Gen Z Moves Away from Liquid Eyeliner Trend

In a surprising shift in beauty standards, liquid winged eyeliner, once popularized by stars like Taylor Swift and Adele, has been deemed outdated by Gen Z. A TikTok video by creator Lynette Hoyle, which garnered 3.8 million views, sparked a conversation about the eyeliner's relevance among younger generations. Hoyle sought advice from viewers, expressing concern that her signature look might no longer be in vogue. Many commenters suggested alternatives, such as softer brown eyeshadow or pencil liner, while some staunchly defended their love for winged liquid liner. Makeup artist Jackie Alves confirmed the trend's decline, noting that Gen Z is favoring a more understated approach to eye makeup. She observed a significant departure from the bold, glittery styles of the 2016 era, with clean looks and soft shades taking precedence. This shift has left some makeup enthusiasts, particularly those with tattooed eyeliner, feeling nostalgic for the more dramatic styles of the past. The movement towards natural makeup extends beyond eyeliner, with eyeshadow and bottom lid liner also falling out of favor. Earlier this year, smokey eyes were labeled as “old-lady” makeup, and viral trends have emerged around breaking the habit of using bottom lid eyeliner. The generational divide in makeup preferences highlights how older millennials tend to stick to established looks, while younger users embrace simplicity and ease in their beauty routines. While winged eyeliner isn't entirely extinct, its prominence has certainly diminished, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards minimalism in makeup.