Black is so ... basic. And sometimes basic is a good thing, but there are an infinite amount of pretty looks you can create with eyeliner. Luckily, we've got plenty of inspo to catch your eye (sorry, we had to).
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1
Mixed Finishes
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Combining crisp liquid liner on top and smudgy pencil liner on the bottom, this style is perfect for the indecisive (best of both worlds!). It's half elegant pinup, half cool rocker.
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2
Golden Underliner
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For a modern look that illuminates your eyes, take a gold or bronze liner and draw a thin line along your bottom lashes. Use your finger or a small eyeshadow brush to smudge it downward, diffusing it to a soft finish.
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3
Spaced Lines
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Get this chic look by applying a thin stroke of eyeliner on your upper lash line and an equally slim line along the bottom, being careful not to connect them. Bonus: This technique makes your eyes look wider and more awake.
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4
Lived-In Liner
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Combining a dark kohl liner along the lower waterline with smudgy shadow on the upper lids, this grungy style adds a sexy smokiness to any look.
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5
Flared and Bright
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If you've been wanting to try something totally different than your usual cat eye, try this funky look reminiscent of glam rock musicians in the '70s and '80s. All you need to do is swipe a streak of opaque, matte blue across your eyes. Leave the rest of your face bare.
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6
Sweaty and Smudged
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That's right: The look your liner gets when you've been stuck outside in the humidity all day is now trending. When paired with radiant skin and just a touch of clear lip balm, it's surprisingly wearable for a Saturday night.
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7
Double Wing
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Add a little London-in-the-'60s flair with a full cat eye that has not one, but two wings. Separate the two with a white eyeliner.
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8
Shimmering Jewel Tones
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This gorgeous butterfly-inspired look is a magical way to wear color on your eyes. And you don't need to feel limited to just blues and greens — this look is gorgeous with burgundy, purple and bronze shades too.
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9
Ombre Blue
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Gradient liner that starts white then transitions to a bright blue on your waterline is a fresh way to rock this everlasting trend. Slightly-bare lashes and soft pink lips keep this look subtly bold.
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10
Thick Underline
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Typically, bottom-only liner can make you look tired or even a little dated, but when it's this crisp — and the rest of your face is not overly made up — it looks beautifully unconventional.
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11
Burgundy Over Gold
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Rotate in a shimmery burgundy — it makes any eye color stand out. Apply it over a gold eyeshadow for extra shimmer on a night when you want to feel really glam.
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12
Barely-There Wings
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If full-on cat eyeliner isn't for you but you want to try something fresh, make just the subtlest "V" at the edge of your top lid's eyeliner.
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13
Graphic Lines
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Okay, so this isn't exactly a "wear every day" type of look, but it sure is gorgeous enough to try at least once, even if it's just for a costume party. Bonus: If you rock eyeliner this bold, it gives you even more of an excuse to try funky nail art.
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14
Smudgy Cat Eye
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Crisp cat eyeliner will always be in, but if you've struggled with having the steady hand you need for that look, this imperfectly smudged style will be a welcome change. It looks just as impressive and sexy, but if you mess it up a little, it's still totally on-point!
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15
All Over Gold
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A gilded eye is like wearing jewelry on your face, making your eyes stand out in a simple, sparkly way.
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16
Exaggerated Cat Eye
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Rather than drawing a full cat eye starting at your inner corners, begin in the middle and work your way out for a truly dramatic look.
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17
Matte Blues
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Try wearing bright colors as eyeliner rather than eyeshadow to keep things from getting too complicated. Just make sure you stick with simple blush and a little balm on your lips so your eyes can stay the stars.
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18
Intense Angles
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If you've mastered the cat eye and want to try something totally new, try this over-the-top look full of swoops and points. It's not for everyday wear, but it's sure to be a hit if you try it on a Saturday night.
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19
Dash of Blue
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If allover bright liner isn't your thing, add a couple swipes to your inner tear duct plus the outside of your upper lid.
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20
White Cat Eye
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Have you heard? White eyeliner is finally back. Try this layered look by applying it in the shape of a cat eye, then adding a thin black line in the same shape overtop.
Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats. In their spare time, they enjoy watching scary movies, putting avocado on everything, and seeing how many shades of the rainbow they can dye their hair before 30.