As for what makes a graphic eyeliner look? Nick Lujan, makeup artist and director of artistry and education at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, tells Glamour that the style uses striking geometric shapes and pops of color to draw attention to the eye. “The graphic eyeliner is the focal point of the makeup and everything else takes a back seat, [and] is more subdued,” Lujan explains, noting that due to its avant-garde nature, graphic eyeliner is considered one of the highest forms of self-expression in makeup. “Graphic eyeliner has made many appearances through the decades, traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt.”
Another graphic eyeliner pioneer, according to Sasha Ghodstinat, global makeup artist and brand trainer at CODE8, is none other than timeless beauty icon Twiggy. “The inspiration and roots behind graphic liner are from the 1960s, when supermodel Twiggy created a very eye-catching and bold look to express herself with the art of makeup,” she tells Glamour, explaining that the graphic eyeliner trend has continued making waves in the beauty industry since. “From the catwalk, to movies, to everyday makeup, graphic eyeliner allows you to experiment with your makeup and look by using striking colors and geometric shapes to make your eyes the focus.”
Graphic eyeliner may seem super-complicated, but almost anyone can pull it off at home—it just requires following a few rules of thumb. “Graphic liner is all about clean, sharp edges, bold color or black, and precision application,” Lujan explains. “To achieve the sharpest edges with precision, I would always suggest liquids, gel, and cream liners. The other absolute must-have is a good brush, and a marker liner.”
