How to Wear Gold Eyeliner

As much as it would be nice to be covered in jewelry made from precious metals, that isn’t exactly realistic for everyone (cue the tears). Thankfully, we have gold eye makeup to help us make do until we strike it rich. That’s right, gold eyeliner is the perfect way to add some major sparkle to your beauty look and give your black and brown eyeliner shades a break in the process. Follow along as we share our 15 favorite gold eyeliner looks, each of which will leave you feeling like you’re living in the lap of luxury.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #1: SLIM SHIMMER

Think: a bit of glitz but not gaudy. Keep your eyeliner on the skinny side for a subtle gold eye makeup look.

STEP 1: PRIME LIDS

Primer isn’t only for eye shadow! Apply a thin layer to help your eyeliner apply more smoothly and wear more evenly.

STEP 2: LINE EYES

With a gold eyeliner like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Gold, press the pencil’s point against your lash line, drawing a thin line.

STEP 3: TIGHTLINE

Switching to a black eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Black, create an “invisible eyeliner” effect by coloring in along your waterline, taking care to be gentle with the delicate skin around your eyes.

STEP 4: COAT LASHES

Apply a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara to finish off your look.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #2: THICK BLOCK LINER

Want to step outside of the box with your gold eyeliner look? Instead of a thin line, trace a very thick line of the L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Gold Velvet along the outer half of your lid. As a result, you’ll sport an edgy gold eye makeup look that will turn heads. All you need is a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume in Blackest Black to complete your bold, bright-eyed masterpiece.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #3: FLOATING EYELINER

If you want to step out with a simple yet bold eyeliner look, the floating eyeliner trend will meet your needs. Flaunting a line just above your crease that creates a floating effect, this look will allow you to bring editorial glam to life on your eyes. Check out our article, What Is a Floating Crease? Your New Favorite Eyeliner Trend, to hop on the trend.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #4: SMUDGED EYELINER

In the mood to make your eye makeup the star of your beauty look? Smudged eyeliner will rise to the occasion. This makeup look is all about giving your eyes a punk-rock aesthetic without black eyeliner. Perfect for those who are game to add a metallic spin to the smudged-out trend, you can’t go wrong with smudged gold liner. Simply line your eyes however you like, then smudge it out.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #5: NEGATIVE SPACE CUT CREASE

Instead of wearing your gold eyeliner the traditional way, there’s no harm in switching things up with a negative space cut crease. Featuring a geometric approach, this look helps you define the shape of your eyes while leaving a blank space in the middle of your lids for an unexpected finish. Best of all, this look is super easy to create. Grab your gold eyeliner and follow along with our tutorial on How to Create a Negative Space Cut Crease for a swoon-worthy look.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #6: GILDED WING

When a regular old wing just isn’t enough, you know what to do. Make it gold! On top of that, a layer of glitter can’t hurt.

STEP 1: PRIME LIDS

Blend a thin layer of primer onto your lids.

STEP 2: APPLY EYE SHADOW

Use a neutral eye shadow quad, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in French Biscuit, for a basic look. Apply the lightest color as a base, a medium matte on your lids, a shimmery shadow as a highlight, and the darkest color along your lashes.

STEP 3: CREATE A CAT EYE

Picking up your gold eyeliner, draw on your winged flick. For help making things precise, try taping off the edges, then filling in the wing.

Editor’s tip: For a twist on the gold eye makeup look, consider using rose gold eyeliner instead of traditional gold. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Rose Gold and wing it out!

STEP 4: ADD GLITTER

Going to the next level with glitter is optional, but it's worth trying if you’re feeling flirty and fun. Layer a glitter eyeliner directly over top of your cat eye so that it becomes even more eye-catching.

STEP 5: COAT LASHES

Mascara is a must! Sweep the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara from root to tip for a full and dramatic look.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #7: DOUBLE WING

What’s better than one wing? We think two! Winged eyeliner is already stunning in its own right, and taking things up a notch with two wings is a great way to double the fun. Not to mention, you can execute this look in little to no time. Start by creating a wing as you normally would with black eyeliner, then follow up with gold eyeliner right on top for an eye-catching, layered look.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #8: GOLD INNER CORNERS

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to use eyeliner all over your lash line. For a foolproof way to brighten up your eyes, consider trying gold inner corners on for size. Equal parts simple and trendy, this technique works wonders to highlight your eyes. To get the look, trace the inner corner of your eye with a thin line of gold eyeliner, and you’re all set. 

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #9: RULER-STRAIGHT EYELINER

Are trendsetting eye makeup looks your forte? Well, we think that the ruler-straight gold eye makeup trend will tickle your fancy. Perfect for those who love to show off their creativity, this look allows you to leave tradition behind for eyes that won’t go unnoticed. Create a straight line starting at the inner edge of your lash line and extend the line, so it lines up with the tail of your brows.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #10: ACCENT LINER

Minimalist makeup is all the rage in the beauty world, and this is where accent liner comes into play. You’ll be able to give your eyes a more awake look without feeling like you’re wearing a ton of makeup. With your gold liner, line only the inner half of your lower lash line for a subtle pop. That’s all there is to it!

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #11: LUXURIOUS LOWER LINER

There’s no reason gold eyeliner has to be limited to your upper lid. Bring it lower for a lived-in look.

STEP 1: LINE YOUR LOWER LASH LINE

Take your gold eyeliner and line right below your eyes.

STEP 2: SMUDGE IT OUT

With a pencil brush, smudge out your liner for a messier (in a trendy way, trust us!), undone style.

STEP 3: CURL LASHES

If your lashes need an added boost, they can benefit from a quick curling session. Break out your lash curler and carefully squeeze your lashes into the perfect shape. Find more of the ins and outs on curling—not crimping—your lashes, in our article, How to Use an Eyelash Curler.

STEP 4: COAT LASHES

You knew this was coming. Apply mascara to emphasize that curl.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #12: ARROW LINER

The arrow liner trend features a chic gold arrow that sits on the outer edge of your lash line. Talk about making a bold statement! Start at the middle of your lower lash line and create a precise line, extending it to the outer corner of your eye. Follow up by flicking your eyeliner to create an arrow shape. Voila!

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #13: TWO-TONED UNDERLINER

Love to rock various eyeliner shades in one look? Prepare to bring the “wow” factor with two-toned underliner. A great way to bring on the dimension, this eye makeup look will make a lasting impression. A nude eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude, will complement your gold eyeliner perfectly.

Start with your nude shade on the inner half of your lower lash line, then line the outer half with gold. Blend in the middle where the two colors converge to get rid of any harsh lines, and you’ll have a multi-color eyeliner look that’s ready to be shown off.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #14: CAT EYE

We can all agree that the classic cat eye is a timeless trend for a good reason. It’s sultry, chic, and always on-trend, making it a go-to pick for makeup lovers. And in this case, a gold cat eye will serve up the tried and true look that you love with the right amount of sass. We also dig that you can pull this classic look together in minutes. Ready to serve up jewel-toned envy with your cat eye slay? Here are 7 Hacks for the Perfect Cat Eye.

GOLD EYELINER LOOK #15: DOTTED CAT EYE

Put a chic twist on the traditional cat eye with this dotted eye makeup trend. All you need to do is carefully dot your lash line with gold eyeliner, then create a flick out of dots, too. What’s not to love?

HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR GOLD EYELINER BEAUTY LOOK

Your gold eye makeup may be the star of the show, but you’ll still want to complete your face with a few more essentials.

STEP 1: CONCEAL

Skip foundation and go straight for what you want—to hide any imperfections. Use concealer to cover up blemishes and problem areas without doing a full face of makeup. We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage for its full-coverage, waterproof formula.

STEP 2: BRUSH ON BLUSH AND BRONZER

Bring on the definition! Apply warm-toned blush to the apples of your cheeks, then focus a sun-kissed bronzer around the edges of your face to keep your face from falling flat.

STEP 3: HIGHLIGHT

Don’t worry if you haven’t had your fill of gold. Top off your face, literally, by applying a golden illuminator to the high points of your face. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter in Gilded Glow.

STEP 4: MAKE LIPS MATTE

Let your pout get in on the fun! Instead of going overboard with shimmer and shine, apply a matte lipstick for a pop of color. Take your pick from the shades in the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Matte Lip Stain line.

STEP 5: SPRAY TO SET

Keep your gold eyeliner beauty look in place with the aid of a setting spray. Four to fix spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray, and you’ll have a “just-applied” makeup look that will go the distance.

Next up: Want to take another gold makeup trend for a swing? Here’s How to Wear Gold Lipstick.