Winged Eyeliner Is Officially Out (According to Gen Z)—Here’s How to Wear It in 2025

Skinny jeans. No-show socks. Mascara. What do all of these things have in common? They’ve all been deemed decidedly “uncool” by Gen Z, forcing millennials everywhere to do some serious soul searching—and closet and bathroom purging. Also on the list: eyeliner, more specifically the beloved black, winged liner looks that, quite literally, defined a generation. (Lauren Conrad in The Hills, need we say more?)

Gen Z isn’t interested in the high-maintenance, hyper-precise black cat eye that millennials swore by for years, i.e. the sharp, dramatic wing that had a chokehold on beauty trends for over a decade, says makeup artist Sarah Kuhl. “Gen Z trends tend to favor more natural makeup styles that enhance features without heavy application. Winged eyeliner can sometimes appear too dramatic, which contrasts the minimalistic, effortless vibe many prefer.”

Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor agrees: “Whereas decades of beauty trends were about looking ‘perfect,’ Gen Z knows that they can show up in the world in whatever way is true for them.”

So, how is this current generation wearing eyeliner today? Sotomayor says there’s a lot of different variations when it comes to liner looks—i.e. it’s no longer one single style that everyone is copying. However, there are some patterns. And, per our previous point about embracing imperfection (and a fresh face), it should come as no surprise that today’s trending eyeliner aesthetic is much softer and more subdued.

“Right now, Gen Z is all about soft definition, strategic smudging, and effortless wings that complement their natural eye shape,” Kuhl points out. Here, a few different ways to wear liner, just like the youths are.

How to Wear Eyeliner in 2025

1. Swap out the color. Rather than black, which can come across as a bit harsh, opt for brown, taupe, or soft gray hues, Kuhl suggests. Or, go the opposite direction and choose a super bright shade. Particularly if you want to stick with a more crisp, winged shape, this can make the overall effect feel more graphic and creative, she notes.
2. Change the direction. Instead of dragging the wing up and out from the top lid, extend it out slightly from the lower lashline, says Kuhl. (Bonus: This also creates the appearance of a subtle lift, something elder millennials are sure to appreciate.) Alternatively, you can take the line straight or even slightly downturned, which will create a more innocent-looking vibe.
3. Use shadow as liner. Granted, this isn’t the newest technique on the block, but Sotomayor says it works well to create a very sheer, liner effect that’s Gen Z approved. Swap out black liquid liner for a dark brown cream shadow and smudge it lightly against and into the upper lashes.
4. Soften the edges. Use a small brush or your fingertip to diffuse the edges of a traditional crisp wing for a more blended, effortless, look, recommends Kuhl. This type of smoked out edges creates a very Gen Z-like understated vibe, she adds. Plus, you won’t have to stress about precision.
5. Make the wing slightly smaller. While super dramatic winged liner may be out, something as simple as switching it up to more of a micro-wing can instantly modernize the whole effect, Kuhl points out. Just don’t extend it quite as far out past the corner of your eye and you’re good to go.