I Tried 8 Eyeliner Looks for Your Spring Inspo Board—Thank Me Later

If there is one makeup product that I love above all, it’s eyeliner. I have been experimenting with eyeliner since I was in high school, and I love a bold liner look, whether it’s a sharp cat eye, a double wing, or a negative-space look. I think eyeliner is one of the best ways to get creative and have fun with your makeup. 

I’m always trying out different eyeliner looks, but since I’ve been on a Euphoria kick, I’ve been having so much fun with my eyeliner. This spring is all about bold, fun eyeliner looks that feel fresh and different. If you've been wanting to try a graphic eye, this is your sign to do it.

To help you get started on your liner journey, I decided to create a bunch of different eyeliner looks for you to copy. I’m living proof that you can execute a bold eyeliner look at home—and I included the best products to get you there. Keep reading for my favorite recent eyeliner looks and the products that I use to make them happen.

The Look: Neon Negative Space

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036122938-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

The negative-space trend might seem intimidating, but it's actually super wearable. I love using lime-green eyeliner to draw attention to my eyes. It's also a fun springy color, so it gets me in the mood for warmer weather. 

Re-create it with:

The Look: Fishtail Liner

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036330345-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

I'll admit "fishtail" eyeliner might sound difficult to pull off. Just like a fishtail braid, it's actually much easier than it seems. Just draw a normal cat eye, and then trace a reverse cat eye underneath. The result is eyeliner that mimics the basic shape of a fish's body and looks like something straight out of Euphoria

Re-create it with:

The Look: Retro Pink

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036132710-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

I actually re-created this from a Cassie look I saw on Donni Davy's Instagram. I used a light-pink pencil to draw and fill in the overall shape, then shaded the outer corners with a bright-pink blush.

Re-create it with:

The Look: Classic Cat Eye

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036138277-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

I will never stop going back to a classic cat eye. It feels daring and bold, but it's also not so harsh that you can't make it work for everyday wear. I'll do a cat eye for any and all occasions. Pro tip: Draw the outline of the wing while your eye is open so it looks the most natural—this is especially important for hooded eyes. Once you draw the outline, you can connect it all seamlessly.

Re-create it with:

The Look: Floating Liner

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036145542-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

This look is actually so easy to re-create, as long as you have a sharp eyeliner pencil. Just trace right above your natural crease for a laid-back, '60s-inspired eye. 

Re-create it with:

The Look: Red Wings

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036149781-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

Red eyeliner might feel daring, but it's one of my favorite bold looks to go for. I think it really makes your eyes pop. The worry with red eyeliner, I think, is that it may make you appear sick, but if you choose a deeper shade of red and wing it out, it looks really fun and flattering. 

Re-create it with:

The Look: Midnight Cat Eye

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036160390-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

Navy-blue liner is a great way to experiment a little but still play it safe. I like to opt for dark blue eyeliners with a hint of shimmer because they feel very subtly glamorous. Keep the rest of your face neutral with a look like this to really make an impact. 

Re-create it with:

The Look: Diffused Fox Eye

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036175979-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

If you can't tell, I'm not one to play it safe or subtle when it comes to eyeliner. Sometimes, though, I really do love a more subdued look. Fox eyes are like cat eyes but a bit more natural-looking—they kind of just elongate your eye. I love doing fox eyes with a brown liner pen, and this double-sided pick from Stila is perfect because it has a really tiny tip for more precision.

Re-create it with:

A few more eyeliner looks to add to your inspo board:

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036209428-main

(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

Negative-space eyeliner forever. 

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036214462-main

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

A bold cat eye looks so good with a neutral lip. 

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036225038-main

(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

Lilac glitter is unexpected and fresh. 

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036232477-main

(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

A smoked-out, skinny cat eye is so classic. 

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036274698-main

(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Blend your liner for the ultimate smoky vibe. 

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036251650-main

(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

Adding gold glitter to black eyeliner creates such a fun contrast. 

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036257276-main

(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Smudgy brown liner and peach-toned eye shadow is always in. 

eyeliner-ideas-298477-1647036281712-main

(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Keep the wing sharp but smudge underneath your eyes for an effortless look. 

Up next, 15 Eye Shadow Palettes for When You Have the Feminine Urge to Change Your Look

Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.