When it comes to makeup, eyeliner is a game-changer. It has the power to transform your eyes, making them appear bigger, bolder, and more captivating. Whether you’re a seasoned makeup pro or just starting on your beauty journey, staying on top of the latest eyeliner trends can help you keep your look fresh and trendy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 eyeliner trends for 2023, complete with tips, hacks, and shortcuts to ensure you’re always in vogue.
Top 10 eyeliner trends for 2023
1. Classic Black Liner Never Goes Out of Style
The classic black eyeliner is a timeless trend that remains a staple in 2023. It’s versatile and can be used to create various looks, from a subtle line for everyday wear to a dramatic cat-eye for special occasions. To know how to apply eyeliner perfectly, practice with your preferred type of liner, be it gel, liquid, or pencil.
Black eyeliner is a must-have in every makeup bag. It’s the ultimate tool for defining your eyes, creating a sultry smoky look, or achieving a precise cat-eye. Here are some tips for using classic black eyeliner:
- Types of Black Eyeliner: You can choose from various types of black eyeliners, including pencil, gel, and liquid. Pencil eyeliners are excellent for smudging, while gel and liquid eyeliners offer precise lines.
- Perfecting the Cat-Eye: The classic cat-eye is a timeless look that never goes out of style. To achieve this, start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line. Extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye, creating a winged effect. If you’re struggling with symmetry, use a piece of scotch tape as a guide.
- Smudge for a Smoky Look: If you prefer a smoky look, apply your black eyeliner, and then use a smudging brush or a cotton swab to gently smudge the line. This creates a soft, sultry effect.
- Waterline and Tightlining: For added intensity, apply black eyeliner to your waterline (the inner rim of your lower eyelid) and tightline your upper waterline. These techniques can make your lashes appear thicker and your eyes more defined.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to eyeliner. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your eye shape and personal style.
2. Bold and Colorful Lines
2023 is all about experimenting with bold, colorful eyeliners. Electric blues, vibrant greens, and fiery reds are making a statement. When using colorful eyeliners, a little goes a long way. Apply a thin line on your upper or lower lash line for a pop of color.
Colorful eyeliners can add a playful and vibrant touch to your makeup routine. Here’s how to incorporate bold and colorful lines into your look:
- Choose Complementary Colors: Select colorful eyeliners that complement your eye color. For example, green eyeliner can make green or hazel eyes pop, while purple can enhance brown or blue eyes.
- Simple Accents: If you’re new to colorful eyeliners, start with simple accents. Apply a colored liner on your upper lash line, or use it to create a small wing at the outer corners of your eyes. This adds a subtle pop of color.
- Colorful Smudged Liner: To create a smudged and smoky look, apply a colorful eyeliner and smudge it with a brush. The smudging technique works well with bold colors, creating a sultry effect.
3. Graphic Liner for the Artistic Souls
For those who love to get creative with their eyeliner, graphic liner is a must-try trend. This involves using your eyeliner to create geometric shapes, abstract designs, or intricate patterns around your eyes. Remember, practice makes perfect with this one.
Graphic eyeliner is an artistic and bold trend that allows you to express your creativity. Here are some tips to master graphic liner:
- Precision is Key: Graphic liner requires precision. Use a high-quality liquid or gel eyeliner with a fine brush for intricate designs.
- Practice on Your Hand: Before attempting complex eye designs, practice on the back of your hand. This helps you become comfortable with the eyeliner and brush, allowing for smoother application on your eyes.
- Use References: If you’re new to graphic liner, find inspiration from makeup artists or online tutorials. Visual references can help you create stunning and unique designs.
- Steady Hand and Patience: Creating graphic designs can be time-consuming, so be patient and take your time. A steady hand and a calm environment are crucial for success.
4. The Floating Liner Look
The floating eyeliner look involves applying liner slightly above the crease, creating a captivating, ‘floating’ effect. It’s a unique trend that adds depth and allure to your eyes.
To achieve the floating liner look, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Color: Select a liner color that contrasts with your eyeshadow. This helps the floating liner stand out.
- Mark the Space: Start by lightly marking the area where you want to create the floating liner. Use small dots or dashes as a guide.
- Connect the Dots: Connect the marks with your eyeliner, creating a clean, bold line above your crease.
- Blend: To soften the look, you can gently smudge the liner along the crease line. This creates a seamless transition between the liner and your eyeshadow.
5. Smokey Liner for Effortless Elegance
Smokey eyeliner is a trend that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for achieving a sultry, smudged look. To create this effect, apply your eyeliner and gently smudge it with a smudging brush for a hazy, mysterious finish.
Here’s how to master the smokey liner:
- Choose the Right Liner: Opt for a soft pencil or gel liner. These formulas are easier to smudge than liquid liners.
- Apply Your Liner: Apply the eyeliner along your upper and lower lash lines. It doesn’t have to be perfect at this stage.
- Smudge: Use a smudging brush or a cotton swab to gently smudge the liner. The goal is to create a smudged, sultry effect.
- Layer and Repeat: If you want a more intense look, repeat the process, adding more liner and smudging until you achieve your desired level of smokiness.
- Balance: Pair your smokey liner with neutral or subtle eyeshadow colors to keep the focus on your eyes.
6. Winged Liner: The Timeless Classic
The winged liner is a classic look that’s here to stay. It elongates and lifts your eyes for a more awake appearance. If you’re unsure how to apply eyeliner in a winged style, remember to use a piece of scotch tape as a guide.
Winged eyeliner can be elegant and sophisticated. Here’s how to create the perfect winged liner:
- Tape as a Guide: Place a small piece of scotch tape at an angle from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow. This will serve as a guide for your wing.
- Draw the Line: Starting from the inner corner of your eye, draw a thin line along your upper lash line. Stop when you reach the outer corner where the tape is.
- Create the Wing: Extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner, following the angle of the tape. The length of the wing is up to you – it can be subtle or bold.
- Fill In: Once you have the wing shape, fill it in to create a smooth line.
- Remove the Tape: Carefully peel off the tape to reveal a sharp and precise wing.
7. Double Liner for Extra Drama
For those who crave extra drama, the double liner trend is a game-changer. Apply a classic black liner close to your lash line, and then add a colorful or glittery liner just above it. It’s a fantastic way to make your eyes pop.
Here’s how to achieve the double liner look:
- Start with Classic Black: Begin by applying a black eyeliner along your upper lash line. This creates the foundation for your double liner look.
- Add a Pop of Color or Glitter: Just above the black liner, apply a colorful or glittery eyeliner. You can choose a color that complements your eye color or matches your outfit.
- Keep it Thin: To maintain a balanced look, keep the colorful or glittery liner relatively thin. The goal is to create a striking yet elegant contrast.
- Smudge or Blend: Depending on your style, you can either keep the two lines distinct or smudge them slightly for a seamless transition.
8. Inner Corner Highlight
Highlighting the inner corner of your eyes with a shimmery, bright eyeliner can make your eyes look bigger and more awake. It’s a simple yet effective trick that can be done in seconds.
To brighten your eyes with inner corner highlighting:
- Choose a Shimmery Eyeliner: Select a shimmery or metallic eyeliner in a light, bright shade. White, champagne, or silver are popular choices.
- Apply to the Inner Corner: Gently apply the shimmery eyeliner to the inner corners of your eyes. This instantly brightens your eyes and creates a more awake appearance.
- Blend if Desired: You can leave the highlight as a sharp accent or gently blend it for a softer, diffused effect.
Inner corner highlighting is an excellent technique to use when you want to appear refreshed, even on days when you didn’t get enough sleep.
9. Neon and UV Eyeliner for Nighttime Glam
If you’re looking to turn heads at nighttime events, neon and UV eyeliner is your go-to choice. These eyeliners glow under UV light, creating a mesmerizing effect. Just make sure you have a UV light source at your disposal.
Here’s how to rock neon and UV eyeliner:
- Preparation is Key: Ensure you have access to UV lighting at your event or party. Many clubs and special events provide UV or black lights.
- Choose Vibrant Colors: Neon and UV eyeliners come in a variety of vibrant colors. Opt for shades that suit your style and the event’s theme.
- Apply as Usual: Apply the neon or UV eyeliner just like you would with regular eyeliner. Ensure it’s visible in normal lighting.
- Glow Effect: When you’re in UV lighting, your eyeliner will glow, creating a stunning and captivating effect. Pair this with neon makeup or clothing for a complete look.
- Seal the Look: To prevent smudging, consider using a setting spray or a makeup sealant. This ensures your neon or UV eyeliner stays put all night.
Neon and UV eyeliner is perfect for clubbing, festivals, and themed parties where you want to make a bold and unforgettable statement.
10. Glitter and Gem Accents
Embrace your inner sparkle with glitter and gem accents. Apply a thin line of adhesive and then carefully place glitter or gemstones along your eyeliner for a glamorous, party-ready look.
Here’s how to add glitter and gem accents to your eyeliner:
- Supplies: Gather fine glitter, adhesive specifically designed for cosmetic use, and small gemstones or rhinestones.
- Apply Adhesive: Carefully apply a thin line of adhesive just above your eyeliner. Ensure it’s precisely where you want the glitter or gemstones.
- Add Glitter: While the adhesive is still wet, use a small brush or a cotton swab to gently press the glitter onto the adhesive. You can choose a single color or a combination for a more dramatic effect.
- Place Gemstones: For added glam, gently place small gemstones or rhinestones along the adhesive line. You can create patterns or keep it simple.
- Seal with Setting Spray: To keep your glitter and gem accents in place, finish with a makeup setting spray.
Glitter and gem accents are a fun way to add some sparkle and glam to your makeup, whether you’re heading to a special event, a night out, or simply want to express your creativity.
Mastering Eyeliner Application
Now that you’re acquainted with the top 10 eyeliner trends for 2023, let’s delve deeper into the essential skill that ties them all together: how to apply eyeliner. No matter which trend you choose to embrace, mastering eyeliner application is key to achieving a flawless look. Here are some fundamental tips and techniques for applying eyeliner like a pro.
1. Choose the Right Eyeliner Type:
Before you can perfect your eyeliner application, you need to choose the right type of eyeliner for your desired look. The main types of eyeliners include:
- Pencil Eyeliner: These are easy to use and great for smudging, but may not offer the precision required for intricate designs or sharp lines.
- Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliners provide intense, bold lines that are perfect for dramatic looks. However, they require a steady hand and practice for precise application.
- Gel Eyeliner: Gel eyeliners are versatile, providing the boldness of liquid and the ease of pencil liners. They’re great for creating various styles.
2. Steady Your Hand:
To achieve a steady hand while applying eyeliner, it’s crucial to find a comfortable position and maintain a relaxed posture. You can also rest your elbow on a table or your hand on your face for additional stability.
3. Begin with a Clean Canvas:
Ensure your eyelids are clean and free from excess oil or makeup. You can use a primer or some translucent powder on your lids to create a smooth surface for eyeliner application.
4. Use Short Strokes:
Instead of attempting to draw one continuous line, use short, small strokes. This provides better control and precision, allowing you to gradually build your desired look.
5. Draw Close to the Lash Line:
For a natural look, draw your eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. This ensures there are no gaps between your lashes and the liner.
6. Create a Guide:
If you’re new to applying eyeliner, you can use a piece of tape or the edge of a business card as a guide for creating a sharp wing or a straight line. Once you’re more confident, you can freehand the application.
7. Customize Your Look:
Remember that your eyeliner application should complement your eye shape and personal style. You can vary the thickness, length, and shape to achieve the desired effect, whether it’s a classic cat-eye or a bold, graphic design.
8. Correct Mistakes:
Don’t worry if you make a mistake; it happens to the best of us. You can use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to fix minor errors. For more significant mistakes, consider using a concealer or foundation to clean up and sharpen your lines.
9. Practice, Practice, Practice:
Eyeliner application is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it perfect the first time. Keep experimenting and refining your technique.
10. Maintain Your Eyeliner Tools:
Make sure your eyeliner pencils are sharpened, and your liquid or gel eyeliners have a smooth, consistent flow. Dull or clumpy eyeliners can make application difficult.
Conclusion
Eyeliner trends for 2023 are diverse and exciting, giving you the opportunity to express your unique style. Knowing how to apply eyeliner is the foundation for mastering these trends, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun. Whether you prefer classic black liner, bold colors, or artistic designs, there’s an eyeliner trend for everyone in 2023. So, go ahead and make your eyes the center of attention with these fabulous eyeliner trends!
Remember, makeup is an art form, and it’s all about self-expression. Embrace these trends as a way to enhance your natural beauty and showcase your creativity. With the right techniques and a little practice, you can confidently rock any of these eyeliner trends in 2023.
So, there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the top 10 eyeliner trends for 2023, along with essential tips and techniques for mastering eyeliner application. Whether you’re a fan of classic black liner, colorful designs, or glamorous accents, there’s something for every style and occasion. The key is to have fun, experiment, and let your eyes be the canvas for your creativity.
