I still remember the first time I tried eyeliner. I was 15, standing in front of the bathroom mirror with my mom’s black pencil in one hand and a whole lot of nervous energy in the other. It wasn’t perfect (okay, it was a mess!), but I instantly felt this little spark of confidence. Eyeliner can do that—it’s not just makeup; it’s a vibe. Whether you’re a pro or just starting, I’m here to guide you through some fabulous eyeliner looks that work for everyone, whether you’re experimenting with gender expression or just want to elevate your beauty game.
Eyeliner can transform your look with styles like natural, smoky, dramatic, cat-eye, or colorful. Whether you want soft definition or bold flair, the right technique and products make all the difference. Keep reading for tips and tricks to master each look and find your signature style!
Eyeliner is one of the easiest ways to express yourself. It can be subtle for those days when you’re running late, or it can be the dramatic cherry on top of a glam night out. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for anyone, whether you’re feminine, masculine, or somewhere in between. Ready to find your perfect technique? Let’s dive in!
NATURAL
Sometimes, less is more, and a natural eyeliner look can make your eyes pop without screaming, “I’m wearing makeup!” Here’s how you can nail it:
Start by applying a little concealer to your eyelids to create a smooth base.
Grab an earthy-brown pencil like Pencil Perfect Eyeliner in Espresso (available on Amazon). Use short, gentle strokes to line the upper lash line as close to the lashes as possible, almost like you’re filling in the roots of your lashes.
Soften the line with a cotton swab for a barely-there effect.
Add a light coat of mascara or just curl your lashes for a fresh, no-makeup makeup look. Perfect for coffee dates, casual errands, or weekend brunch with friends.
SMOKY
Want to turn up the heat? A sultry, smoky eye is a go-to for adding some serious sizzle to your look.
Use a chunky eyeliner like Voluminous Smoldering Liner (available on Amazon) for easy smudging.
Draw a line along your top lash line, starting thin and gradually thickening as you work outward. Get right in between those lashes for extra intensity.
Line your bottom lash line, then use your fingertip or a cotton swab to smudge both lines. Don’t be afraid to extend the color slightly onto your lids for a gradual fade.
For even more drama, line your inner rims (both top and bottom). Experiment with shades like black, charcoal, midnight blue, or deep violet to match your vibe.
DRAMATIC
Nothing says bold and beautiful like a dramatic eyeliner look. This is where precision meets flair.
Start with Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner (available on Amazon) for sharp, easy-to-control lines.
Begin at the inner corner of your upper lash line and draw a line that extends slightly past the outer corner, creating a small point.
Repeat on the lower lash line, connecting the upper and lower lines at the outer corner.
For extra drama, swipe the liner back and forth a few times under the center of your lower lashes.
Pair with a complementary eyeshadow and a volumizing mascara (available on Amazon) for a jaw-dropping finish.
CAT EYE
The classic cat eye is a timeless look that adds instant glamour and confidence.
Choose an inky black liquid liner like Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black (available on Amazon). The felt tip makes it super easy to control.
With a steady hand, draw a line as close to your upper lashes as possible. Start thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken the line as you move outward.
Extend the line just past the outer corner, angling it slightly upward for that iconic flick.
Clean up any smudges with a cotton swab, and finish with two coats of mascara (available on Amazon) to complete the look.
COLORFUL
If you’re feeling playful, colorful eyeliner is your new best friend. It’s bold, fun, and perfect for any occasion where you want to stand out.
Choose a vibrant, pigmented eyeliner like HiP Studio Secrets Professional Color Chrome Eyeliner in Violet Volt (available on Amazon). Its shimmer adds an extra pop.
To enhance your eye color, use shades that complement your natural hue: gold for blue eyes, copper for green, moss for brown, and sapphire for hazel.
For contrast, purple is universally flattering and makes any eye color look brighter.
Apply the liner to your top or bottom lash line (or both!) and keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let your eyes do all the talking.
Final Thoughts
Eyeliner isn’t just makeup—it’s a form of self-expression. Whether you’re experimenting with subtlety or diving headfirst into bold looks, there’s a technique here for everyone. And remember, makeup has no rules—only suggestions. Play, practice, and make it your own. You’ve got this!
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.
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