Gone are the days of only having black eyeliner to use. The start of the new decade has seen the rise of graphic eyeliner, a stylised burst of makeup inspo which has spread through social media like a neon wildfire.
These bold new eyeliner looks have taken over online platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, giving way to a new surge of self-expression. Makeup is a way in which many of us express ourselves and our personality – it has become an extension of ourselves and shows our individuality and vibe.
But how do you get started creating these dynamic liner looks? Never fear, for your beauty fairy godmothers are here to help! We have put together a little guide to help you start experimenting with graphic liner makeup, with tips, tricks and friendly advice to support you as you explore.
So, without further ado, here’s our guide to mastering graphic eyeliner.
Get hold of the right tools
Getting to grips with the different types of eyeliner out there is step one. Different liners work better for different people, and so it is important to try a few out to see which you prefer.
Often with graphic liner, people find it easier to create sharper lines and more dynamic looks with liquid eyeliner as opposed to pencil.
Start simple
It can be super tempting to go all in with a super intricate or bold look on your first try, but more often than not, this can lead to disappointment. Like any makeup look, the trick is to BUILD.
Start small and simple and work your way up to more difficult looks once you find your rhythm.
Try different shapes
Graphic liner is aptly named, as the shapes of the liner tend to be unique and different to classic liner.
Whether you are trying out alternative wing styles, inner eye corner work or liner designs surrounding the entire eye in squiggles and whirls, don’t be afraid to get creative with your shapes.
Work with your face, not against it
Your facial shape and features will have an impact on which liner looks best suit you. Whether you have a round face, square face, sharp jaw, hooded eyes, doesn’t matter – there is a look out there just for you.
And at the end of the day, if the look makes you feel good, nothing else matters!
Explore with colour
Colour can be a scary thing when it comes to creating a makeup look. Neutral tones and muted colours have become the ‘in’ thing, whilst the bright blue eyeshadows and over-rosy cheeks of the 80s are avoided like the plague. Well, we say, don’t be confronted by colour… Embrace it!
There is the thought that colour can make a look ‘too much’, but when used well, it can enhance your makeup and brighten things up a bit. Find which colours best suit your skin tone and start experimenting with pops of colour in your makeup looks.
Don’t be scared of messing up
The fear of failure can make us stop before we have even tried, especially when it comes to makeup. It can be frustrating when we don’t instantly master the perfect wing or lined lip, but makeup is an art, and with every bit of practice, we expand our skills. So mess up!
Create funky, uneven liner with pink dots and a splotch that wasn’t supposed to be there – the more you try, the more wins you’ll get. And hey, micellar water was invented for a reason!
Online tutorials and inspo
One of the best ways to explore new looks and trends is by finding inspiration online. Whether you are a Pinterest kind of person, scroll Insta for some inspo or prefer to follow step-by-step video tutorials on TikTok and Youtube, there is a whole host of graphic liner inspiration at our fingertips.
And who knows, with a bit of practice, you could become the next big influencer?
Our American neighbours at Glamour offer the inside scoop on professional makeup artists’ take on mastering graphic liner.
Want to help others create bold and exciting new looks?
Do you have a passion for makeup? Does the sound of creating bold new looks fill you with total joy? Well, then, sounds like we might have a future makeup artist on our hands!
For a long time, makeup has had negative connotations attached to it, the idea that it is used as a mask to hide ourselves away. Here at New Zealand Beauty School, we say this is NONSENSE.
The makeup artists we create see makeup as a form of creative expression and outlet, as an extension of ourselves, not a cover-up. Makeup should enhance and accentuate the beauty that we all already possess whilst showing off our personality. It is a fun way to extend ourselves, similar to how we style our hair or clothes. It makes us feel GOOD.
Self-esteem is an extremely powerful driver, and our war paint of choice – whether we prefer a natural vibe of full-blown bold and graphic beauty – can give you that extra ounce of confidence to be the best version of yourself.
Think you’ve got the stuff?
One of the best ways to get your career off to a beautiful start is by taking makeup lessons at a professional makeup school. Here at New Zealand Beauty School, we offer a professionally tailored Certificate in Professional Makeup Artistry.
Online makeup courses will provide you with a creative, supportive space in which to practise and explore your craft, and find out what kind of makeup artist you want to be.
We are one of the more comprehensive online makeup courses in Australia, offering flexible, hands-on experience to help you be the best you can be.
Our makeup certificate comes with a custom-designed kit containing everything you will need to complete your training, sent right to your front door. The kit will have all the necessary gear to aid you on your MUA journey, allowing you to experiment and explore from the comfort of your own home. You will learn all the classic tips, tricks and techniques, as well as start to curate your own branding and find where you fit in the beauty industry.
All our courses come with a downloadable brochure with further information about course content, modules and assessments, accessing your learning online and tutor support. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate of attainment, adding that touch of impressive professionalism to offer to potential employers.
We offer an interest-free payment plan where you can pay your fees in instalments, paying a small amount per week, or you can receive a discount if you choose to pay your course fees upfront.
Choosing to study on one of our makeup courses will give you 24/7 access to your studies, giving you the flexibility to work your learning around your schedule and lifestyle.
Get to grips with some graphic liner, and before you know it, you’ll be in high demand!