The internet often claims that a particular trend or product is out. One makeup staple labeled as “dead” by TikTok is eyeliner. We know many redheads love eyeliner because it can help make the lashes look fuller and accentuate the eye, so we did some digging, and here’s what we found.
First, let’s talk about the history of eyeliner
Eyeliner has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Its use can be traced back to ancient civilizations, and its trends have evolved significantly over time. This is important because it proves eyeliner is timeless.
- Ancient Egypt (circa 4000 BCE): Eyeliner was first popularized by ancient Egyptians, who used a mixture of lead, copper, and other minerals to create kohl. This dark liner was applied to both men and women, serving both cosmetic and practical purposes. It was believed to protect the eyes from the sun’s glare and ward off evil spirits. It is believed that Cleopatra was a redhead!
- Ancient Greece and Rome (circa 100 BCE – 500 CE): Though often more subtly, eyeliner was also used in these cultures. Greeks and Romans used natural pigments and substances like charcoal to accentuate their eyes.
- Medieval Europe (circa 500 – 1500 CE): Eyeliner fell out of favor in Europe, partly due to changing beauty standards and religious influences. The focus shifted away from makeup, and cosmetics became associated with immorality.
- Renaissance to 19th Century (1500 – 1800 CE): During the Renaissance, makeup saw a modest revival, with eyeliner occasionally used by the elite. By the 19th century, makeup was again largely avoided by respectable women, though some theatrical performers used it.
- Early 20th Century: Eyeliner made a significant comeback with the rise of Hollywood glamour in the 1920s and 1930s. Stars like Clara Bow and Marlene Dietrich popularized bold, dramatic eye looks. The introduction of liquid eyeliner in the 1950s, popularized by figures like Audrey Hepburn, cemented its status as a beauty staple.
- Late 20th Century to Present: The 1960s saw the rise of the cat-eye look, influenced by icons like Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick. The 1980s and 1990s brought diverse styles, from punk-inspired looks to more natural, minimalist approaches. Today, eyeliner trends are incredibly diverse, ranging from bold graphic designs to subtle, everyday looks, reflecting broader trends in makeup and fashion.
Eyeliner’s evolution reflects changing aesthetics, cultural influences, and technological advancements, making it a dynamic element of beauty history.
So, is eyeliner a dead trend?
While it’s true that fewer “popular” makeup looks include eyeliner than, say, in the 2010s, that doesn’t mean eyeliner is dead altogether. For those wanting a full face of glam, eyeliner is still in. For everyday makeup, people aren’t gravitating towards it as much, but that’s all based on personal preference. We noticed a few things when looking into the popularity of eyeliner:
1. Opt for natural makeup looks
First, natural makeup without eyeliner, even without mascara, is much more prevalent for day-to-day wear. Current makeup trends focus more on enhancing natural features, so we see things like freckles and fluffy brows on-trend. While eyeliner can look natural, it’s much more apparent than mascara or blush.
2. Opt for a soft shadow liner
Second, soft shadow liners are much more popular than traditional pencil or liquid liners. Shadow liners are much more subtle and can help to elongate, accentuate, andmore softly. Shadow liners are define the eye often done with a lovely brown shade, whereas black has been a popular choice for eyeliner in years past.
So, what does all of this mean for redheads? We encourage all redheads to embrace their authentic selves and rock any trend they want! If you like to follow trends and try new things, maybe forgo the eyeliner and enhance your eyes in other ways. We encourage all redheads to use our redhead-specific Finally Have Lashes mascara or shadow liner.
3. Redheads can follow these tips when opting for liner:
Warm Tones: Opt for warm-toned eyeliners that complement red hair. Copper, bronze, and deep brown shades enhance natural coloring and look softer than harsher blacks.
Classic Black: If you love black eyeliner, go for a softer approach. A black eyeliner with a smudged effect or a subtle wing can create a striking contrast without overwhelming your features.
Color Pop: Experiment with colors that make red hair pop, such as teal, green, or plum. These shades can add a fun twist and create a bold look.
Soft Definition: For a more natural look, use brown or taupe eyeliner to define your eyes without the starkness of black. This works particularly well for daily wear and can be layered for more intensity.
Avoid Overly Cool Tones: Cool-toned eyeliners, like icy blues or greys, can sometimes clash with the warmth of red hair. Stick to warm or neutral tones for a more harmonious look.
Liner Techniques: Try techniques like tight lining (lining the waterline) to subtly enhance your eyes or a winged liner for a dramatic effect. Tailor the method to suit your eye shape and personal style.
Balancing Act: If you’re going for a bold eyeliner look, keep the rest of your makeup more neutral to balance the overall appearance.
Experimenting with different styles and colors will help you find what works best. The key is to have fun and let your unique redhead features shine!
