28 Trending Eyeliner Styles You Can Definitely Pull Off

When it comes to eyeliner, you probably reach for the same brown or black eyeliner pencil day in and day out. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, there are also plenty of other eyeliner styles to try out. Why not forgo your usual brown lash line look for something more dramatic and bold? Or trade in your favorite black wing for a dotted cat eye or a negative space cut crease look? If lack of eyeliner application experience is what’s keeping you from trying out something new in the eye makeup department, don’t fret—we’ve got 28 eyeliner ideas that you can definitely do. Keep reading to learn about all of them, plus our best products and application tips to use along the way.

EYELINER IDEA #1: SULTRY SMOKY EYE

We couldn’t do an eyeliner roundup without mentioning the smoky eye. A true classic, this effortlessly chic makeup look can take your look from day to night with ease. To start, you’ll want to apply a thin layer of eye primer to keep your makeup in place. Then line your upper and lower lash lines with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Black. Before it sets, reach for a pencil eyeshadow brush dipped in eyeshadow and smoke out your liner. Don’t get too precious with it; this look can be a bit messy! Coat your eyelashes with a few swipes of the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara, Lasting Volume, for lifted and curled lashes. Voila!

EYELINER IDEA #2: CLASSIC CAT EYE

Is there any eyeliner style more classic than the black cat eye? It’s an all-time favorite for a reason—it’s gorgeous! Equal parts dramatic, romantic, and always on-trend, a classic black cat eye is well-suited for just about any occasion, whether day or night. To achieve the perfect cat eye, don’t forget to apply primer beforehand and start your cat eye with the wing first. And if those two tips aren’t enough to spark confidence in your cat eye skills, here are 7 Hacks for the Perfect Cat Eye.

EYELINER IDEA #3: SMUDGED EYELINER

If the thought of applying a dramatic smoky eye is intimidating, try the smudging technique instead. Smudged black eyeliner is like the punk-rock cousin of the traditional smoky eye, and you can smudge a little or a lot, depending on your mood. Try the trend with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner, which comes with a smudger to help make the process oh so easy! Here’s How to Wear Smudged Black Eyeliner.

EYELINER IDEA #4: TIGHTLINING

Tightlining, also known as invisible eyeliner, is an eye makeup technique that involves applying eyeliner onto your upper waterline to create the appearance of thicker, more defined lashes. The idea behind tightlining is to make it look as if you haven’t even applied eyeliner at all—yet still make people wonder how your eyes and lashes appear so naturally defined and stunning. Since this technique involves getting really close to your eyes, it’s best to make sure you’re doing it the right way. Our article, What is Tightlining? Everything You Need to Know About this Invisible Eyeliner Technique, has all the details.

EYELINER IDEA #5: TEAL EYELINER

In case you missed it, teal eye makeup is officially on-trend. Look around on social media and in magazines, and you’ll quickly see just how popular teal eye makeup is. One of the best ways to try out this trendy hue is with a bold, bright teal eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in True Teal, for a stunning a cat eye.

EYELINER IDEA #6: WINGED EYELINER

This classic eyeliner look is as versatile as it is stunning; Wear it to work, brunch, a night out, or anything in between. Of course, just because this liner look is a true classic doesn’t mean it’s the easiest to create yourself. However, we’d also argue that because winged eyeliner will always be in style, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to perfect it for yourself. Here’s How to Achieve Your Sharpest Winged Eyeliner Look. Once you’ve perfected your winged liner technique, you can branch out from traditional black and brown liner and try a colorful winged look.

EYELINER IDEA #7: NUDE EYELINER

Sometimes, going with a nearly invisible eyeliner hue can be just as bold as black or brown. Use nude eyeliner to brighten the appearance of your eyes, make your eyes appear larger, or layer it underneath your eye shadow to make it really pop. Need a rec? Try all of those nude eyeliner hacks with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude.

EYELINER IDEA #8: COLORFUL CAT EYE

One easy way to update a traditional cat eye is to reach for a colored eyeliner pencil, rather than your everyday black shade. This is a simple and fun way to update a cat eye for different seasons and occasions. Choose a beautiful cobalt blue for the summer months, or switch to a metallic silver or gold, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Gold Velvet, for the holidays.

EYELINER IDEA #9: TWO-TONED EYELINER

Two-toned eyeshadow is a timeless look, but two shades of liner can be equally as stunning. What’s more, it’s easier to apply than you might think; Simply line your upper lash line as usual, or however you like (winged, cat eye, a traditional thin line—it’s up to you!). Then choose a second color of eyeliner and carefully trace just above that line. That’s it—your two-toned liner look is done!

Need some color combo inspiration? Try layering a bright shade on top of traditional black, such as the L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner, Waterproof in Black on the bottom and Blue on top. Or, go for warmer shades and try layering a brown liner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Brown with Burgundy on top. Mix things up and get creative!

EYELINER IDEA #10: DOTTED CAT EYE

The typical cat eye involves a winged line of eyeliner, of course, but what would happen if you were to replace that straight line with dots? We’ll tell you what will happen: a gorgeous and super fun twist on your standard cat eye. Add an extra element of fun and apply your dots using a colored eyeliner pencil, like a bold blue or a bright purple!

EYELINER IDEA #11: BRIGHT WHITE

Brighten things up with white eyeliner! Use it for a wing, along your lower lash line, or in the innermost corner of your eye to get a wide-awake look. Actually, you’d be surprised at all of the many looks you can achieve with just a white eyeliner pencil. Grab a white eyeliner and read up on 8 White Eyeliner Hacks to Try ASAP.

EYELINER IDEA #12: SILVER UNDERLINER

Another on-trend eyeliner shade that’s perfectly suited for a dinner date or a night out? None other than silver. Try out a silver hue on your lower lash line for a chic underliner look. Simply grab a silver eyeliner pencil, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Silver, then line your lower lash line for a gorgeous metallic pop! For more silver eye makeup ideas, here’s How to Do a Silver Eyeliner Makeup Look.

EYELINER IDEA #13: COLOR-BLOCKED EYELINER

The difference between two-toned and color-blocked eyeliner is that rather than always layering one color on top of the other vertically, color-blocked liner can be applied in a myriad of different ways. You can apply color only in the middle of your eye, then apply black around the inner and outermost corners. You could apply one shade on the top lash line, and another on the bottom. You get the idea—there are quite a few options. For all of our many color-blocked eyeliner ideas, here’s How to Do Color Blocked Eyeliner.

EYELINER IDEA #14: OMBRÉ EYELINER

Another one of our favorite eyeliner styles? Ombré! While you may think this trend is reserved for hair, it also makes for an impressive eyeliner look. To try ombré liner for yourself, grab a white eyeliner pencil, as well as another eyeliner color of your choice. Start by applying the white liner onto your upper lash line from the innermost corner to the center of your eye. Then grab your colored pencil and use it to line the outer third of your upper lash line. Finally, use a thin eyeliner brush to blend the two colors where they meet. Voila! You’ve just created a fabulous fade.

EYELINER IDEA #15: ROSE GOLD

Rose gold is definitely one of the trendiest makeup and hair color hues of the moment, and it also makes for a chic and subtle eyeliner look. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Rose Gold and apply a thick line onto your upper lash line and a thinner line on your lower lash line. Skip the eye shadow altogether and apply a few swipes of black mascara, then you’re as good as (rose) gold!

EYELINER IDEA #16: DOUBLE-WINGED LINER

Extend your wing outward a bit further than normal, then use a second shade of liner to apply another wing on top. Double the wings, double the fun!

EYELINER IDEA #17: DIAGONAL WINGED LINER

Think you can handle a new take on the double-winged liner trend? In that case, it’s time to get acquainted with a diagonal winged liner look. Instead of applying another wing on top of your first wing, this eyeliner style creates a wing that goes toward your nose. To get the look, line your lower lash line starting about an inch away from the inner corner of your eye. Extend the line and create a wing. Then go back to the starting point of your line and add a wing starting from your inner corner, making sure the wing sits at a diagonal angle.

EYELINER IDEA #18: DIAGONAL SWIPED LINER

If you’re growing tired of the traditional cat eye, it may be time to revamp your look. Lucky for you, diagonal swiped liner gives your eyes the same effect with a modern touch. One of the best eyeliner styles to choose from when you’re pressed for time, it’ll make your beauty routine a quick process.

Simply create a thick diagonal line from the middle of your lid and extend it upward part-way toward the tail of your brow. Repeat at the end of your upper lash line, extending the line, so it connects with the point of your first swipe of liner.

EYELINER IDEA #19: NEGATIVE SPACE CUT CREASE EYELINER

If you want to really step up the drama with your eyeliner look, consider a more graphic approach, such as the negative space cut crease. This eye makeup look involves applying eyeliner to define the shape of your eyes while leaving a blank space in the middle of your lids. The final look will turn heads (in a good way), and although it’s easier than it looks to create yourself, we have a tutorial that will teach you exactly how to get the look. Here’s How to Create a Negative Space Cut Crease.

EYELINER IDEA #20: SHADES OF PURPLE

Sometimes, you don’t need a fancy new eyeliner technique to create a stunning final look. Instead, simply switch up the shade of eyeliner you’re using in the first place! We’re particularly fond of majestic purple eyeliner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Purple and Aubergine, at the moment. Use your purple liner on both your upper and lower lash lines for a bold look, or simply add a flick on either eye for a colored wing.

EYELINER IDEA #21: BRIGHT ORANGE EYELINER

Another hot hue we’re loving is bright orange, which makes for a bold statement look. Don’t be intimidated by the brightness of orange liner—we promise that anyone can rock this cool-girl look! Here’s How to Pull Off Bright Orange Eyeliner.

EYELINER IDEA #22: REVERSE CAT EYE

Instead of lining your upper lash line and creating the typical cat-eye flick, line only your lower lash line and create a wing at the inner corner of your eye. Then leave your upper lash line totally blank for an unexpected and totally trendy eyeliner look. To get this reverse eyeliner look, you’ll want to use a liquid eyeliner that has a precision brush, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Black.

EYELINER IDEA #23: PUPPY LINER

The latest Korean beauty trend surprisingly isn’t a skin care trend. Lucky for you, it’s actually an eye makeup look! Puppy liner involves using eyeliner to create a soft, doe-eyed look. Read up on how to get the look in our article, What Is Puppy Liner?

EYELINER IDEA #24: ARROW LINER

Dare to be bold in the eyeliner department? The arrow liner style may be just what you need. This liner look features a revamped wing with an arrow that sits at the outer edge of the lower lash line for an edgy finish. Using a brush tip eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof, Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner, create a reversed winged liner look. Starting in the middle of your lower lash line, create a precise line, and end at the outer corner of your eye. Next, lightly flick your eyeliner to create a small arrow shape.

EYELINER IDEA #25: RULER-STRAIGHT LINER

Instead of keeping things simple with curved winged liner, go against the grain with a ruler-straight line. One of our favorite eyeliner ideas, this look is a great way to step outside the box while making a chic statement. Best of all, it’s super easy to create. All you need to do is create a straight line starting at the outer edge of your lower lash line and extend the line, so it lines up with the tail of your brows. Congratulations, you’ve just changed the game.

EYELINER IDEA #26: FLOATING CREASE LINER

In the mood for a simple yet bold eyeliner look? It’s time that we put floating crease eyeliner on your radar. As the name suggests, this look flaunts a line just above your crease for a floating effect. One of the most avant-garde eyeliner styles, this look pairs well with just about any eye makeup look you can dream up. Check out our article, What Is a Floating Crease? Your New Favorite Eyeliner Trend, to craft this look like a pro!

EYELINER IDEA #27: ACCENT LINER

Minimalist makeup your forte? If that’s the case, accent liner may be your perfect match. This look is all about giving your eyes are more awake look while maintaining the style of a traditional eyeliner look. Pick up the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner, create a line starting at the outer end of your lash line and extend the line to craft a wing. The result is a super pretty wing that opens your gaze.

EYELINER IDEA #28: ZEBRA LINER

Fancy animal print? Bring your love for the trendy style to your next beauty look with the help of zebra liner. The perfect way to make your eye makeup the star of the show, zebra liner will not disappoint. To get the look, use a black fine-tip eyeliner and trace the outline of a wing. Create thick black zebra lines within the outline and fill the rest with white eyeliner to complete the look!

Next: The Biggest Eyeliner Trends in Every Decade