For some reason I can’t figure out how to start this post right now so . . .HELLO! Let’s talk about waterline highlighters? Did that grab your attention? No? Great.

So sometimes when you put on your eye makeup, you know how you just get in the mood to have a brighter more open look rather than a dark waterline? The easy way to do that is to just skip putting anything at all on there, but in a lot of cases (myself included) the skin of your waterline can be very pink or red. The problem with that is it CAN make you look a bit tired, or give the impression that your makeup is a little unfinished. The solution is to pop a simple highlight color in the waterline. So here are the top five waterline highlighters, in my humble opinion:

White: Understandably, the most obvious color to use in your waterline seems to be white. Personally I’m not a fan of white in the waterline because I think it looks a touch less natural than other options. But a lot of people like it, so it seems beneficial to talk about which formula I like anyway. As far as white liner is concerned, there are 10 million choices, but why spend a ton of money on one when there is a good budget option? Rimmel Soft Khol Eyeliner in Pure White has great pigmentation, and great lasting power. It’s also a very bright white if that’s what you’re looking for. And it’s a total steal so if you’re into the white look then this is a great option.

Matte Nude: Instead of a pure white color, I like to go with a matte nude. Again there are probably a thousand trillion options out there, but why spend so much money when something as simple and inexpensive as NYX wonder Pencil will get the job done, and done well? For the waterline I think the “Light” color will work universally because it’s meant to open and brighten your eye, not blend into your skin. But the Wonder Pencil is a great multi-tasker too and they have some (very limited) other options for different skin tones as well.

Metallic Nude: Another, even more brightening option is a metallic nude color. My personal favorite is Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy Eye Pencil, but as seems to be the theme lately - everything I love gets discontinued. You can still find this color on Ebay, but it’s also fairly dupable. Off the top of my head Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes 23L is the closest option that will perform in much the same way.

The metallic finish really adds a brightening effect that wakes up the whole look, while still keeping the underneath of the eye very clean and open

Champagne Shimmer: A similar but slightly more fun option is a metallic champagne with an added shimmer! I feel like this one adds a tiny touch of glam and fun to most looks without being too much. The shimmer doesn’t show as well as I would like it to in the photos, but in person as you move around it reflects light in a very pretty way. This particular shade is the Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow in Pearl, and it has been my go to waterline color for daytime since I got it. It also stays on for most of the day, which is lovely.

Metallic Gold: When I want to take my simple eye look from day to night, I just opt to swap my simple waterline highlighter with a fancy schmancy metallic gold. It’s such a simple step but it ups it to the next level. Of course, because apparently the universe hates me, Urban Decay Baked is no longer available. Can’t a girl catch a break? They have at least come out with a very similar color called “scorch” that will make a pretty good replacement. Scorch is slightly darker but I think in such a small area it will have a similar effect, at least I hope so. But there are a ton of gold eyeliner options out there that you can try to achieve the same effect.