Why You Should Really Start Using White Eyeliner Instead Of Black

The urge to only use black eyeliner runs deep in the veins of most women who remember seeing Cindy Crawford's sultry smokey eye makeup in the 1990s. However, that certainly doesn't mean that it is always the most flattering pick. It's just the one we've always thought was the only option. In general, it's actually better to choose a softer color like brown or a shade that complements your eye color. Placement is important, too.

So basically, if you've been conditioned to draw black eyeliner into your waterline or on both the top and bottom lash lines, it's time to stop. For good. We'd like to steer you in the opposite direction of the color spectrum. That's right: white eyeliner. This unusual shade helps to brighten up your eyes and give your whole face a youthful boost. White eyeliner is like a sleepy girl's secret to eyes that look awake and stand out in the crowd.

Why Does White Eyeliner Work?

So basically, if you've been conditioned to draw black eyeliner into your waterline or on both the top and bottom lash lines, it's time to stop. For good. We'd like to steer you in the opposite direction of the color spectrum. That's right: white eyeliner. This unusual shade helps to brighten up your eyes and give your whole face a youthful boost. White eyeliner is like a sleepy girl's secret to eyes that look awake and stand out in the crowd.

Professionally, white eyeliner is a makeup artist trick for brightening up the face and making your eyes look bigger and more awake—particularly when used on the bottom waterline. When using a dark color on the bottom lash line, it can make eyes look smaller and drawn-down, but white has the reverse effect. We recommend Maybelline's waterproof formula to ensure it stays put in the waterline.

How To Apply White Eyeliner

You can even use white eyeliner on the top waterline and follow by using a soft brown on top of the lash line to still get extra definition. Just make sure to always focus top eyeliner on the outer half of the lash line, never all the way into the inner corner. If desired, choose a nude-colored eyeliner in lieu of white for a more subtle (but slightly less effective) look. Try Tarte's Fake Awake Vegan Waterline Highlight Eyeliner.

To further brighten the face, you can also invest in a chunkier white pencil (like the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil, and apply it to the inner corner of the eye. This brings focus and light to the center of the face. Blend out with your finger for a diffused finish.

If you love black eyeliner with a passion, live your truth. Just know that white eyeliner is there to join the party whenever you want to give it a try.