Reflecting on my formative years in secondary school, I realize how vastly my makeup skills were limited. At that time, my sole source of beauty knowledge came from pages of *Sabrina’s Secrets Magazine*—a glossy publication that sparked my journalism dreams. When I decided to embrace a rock-chic persona at age fourteen, my beauty ideals shifted dramatically from the vibrant hues of pop princesses to the edgy allure of Avril Lavigne’s heavily kohl-lined eyes. Each day, I dutifully lined my waterline, only to find that it smudged by mid-morning, creating a not-so-desirable raccoon look. Yet, the allure of that darkened eye persisted.
The turning point in my eyeliner journey arrived around 2008 when liquid liner became my new best friend, allowing me to ditch the waterline for a more precise application. Fast forward many years, and a recent video featuring model Gabbriette Bechtel reignited my curiosity. With her glowing confidence, she shared that she wouldn’t dream of going without the black eyeliner in her waterline—its allure enhanced by her blonde locks. “I like to look natural and hot chic,” she declared.
Understanding the Waterline’s Place in Modern Makeup
Gabbriette is not alone in her affinity for waterline eyeliner. Public figures, including Kate Middleton, have donned this look on significant occasions, such as her wedding day, which led to mixed reviews from critics who claimed that dark liners could appear harsh or draining. This criticism had long kept me from re-embracing my waterline liner, perpetuating the notion that such a style might age me or make me look fatigued. “Eyeliner on the lower waterline indeed defines the eyes beautifully,” says makeup expert Aimee Connolly, “but it’s crucial to understand its impact on perception.”
The dichotomy is intriguing: while some might argue for its detriments, those at the forefront of beauty trends hold firm that certain techniques can elevate the look. If Gabbriette, a leading model of our time, champions the style, how can we dismiss its power? Notably, the ease of applying eyeliner to the waterline does appear more approachable than the intricate flicks demanded by liquid liners, a task Gabbriette herself has set aside.
Since I began following Gabbriette’s advice, I’ve ventured back into the world of waterline makeup, albeit with a wealth of tips gleaned from renowned professionals rather than merely relying on nostalgic magazine knowledge. Makeup artist Lisa Caldognetto suggests that striking the right balance is key. “A common error is to apply liner solely on the waterline. To truly open up the eyes, you should gently blend some product into the lash roots,” she explains. This technique creates a seamless transition that enhances eye shape rather than constricts it.
While black remains a popular choice—significantly darkening and intensifying eye color—Aimee suggests beginning with softer tones. Shades like brown or sage green are less intimidating for beginners, providing a subtle enhancement without the harshness of black. The introduction of mid-tone colors, like bronze, can lend an airbrushed effect that feels polished yet effortless. Yet, caution is warranted against warmer shades, as they can lend a tired appearance.
To further brighten the eyes, Aimee recommends using neutral shades on the lower waterline. In the words of Victoria Beckham, applying a white liner in specific situations can impart a youthful, wide-eyed look—a timeless staple in makeup artistry.
Smudging remains a natural risk with waterline applications, driven by the moisture our eyes naturally produce. To combat this, Aimee offers practical advice: “Gently pat the area with a tissue before applying liner, or set your look with translucent powder.” Meanwhile, Lisa emphasizes the importance of a long-lasting, waterproof formula, steering clear of traditional pencils that are too soft for enduring wear.
“Warm the pencil against your hand to ensure a smooth application along the waterline,” Lisa advises. Incorporating controlled movements can enhance precision, and a well-sharpened pencil can make all the difference in achieving clean lines. Among her favorites is L’Oreal’s ‘Infallible Grip 36h Gel Automatic Eyeliner’, while Aimee swears by her own pencil for its unique brightening properties.
As I revisit my makeup routine with new insight and tools, I can’t help but appreciate the evolution from my high school experiments to today’s sophisticated techniques. With each application, I embrace the artistry of eyeliner and the empowerment it brings—reminding myself that every beauty choice tells a story, unique to the individual who wears it.