The waterline—the inner rim of the lower eyelid—often carries natural redness that can make eyes look tired even after a full night's rest. A nude or neutral-toned liner applied to this area has become a go-to technique for creating the appearance of brighter, more open eyes without obvious makeup.
How we choose
This roundup highlights eight pencils and gel liners, ranging from $1.69 to $9.98, that address this specific need through different formats: traditional sharpenable kohl, retractable gel, multi-use jumbo sticks, and value packs. Each option offers a distinct approach to shade, wear claims, and convenience.
Our 8 Picks
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil, Intense Color, Long-Wearing, Smudge-Proof, 005, Nude, 0.04oz
What it is
A creamy nude kohl eyeliner pencil designed for the waterline.
Why it's worth it
Shade 005 Nude is formulated to neutralise the reddish tones along the waterline, making the whites of the eyes appear brighter and the overall look more awake. The brand states the waterproof, smudge-proof formula withstands sweat, heat, and humidity, so it stays in place through long days. The ultra-smooth texture glides on without tugging, well suited to anyone wanting a quick one-step trick for tired eyes.
Caveat
The pencil requires sharpening, and the nude tone may look light or chalky on deeper skin tones, so testing the shade first is advised.
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner Pencil, Smudge-Resistant, Waterproof Eye Makeup with Up to 36HR Wear, Bright Nude, 0.01 Oz
What it is
A retractable gel eyeliner pencil in a bright nude hue.
Why it's worth it
The Bright Nude shade is a light peach-beige that visually cancels out red pigments along the waterline for a fresher, more rested expression. A built-in twist-up mechanism keeps the tip ready without sharpening, reducing waste and mess. The brand states the waterproof, smudge-resistant gel formula offers up to 36 hours of wear, suiting long workdays or events when reapplication isn’t convenient.
Caveat
The gel tip is soft, so advancing too much product at once can cause breakage.
essence Stay & Play Gel Eyeliner Pencil (03 | Silky Nude), Vegan | Waterproof & Smudge-proof, Smooth Glide, Highly Pigmented, Cream Formula; Vegan and Cruelty Free, Paraben-Free
What it is
A waterproof gel eyeliner pencil in a silky nude shade.
Why it's worth it
Silky Nude is a warm soft pink-nude that blends with the natural tone of the waterline, neutralising redness without looking stark or artificial. The gel-like creamy formula glides onto the delicate inner rim smoothly, and the brand states it remains smudge-proof and waterproof for all-day brightening. A good fit for those with watery eyes who still want a subtle, open-eye effect.
Caveat
The pencil requires sharpening, and the colour payoff can be understated on very fair or deep complexions.
2 PCS Nude Waterline Eyeliner Pencil, Cream Gel Eyeliner Smooth Waterproof Smudge-Proof Lasting Ultra-Pigmented Eye Brightener Pen with Sharpener Makeup for women Multi-Use Eye Liner Crayon
What it is
A set of two nude waterline eyeliner pencils with a cream-gel formula.
Why it's worth it
The two-pack provides a spare for travel or backup, so you won’t run out of a go‑to brightening pencil. The formula is designed specifically for the sensitive waterline, offering smooth, opaque nude coverage that masks redness and makes eyes look larger and more alert. The brand states the pencils are waterproof and smudge‑proof, making them practical for all‑day wear.
Caveat
The brand is less documented, so ingredient transparency is limited; a patch test is advisable if you have very sensitive eyes.
wet n wild Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner Pencil - Rich Hyper-Pigmented Color, Smooth Creamy Application, Long-Wearing Matte Finish Versatility, Cruelty-Free - Taupe of the Mornin'
What it is
A kohl eyeliner pencil in a taupe-pink shade.
Why it's worth it
Taupe of the Mornin’ is a muted cool pink-beige that can substitute for a traditional nude on lighter to medium skin tones, diffusing the appearance of redness with a soft tint rather than a stark line. The creamy formula applies without dragging, making it easy to place exactly on the waterline. At its low price, it’s a low-commitment way to test the waterline-brightening technique.
Caveat
On some complexions the taupe may read as a greyish tint, and wear time may be shorter compared to gel or waterproof formulas.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Jumbo Eye Pencil, Blendable Eyeshadow Stick & Eyeliner Pencil - Milk (White)
What it is
A creamy multi-use pencil in a vivid white shade.
Why it's worth it
While not a traditional nude, pure white applied to the waterline creates a high-contrast brightening effect that can make eyes look significantly wider and more alert. The jumbo stick glides on smoothly and is forgiving to blend, which helps soften the line for a more natural finish. It doubles as an eyeshadow base, adding versatility to a simple makeup bag.
Caveat
The white can appear stark if not balanced with liner or mascara; gentle pressure is needed to avoid snapping the soft core.
Essence LONG-LASTING eye pencil 35
What it is
A long-lasting eye pencil in shade 35, a neutral nude.
Why it's worth it
Shade 35 delivers a soft, skin-adapting nude tone that cancels out the natural reddish hue of the waterline without drawing attention to itself—ideal for a subtle, no‑makeup brightening. The lightweight formula glides easily onto the inner rim and is described by the brand as long-lasting, making it a practical choice for daily wear. Its slim pencil design allows precise placement even for beginners.
Caveat
Shade 35 may vary slightly in depth between batches; swatching before use helps ensure it matches your skin tone.
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil, Intense Color, Long-Wearing, Smudge-Proof, 005, Nude, 0.04oz (Pack of 2)
What it is
A value two-pack of the nude kohl kajal eyeliner pencil.
Why it's worth it
Purchasing the pair provides a cost-effective way to keep a spare on hand—one for the everyday makeup bag and another for the office drawer or travel kit. The creamy, waterproof nude formula neutralises redness and opens the eyes just like the single pencil, making this a practical stash for those who rely on a waterline brightener daily.
Caveat
The multi-pack only includes the same nude shade, so you’re committing to a single colour without variety.
How to choose
How to choose the right nude waterline eyeliners to instantly brighten tired eyes
Takeaway
The right waterline brightener depends more on shade compatibility and format preference than on price alone. Whether you prioritise a retractable mechanism, a multi-pack value, or a specific undertone, each of these eight options offers a concrete, verifiable path to a more awake-looking eye.
