The Waterline Era: The Secret to a Stunning Eye Look

The trend of exaggerating the aegyo-sal (the small pocket of fat just beneath the eyes) is fading. Instead, many idols are fully defining their lower waterline, a technique that adds depth to the eyes rather than simply making them look bigger. Paired with well-defined lower lashes, the result is a more dimensional eye look. It's a trend that's everywhere—from the stage to the selfies idols post between schedules.

Photo: Instagram @jennierubyjane

i-dle's Minnie takes this trend to the extreme. She pairs bold black eyeliner on the upper lid with a fully defined lower waterline, barely blending the look. The result is an eye look so striking and intense that it commands attention on its own.

Photo: Instagram @min.nicha

Yoonchae of KATSEYE swaps black for a deep brown on the lower waterline. Because the softer shade blends more naturally into the makeup, it adds depth without the harshness of black.

Photo: Instagram @yoonchae

LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon matches her lower waterline makeup to her ash-brown contact lenses. As the color flows seamlessly from the iris to the lower lash line, the look remains soft and harmonious while still feeling well-defined.

Photo: Instagram @_chaechae_1

ILLIT's Iroha blends the aegyo-sal with the lower waterline instead of treating them as separate steps. The result is the cleanest and most natural look of the bunch, making it one of the easiest styles to wear every day.

Photo: Instagram @illit_official

Yuha of Hearts2Hearts fills in the lower waterline with a rich brown shade. The result creates a doll-like effect, making the eyes appear bigger and more defined without looking heavy.

Photo: Instagram @hearts2hearts

Asa of BABYMONSTER pairs gray contact lenses with an intensely defined black lower waterline. Together, they create a cat-eye effect, while the gray tones give the overall look a cooler, more sophisticated finish.

Photo: Instagram @babymonster_ygofficial

IVE's Liz embraces the softer side of the trend. She combines pink eyeshadow with a fully defined lower waterline, creating a warm, radiant eye look instead of a dramatic one.

Photo: Instagram @liz.yeyo

Haum of KiiiKiii opts for a gradient effect on the lower waterline instead of a solid line. The softly blended finish adds depth and dimension without creating an obvious outline.

Photo: Instagram @kiiikiii.official

izna's Choi Jung-eun concentrates the pigment on the outer corner of the lower waterline while keeping the rest subtle. This naturally elongates the eyes without the need for a winged liner.

Photo: Instagram @izna_offcl

Nine different takes on the same technique, yet no two look alike. If a bold eye look feels like too much, defining your waterline is the easiest way to try the trend.