8 Ways to Elevate Your Eye Makeup with Different Eyeliner Styles

Eyeliner is a game-changing beauty product that can completely transform your eye makeup look. Whether you prefer a classic cat-eye, bold graphic liner, or something softer and more subtle, there’s an eyeliner style for every occasion. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through 8 eyeliner styles that can take your eye makeup to the next level, offering tips and tricks for achieving each look. Let’s dive into the art of eyeliner!

1. The Classic Cat-Eye

The cat-eye eyeliner is a timeless look that exudes elegance and sophistication. It’s characterized by a sharp wing that extends from the outer corner of the eye, lifting the eyes and creating a sleek, almond-shaped effect.

How to Achieve It:

Use a liquid eyeliner or gel formula for precision.
Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line.
Gradually build the line, making it thicker toward the outer corner.
To create the wing, extend the line upward at a 45-degree angle from the outer corner of your eye.
Connect the wing to the line along your upper lash line, then fill it in.

Tip:

Use a piece of tape or a business card at the outer corner of your eye to guide your wing for a crisp, clean finish.

2. The Bold Winged Liner

For those who love dramatic eye makeup, the bold winged liner is the way to go. This look features a thicker, more pronounced wing that creates a striking contrast against the eyes.

How to Achieve It:

Choose a bold liquid eyeliner with high pigmentation.
Start at the inner corner of your eye and draw a line along the upper lash line.
Make the line thicker as you approach the outer corner.
Extend the line into a bold, thick wing that angles upwards and outwards.
For extra drama, add a flick of eyeliner to the bottom lash line, connecting it to the top wing.

Tip:

Pair bold winged liner with neutral eyeshadows for a balanced look that doesn’t compete with the eyeliner.

3. The Smudged Liner

If you prefer a softer, smokier look, the smudged eyeliner style is perfect for you. This style offers a more relaxed, sultry vibe with a blend of eyeliner and shadow.

How to Achieve It:

Apply a pencil eyeliner along your upper lash line.
Using a smudging brush or your fingertip, gently blend the liner outward for a soft, smoky effect.
Repeat the same process on your lower lash line for a more balanced look.
For added depth, smudge some eyeshadow over the liner.

Tip:

This look pairs beautifully with matte or shimmery eyeshadows in neutral tones, like browns, taupes, or bronzes.

4. The Graphic Liner

For those who want to experiment with bold and artistic eye makeup, graphic eyeliner is an edgy choice. This look breaks free from the traditional shape and offers endless possibilities.

How to Achieve It:

Start by applying a thin line along your upper lash line.
Using liquid or gel eyeliner, create sharp, geometric shapes such as triangles, lines, or boxes above and below the lash line.
Play around with symmetry, size, and placement to create a modern, high-fashion look.

Tip:

Graphic eyeliner is best complemented by minimal makeup on the rest of your face, allowing your eyes to be the focal point.

5. The Double Liner

Double liner is a fun, creative style that adds dimension to your eyes by layering two lines of eyeliner. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of flair.

How to Achieve It:

Apply a traditional eyeliner look on your upper lash line.
Afterward, add a second, contrasting line just above the first one. You can use a different color (like bright blue, green, or purple) or opt for a glitter eyeliner for a pop of sparkle.
For a more subtle approach, use a dark eyeliner on top and a lighter or metallic one on the bottom.

Tip:

Double liner is a great way to incorporate bold colors into your makeup routine without going overboard.

6. The Tightline

Tightlining is a technique that involves applying eyeliner directly to the waterline (the inner rim of your eyelid), creating the illusion of fuller, more defined lashes without visible eyeliner.

How to Achieve It:

Use a waterproof pencil eyeliner to tightline your upper waterline.
Gently lift your eyelid and apply the liner as close to the root of your lashes as possible.
For a more dramatic effect, tightline your lower waterline as well.

Tip:

Tightlining is ideal for a more natural or “no-makeup” makeup look, as it enhances your eyes without looking too bold.

7. The White or Nude Liner

For a bright-eyed, wide-awake look, consider using a white or nude eyeliner along your lower waterline. This style makes your eyes appear larger and more refreshed.

How to Achieve It:

Apply a white or nude pencil eyeliner along your lower waterline.
For added impact, use a brightening eyeshadow on your lids to complement the wide-awake look.

Tip:

White or nude liner is perfect for days when you need to look refreshed after a late night or when you want to open up the eyes for a more youthful appearance.

8. The Winged Lower Lash Line

Winged eyeliner doesn’t have to be confined to the upper lash line. The winged lower lash line is a daring style that makes your eyes pop with an edgy twist.

How to Achieve It:

Using a pencil or gel eyeliner, draw a winged line along your lower lash line, extending it outwards.
You can keep it subtle with a thin wing, or go bold with a thick, dramatic shape.
Blend it with a dark eyeshadow for a smoky finish.