula, texture, and ease of application. She also consulted our testing insights and makeup artist recommendations to compile this list. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie regularly since 2020, where she covers makeup, skincare, haircare, and lifestyle products.
This article was checked and updated by Esme Benjamin, a freelance writer and Byrdie contributor. As someone with smallish eyes, Esme likes to experiment with anything that creates the illusion of a more wide-awake look—including white eyeliner.
We also consulted with experts to learn more about what to keep in mind when shopping for white eyeliner. Those experts included:
- Jamie Dorman is an NYC-based celebrity makeup artist. She also works as a creative director at The Only Agency and a beauty editor at Lucire.
- Delina Medhin is an NYC-based makeup artist, content creator, and educator.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough white eyeliners from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.