Keep or Toss? The Eyeliner Edition: What's Trending in 2024

Eyeliner is the small accessory with a huge attitude. In 2024 the runway-to-street pipeline is full of comebacks, new classics and a few styles that deserve a one-way ticket to the beauty bin. This deep-dive is part style guide, part scoreboard: we compare today’s eyeliner looks to the players shaking up the makeup world — who’s winning, who’s benchwarming, and who’s staging an all-star comeback. Along the way you’ll get step-by-step application techniques for every formula, safety and removal advice for sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers, and a practical “keep or toss” checklist for refreshing your kit.

Before we start, if you’re thinking about how product innovation is shifting what we wear, read how how new beauty products are reshaping makeup philosophy — it’s a handy primer for why certain liner formats are rising fast.

1 — State of Play: Eyeliner Trends Snapshot (Intro)

2024 in one line

This year is about clarity and personality: crisp lines for editorial polish, plus playful colour and graphic experimentation for statement moments. That split mirrors industry moves we’re seeing across categories; brands balancing investment in tech-driven formulations and recyclable packaging — trends you can read about in discussions on ethical sourcing and sustainability.

Why some looks return

Trends cycle because they tick emotional and practical boxes — nostalgia, simplicity, or novelty. The comeback of mod, 60s-inspired liners is less a fashion accident and more a cultural reset: people crave visuals that feel both retro and modern. For a wider look at how trend cycles migrate between industries, see perspectives on the evolution of trend cycles — it’s useful for understanding why some aesthetics re-emerge stronger.

How to use this guide

Treat the sections that follow like a team sheet. Each eyeliner style gets: a status (keep/toss/comeback), technical pointers, product-type recommendations, and the best wearable variations for different eye shapes and skin types. If you’re building a minimal kit on a budget, check ideas from a budget beauty must-haves approach — surprisingly relevant when choosing multifunctional liners.

2 — What’s In: Looks to Keep

Minimal wing: the reliable veteran

The pared-back wing is the superstar of 2024: crisp, short, and tailored to the eye’s natural angle. It’s a look that behaves like a veteran player — consistent and versatile. Use a fine-tipped liquid or felt liner for a sharp edge, and practise the short flick technique rather than a long dramatic wing; it flatters more eye shapes and wears longer through the day.

Tightlining and lash-root definition

Tightlining — lining the waterline/upper lash root — is having a moment because it creates maximum impact with minimal visible liner. It’s subtle, great for sensitive eyes if performed gently with a soft kohl or pencil, and pairs perfectly with a smudged lower lash line for soft definition.

Coloured accents: subtle pops

Instead of full-colour graphic liners, 2024 favours tiny colour accents: a turquoise under the inner corner, a lilac tiny wing, or a warm copper dot. These micro interventions read fresh and modern — like a promising rookie adding flair without risking the whole look.

3 — What’s Out: Looks We’re Tossing

Heavy, all-lower-lid kohl

Thick, heavy lower-lid liner that darkens the entire lower eye is falling out of favour. It can make eyes look smaller and often transfers or smudges—problems consumers have complained about. Replace it with strategic tightlining or a soft smudge of shadow instead.

Overdrawn “super-cat” wings

Exaggerated overdrawn cat-eyes feel dated when worn in their most extreme forms. They work in editorial shoots but rarely translate to everyday wear. If you love drama, modernise with graphic negative-space or metallic accents rather than sheer length.

Permanent heavy lower eyeliner trends

Permanent or microbladed lower liners became trendy for a while, but they’ve attracted criticism for being harsh over time. Natural movement and softer daytime styles are the healthier aesthetic choice for most people.

4 — Comebacks: Retro Looks Re-entering Play

Mod 60s eyeliner

Think thick lashes, exaggerated upper lash definition, and a crisp rounded flick at the outer corner. This look is back in a refined form — think clean black lines and a focus on contrast rather than clutter. It reads fresh on camera and at events.

Double liner (parallel lines)

Double-lined looks—two parallel wings or a line plus a floating lashline—are resurging in capsule runs and runway shows. They’re great for creative expression; if you try this, start with one thin secondary line in a contrasting shade for balance.

Smudged kohl, revisited

Kohl with a soft smudge at the edges makes a comeback as a lived-in luxury look—especially when paired with luminous skin. Keep the centre lid clean to avoid looking tired; controlled smudging around the edges is the secret.

5 — The Line-Up: Eyeliner Type Comparison

Every formula behaves differently. Below is a practical table comparing pencil, gel, liquid, felt-tip, cream, and kohl liners across wear, removal, and best use cases.

6 — Flawless Application: Step-by-Step for Every Formula

Pencil & kohl: the forgiving starter

Sharpen pencils for a precise point, or use a slightly blunt edge for a softer line. Start at the outer third of the eye and press short strokes towards the inner corner rather than one continuous line. For tightlining, lift the eyelid gently and work tiny strokes along the upper waterline to fill gaps between lashes. Finish by smudging lightly with a brush for a lived-in finish.

Gel/cream liners: the control play

Use an angled brush for wings and hold it like a pen for control. Load the brush, wipe excess on the jar rim, and anchor your hand on the cheek for stability. Create a thin guideline first, then thicken as needed. Gel gives correction time — if you make a mistake, remove with a cotton bud dipped in remover and try again.

Liquid & felt-tip: precision and speed

For liquid liners, start with tiny dots along the lash line and connect them for an even line. Resting the elbow on a flat surface helps. Felt-tips are excellent for beginners because they combine the precision of a pen with less mess — think of them as the liner equivalent of a stabilised player who makes consistent plays.

7 — Longevity & Removal: Keep It Clean Without Damage

How to make liners last

Longevity depends on formula and skin type. For oily lids, set pencil or gel with a powder shadow in a matching shade; press, don’t sweep. Use a water-resistant formula for humid days or events, but reserve these for when you truly need them — they require more deliberate removal.

Safe removal techniques

Use an oil-based or dual-phase remover for long-wear and waterproof liners. Saturate a cotton pad, hold for 10–15 seconds to allow the product to dissolve, then wipe gently. Avoid tugging at the delicate skin near the eye; repetitive tugging accelerates fine lines and irritation.

Prolonging brush and pot life

Clean liner brushes weekly if you use gel or cream; dried product changes performance and harbour bacteria. For pencils, keep the cap on and stow in a cool place. Treat your kit like a sports roster — rotate favourites and retire anything with a rancid smell or changed texture.

Pro Tip: When you need long wear without waterproof formulas, prime the lid with a thin layer of concealer and set with translucent powder. This creates a less oily surface, improving hold and preventing migration.

8 — Sensitive Eyes & Contact Lens Wearers

Choosing safer formulations

Look for ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free liners. Powders set with a soft brush are often gentler than heavy waxy pencils. If you wear lenses regularly, avoid liners designed to be applied inside the waterline unless explicitly labelled safe for contact lens wearers.

Application habits to reduce risk

Replace pencils every 3–4 months and pot products (gel/cream) every 6–12 months to lower microbial risk. Avoid sharing liners, and always remove makeup before sleeping. If you notice stinging, redness, or persistent tearing after applying a product, stop using it and consult an eye-care professional.

When to consult a pro

If you have a history of eye infections, recurrent styes, or allergic conjunctivitis, consult an optometrist or dermatologist before experimenting with new liner formulas. If uncertain about product claims, a practical guide to lifestyle and health connections may help you identify underlying contributors to eye sensitivity.

9 — Sustainable & Ethical Choices: The New MVPs

Smart sourcing & cruelty-free standards

Consumers increasingly vote with their wallets for ethical brands. Use guides on smart sourcing for ethical beauty to evaluate claims; look for transparent ingredient lists, third-party certifications, and clear recycling programs.

Packaging and refillable options

Refillable pens and recyclable packaging are rising in prestige. Brands launching exclusive seasonal lines are also leaning into refill systems — check examples among exclusive seasonal beauty collections to see how limited drops are integrating sustainability.

Ingredient awareness

Some waterproof formulations rely on stronger film-forming agents that can be harder to remove. Balance your need for longevity with skin comfort by choosing formulas with fewer irritants and more conditioning agents. For a broader take on how beauty intersects with ethics, see conversations on ethical sourcing and sustainability.

10 — The Final Whistle: Keep, Toss, or Bench? Your Actionable Style Refresh

A quick diagnostic

Run through your kit: keep clean, fragranced-free staples; toss any pencils with a strange smell or dried-out texture; bench the ultra-long wings you never wear. If you’re unsure, test each product for a week and note transfer, comfort, and application time.

Refresh plan (30/60/90 days)

30 days: Master a reliable wing in natural light and swap to a felt-tip or pencil if you’re a beginner. 60 days: Experiment with a colour accent or a mod eye for evening looks. 90 days: Add a high-quality gel or cream liner and a refillable pen to your kit for more editorial options.

Tools and practice

Invest in three tools: a tapered pencil, an angled brush for gel, and a fine felt-tip pen. Practice is the most underrated part of any style refresh — think of it as training sessions before game-day. For calming pre-event rituals and tips that keep makeup stress-free, see ideas about staying calm and collected before events.

Style Stat: Small changes in technique (anchoring your hand, short strokes) reduce application time by half and improve symmetry by up to 80% in repeated practice sessions.

FAQ

Closing Notes: Style Lessons from the Wider Beauty World

Eyeliner trends rarely exist in isolation. They respond to broader movements in beauty — tech-driven formulas, sustainability, and cultural nostalgia. If you’re curious how product innovation shapes broader make-up philosophy, explore articles on how new products are reshaping philosophy and the conversations about navigating crisis and fashion that influence how looks are styled in public.

Think of your kit like a roster: keep consistent players (pencil or felt-tip), add a specialist (gel or liquid) for event days, and don’t be afraid to add a rookie colour or a retro look for creative plays. For creative inspiration and the mindset behind bold makeovers, see thoughts on creativity and style influences.

If you enjoyed this playful comparison of liner trends to standout players, you might like our briefs on how hair and skin routines intersect with makeup choices — from high-tech haircare upgrades to winter hair protection tips that all factor into styling decisions for events.

Quick Resources & Links Mentioned

• How new beauty products are reshaping makeup philosophy
• Budget beauty must-haves
• Ethical sourcing and sustainability
• Smart sourcing for ethical beauty
• Exclusive seasonal beauty collections
• Staying calm before events
• Evolution of trend cycles
• Creativity and style influences
• High-tech haircare upgrades
• Winter hair protection tips
• Navigating crisis and fashion
• Celebrity wedding makeup insights
• Humour in self-care
• Comebacks and roster changes analogy
• Game-day beauty survival tips
• Learning techniques vs quick fixes
• Lifestyle and hair health

Related Reading

• Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Sports - How protective eyewear and eye makeup interact when you’re active outdoors.
• Exploring Dubai's Hidden Gems - Cultural colour inspiration and beauty aesthetics from travel photography.
• Behind the Scenes of Celebrity Weddings - Lessons you can learn for big-day makeup (note: referenced earlier but listed here as extra reading).
• Remembering Robert Redford - Classic icons and how timeless style informs modern beauty references.
• Lessons in Resilience from the Australian Open - Performance mindset crossovers that help with steady hands during makeup application.