The Celeb-Fave 'Underliner' Makeup Hack That Can Open Up Your Eyes And Highlight Your Best Features, According To MUAs

The ‘underliner’ makeup look is currently taking social media platforms by storm, particularly TikTok!

This stunning trend, previously sported by celebrities like Zendaya, Maisie Williams, Adriana Lima, Tessa Thompson and Joey King on red carpets and during events like Fashion Week, involves the application of eyeliner on the outer corner of the lower lash line.

Some beauty influencers have been experimenting with a twist on the trend by beginning the line from the inner corner instead, in a nod to the reverse eyeliner trend. This unconventional style is popular due to its ability to brighten up a look and add an element of playfulness, while also giving the impression of larger eyes.

Seeking to learn more about this phenomenon and how to create the look yourself for holiday parties and nights out, we did some research on the trend and also sought the expertise of professional makeup artists and specialists.

First Off, What Is The ‘Underliner’ Trend?

In a recent interview with Popsugar, Jillian Dempsey, a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Jillian Dempsey Beauty, recently discussed the makeup trend. She was also notably the mastermind behind Kristen Stewart‘s stunning Oscars underliner look earlier this year.

“This look is another fun way to wear a cat eye or smoky-eye look, depending on the shades used or how heavy the eyeliner is applied,” she told the outlet. Dempsey noted that the look, according to her observation, possesses versatility, offering the freedom to opt for either a dramatic or a subdued rendition.

How To Recreate The Look For Yourself This Winter

After selecting your starting point, Dempsey suggested "pulling the eyeliner along the water line," as seen on Joey King above, and then "outward at the outer corner of the eye to create that upside-down cat-eye look."

Speaking with SheFinds, professional makeup artist Oscar Velasquez said that he recommends "playing with complimentary colors" when it comes to eyeliner and eyeshadow if you want to go with a look that isn't traditional and all-black.

"Shades on the opposite side of the color wheel can intensify the eyes," he said, adding that it can be fun to "experiment with these hues in your eyeshadow or liner."

Another pro tip he shared is to always "focus on the crease" when creating an eye look like this  (like Alexa Demie did here), as "applying a slightly darker shade in the crease of the eye can create depth and make the eyes appear even more striking."

Additionally, Velasquez suggested that along with a great underliner look, you can use a "shimmery, light-colored eyeshadow or highlighter on the inner corners of the eyes," like Maisie Williams above, and "along the brow bone to brighten and open up the eyes."

Sounds worth a try to us!