The Best White Eyeliners For Every Eye Shape and Complexion

White eyeliner has been trending all over social media this year due to how universally flattering it is on every eye shape and skin tone. This beauty hack can be used by all ages and complexions as it subtly illuminates eyes to make them appear more awake.
White eyeliner can be applied on the waterline to make eyes look bigger, but it’s also extremely versatile, pairing well with natural eye makeup or a smokey look.
Charlotte-based makeup artist, Caitlyn Dominic, explains how switching to a light-colored liner improves your overall makeup, saying, “applied to the lower waterline of the eyes and/or the inner corner of the eyes creates that bright-eyed look”.
To help you tap into this viral trend and get your eyes shining, we tested out the offerings, combed through reviews and got expert recommendations to find the best white eyeliners for every budget.
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Finding the Best White Eyeliners
White eyeliner is one beauty investment you won’t regret. If you’ve never used it before, it’s one of those products that once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
To find the right white eyeliner — we put together this guide on everything you need to know about this beauty hack including the various types of white liners, application methods and formulas.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best White Eyeliner
Application
White eyeliner can be used along the waterline and upper lash line to make eyes appear brighter. If you’re looking for a liner for the bottom lash line, choose a kohl or kajal pencil as it’s less likely to cause irritation. For the upper lid, both pencil and liquid liners work well. The pencil is best for blending while liquids work best for creating winged corner flicks.
Texture
The skin around the eyes is the most delicate on the face, so you want to ensure your liner has a creamy or gel-like texture to avoid tugging or dragging on the eyelids and causing irritation. Liquids also work well as they glide on smoothly, delivering instant pigment in one stroke.
Application
Whether you're using pencil, liquid or gel liner, start in the inside corner and work your way out. Once you’ve achieved your desired level of color, blend out the pigment with either a tapered eyeshadow brush or small sponge tip blender for a softer finish.
Removal
To avoid clogging pores and causing eye irritation, remove your makeup every night. Always be gentle when taking off mascara, liner and eyeshadow. In circular motions, slowly massage around the eyes with cleanser and rinse with warm water.
Finish
White eyeliner comes in both matte and shimmer finishes. If you want to add some subtle metallic hues to your makeup, choose a pearlescent pencil. For those who find white liner too bright, go for a slightly more nude-toned pencil to achieve the same eye-brightening effect.
What are the Different Types of White Eyeliners?
Pencil
A white eye pencil is a beauty essential that can be used daily on your waterline to elevate your makeup. It makes eyes to appear brighter and more awake.
Kohl
Kohl eyeliners have a creamier texture, making them perfect for blending. They can be applied both on the upper and lower lids to illuminate and provide a softer finish.
Liquid
If you prefer a bold, statement-worthy makeup look, white liquid eyeliner is ideal for creating a clean, winged liner on the upper lid.
Best Overall: Maybelline TattooStudio Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Glides on seamlessly
- Matte finish
Cons
- Needs to be sharpened
Make your eyes pop with this polished white liner from Maybelline. This long-lasting pencil glides along your lids without tugging or dragging, giving eyes a brighter appearance. Plus, it stays in place all day without smudging or flaking. It’s even waterproof!
What we love most about this liner is how many ways you can use it. Apply it on your waterline to create a subtle illuminating effect, team it with a smokey eye or go for a more high fashion look and use it along the top lash line flicked out to the sides.
Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Dual-Ended
- Waterproof
- Matte finish
Cons
- Some may prefer a shimmer finish
This white eye liner from L’Oreal works for everyone. Not only is it suitable for all skin tones and complexions, it’s also safe to use on sensitive eyes. In addition to being ophthalmologist-tested, this pick is both smudge- and transfer-resistant, meaning it stays looking fresh all day.
Unlike other pencils, this pick features a blender on one end to create a flattering, smokey look.
Best Luxury: Mac Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Professional-grade ingredients
- Pearlescent, matte finish
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- Some may prefer a twist up pencil
- Not everyone may like a kohl finish
We’re big fans of kohl eye pencils, which is why we especially love this white version from MAC. The silky texture glides across lids, resulting in a bright and illuminated finish that flatters every eye shape.
The pearlescent white shade provides a subtle glow and is ideal for using on the inner corners or along the waterline to elevate your beauty look.
Best Budget: wet n wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Affordable price
- Cruelty-free
- Creamy texture
Cons
- Not the best for blending
- Needs to be sharpened
If you’re new to white eyeliners and not sure where to start, this affordable option from Wet n Wild is the perfect choice to test out. Coming in at under $2, this beauty bargain enhances your eye makeup with ease.
The formula is smooth and creamy, making it incredibly easy to work with. The rich pigment delivers a vibrant look in just one swipe, meaning you don’t need to go over the skin numerous times to build up color.
Best Kohl: Dior Diorshow On Stage Crayon Kohl Liner
Pros
- Blendable formula
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
For those looking to achieve a couture-worthy finish, this luxury kohl liner from Dior is the one to splurge on. The smooth, crayon-style pencil glides along the eyelids to create a seamless line in just one stroke.
The creamy formula can be used for a winged cat eyeliner or blended out for a softer smokey look that lasts through sweat, heat, humidity or rain.
Best Liquid: Milani The Tank Liquid Eyeliner
Pros
- Cruelty-free formula
- Dries quickly
- Easy application
Cons
- Must be removed with an oil-based cleanser
Nothing is slicker than white liquid liner, and this pick from Milani is just the tool for a smooth flawless line across your top lid. The pen applicator is simple to apply, making it the perfect choice for anyone who’s new to liquid eyeliner.
The waterproof formula doesn’t budge once applied, leaving you with a smudge-free finish for up to 12 hours. Bonus: The air-tight packaging prevents the pigment from drying out.
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner
Pros
- Gel formula
- Suitable for waterline
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- Some may prefer a traditional pencil
- Slightly thicker tip
For those with sensitive eyes, this eyeliner has been tested by ophthalmologists to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation. Create numerous eye looks with this versatile, self-sharpening eyeliner without the risk of aggravating your eyes.
The smudge-resistant formula works equally well on the upper lid and lash line, creating an ultra-pigmented finish that doesn’t pull or drag skin when applied.
Best for Waterline: Victoria Beckham Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil
Pros
- Contains eye-soothing ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
This pick is an essential beauty hack for everyone. The neutral hue of this pencil works with every skin tone to make your eyes appear brighter and more awake. You simply apply it along your waterline to revitalize tired eyes and leave them looking instantly more refreshed and rested.
The creamy formula is infused with ginseng to nourish your lash line while aloe vera soothes, softens and strengthens the skin barrier around the eyes.
Best Smudge-Resistant: NYX Slim Eye Pencil Long-Lasting Eyeliner
Pros
- Professional-grade ingredients
- Available in both matte and pearl finishes
- Affordable price
Cons
- Needs to be sharpened
This richly pigmented pencil comes in both an intense matte or a pearlescent white finish to create a classic or glamorous makeup look. The silky-smooth texture glides on easily and is blendable.
We love that this pencil has been formulated with coconut oil to deliver a dose of hydration and leave your lash line looking moisturized and conditioned.
Best Waterproof: Yves Saint Laurent Lines Liberated 24H Waterproof Eyeliner
Pros
- Dual-sided
- Gel texture
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
Ensure your eyeliner stays in place under extreme conditions with this waterproof pick from Yves Saint Laurent. This matte-finish pencil provides rich pigment in just one stroke to illuminate eyes.
This liner boasts the added bonus of being infused with cactus fig oil to keep skin conditioned and nourished. The creamy formula also blends like a dream for those who prefer a softer eye makeup look.
Best Pencil: NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick
Pros
- Intense pigment
- Fade proof
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may prefer a liquid liner
This professional-grade eyeliner from NYX can be used along the waterline and eyelid to create countless looks for both day and night. The pure white tone of this pencil delivers a bold impactful color that lasts up to 36 hours.
As with all NYX products, the pigment is rich and the smooth formula means this pencils glides on easily — making it the ideal choice to use on the upper lid.
Best Stick: tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlighter
Pros
- Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
- Can be used as a highlighter
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not the best for the upper eyelid
- Smudger is slightly big
This tarte stick liner revamps tired-looking eyes and makes them appear brighter and more awake. It doubles as a highlighter on the cupid’s bow, brow bone and middle of the nose.
This pick is a multi-functional makeup bag essential that enhances any look by adding subtle definition and luminosity. The soft white tone graces every skin tone and comes with a sponge on one end for easy blending.
Best Long-Lasting: Glossier No 1. Pencil Creamy Long-Wearing Eyeliner
Pros
- Creamy formula
- Buildable pigment
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Needs to be sharpened
Glossier is famed for creating minimalist makeup bag staples, and this crisp white eyeliner is ideal for those looking to subtly brighten their eyes while maintaining a natural finish.
The creamy, buildable formula glides smoothly without pulling on skin, leaving a demi-matte white line that can be smudged out. The best thing about this eyeliner is how long it lasts. Once it’s applied, it doesn’t fade or transfer.
Best Shimmer: Haus Labs By Lady Gaga Optic Intensity Eco Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Pros
- Pearlescent finish
- Skin nourishing ingredients
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Frequently sells out
For those who prefer a slight shimmer, this metallic white liner from Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs brings the glamour. We love how the high impact pigment creates a statement look in just one swipe.
The waterproof formula is infused with argan oil and vitamin C to keep the skin around your eyes soft, conditioned and nourished.
Best Kajal: essence Kajal Pencil
Pros
- Affordable price
- Ideal for the waterline
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Not self-sharpening
Coming in at just under $2, this clean white kajal pencil is the perfect choice for those looking for an effective yet affordable liner. The smooth texture is easy to apply while the alcohol- and paraben-free formula is safe to use on the water and upper lash lines.
Just one stroke of this liner along the waterline is all that’s required to brighten eyes and make them appear wider. As with all essence products, this pencil is also cruelty-free.
People Also Ask
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Q: What is the point of white eyeliner?
A:Unlike black or brown liner, which is designed to define your eye shape, white eyeliner is used to make your eyes look brighter, wider and more awake.
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Q: Is white eyeliner good for mature eyes?
A:Yes, white eyeliner is the perfect choice for those with mature skin to illuminate their eye area without emphasizing any wrinkles or fine lines.
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Q: What is the white eyeliner trend?
A:The white eyeliner trend is going viral on social media as influencers and makeup artists demonstrate how to apply it along the waterline to make eyes appear brighter and wider.
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