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The Truth About Eyeliner on the Waterline: How to Avoid Meibomian Gland Dysfunction aka MGD

The Truth About Eyeliner on the Waterline: How to Avoid Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Eyeliner on the waterline—it's a makeup trend that has been adored by women for centuries. It enhances the eyes, adds drama, and makes lashes appear thicker. But did you know that this beauty staple could be secretly harming your eye health? When improperly cleaned, waterline eyeliner can lead to a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which may result in dry, irritated eyes and long-term complications.

Luckily, there’s a way to have the best of both worlds—beautiful, defined eyes and healthy glands! Let’s talk about how to keep your waterline clean with We Love Eyes Tea Tree Eye Makeup Removal Oil and the Eyelid Margin Scrub Brush, featured in the We Love Eyes Waterline Deep Cleanse Kit.


Why Women Have Lined Their Waterline for Centuries

From Cleopatra’s dramatic kohl-lined eyes to Bollywood’s timeless kajal looks, women have been applying eyeliner to their waterline for thousands of years. Historically, this practice wasn’t just about beauty—it was believed to:

  • Protect against the sun’s glare.
  • Repel insects.
  • Have spiritual significance or ward off evil spirits.

While the reasons have evolved, one thing remains constant: waterline eyeliner continues to captivate, offering an instant sultry, defined look.


Why Eyeliner Can Clog the Waterline

The waterline is home to the delicate Meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of your tears. When this area isn’t cleaned properly, eyeliner ingredients and debris can clog these glands, leading to MGD. Here are three reasons why eyeliner can cause problems:

  1. Direct Contact with the Glands

    • When eyeliner is applied directly on the waterline, waxes, oils, silicones and other ingredients coat the openings of the Meibomian glands, creating blockages that interfere with oil production.
  2. Makeup Migration

    • Eyeliner tends to smudge or migrate over time, seeping into the glands and mixing with natural oils, creating a thick, sticky buildup.
  3. Poor Quality Ingredients

    • Some eyeliners contain waxes, parabens, or other pore-clogging ingredients that exacerbate gland dysfunction over time.

How to Deep Clean Your Waterline with We Love Eyes

If you love the look of eyeliner on the waterline but want to avoid the risks of MGD, regular deep cleaning is essential. Here’s how you can use the We Love Eyes Waterline Deep Cleanse Kit to keep your waterline fresh, clean, and healthy.

Step 1: Use We Love Eyes Tea Tree Eye Makeup Removal Oil

  • Why It Works: This oil is gentle yet effective in breaking down stubborn eyeliner and makeup without irritating the eyes. Plus, it’s packed with clean, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and tea tree oil which are highly beneficial to meibomian gland health.
  • How to Use: Apply 1 small drop of the oil onto the scrub brush. Shake off any excess. Gently massage along the waterline to dissolve makeup, oil, and debris.

Step 2: Scrub with the Eyelid Margin Scrub Brush

  • Why It Works: This ultra-soft brush is designed to reach the delicate margins of the eyelid, providing a deeper clean where buildup tends to linger.
  • How to Use: After applying the removal oil, use the brush to gently scrub along the waterline in small, circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 3: Repeat Regularly

  • How Often to Clean: Deep clean your waterline 2–3 times a week if you wear waterline eyeliner frequently. For those with sensitive eyes or signs of MGD, daily cleaning is recommended.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Keeping your waterline clean does more than prevent MGD—it also enhances the look and feel of your makeup. A clean waterline ensures:

  1. Better eyeliner application and longevity.
  2. Reduced irritation and redness.
  3. Overall healthier, more comfortable eyes.

Where to Find the We Love Eyes Waterline Deep Cleanse Kit

If your waterline could use some TLC, the We Love Eyes Waterline Deep Cleanse Kit is a game-changer. This kit makes cleaning easy, effective, and soothing—perfect for anyone who loves their waterline eyeliner but hates the idea of clogged glands.

Visit WeLoveEyes.com to explore more solutions for maintaining healthy, beautiful eyes.


We Love Eyes, xo.

Eyeliner on the waterline doesn’t have to come at the cost of your eye health. With the right tools and routine, you can enjoy your favorite looks while keeping your Meibomian glands happy and functional. Deep clean regularly, use high-quality products like We Love Eyes, and give your eyes the love they deserve!