In case you’re wondering, tightlining is an application technique that will help you achieve a subtle definition of the eyes without piling on the eyeliner. This tricky technique does help define the lash line while making the eyes look subtly brighter as well. However, when tightlining isn’t done right, it can actually harm your eyes. Therefore, finding the best eyeliner for tightlining will boil down to your choice in eyeliners, availability, and also affordability.
This guide will help you find the best eyeliner for tightlining that fits you the most. As a tip, considering that you will be dealing with the part of your eye that tends to water, waterproof eyeliner is the best option.
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Which Type of Eyeliner Works Best?
There are four types of eyeliners on the market, which include liquid, gel, powder, and also pencil. Having a good understanding of how each type works should help you in making the right decision.
- Liquid Eyeliner. Is great for those who are looking for a bold and slick look. It is also good for creating precise lines. However, you will need steady hands and plenty of patience to apply it. Liquid eyeliner is also fantastic when doing the flick. It does have good staying power but you should avoid using it on the waterline. When used in tightlining, you should avoid blinking until it sets, if you want to avoid color on your lower rim.
- Pencil Eyeliner. Is great for those that blink a lot, and it is also great for beginners, but not so much if you wish to create precise lines. They are on the softer side compared to liquids and gels.
- Gel Eyeliner. Is perfect for those looking for a smoky eye. It has good staying power although it can be easily smudged. It is also great for precise lines and will come perfect for tightlining and water lining. Once applied, it does give off a matte finish and has great pigmentation, too.
- Powder Eyeliner. Is not very pigmented and it doesn’t have great staying power. However, you can go for it if you are looking for a soft and smudgy look. It is also great for those who wish to utilize endless color possibilities but don’t mind the bad staying power of the eyeliner. Moreover, it is also great for daytime but not great for water lining or tightlining.
What Formula Should I Go For?
When trying to find the best eyeliner for tightlining, you need to consider the formula:
- Go for waterproof eyeliner if you are looking for longer staying power. Waterproof eyeliner is especially great for tightlining since you will be dealing with the part of the eye that easily waters.
- Smudge-resistant eyeliners are for those who wish to wear their eyeliner all day long without worrying about smudges, creases, or even running. Liquid and gel eyeliners fall in this category.
- Lookout for an eyeliner that is designed for sensitive eyes, especially if yours are sensitive. Ideally, you should go for pencil eyeliners that comprise pigments in an oil and wax base. Steer clear of eyeliners that have fragrances.
Is this Tightlining for Everyone?
Generally speaking, anyone can use the tightlining technique, as long as care is taken not to harm the eyes. However, you should always avoid using this technique if you have sensitive eyes, vision issues, or watery eyes.
Since it is impossible to try every eyeliner product, we’ve compiled the best eyeliner for tightlining that you can review before buying. From the gel texture eyeliners to the liquid ones, their formulas will definitely make your look stay put and won’t budge for sure. So, check them out!
15 Best Eyeliner for Tightlining
L’Oreal Paris the super slim eyeliner is perfect for creating flawless clean lines in one stroke. The line can be as precise as 0.4mm, which making it perfect for tightlining! This eyeliner glides on smoothly and it also dries super-fast while leaving you with a gorgeous finish that can last you up to 12 hours. In short, this is a product that can be a great tightlining eyeliner for you.
If you love playing around with colors, then you should definitely consider this Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner as your must-have tightlining eyeliner. It provides you with an easy-glide and also quick-dry precision eyeliner. Moreover, this product won’t run or smudge and will definitely lets you enjoy a beautiful natural look that lasts all day long.
Gel eyeliner is the ultimate go-to product for those who are looking for a creamy product that provides a wonderful smooth glide on application. Maybelline New York Eye Studio is clearly an ideal piece for creating Smokey, winged or cat eye looks whenever you fancy. It is also long-lasting and waterproof, which will let you enjoy your chosen look for up to 24 hours.
Your sensitive waterline will truly appreciate this product so much! Thanks to its creamy texture, it is easier to apply and it won’t skip or pull – keeping your skin safe from irritation. Also, don’t forget the waterproof formula of this tightlining eyeliner that allows you to have those gorgeous eyes all day long!
Whereas most people find playing around with liquid eyeliner on the hard side, we can assure you that you will not have such an issue with this one, definitely. It features an ultra-tip brush to create a precise, defined, and also effortless line that will refuse to budge or fade for up to 12 hours!
Highlighting silky and quick-setting formulas, this Clinique Slate No. 04 will help you to create the desired eyes with ease that lasts all day. Plus, you can also use the smudge tool at the opposite end to have both bold and blur effects as you wish (need no more other eye makeup tools)!
You’ll get to enjoy an intense color from high concentrated pigments and kohl formula with this Milani Eyeliner Pencil, which will leave you with a bold look that stays in shape. Featuring those excellent features, this drugstore eyeliner only costs you around $10! (way cheaper than your sandwich lunch, isn’t it?)
Those who love switching up their looks as far as makeup goes will definitely enjoy playing around with this eyeliner! The creamy formula glides perfectly on the waterline, offering you the defined eyes as you wish! You can go for a sexy, subtle, or even a dramatic look depending on your mood, thanks to the 13 colorful shades.
Shiseido goes beyond presenting, not the common 3-in-1 product, but 4-in-1! Besides eyeliner, it is also a kajal, eyeshadow, and also eyebrow that can complete your look instantly in one go – a truly perfect piece for beginners. Not only that, it is also waterproof that making the line stay put for 12 hours.
While others compete to make a high intense formula for thick liner, Fenty Beauty takes a different way by displaying a wide range of finish types for their eyeliner products. You can pick either matte, metallic, shimmer, or even glitter to create that big eyes look. Also, they are hyper-pigmented and water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry they’ll run.
No worry about the lines being smudge if you apply this eyeliner to your waterline. It serves a hyper-pigmented formula that will definitely stay put for 12 hours, which creates a long-lasting look all day. And oh! It has a unique texture of gel liner in a pencil form, too. It will definitely help you to glide on smoothly for tightlining.
Cry-proof? Checked. Smudge-proof? Checked. Waterproof? Checked! With those amazing key features, no wonder this one won’t budge despite being exposed to overnight tears or pouring under the rain. And one more thing – you can’t deny the silky formula that provides lightweight and also smooth sweep, preventing tugging and pulling on the waterline. Pretty cool, right?
The silky formula is a real deal in this product. It can definitely create a seamless and effortless look for tightlining. Also, the hyper-pigmented ingredients won’t let you apply the liner over and over again – just do it once and you’ll get a full coverage look. Don’t worry! You won’t be getting raccoon eyes from this smudge-proof and waterproof eyeliner, guaranteed.
This cake eyeliner here may be the best eyeliner for tightlining with a transfer-proof and also water-proof formula. It will hold the big eye’s effect on your eyes during the day. Since you’ll need to make a paste of this cake, the resulting color will be more intense and also easier to swipe with your brush.
Wanna go wild with cats or dramatic smokey eyes? You can do all with this eyeliner! Its sharp tip and also gel texture allow you to easily glide on the line, creating wings on both sides. Not to mention the waterproof pick that will also provide you with a long-wearing eyeliner that won’t budge for 24 hours.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can You Use Any Eyeliner for Tightlining?
Unfortunately, not all eyeliners can perform well for tightlining. We must say that the best eyeliner for tightlining is the one with a waterproof feature and also smudge-proof formula that stays put for around 12-24 hours. It can be liquid, gel, pencil, powder, or even cake eyeliners. Just choose the best one based on your preference and needs.
Does Tightlining Make a Difference in Your Eyes?
Yes, definitely! Tightlining can really make your eyes look bigger, which will add some dramatic looks too, especially when you choose your eyeliner right. However, performing frequent tightlining is not recommended since it may damage your eyesight.
Is Tightlining Good for Hooded Eyes?
Of course, yes! Tightlining is great for hooded eyes since it makes the eyes look uplifted and also curved. So if you have hooded eyes, tightlighting is something that you can do to make your eyes look brighter.
Do You Tightline Before or After Mascara?
Do the tightlining after applying your mascara. If you do it before the mascara, then you will find it difficult to find the line and cover the roots.
