Black Eyeliner Is Back With A Bang
Remember when eyeliner looked like we’d rubbed our eyes too much? The smudged look has been revived from the ‘00s, but this time it’s all about the bigger picture.
Wherever you looked at NYFW, the bold black liner made an appearance. It’s been used as a makeup staple for centuries, even dating back to Egyptian times when Cleopatra applied kohl. While being used to create similar signature looks, it has also historically been given a deeper meaning. In India it was believed to have healing properties for warding off the evil eye.
It then took its resurgence in the ‘70s through the smudged lids of David Bowie and Prince, before striking the pop-punk decade of the early ‘00s on Pete Wentz and Fefe Dobson. Back then I was only very little, but I have watched the styles being recreated ever since.
Recently, black eyeliner has taken a backseat, and colorful eyes have made their way into the spotlight. Experimenting with blue liner and neon shapes have taken charge this last year or so. Lockdown especially has given us nothing better to do but get creative with our faces.
But as the models strutted down the runway, it was clear black eyeliner took control of makeup at SS21 fashion week. Even through the barrier of a facemask, the liner pervades drama and fearless energy that doesn’t come unnoticed.
Victoria Beckham debuted a softer side to the powerful waterline look, with a thin wing that elongated the eyes. Her beauty line has recently launched Satin Kajal Liner in Ash for $26, she couldn’t have timed the drop any better. By contrast, Rebecca Minkoff’s collection followed in the footsteps of Avril Lavigne with a thicker, more lived-in look.
Similarly dramatic, Alice + Olivia used Gossip Girl’s Jenny Humphrey as their inspiration, with full black lids that matched the glamour and potency of the models garments. Libertine and Christian Cowen also embraced the statement look. By this point, I think we can all agree the black liner has been well and truly rebirthed. Say goodbye to bright color, and reach back to the basics. There’s endless ways to apply this trend, and it really does look great on everyone, so why not try and recreate one of the above looks?
Next up, Eyeshadow: The Do’s and Don’ts
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