How To Do Graphic Eyeliner: 5 Looks To Try

Graphic eyeliner takes eye makeup beyond the classic wing with creative lines, geometric shapes and unexpected details. From floating crease designs to colorful accents, there are several ways to experiment with this trend. Whether you are new to graphic eyeliner or looking to try a different style, these five looks will help you get started.
In This Article:
What Are The Different Graphic Eyeliner Makeup Ideas?
Here are five graphic eyeliner makeup ideas you can try to ace the eye makeup game.
1. Floating Crease Graphic Liner
A floating crease liner creates a striking effect by placing a line above the natural eyelid crease rather than along the lash line. This graphic eyeliner look adds definition without relying on a traditional wing.
How to create the look:
- Look straight ahead into a mirror, keeping your eyes open.
- Using a precise liquid eyeliner, draw a thin line just above your natural crease. If you have hooded eyes, draw the line slightly above your crease.
- Keep the line simple or extend it slightly at the outer corner for a sharper finish.
2. Open-Ended Graphic Eyeliner
An open-ended graphic eyeliner look combines a classic wing with a floating crease line, creating a geometric shape with a deliberate gap between the lines. It is a great option when you want your eyeliner to be the focus of your makeup.
How to create the look:
- Draw a thin wing along your upper lash line using a gel eyeliner.
- Starting near the outer third of your eyelid, draw a second line above the crease.
- Extend both lines in a similar direction, leaving a small gap between them.
Use short strokes to maintain control and check the shape with your eyes open before adding more product.
3. Double Floating Graphic Eyeliner
For a more dramatic take on floating eyeliner, try two separate lines above the eyelid crease. This design adds dimension through parallel strokes while keeping the lash line relatively understated.
How to create the look:
- Use a fine-tip eyeliner pen to draw the first line above the crease, starting near the inner eyelid and extending towards the center.
- Draw a second line from the outer eyelid, following the crease towards the center.
- Keep the lines separate and adjust their length to create a balanced effect.
Start with thin strokes and build the design gradually. This makes it easier to refine the shape without making the lines too heavy.
4. Dotted Graphic Eyeliner
If you prefer a playful take on graphic eyeliner, dotted liner is an easy design to experiment with. Small dots placed above the lash line or near the outer corner add a distinctive detail without requiring complex shapes.
How to create the look:
- Apply your usual eyeliner along the upper lash line, with or without a wing.
- Use the fine tip of an eyeliner pen to place two to four small dots above the line or beneath the outer wing. Keep the design on the skin around your eyes, away from the waterline.
- Keep the dots evenly spaced for a neat finish or vary their size for a more creative effect.
5. Colored Graphic Eyeliner
Black eyeliner is a classic, but colored graphic eyeliner gives you more room to experiment. Bright blue, green, purple or pink lines can make a geometric design stand out, whether you choose one accent color or combine complementary shades.
How to create the look:
- Choose a colored eyeliner or an eyeshadow specifically suitable for use around the eyes.
- Draw a floating line, an extended wing or a double-line design using your chosen shade.
- If you are using eyeshadow, apply it with a clean, fine angled brush and follow the product instructions. Keep the rest of your eye makeup understated if you want the colored liner to stand out.
Remember, the final look of your graphic eyes can change depending on your eye shape. Learn how to apply eyeliner for your eye shape to get the most out of your graphic eyeliner look.
Additional Tips To Create The Perfect Graphic Eyeliner Look
Creating graphic eyeliner is all about preparation, precision and choosing a design that works for your eye shape. Keep these tips in mind:
- Prep Your Eyelids: Start with clean, dry eyelids. If needed, use a suitable eye primer to create an even base.
- Choose The Right Eyeliner: A fine-tip liquid liner or sketch pen works well for sharp lines, while gel eyeliner can be useful for other designs.
- Plan Your Design: Look straight ahead and decide where each line should sit before applying eyeliner. This is particularly helpful for floating crease designs.
- Adapt The Look For Hooded Eyes: Position your eyeliner with your eyes open so the design remains visible.
- Build Gradually: Start with thin strokes and add thickness only where needed. Use a clean cotton bud or suitable makeup remover to correct small mistakes.
- Balance Your Makeup: Pair bold graphic eyeliner styles with a softer lip for contrast, or coordinate your lip color with your eyeliner for a cohesive look.
Graphic eyeliner lets you experiment with shape, color and placement beyond the classic wing. Start with one of these five looks, adapt the design to suit your eye shape, and create an eye makeup style that feels uniquely yours.
If you are unsure about the eyeliner looks, try out an advanced Virtual Try-On tool to check out all eye makeup, face makeup, and lip makeup shades virtually. Try the Foundation Shade Finder tool to get the tone-matched base makeup online.
Key Takeaways About Graphic Eyeliner Styles
- Floating crease liner adds definition with a line above the natural eyelid crease.
- Open-ended liner combines a wing with a floating line for a geometric effect.
- Double floating liner uses two separate lines to create dimension.
- Dotted liner adds playful detail with small dots around the eyes.
- Colored graphic liner uses vibrant shades to create bold, creative eye looks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graphic Eyeliner Styles
What is graphic eyeliner makeup?
Graphic eyeliner makeup uses creative lines, shapes and patterns beyond traditional lash-line definition. Popular designs include floating crease liner, double lines, geometric wings and dotted accents.
Which eyeliner is best for graphic eyeliner looks?
A fine-tip liquid eyeliner, such as Maybelline Tattoo Liner 48h Liquid Pen, is a great choice for creating precise lines, floating creases and geometric designs. For bolder strokes, you can also try the Maybelline Colossal Bold Liner.
Can you create graphic eyeliner for hooded eyes?
Yes. For hooded eyes, map your graphic eyeliner with your eyes open to see where the crease folds. Place floating lines on the visible lid space above the fold, adapting their placement to your eye shape. Use thin strokes to keep the design defined without disappearing into the crease.
How can beginners try graphic eyeliner?
Start with a simple floating line or a few small dots before attempting layered designs. Use a fine-tip eyeliner, work in short strokes and check both eyes in the mirror as you go.
Can you use eyeshadow to create graphic eyeliner?
Yes. You can use a suitable eyeshadow with a clean, fine angled brush to create softer graphic lines. Make sure the product is intended for use around the eyes and follow its directions.