With the help of makeup artist Lauren O'Jea, we put everything we thought we knew about liner on the back burner and set out to devise more creative ways to use it.
Crease Lightning
We're going where no liner has gone before: the space between your crease and brow. A slash of bold color across this spot is totally unexpected and surprisingly flattering.
To get this striking look, start with clean, bare eyes. O'Jea used a gel liner applied with a small angled brush and drew a horizontal line right above the crease. "This defines the natural contour of your eye," she says.
If black feels a bit too bold for you (or you just want to ease into this trend), take a cue from Dior's couture show and use white, silver, or an ultra-flattering metallic rose gold.
Ghost Cat-Eye
What's cooler than a cat-eye? The idea of a cat-eye (obviously). This abstract, geometric way to apply liner has all the impact of a feline flick but doesn't actually involve lining your eyes. Pretty genius, no?
To draw these attention-grabbing triangles, O'Jea says, "I start at the outer corner of the eye and extend the line as I would for a normal cat-eye, but then close it off just outside the lid." She also notes that this look really showcases your lashes, so don't be afraid to pile on some mascara.
Mind The Gap
Eyeliner that goes all the way around your eye is so five minutes ago. Instead, leave a gap in the center of your lower lid—and prepare to be amazed at how wide it makes your eyes look.
Using an eyeliner in the color of your choice, "apply the liner to your upper lash line, the outer corners, and the inner corners of the lower lash line, and then blend it with a brush until it's soft and smoky," says O'Jea. She adds that it's the same technique you'd use to create a smoky eye, "but [it's] easier and edgier."
Teal Flick
Okay, this cat-eye shape isn't new, but if you can't let go of your signature flick, we highly recommend trying it in an unexpected color.
To create a line with a ton of impact, use a brightly colored gel eyeliner and paint it on with a brush. O'Jea notes that you don't need any eye shadow to top this look off — the color of the liner will speak for itself.
Ballerina Blues
A cat-eye on top and a reverse cat-eye down below (a.k.a. Divergent liner) will get your eyes noticed from across the room. We love wearing this look in a vivid indigo shade.
The trick to this look is to leave a space between your two lines. "This will make your eyes open wide," says O'Jea.
