Step up Your Liner Game: 25 Eyeliner Looks To Try Now

Thick or thin, winged or straight, everyone has a preference when it comes to eyeliner. But it can be fun to switch it up now and again. After all, different eyeliner looks have different benefits: An exaggerated winged eyeliner look can add a dose of drama to your every day, while smoked-out liner can lend your look an on-trend grungy flair. Some eyeliner styles can even emphasize your eye shape or make your eyes appear larger.

Whether you want to perfect an easy eyeliner look or find an unexpected style for your next night out, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find 25 cool eyeliner looks sure to make a statement and learn how to nail them at home. Plus, you’ll discover some of our favorite pencil, gel, and liquid eyeliners to add to your makeup bag. Scroll on to discover the eyeliner trends we’re loving right now.

1. Classic Winged Liner

Winged eyeliner is one of the most popular eyeliner looks around, and for good reason—it’s universally flattering. There’s no wonder Cleopatra’s (alleged) signature style remains timeless over 2,000 years later.

Because this look requires precision, it’s best achieved with liquid eyeliner. We recommend reaching for L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in Black because it features an ultra-fine felt tip for control and precision. Use the pen’s tip to trace the liner along your lash line and extend the line toward the tail of your brow for a classic winged look. If you’re having trouble keeping your line even, prop your elbow up on a steady surface.

2. Smudged Eyeliner

Messy eyeliner is back in style after years of a focus on “clean” beauty. This modern take on a ‘90s grunge staple is as close to effortless as it gets, and a great option for eyeliner beginners. Create your smudged eyeliner look by using the pencil side of L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner in Brown Denim to trace your upper and lower lash line (no need to be super precise). Then, flip the pencil over and use the built-in smudger to buff out your lines for a laid-back, lived-in look.

3. Smoky Eyeliner

Pair your go-to smoky eye with soft, diffused eyeliner for a date night-ready look that puts all the focus on your eyes. We love using neutral mattes and shimmers to create this look, but you can use any colors you’d like—just make sure your eyeliner is in the same color family as your shadow.

4. Waterline Eyeliner

If you’re looking for a cool eyeliner look to rock on your next night out, it’s hard to compete with a darkened waterline. The key to nailing waterline eyeliner lies in the products you choose. We suggest reaching for a waterproof pencil eyeliner, such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Black, as it glides on easily and offers up to 24 hours of smudge-proof wear.

5. Soft Glam Eyeliner

The soft glam eyeliner trend plays up your features in a natural and understated way. Think of this look as more of a whisper than a scream. Instead of eyeliner, use eyeshadow to define your upper lash line. We recommend using an eyeliner brush to apply the shadow for a precise yet still soft-looking application.

6. Orange Eyeliner

Upgrade your go-to black wing by pairing it with vivid orange—this colorful eyeliner look is especially fun for sunny summer days. Start by using a black pencil liner to draw a wing on your upper lash line and trace your lower lash line. Then, use orange eyeliner to draw another wing directly above the first for a graphic pop of color. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also apply a contrasting hue like turquoise beneath the black on your lower lash line.

7. Pink and White Negative Space Eyeliner

No need to wait for Valentine’s Day to try this flirty pink-and-white eye makeup idea. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Mademoiselle Pink and apply it to your lid, smoking the color beyond your crease and toward your brow bone. Then, use L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in White to draw a winged shape just above your crease, connecting it to the outer corner of your eye. Complete the sweet look by using hot pink or red eyeliner to draw mini heart accents on your lid, outer corner, or wherever you’d like a little extra pop.

8. Gold Floating Crease

In contrast to the heavily blended and layered cut crease, a floating crease directs attention to the eyelid in one straightforward stroke. You can achieve this look with any color, but we’re particularly fond of how gold lends the graphic look a glamorous edge.

Start by creating a classic black wing along your upper lash line. Next, reach for a pigmented metallic gold eyeshadow (we recommend L’Oréal Infallible 24 HR Eyeshadow in Eternal Sunshine). Use an eyeliner brush to trace the gold shadow in a thick line just above your crease, following the natural curvature of your orbital bone. Add mascara, then complete the look by placing a few rhinestone embellishments at the outer corner of your eye.

9. Soft Bronze Eyeliner

Simple is sexy, and sultry bronze eyes are a subtle (yet unforgettable) way to draw focus to your eyes. Simply trade in your go-to black eyeliner pencil for one in a softer bronze shade and line your upper and lower lash lines as usual. We love L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Bronze for this look—it’s dark enough to have an impact, but muted enough to keep the look soft.

10. Simple Gray Eyeliner

A shimmery gray is an easy way to dip your toe into the world of colored eyeliner for newbies. After sweeping a silver eyeshadow across your eyelid, define your lash line by using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Taupe Grey to draw a thick, exaggerated wing.

11. Purple Winged Eyeliner

Confidence is always in style, and this colorful and creative eyeliner look screams self-assured. To try it for yourself, start by swiping a matte yellow eyeshadow onto your lids and along your lower lash line. Then, add contrast with a sharp plum-hued wing on your upper lash line—we recommend using L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Purple. Finish with purple mascara to really drive the playful look home.

12. Faded Brown Eyeliner

Whether you want to enhance your chocolate-colored eyes with a monochromatic look or make your baby blues pop, brown eyeliner will do the trick. Opt for a lighter shade of brown for a natural eyeliner look with a subtly romantic flair.

13. Graphic Blue Eyeliner

Blue eye makeup is having a moment right now, and we couldn’t be more excited. Embrace the trend by using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Turquoise to draw a sharp wing along your upper lash line and a second one directly above your crease. Join the two wings together as seen here for a colorful and modern negative-space effect.

14. Burgundy Eyeliner

This wine-colored twist on the traditional black winged eyeliner look is easy to do at home, even for eyeliner beginners. All you need to create it is a pigmented eyeliner pencil, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Burgundy.

15. White and Black Eyeliner

You can’t go wrong with a classic black-and-white duo—even on the eyes. You can achieve this graphic look by drawing a thick black wing with your favorite liquid liner, then drawing a second wing immediately above it with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in White. You can also use the white liner to trace your lower waterline—this well-known trick can help make your eyes appear bigger.

16. Dark Green Double Eyeliner

Make your eyes the star of the show by creating a graphic double wing in a luxurious emerald hue. To create this look, draw a thick, exaggerated wing along your upper lash line with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Green. Then, trace a thin line just above your crease, following your eye’s natural contour. Complete the look by lightly tapping L'Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Crown Gold onto your inner corner for a pop of shimmer.

17. Flirty Lilac Eyeliner

There’s no wing needed for this pastel eyeliner look—the summery purple hue pops plenty on its own. We recommend pairing the liner with long, wispy lashes for a feminine, flirty effect.

18. Red Eyeliner

You’re probably well aware that red lipstick commands attention, but so can red eyeliner—especially when it’s paired with bare skin. Use a vivid crimson liner to draw a thin wing along your upper lash line, extending the line in the inner corner past your tear duct. Then, draw another thin line above your crease, starting from the center of your eye and extending toward the tail of your brow. Connect the two lines to create a graphic, ‘60s-inspired wing shape.

19. Reverse Red Eyeliner

One thing we love about eyeliner—and makeup in general—is that you can be as experimental as you’d like. Unleash your creative side by ditching the upper lid liner and instead defining only your lower lash line in a vivid scarlet shade. You can use eyeliner or eyeshadow for this look—the former will yield a more defined finish, while the latter will give you a smokier, grungier vibe. Either way, it’s an easy eyeliner look that makes a big impact.

20. Navy Blue Eyeliner

Some color combinations just work: lilac and mint, orange and teal, and of course, pink and navy. Recreate this colorful eyeliner look by sweeping a vibrant pink shadow onto your lids, then drawing an elongated wing with a deep blue liner, such as L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Blue Jersey.

21. Bejeweled Eyeliner

If you want to stand out, this sparkly, embellished eyeliner look is a must-try. Start by using an angled eyeliner brush to apply L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Liquid Eyeshadow Makeup in String of Pearls to your upper lash line, extending the color outward at the corner of your eye to create a dramatic wing. Then, use makeup glue to adhere miniature rhinestones to your lids, keeping the embellishments as close to your lash line as possible. Finish the look by defining your lower waterline with gray or black eyeliner.

22. Inner Corner Eyeliner

This bold look flips the concept of a cat eye on its head, with the winged section focused on the inner corner rather than the outer corner. You can use any eyeliner to create this look, but for the smudgy, smoky effect seen above, we recommend using a gel liner like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Intense Black.

23. Gold Eyeliner

You can never go wrong with a touch of gold on your eyes. There are so many shades of gold to choose from, but we recommend picking one based on your skin tone and undertones. Champagne and rose golds help add warmth to lighter skin, while pure yellow golds pop against deeper skin tones.

24. Teal Eyeliner

A vivid hue like teal doesn’t need anything else to complement it—it stands out all on its own. Use L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Turquoise to create a thick, exaggerated wing on your upper lash line, leaving the bottom lash line bare for maximum impact.

25. Yellow Eyeliner

We love a mix of bright and sultry, and this cool eyeliner look will surely help you stand out in a crowd. Start by swiping a matte gray eyeshadow across your lids. Then, lightly buff a yellow shadow into your crease and toward your brow bone. Finally, use a vivid yellow eyeliner to line your upper lash line from your tear duct to the outer corner of your eye.

Next Up: How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger Using Panorama Mascara and Other Eye Makeup

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris