Eyeliner is a classic go-to for defining your eyes, but it doesn’t have to stop at a simple swipe. If you want to enhance your eyes and showcase your creative side, consider leaning into graphic eyeliner. This style isn’t just about accentuating your natural features—it’s a way to spotlight your personality and unique sense of style. A sleek negative space wing, for example, feels chic and editorial, while a colorful cat eye makes a bold, playful statement. If you’re ready to move beyond your standard eyeliner and try something more adventurous, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’ll show you eight graphic liner looks we love, plus details on our favorite products for mastering your next makeup look.
What Is Graphic Eyeliner?
The term “graphic eyeliner” can refer to any bold or dramatic eyeliner style, often featuring geometric shapes, unexpected placements, or vibrant pops of color. The more creative you get, the better. While there are endless ways to experiment with the trend, all graphic eyeliner looks share one thing: They’re meant to be bold and striking rather than subtle or subdued.
How To Prep For a Graphic Eye Makeup Look
You don’t need to be a professional makeup artist to master graphic eyeliner. Achieving a bold, statement-making look starts with a little prep: prime your lids, choose the right eyeliner formulas, and select the best tools for your design. We’ll explain how to create the perfect foundation for your graphic liner below.
Prime your eyelids
Whether you’re applying graphic eyeliner or swiping on dark lipstick, a proper base is key for long-lasting results. For eyeliner, that means priming your eyelids to create a smudge-proof finish that won’t transfer. We love the Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer, a creamy formula that extends the wear of both shadow and liner while creating a smooth canvas for endless eye looks. It comes in four skin-adapting shades, so there’s a match for every skin tone. Simply use the doe-foot applicator to sweep the primer across your lids, blend with clean fingertips, and let it dry before diving into your graphic eyeliner designs.
Choose the right eyeliner formula
There’s no single “best” eyeliner for graphic looks—it all depends on your preferences and desired effect. Different formulas offer unique benefits:
Pencil eyeliner: These easy-to-use staples are essential in any makeup bag. For exceptional wear, try the Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Sticks, available in 33 shades, from everyday neutrals to bold brights.
Mechanical eyeliner: If you want a bold pop of color, the Vivid Rich Mechanical Pencil is a great option. Available in 12 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades, its creamy, gem-inspired pigments create a luxe finish in just one swipe.
Liquid eyeliner: Liquid liners are unmatched for creating precise, clean lines. We love the Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Liner, as it applies smoothly, dries quickly, and comes in 15 bold shades (including six metallic hues!) perfect for creating head-turning graphic liner looks.
Pro Tip: Liquid liners can smudge before they fully dry. If you’re new to graphic eyeliner, start with pencils and switch to liquids once you feel more confident and steady in your application.
Shape your eyebrows
Since graphic eyeliner takes center stage, you’ll want your brows to look groomed but not overdone, complementing your eye look without competing with it. Use The Brow Glue Instant Brow Styler to lift, define, and add fullness with a few upward swipes. This eyebrow glue comes in four tinted shades plus a clear option, providing up to 16 hours of non-sticky hold.
If you need extra definition, the precise tip of the Micro Brow Pencil can fill in sparse areas with fine, hair-like strokes for a natural, polished finish.
8 Fun Graphic Liner Ideas To Try
Now that you know the basics, you may need some inspiration for your next look. That’s where we come in. Here, discover eight graphic eyeliner ideas that might have you rethinking your go-to black wing.
1. Reverse cat eye graphic eyeliner
One of the easiest ways to experiment with graphic makeup is with reverse eyeliner, which puts a fresh twist on a classic look. Instead of drawing a dramatic wing along the upper lash line, you apply it along the lower lash line.
Start by tracing a creamy eyeliner such as the Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick along your lower lash line from the tear duct to the outer corner. At the outer edge, flick the line upward in a subtle cat-eye shape. You can keep the line crisp or smudge it out for a softer, smokier effect. Finish with a few swipes of mascara on your upper lashes to balance the look. Our On The Rise Volume Liftscara works beautifully, adding length and a lifted curl that helps make your eyes appear bigger.
2. Colorful wing graphic eyeliner
If you’ve got your winged eyeliner routine down pat, you can put the black liner aside and swap in a punchy pop of color.
Though any shade of liner will do, selecting one to flatter your eye color will make for even more striking results. Identify the best shade for your eye color by looking at the color wheel. Generally, colors that sit opposite from each other are the most complementary.
For brown eyes: A cool, jewel-toned highlighter will contrast with the natural warmth in your eyes, making them pop. Try updating your everyday wing with the Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Denim Dazzle.
For blue eyes: Orange may be unexpected, but it makes for a gorgeous contrast when paired with blue eyes. See for yourself by creating a bold wing with a rich terracotta eyeliner, such as the Vivid Rich Mechanical Pencil in Tigers Prize.
For green eyes: To make your green eyes pop, seek out eyeliner in a reddish tone, such as mahogany, maroon, or eggplant. The Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Eyeliner in On Red is one of our favorite rich reds to play around with.
For hazel eyes: Green eyeliner can help bring out the natural earthy tones in your irises. Give it a try with an emerald-toned liner, such as the Vivid Rich Mechanical Pencil in It’s Giving Jade.
3. Negative space graphic eyeliner
A minimalist makeup lover’s dream, the negative space graphic eyeliner trend yields a high-impact, high-fashion look that’s sure to turn heads.
Use a fine-tipped liquid eyeliner, like the Vivid Matte Liquid Eyeliner, to trace your upper lash line to the outer corner of your eye. Extend the line out to make an exaggerated wing that reaches toward your temple. Then, draw another line above your crease, follow it along the curve of your eye, and connect it to the outer wing. Now, you’ve created a bare “negative space” wing with a mod flair.
4. Polka dot graphic eyeliner
Creating designs with eyeliner is always unique, and a scattering of polka dots makes for an ultra-playful graphic eyeliner idea. For this look, a liquid liner with a pointed tip, like the Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, will be easiest to work with, allowing you to press your dots exactly where you want them.
For a subtle but striking graphic liner look, draw small, evenly-spaced dots along your lash line, extending them outward into an exaggerated cat eye. For something less conventional, sprinkle the dots all around your eyes in a few circles reminiscent of a bullseye pattern. You can even space your dots above your eyebrow to follow the shape of your arch for added oomph.
5. Floating graphic eyeliner
In contrast to the more involved cut crease (an eyeshadow look that’s heavily blended and layered), the floating crease directs attention to the eyelid in a subtle way. This graphic eyeliner look works on all eye shapes, but it’s particularly flattering on hooded eyelids since the liner won’t fully disappear into a pronounced crease.
Just draw a thin diagonal line between your lash line and brow, right above where your eyelid folds. For a more rounded shape, use the curve of an eyelash curler to help guide your line. Or, go contemporary with a straight parallel line—it will give your look a chic ‘60s vibe.
6. Fishtail graphic eyeliner
One of the best things about eye makeup, especially graphic eyeliner, is how it can dramatically change your look. Case in point: Fishtail liner visually widens the eyes by “stretching” the outer corners into a fishtail silhouette.
First, pick a liquid liner in any shade you like. Draw an upturned wing starting at the upper outer corner of your eye, then make a downturned wing right at the lower outer corner of the same eye. (The start of each wing should be parallel to one another.) Use a flat-angled brush dipped in concealer to clean up any rough edges along the lines so the negative space between your “fishtail” pops.
7. Double wing graphic eyeliner
A double wing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a graphic liner look that involves creating a wing on both your upper and lower lash lines.
First, line your upper lid with a fine-tipped liquid liner, like the Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Graphite Glitz. Create a sharp, elongated wing that angles toward your temple. Next, grab a waterproof pencil eyeliner in a similar shade (we love the Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick in Gunmetal Gaze) and use it to line your lower lash line. When you reach the outer corner, extend the line upward and outward to create a line beneath your first wing. Done properly, it should appear as if you have two parallel wings. The effect is very futuristic and modern, but still totally wearable.
8. Inner corner wing
If you’ve ever done the siren eye makeup trend, you’re likely familiar with inner corner liner. This graphic eyeliner look takes standard inner corner liner a bit further, so instead of simply defining your inner corners, you’re creating an inverted wing. To get the look, you’ll need a fine-tipped liquid eyeliner, like the Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Eyeliner. Use the brush tip to trace along your upper lash line and create a sharp, defined cat eye. Then, return to your inner corner and draw a short line that extends toward the bridge of your nose. Carefully connect this line to the start of your lower lash line to create a graphic inner corner winged look that feels modern and fresh.
Tips For Pulling Off Graphic Eyeliner
In order to nail your graphic liner look, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Keep the rest of your makeup simple: When you’re wearing graphic eyeliner, it should be the star of the show. A sheer skin tint, some blush, and a hint of lip gloss are all you need to tie your look together.
- Opt for waterproof formulas: To ensure you don’t have to touch up your eyeliner too much throughout the day, use long-lasting, waterproof formulas, and always set your makeup.
- Consider your eye shape: Some eye makeup looks flatter certain eye shapes better than others. If you have small eyes, try for techniques that make your eyes appear bigger or more open. If your eyes are round, elongated wings (and double wings) can create balance.
- Have fun: The secret to graphic eyeliner is that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. Embrace your creativity and have fun—you’ll never know if you like something until you give it a try.
Next Up: 5 Festival Makeup Ideas To Try in 2025.
PRODUCTS USED
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VIVID RICH MECHANICAL PENCIL
Gem-toned pigmented mechanical eye pencil in 12 vivid matte, shimmer, and metallic shades
Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer
Vitamin E Infused Eye Primer
Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Eyeliner
Transfer and fade-resistant colorful liquid eyeliner
Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick
High-impact, waterproof eyeliner pencil
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Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Waterproof felt-tip liquid eyeliner pen
