Eyeliner Styles Through the Decades: From the 70s to Today in Color
Eyeliner has always been more than just a makeup product. It reflects changing fashion, cultural moods, and personal expression. From bold black wings of the 1970s to today’s playful neon and pastel shades, eyeliner styles have evolved beautifully over the decades. Each era brought its own colors, techniques, and attitudes, making eyeliner a true style statement rather than a simple cosmetic.
1970s Bold Drama
• Winged black cat eyes: Twiggy's thick graphic liner in jet black, paired with mod makeup for disco nights.
• Smoky kohl rims: Heavy upper and lower lining with smudged black for rock 'n' roll vibes, echoing ancient Indian kajal roots.
• Doe-eyed whites: Subtle white inner rims to widen eyes, contrasting bold black wings.
1980s Power Pops
• Neon accents: Electric blue or hot pink tips on classic black wings for Madonna's rebellious flair.
• Double liner drama: Black base with purple or teal upper lines for bold 80s shoulder-pad statements.
• Metallic silvers: Shimmering silver pencil for under-eye glow in synth-pop era nightlife.
1990s Grunge to Gloss
• Brown earth tones: Soft taupe or chocolate smudges for minimalist '90s heroin chic, less harsh than black.
• Berry shades: Deep plum or burgundy for Gwen Stefani's alt-rock edge, blended for smoky effects.
• White graphic lines: Thin white upper liner for Y2K prep, floating above black for futuristic pops.
2000s Experimentation
• Colored wings: Kelly green or royal blue flicks for emo scenes, inspired by Amy Winehouse's signature.
• Gold metallics: Warm gold liner for Bollywood bridal looks, blending with kohl for festive shine.
• Pastel pencils: Lavender or mint tightlines for subtle MySpace-era freshness.
2010s Bold Revival
• Graphic multicolors: Yellow under black wings for Instagram influencers, or rainbow tightlining.
• Matte oxbloods: Deep red-browns for modern minimalism, smudged for effortless daytime wear.
• Silver chrome: Holographic silvers for festival glam, echoing 80s but with cleaner lines.
2020s Vibrant Fusion
• Sunset gradients: Orange to pink fades for TikTok trends, layered over black kajal base.
• Jewel tones: Emerald or sapphire full lids for high-fashion editorials and Indian fusion makeup.
• Neon underliners: Vivid coral or lime lower rims for no-mascara eye pops in clean girl aesthetic
Today’s eyeliner trends celebrate individuality. Whether it’s a classic black line, a pop of teal, or a bold neon wing, eyeliner allows self-expression across generations. From the dramatic 70s to today’s experimental styles, eyeliner continues to evolve, proving that a single line can tell the story of fashion, culture, and confidence through time.
TAGS : eyeliner styles through the decades: from the 70s to today in color, eyeliner styles , eyeliner
