The Evolution of Eyeliner: How to Rock the Gen Z-Approved Look in 2025
Remember when the sharp, winged eyeliner look dominated beauty tutorials and social media feeds? The precise black cat eye that defined millennial beauty standards (epitomized by Lauren Conrad in The Hills) has officially been added to Gen Z’s growing list of “outdated” trends—joining skinny jeans, no-show socks, and heavy mascara in the beauty archives.
But don’t toss your eyeliner just yet! The art of eye definition is evolving rather than disappearing, with Gen Z bringing fresh perspectives to this classic makeup technique.
Why Traditional Winged Eyeliner Is Fading
According to makeup artist Sarah Kuhl, “Gen Z trends tend to favor more natural makeup styles that enhance features without heavy application. Winged eyeliner can sometimes appear too dramatic, which contrasts the minimalistic, effortless vibe many prefer.”
Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor echoes this sentiment: “Whereas decades of beauty trends were about looking ‘perfect,’ Gen Z knows that they can show up in the world in whatever way is true for them.”
This shift reflects a broader movement toward authenticity and self-expression in beauty, where rigid standards are being replaced by more personalized approaches.
The New Eyeliner Aesthetic
“Right now, Gen Z is all about soft definition, strategic smudging, and effortless wings that complement their natural eye shape,” explains Kuhl. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of the classic cat eye, today’s eyeliner trends embrace diversity in application techniques and styles.
The current aesthetic prioritizes subtlety over sharpness, with an emphasis on enhancing one’s natural features rather than creating a dramatic transformation.
5 Modern Ways to Wear Eyeliner in 2025
1. Explore Color Alternatives
Black eyeliner can appear harsh against many skin tones. For a softer, more contemporary look, Kuhl recommends swapping traditional black for brown, taupe, or soft gray hues. Alternatively, embrace vibrant colors for a graphic, creative effect that maintains structure while feeling fresh and playful.
2. Reimagine Wing Placement
Instead of the traditional upward flick from the top lid, try extending a subtle line outward from the lower lashline. This technique creates a gentle lifting effect (a bonus for those concerned about aging eyes) without the severity of a traditional wing. For an innocent, doll-like appearance, experiment with straight or slightly downturned lines.
3. Switch to Shadow-Based Definition
Sotomayor suggests using dark brown cream shadow instead of liquid liner for a sheer, diffused effect that aligns with Gen Z’s preference for natural-looking makeup. Apply it close to the lashline and blend for subtle definition that enhances eyes without dominating your look.
4. Embrace Deliberate Imperfection
Perfect precision is no longer the goal. Use a small brush or your fingertip to gently diffuse the edges of your liner, creating a lived-in, effortless appearance. This smoked-out technique not only looks more contemporary but also eliminates the stress of achieving flawless symmetry.
5. Scale Down Your Wing
If you’re not ready to abandon winged liner entirely, simply reducing its size can modernize your look. Kuhl advises creating a micro-wing that extends just slightly beyond the corner of your eye, offering definition without the dramatic sweep that’s fallen out of favor.
The Takeaway
The evolution of eyeliner trends reflects broader shifts in beauty culture, where authenticity and personalization have replaced rigid standards. While the sharp, dramatic cat eye may no longer dominate beauty discussions, eyeliner itself remains a versatile tool for self-expression—just with a softer, more individualized approach that celebrates natural beauty.
Whether you’re a devoted wing enthusiast or makeup minimalist, these updated techniques offer ways to refresh your look while staying current with evolving beauty standards. After all, the best makeup trends are those that can be adapted to suit your unique features and personal style.