White eyeliner is one of the most searched-for makeup trends, and it's the best way to add some edge to your beauty look
White really comes into its own for summer. White parties, white wine (keep it coming) and makeup-wise, white liner.
It also just so happens to be one of the biggest Gen Z makeup trends with searches for "makeup looks with white eyeliner" up by four time, according to Pinterest as we head into summer.
It makes sense. As makeup shifts go, a white liner is an easy way to keep your makeup classic – by keeping the flicked wing shape – whilst giving it a fresh twist.
Instagram content
But, if you want something a little edgier, we've seen loads of graphic shapes adding extra interest to the trend.
We've seen barbed liner with a double slick point.
Instagram content
We've seen jumbo liner stretching all the way to the crease.
Instagram content
And Ariana's negative space liner from last year has been recreated in countless TikTok videos where #whiteeyeliner has over 2.6 million views.
Instagram content
Ari's not the only celeb who's on board. Ri-Ri's slayed it, Jodie Comer's rocked it, Margot Robbie did it, Bella Hadid's wore it, Janelle Monae killed it and Sophie Turner has taken it for a spin, too.
"It's perfect," says makeup artist Christabel Draffin. Her tips for wearing it? "Keep your base light and translucent, that way the white liner is a fresh punctuation point for the face," she explains.
The brightening effect works on any skin tone, but looks spectacular set against deep skin. And, according to Draffin, it's more forgiving than your classic black liner. "It doesn't need to be perfectly symmetrical, you can get away with it being a little off." But don't skimp on mascara, she warns. "The look doesn't provide as much definition as black drawn close to the eyes, so give the face dimension with defined lashes."
To get a stand-out crisp line, you need a liner that's packing pigment.
The tools for the job
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Glide-On Eye Pencil in Yeyo, £17, Urban Decay
Fenty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in Bad Bride, £18, Boots
L'Oreal Paris Matte Signature Eyeliner in White, £8.99, Look Fantastic
As for how to wear it, these are the celebs who are smashing the trend.
The way to wear it...
Getty ImagesCreated by her MUA Priscilla Ono, Ri-Ri has a habit of taking future Fenty launches for a spin on her own face before dropping them a few weeks or months later, which is why we're thrilled that Rihanna gave us her Flypencil in 'Bad Bride' to recreate this look.
Getty ImagesMargot Robbie
The makeup artist behind Margot's 'White Lightening' look, Pati Dubroff, said: "Overall the look is very futuristic yet Sixties. I used a matte taupe shade from to contour the eye and then did a graphic white eyeliner at the lash line."
@naokoscintu / InstagramJodie Comer
Top makeup artist Naoko Scintu gave Jodie Comer a bold white cat-eye, winging it out at the corner and finishing the look off with ultra fresh skin.
Getty ImagesJanelle Monae
Not the shy and retiring type? Janelle Monae's cleopatra liner, created by her makeup artist, Vincent Oquendo, looks even more impactful in white. And if you're worried about losing definition at your lash line, setting the white liner back further from your lid could be a very chic solution.
@naokoscintu / InstagramBella Hadid
Another Naoko Scintu number, the makeup artist paired the slick white line with softer, super blended make-up and romantic peachy-pink shades.
@naokoscintu / InstagramSophie Turner
Sophie Turner's make-up artist Georgie Eisdell went for full, seductive Jessica Rabbit vibes with extended liner and wispy fluttery lashes. Sophie finished off the look with a sporty ponytail.
