Throughout my secondary school years, I navigated the world of beauty armed with scant skills and limited inspiration. The extent of my knowledge was primarily derived from a well-loved magazine—Sabrina’s Secrets. With glossy pages and tantalizing tutorials, it sparked a journalism flame in me, but my makeup application left much to be desired. At 14, I found myself drawn to a rock-chic aesthetic, gravitating away from the glittery pop princess vibe I once adored. My beauty muse during this time? None other than Avril Lavigne and her signature kohl-lined look.
With unwavering dedication, I coated my waterline with black eyeliner daily, only to find it smudged by the time I reached morning break. However, that all changed around 2008 when liquid liner entered my life, allowing me to abandon the waterline entirely. Fast forward to recent times, and I stumbled upon an intriguing video featuring model Gabbriette Bechtel as she documented her everyday makeup routine. Watching her confidently apply eyeliner to her waterline reignited my interest in this oft-overlooked technique and inspired me to explore it once more.
Gabbriette undoubtedly championed the allure of waterline eyeliner, boldly proclaiming, “I don’t like myself without black eyeliner.” Her assertion resonated with me, recalling my previous obsession with achieving the dramatic, defined look associated with this application method. It’s fascinating how makeup trends can transcend generations and styles. Even Princess Kate has embraced waterline eyeliner, sporting it on her wedding day, much to the critics’ dismay.
The prevailing belief that black liner can render one’s eyes appearing tired or drained had initially deterred me, but I recognize that beauty choices are often subjective. Makeup artist Aimee Connolly provides a solid understanding: waterline eyeliner enhances eye definition but may not suit everyone. A darker liner can create the illusion of smaller eyes, yet the opinions of style icons like Gabbriette can’t be ignored. The ease of application compared to the precision required for liquid liner flicks is another factor favoring this resurgence.
Thanks to Gabbriette’s renewed influence, I’ve begun to incorporate waterline eyeliner into my daily routine, but armed with practical advice from professional makeup artists rather than mere memories of Sabrina’s magazine. Lisa Caldognetto, another expert in the field, underscores the necessity of balance when applying waterline eyeliner. A common misstep is applying solely to the waterline, whereas blending a bit of the product into the lash roots softens the harshness of the transition, resulting in a more elegant look.
Aimee mentions that while black is a popular go-to shade, those new to the waterline may consider softer options, such as brown or muted greens. Lisa highlights the potential of mid-tone colors, like bronze, to achieve a polished and airbrushed finish with less effort. Additionally, she cautions against warm hues like burgundy and mahogany, which can enhance the appearance of fatigue.
To expand on enhancing the waterline, Aimee advises using a neutral shade to brighten the area, drawing references to Victoria Beckham’s technique of applying white liner for a fresh, wide-eyed effect. Maintenance is crucial, as moisture can cause smudging. To mitigate this risk, users can lightly dry the waterline before application or secure the liner with translucent powder and shadow.
Applying waterline eyeliner effectively can be a challenge, but some techniques can make the process easier and more efficient. Opting for a waterproof formula significantly increases longevity, so products like gels or long-wear liners are ideal. Avoid traditional pencil liners due to their tendency to smudge. Lisa recommends warming the pencil on the back of one’s hand before gliding it smoothly along the waterline, as this ensures a more controlled application.
For an added touch of precision, maintaining a well-sharpened pencil is non-negotiable. Should you choose retractable options, they often come with integrated sharpeners, or simple techniques can be employed to fine-tune the tip on a tissue. Among the range of notable products, favorites include L’Oreal’s ‘Infallible Grip 36h Gel Automatic Eyeliner’ and Gabbriette’s choice, Pat McGrath’s ‘PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil,’ which she claims is unparalleled in performance.
Having re-embraced waterline eyeliner after years of avoiding it, I’ve experimented with various products, including Kosas’ ‘Soul Gazer’ and Makeup by Mario’s ‘Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner.’ The choice of shades allows for creativity—I’ve enjoyed playing with blues and browns alongside classic blacks. The resurgence of this technique has not only revitalized my beauty regime but has also reignited forgotten memories of my high school years. Waterline eyeliner, when approached with knowledge and creativity, can transform eye looks and inject new energy into personal style.