Waterline: the art of the gaze from the ancient east to the modern metropolis
The waterproof line as the main accent
When the sun turns your favorite full-coverage beauty routine into a real challenge, but you still want to look flawless in any weather, the waterproof Waterline technique comes to the rescue. It’s the perfect way to make your gaze more expressive and captivating without adding heaviness or a mask-like effect. Its uniqueness lies in the many ways one coveted product can be used – a waterproof pencil. In this article, you’ll find everything about the history, pro tips, and best products for mastering the Waterline.
Waterline makeup is the application of product to the mucous membrane of the upper and lower lash lines. In fact, this unique technique has deep historical roots, with trendsetters like Cleopatra and Nefertiti paving the way. In Ancient Egypt, accentuating the eyes had not only aesthetic value but also acted as a protective barrier for vision and as a talisman against the evil eye. Thus, “kohl” was a form of makeup that laid the foundation for smoky eyes and eventually evolved into today’s pencils, liners, and kajals. Today, we can diversify our beauty routines with a wide range of waterproof pencil shades. This allows for looks that evoke “Arabian Nights” with black eyeliner or a “California Morning” using soft pink hues. Cosmetic manufacturers have taken care not only to offer a variety of palettes but also to ensure safe formulations – hypoallergenic and long-wearing.
photо: instagram \ @tuddynana
It’s important to remember the correct application technique to make your waterline last perfectly:
- First, blot the waterline with a dry cotton pad to remove excess moisture, helping the product adhere better.
- Apply the pigmented pencil in one stroke, then wait 30 seconds for it to fully set. You can lock it in with dry eyeshadow in a matching shade to enhance vibrancy.
- Lifehack: to visually enlarge the eyes, apply a light pencil on the lower waterline. To increase lash volume, use black pencil on the upper waterline.
photo: instagram \ @urbandecaycosmetics
The summer season demands balance: between lightness and durability, between glow and control, between hot weather and a fresh look. Waterline makeup is not just a line – it’s a continuation of an ancient feminine tradition that can dramatically transform your entire look.
