Best Eyeliner for Upturned Eyes: Top Picks for Definition and Lift
Finding the right eyeliner for upturned eyes means seeking products that emphasize the outer corners while keeping the lid looking bright and open. The following selections highlight smudge-proof formulas, long wear, and precise application to enhance upturned eye shapes. Each option is evaluated on glide, pigment, wear, and ease of use to help you achieve defined, lifted looks from subtle to dramatic.
Summary of chosen products:
- REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, 201 Black
- NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil, Smoky Topaz
- REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, 202 Black Brown
- e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Plum & Go
- L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Each product below is tied to its official listing for quick access. The sections focus on how the liner can help enhance upturned eyes by creating clean upper lash lines, extending slightly outward, and maintaining comfort throughout wear. Product features are summarized from the listed benefits to inform selection.
REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, 201 Black
Designed for all-day wear, this pencil yields rich, transfer-proof color that remains intact from morning through night. The built-in sharpener ensures a precise tip for sharp lines, while a smudger enables easy blending for a soft or bold finish. Its waterproof, smudge-proof formula helps keep the upper lash line clean, enhancing upturned eyes without fading at the outer corners.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil, Smoky Topaz
This retractable pencil provides liquid-like pigment without sharpening, making it ideal for precise upper lash definition near the tear duct and along the outer corner. The creamy, smudge-proof formula resists humidity and heat, preserving a crisp line that can elongate outward for a lifted appearance. It offers strong color payoff with a no-fuss twist-up design for quick daily use.
REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, 202 Black Brown
This backup option mirrors the brand’s enduring formula with long-lasting color that stays put for up to 24 hours. The pencil design is easy to control for precise lines along the upper lash line, and the built-in sharpener helps maintain a clean tip. The smudger allows blending toward the outer corner for a soft cat-eye effect that flatters upturned eyes.
REVLON ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner, 201 Black
Another variant of the classic ColorStay pencil, this option emphasizes a smooth glide with heavy-duty wear. The formula remains water- and transfer-resistant, making it suitable for all-day wear in busy or humid conditions. The built-in sharpener supports crisp, precise lines that pair well with an upturned eye shape when applied just above the lash line and extended outward slightly.
e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Plum & Go
The silky Kohl formula glides on for crisp lines or sultry, smoky looks. Its long-lasting color is highly pigmented, making it suitable for bold outer-corner emphasis to visually lift the eye. The shade Plum & Go adds depth without overpowering the lid, allowing a clean upper line that remains comfortable through wear.
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
This waterproof liquid liner provides precise winged lines with a brush tip designed for consistent control. The included wing stencil helps achieve symmetrical, crisp wings—an asset for upturned eyes where a gentle outward flick can enhance the lift. The formula resists smudging, making it a strong option for long days or events.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations for upturned eyes:
- Formula type: Pencil for precise control and easy blending; retractable pencils for quick wear; liquid for sharp, dramatic wings; Kohl for a smoky finish. Upturned eyes often benefit from a balance between a defined upper lash line and a touch of outer corner lift.
- Wear and finish: Water- and smudge-proof options help maintain the look in humidity or long days. Matte finishes can emphasize a crisp edge, while slight shimmer near the inner corner can brighten the eye.
- Application ease: Built-in sharpeners and smudgers improve tip maintenance and blending. Retractable pencils with glide-on formulas reduce tugging on delicate eyelids.
- Shade selection: Dark blacks and browns provide depth and daily versatility; plum, bronze, or topaz tones offer dimension for lighter or warmer skin tones and enhance upturned eyes by complementing the outer corner.
- Precision tools: Wings, stencils, or fine brush tips help create outward flicks that lift the eye. For beginners, starting with a precise pencil and a smudger can build confidence before trying liquid liners.
Other considerations include compatibility with contact lenses, sensitive eyes, and climate conditions. Users may combine products, e.g., a pencil for the upper lash line and a liquid liner for the outer wing, to achieve a balanced upturned-eye look. Always test new products for irritation and perform patch tests when using new shades or formulas.