Exaggerated Lower Eyeliner Is the Groundbreaking Spring 2026 Makeup Trend

If you haven't used eyeliner in a while, now is a great time to try it again. Bold eyeliner is making a big comeback after years of the "clean girl" look, especially on the lower lashline. Graphic, exaggerated strokes are the main focus right now. They are inspired by the famous 1960s style made famous by supermodel Twiggy, but they have been updated for 2026.

This comeback isn't totally surprising. Beauty trends have been hinting at a move toward more expressive makeup. For example, the resurgence of the smoky eye style, which was popularized around the end of 2025, and the statement liner style donned by celebrities like Jenna Ortega and Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu. This style, which was previously associated with grunge, is now looking sleek and mod.

A Look at the Lower Liner Trend

This trend has its roots in the 1960s, when celebrities like Twiggy, Diana Ross, and Cher made dramatic eyeliner on both the upper and lower lashlines popular. Their makeup often included winged liner and defined strokes on the lower lashes that looked like delicate, spidery lashes.

Makeup artist Kasey Spickard says that the revival of the 1980s is a sign that people want to be creative after years of being simple. The lower lashline is a new area to try out new things, and it lets you make designs that are fun, unexpected, and highly customizable that go against traditional beauty standards.

Where We've Seen It

At the Paris premiere of The Drama, Zendaya embraced the trend on the red carpet by wearing a hairstyle inspired by the past and precise, graphic eyeliner that went all the way around her eyes. The style, which was based on Sophia Loren's 1960s look, gave her eyes a more defined and larger appearance.

Teyana Taylor has also made bold lower liner a signature part of her awards season beauty looks. She often adds lighter colors to the waterline to make it look better. Other famous people who have used it are Giselle from Aespa, Rei Ami at the 2026 Academy Awards, and Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn. Each of them put their own spin on it, from soft mod elegance to edgier, Y2K-inspired looks.

How to Get the Look

You need the right tools and a lot of patience to make a graphic lower liner look. Use a sharpened, creamy eyeliner pencil to start. This will make it easier to apply and set in place. Start by drawing a line along the top lashline, and then carefully draw a line along the bottom lashline to connect the two.

Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist, says to pick formulas that are easy to apply but won't smudge once they're set. Once you know the basics, try using negative space, bold waterline accents, or even colored liner to make it your own. A fine-tipped brush can help you make detailed designs, and a pointed cotton swab can clean up the edges for a perfect finish.