Image Source: Getty / Noam Galai and Photo Illustration: Michelle Alfonso
TikTok is bursting at the seams with beauty trends. From underpainting to cold girl makeup, the Tumblr aesthetic and even crying makeup, there really is something for everyone on the platform. However, if you are into a little more color, please turn to the “LED” eyeliner.
Anyone who follows beauty creators on TikTok has probably spotted LED liners in the wild. The makeup trend fits right in with the ever-popular graphic eyeliner fad we’re in. He’s bright, he’s brave and it usually looks a lot tougher than he actually is.
Below, learn about the LED liner trend from a professional makeup artist, including tips on how to recreate the look at home.
@monetmcmichael I absolutely have to try and report this eyeliner hack to you guys
What is LED liner?
Despite the name, LED eyeliner isn’t about putting actual LED lights on your face — but it’s inspired by what that would look like. This makeup look uses a white liner as a base to highlight a light eyeliner design. “This contrast creates a colored LED light look,” says the New York makeup artist Ehlie Luna says POPSUGAR.
Think of the neon liner trend that dominated 2016. The white base makes the “liner appear brighter and with more dimension, like that of a neon sign,” says Luna.
@makeupbymonicaa This must be the new viral tik tok makeup trend because IT SLAYYYS ❤️💯🤎 @beatsbydeb #neoneyeliner#ledeyeliner#viralmakeup#makeuptrends#makeup instructions#graphic liner#eyelinertutorial#makeuphacks#Makeup Tips#beginner makeup#viralmakeuphack#colorfulmakeup#creative makeup
How To: LED Liner Tutorial
With the LED liner trend, the possibilities are limitless. A quick scroll on TikTok or Instagram proves how many different ways you have to do this. Another great thing about this makeup trend is that it shouldn’t require any products outside of your regular beauty collection. All you need is a white eyeliner base and your choice of colored eyeshadow or liner.
“You can use a white liner like MAC Cosmetics Chromaline in ‘Pure White’ ($22) and then apply your favorite shade of color to it,” says Luna. Other options include the NYX Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil in White ($7), Glossier No. 1 Pencil in Canvas ($16) or the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Yeyo. ($23).
First create your design with the white shade in a creamy or liquid formula. Once it has dried, layer your colorful eyeshadow (or any other creamy or liquid eyeliner) over it. Luna’s Tip: You can get a real LED feel by using primary colors like red, yellow and blue. To really jazz up the color, repeat the layering process by applying another coat of white followed by color.
There you have it: the LED eyeliner look. As simple as that.