Collage of celebrities wearing graphic eyeliner© @patidubroff

Graphic Eyeliner: 11 Stars Show Us How to Wear It

11 celebrities to inspire you to try the modern cat-eye


UPDATED JULY 15, 2020 11:06 AM EDT

The trend in eyeliner that dominated last year’s Chanel fashion show continues its reign into 2020. Inspired by the iconic makeup looks popularized by Twiggy – a 1960s British model – it uses defined lines and vibrant colors to achieve a much more modernized version of the winged eye.

Also referred to as graphic eyeliner, this an eyeliner technique that plays with geometric minimalism and will undoubtedly put your precision skills to the test. Wear it with neutral makeup to direct all attention to your eyes, like these 11 stars:

© @missjobaker

Experiment with color

Actress Lucy Boynton is one of the stars who was most daring when it comes to this trend. Her makeup artist, Jo Baker has become quite the ambassador for using this technique.

© @missjobaker

Lucy style

We just had to show you one of the most recent makeup looks worn by the Bohemian Rhapsody actress. Her makeup artist took inspiration from artwork by Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner and Tomasz Cichowski to create this magnificent blast of color on the actress’ eyes.

© @ash_kholm

Graphic neon

Neon colors have also made their way into geometric eyeliner designs, as you can see in this photo of Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell.

Makeup artist Lori Leib told Byrdie in an interview that she suggests sketching the line first in a white liner. Then, once you’ve got the shape you want, go over it with a liquid or gel eyeliner in the shade you want to wear.

© @maryphillips

Different, but subtle

Kylie Jenner decided to go for a subtle look with a design that’s a little more youthful, playful, and unconventional. It will look best with a color that stands out and well-defined brows.

© @maryphillips

Minimalist abstraction

Once again, Kendall Jenner is an example of a more abstract take on the floating crease.

© @joansmalls

Black lines with a twist

Top model Joan Smalls also knew how to wear it best, proof that she looks amazing with all kinds of eyeliner designs.

To recreate the look, makeup artist Lori Leib shared a simple tip with Byrdie: “A terrific way to get a smooth and perfectly placed line is to map out the shape with a white eyeliner pencil beforehand and then go over it with a gel liner or liquid.”

© @shannonpezzetta

In pastel tones

Do you remember little Diane from Black-ish? Well, she’s not so little anymore and definitely knows how to boldly rock the eyeliner trend of the moment. Marsai Martin goes with pastel colors to make her eyes look bigger.

© @erinparsonsmakeup

Black swan

Doesn’t this eyeliner remind you of Natalie Portman in her Oscar-winning role? Of course! Gigi Hadid went all in on the look, using thick and thin lines to create a design that is truly stunning.

Fun fact: this was the makeup look she wore for a Maybelline campaign, saying that it’s a really big trend.

© @camilacoelho

Graphic cat-eye

You can see the sophistication and catlike touch this trend affords Camila Coelho . Delicate lines and simple makeup are key. Notice, just like the other celebrities, she goes for a very natural-looking makeup.

© @patidubroff

Striking glare

Eiza Gonzalez is the example to follow when it comes to the best way to use graphic eyeliner. The Mexican actress, who recently joined in on the trend, has already been seen twice wearing this fabulous eyeliner look.

© @patidubroff

For those with shaky hands

It’s no coincidence that Eiza and Margot Robbie have both embraced the trend. They share the same makeup artist: Pati Dubroff. The best part about the design worn by Robbie, is how simple it is to recreate. Glamour has the details: “All you have to do is make sure the black line is very fine and is drawn over the eye crease.”

© GettyImages

Light-colored eyes stand out

The floating crease was also seen on Scarlett Johansson , who has recently started to experiment with colored eyeliners and vibrant shadows that really pop.

How can you not love this trend? The lines are personalized to the shape of your face, it makes your eyes look bigger and brighter, and gives them a sexy, catlike wing. These stars have shown you a range of ways to wear it, from daring colors and designs to subtle and delicate looks.