Gen-Z Have Cancelled Liquid Liner -

So, I was just peacefully scrolling through TikTok when I came across a video that made me wince. Apparently liquid liner might be the latest makeup item to get binned by Gen Z?

No accusations, we're all friends here, but just to get a little clarification on the situation… what's going on?!

The video in question was posted by @lynettehoyle who asked: “can one of the young people let me know, are we still doing winged liquid liner, or not? Because I don't see the young people doing it any more and I am concerned because it is the only way that I look hot. Please advise, thank you so much.” She captioned the video: “calling all girlies 27 and under, help mom out.”

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To be fair, the comment section was kind as users broke the news gently. “You can do any makeup you like but the cat eye is out, straight liner is in but I mostly see liquid liner with alternative looks” one poster said. Another shared: “I am also 27 and I fear it is out. I never see anyone wearing it anymore who is younger.”

Specifically, black liquid cat eyes came under fire. But, there seemed to be a lot of consensus around softer brown or pencil liners. “I mean yes for the winged eyeliner but usually it's done with eyeshadow or pencil so it looks softer, liquid liner is too sharp,” one commenter explained. “I only do brown eyeliner, it lifts my eyes,” another agreed. “I think if you're following trends… a soft, brown smoked out wing is more stylish currently," said a third, while another volunteered “straight winged liner in brown!”

The actual shape seems to have had a glow-up, too. “Winged liner will never go out of style but the wings are more suited to our eyeshape now and smaller, we also experiment more with the actual wing, creating shapes, you might want to try brown liner,” one poster suggested.

There were some mini tutorials happening. “You do you girly pop, but I think a soft smokey brown shadow without liquid eyeliner would look bomb on u,” said one user, while another suggested “soften ur brows, drop the lashes and liner and the sparkly eyeshadow and just do bronzer on lid with maybe soft brown shadow as a liner slightly smudged – just try it out and see if it vibes for u.”

One commenter suggested that younger Gen Z's were the driving force behind the change, noting “everyone Ik in their 20s still does it's just the teens who aren't,” although this was quickly rebutted by a fellow poster who countered “I'm 18 and doing eyeliner since i was like 14 so no.”

It's been a nervy time for millennial makeup. Earlier this month under-eye concealer was declared "dead", owing to the fact that a whole new generation seems to be leaning toward a more minimal aesthetic. In fairness, a brown liner does give a softer, more natural finish. But as a 31 year-old millennial who has spent the past 18 years perfecting the slickest liquid liner flick, I really can't be losing the only flex I have going for me. Especially as I'm getting older, for the love of God, don't tell me now to back away from the product that gives the most elite definition.

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Thankfully, there's a whole squad of Gen Z who are just as committed to backing a fully-fledged wing. “I'm 21, been wearing a winged eyeliner daily since I was 15!! 100% agree, my makeup doesn't feel complete without it," said a commenter. “23 here, I will NEVER stop doing black winged liner,” said another. "19 and my winged eyeliner is my everything," said a third.

And there's a whole load of people who, sensibly, reckon you should just do whatever the hell you like with your makeup and your face. “Do what makes you feel pretty,” said a very cute commenter. “Does it matter? lol if you feel good with it, then keep doing it,” said another. And one hilarious comment from a user called @c.tim read: “you're allowed to think for yourself, hope this helps!” It certainly does – appreciate the wisdom @c.tim. Liquid liner forever it is, then 🖤.

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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