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tepping back in time to ancient Egypt, many believe that this is where the journey of graphic eye makeup began. Back then, people used natural pigments like coal and malachite to adorn their eyes with bold lines and shapes, not just for beauty, but also for spiritual and cultural reasons. Fast forward to the glamorous 1920s, flappers rebelled against traditional norms and embraced bold, dramatic makeup looks, including heavily lined eyes with a distinctive ‘Cupid’s bow’ shape at the outer corners. This era marked a turning point in the evolution of graphic eye makeup, and set the stage for the coming decades, including today’s beauty space.
In the 1960s, the world fell in love with the iconic mod makeup popularized by fashion icons and celebrities. Graphic eye makeup took center stage with exaggerated eyeliner, geometric shapes, and bold colors. In this 21st century, the look has undergone a revival with the rise of social media and beauty influencers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become playgrounds for makeup artists and enthusiasts to showcase their individual renditions of this edgy look. As we head into spring, this doll-up is an apt way to make a strong statement in a world of delicate, blooming flowers. If you’re ready to hop on the trend, here’s where to begin.
Check out the primary tools you need to create graphic eye makeup…
Before you test your feet with the graphic eye makeup, you’ll need these tools:
- Eyeliner: This will help create bold lines and define your eye shape. You can choose pencil, gel, or liquid eyeliner, depending on your preference and the look you’re going for.
- Eyeshadow palette: Choose a palette with various colors and finishes to add depth and dimension to your eye makeup. Matte shades work well for creating base colors and defining lines, while shimmery or metallic shades are great for adding highlights and accents.
- Brushes: Having a selection of brushes in different shapes and sizes will give you more precision and control when applying eyeliner and eyeshadow. Look for brushes specifically designed for eyeliner or small detail work.
- Mascara: A few coats of mascara will help enhance your lashes and complete the look. You can choose from volumizing, lengthening, or curling formulas depending on your lash goals.
- Makeup remover: We know that mistakes can happen, especially when experimenting with graphic eye makeup looks. Keep makeup remover or micellar water on hand for easy cleanup and corrections.
Check out 6 trendy graphic liner styles to try RN…
There are several styles of graphic eye makeup, each offering a unique way to express creativity. Here are some popular styles, along with tips on how to create them:
Winged eyeliner
- Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, extending it slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye.
- Create a wing by drawing a diagonal line from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow.
- Connect the wing to the rest of your eyeliner, forming a triangle.
- Fill in any gaps and adjust the thickness of the line as desired.
Geometric shapes
- Use eyeliner or eyeshadow to create geometric shapes like triangles, squares, or rectangles on your eyelids.
- Experiment with different placements and sizes to create a bold and modern look.
- You can also add pops of color or use metallic eyeshadows to make the shapes stand out even more.
Double Liner
- Start by applying a thin line of eyeliner along your upper lash line as usual.
- Next, draw a second line above the first, either parallel or slightly angled, leaving a small gap between the two lines.
- You can also experiment with different colors or textures for each line to add dimension and interest to the look.
Negative space designs
This style always involves leaving areas of bare skin or applying lighter eyeshadow colors to create contrast and visual interest. Just use eyeliner or eyeshadow to outline shapes or patterns on your eyelids, leaving empty spaces in between. This style can be subtle or bold, depending on the size and complexity of the negative space elements.
Ombré graphic liner
This is a makeup technique where two or more eyeliner colors blend into each other, creating a gradient effect along the eyelid. It’s a fun and stylish way to add dimension and color to your eye makeup.
- Begin by applying the lighter eyeliner shade closest to the inner corner of your eye.
- Next, use the darker eyeliner shade to draw a line starting from the outer corner of your eye, gradually blending it into the lighter shade as you move toward the center of your eyelid.
Glitter graphic liner
- Select a glitter product specifically designed for use on the eyes, such as glitter eyeliner or loose glitter pigment.
- Then, start by applying a primer or eyeshadow base to your eyelids to create a smooth and even surface for the glitter to adhere to.
- Using a small brush or applicator, carefully apply the glitter over the eyeliner, following the shape or design you created.
- You can apply the glitter in a single layer for a subtle effect or build it up for more intensity
- Finally set it in place with the help of a setting spray.
Featured image: Jacob Webster via @kvn.luong/Instagram
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