Mastering the Inner Eyeliner Trend: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the viral inner-corner eyeliner trend taking over social media in 2023 and beyond.
What Is the Inner-Eyeliner Trend?
The inner-eyeliner trend is rapidly becoming a staple in beauty routines, thanks largely to TikTok virality and expert endorsement. This makeup technique focuses on lining the inner corners of the eyes, creating the illusion of a longer, more defined eye shape. While the look has its roots in classic makeup artistry, it’s gone mainstream as social media influencers and celebrities showcase transformative results across their feeds.
Far from being a fleeting trend, inner-corner eyeliner is a timeless technique reimagined for today’s beauty landscape.
Why Is Inner-Corner Eyeliner Suddenly Everywhere?
The rise of TikTok has made beauty trends more accessible, turning professional tips into global sensations. In 2023, creators like Steph Hui spotlighted inner-corner eyeliner for its ability to flatter different eye shapes and enhance dramatic, siren-like looks. The method highlights the tear duct region—an area often overlooked in classic eyeliner applications—but now considered essential for elevating both minimalist and bold eye makeup.
- Elongates the eyes: By extending liner into the inner corner, the eyes appear more almond-shaped and seductive.
- Complements outer winged liner: When paired with a wing, this technique enhances both ends of the eye for maximum impact.
- Professional polish for all: Influencers have helped demystify what was once an advanced makeup-artist technique.
The Effect: Elongation and Definition
Lining the inner corners, often called creating a “feline flick” or “siren eye,” transforms eye shapes by visually prolonging the lash line inward. The optical result is similar to that seen in old Hollywood glamour looks, but the technique has been modernized for everyday use and all eye shapes through social tutorials and versatile product recommendations.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Inner-Corner Eyeliner
Dallas-based makeup artist Sandra Saenz offers a comprehensive breakdown of applying inner eyeliner for a professional result. Here is the step-by-step process:
- 1. Start with Your Winged Liner
Begin by drawing your usual winged eyeliner on the upper lash line. This placemarks your angle and creates symmetry. If you’re a beginner, focus on achieving a classic cat-eye wing before layering in the inner-corner element. - 2. Trace the Angle with Eyeshadow
If using black liquid liner seems intimidating, use a light brown eyeshadow with an angled brush to sketch your desired shape first. This shadow line works as a guide for adding precise, budge-proof color. - 3. Determine the Length
Using short, controlled strokes, flick the liner outward from the tear duct—stopping before the line connects to the side of your nose. Fix overshoots by cleaning up with a cotton swab or fingertip. - 4. Connect to Wing
Layer short and ultra-thin strokes along the upper lashline to bridge the inner line with your existing wing, establishing a continuous, elongated effect. - 5. Line the Bottom Inner Corner
Carefully add liner under the inner corner (beneath the tear duct), extending slightly along the bottom lash. For best results, choose a fine-tipped liquid liner or a smudgeable pomade, blending gently for a softened finish. - 6. Fill the Triangle
Finalize the look by connecting all lines and filling in the small triangular area at the very inner corner, seamlessly blending the shape to complete the illusion.
Expert Application Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Follow the angle of your winged liner: Always ensure that the inner-corner flick aligns with your outer wing to avoid a downward-sloping illusion.
- Use short, light strokes: Don’t draw one long line—build shape and intensity gradually for maximum control.
- Less is more: Extending the line too far or making it too thick can overwhelm delicate inner-corner space.
- Blend the bottom lash line: Harsh lines beneath the eyes can look severe if not softened with a brush.
Pro Tip: Always use waterproof and longwear products to avoid smudging, and ensure your tools are clean for a crisp finish.
Best Products for Inner-Eyeliner Mastery
The precision required for inner-corner liner means product selection is crucial. Here are top-recommended formulas and tools:
What others are reading
- Fine-tipped liquid liner: For sharp, graphic flicks that last all day.
- Waterproof gel pencils: Ideal for tight-lining your inner rim without transfer.
- Pigmented pomades: Use with an angled brush to achieve smokey, softly blended effects.
- Smudge brushes: Essential for diffusing color, especially along the lower lash line.
Pro Makeup Artist Picks
| Product | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| KVD Beauty Super Pomade | Pomade | Smokey, blendable lines |
| Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner | Liquid Liner | Sharp, precise flicks |
| NYX Epic Ink Liner | Liquid Liner | User-friendly application |
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil | Pencil | Waterline tightlining |
Who Can Rock the Inner-Eyeliner Trend?
This look is universal—whether you have almond, round, hooded, or monolid eyes, the inner-liner technique can be tailored to suit. TikTok creators and makeup pros alike emphasize that with minor adjustments, the trend flatters:
- Small or narrow-set eyes (for elongation)
- Large eyes (for added definition)
- Downturned or asymmetrical eyes (for correction or balance)
Creative Variations: Beyond Classic Black
Modern interpretations invite color, shimmer, and graphic artistry into inner-corner application. Experiment with:
- Colored liner: Deep greens, jewel blues, or metallics for a bold statement.
- Shimmer finishes: Accentuate the tear duct with pearly tones for a wide-awake look.
- Graphic twists: Try negative space or double flicks for editorial vibes.
Expert Advice from Sandra Saenz
Makeup artist Sandra Saenz, known for her editorial work and social tutorials, stresses that the secret to mastering the look lies in understanding your unique eye anatomy. “It’s super important to follow the angle of your winged liner,” she warns. “Otherwise, we risk the inner corner pointing down, giving us an eyeliner mishap rather than an intentional, lifted shape.”
Her additional pro-level insights include:
- Don’t overdraw: Subtle enhancements are harder to detect as “makeup,” making the look more natural.
- Clean up as you go: A pointed cotton swab dipped in micellar water can erase mistakes without disturbing the rest of your makeup.
- Practice patience: Building muscle memory is key for a steady, precise application.
Pairing Inner-Corner Eyeliner With Other Trends
The current beauty climate is all about layering trends for a customized signature. Inner-corner eyeliner pairs beautifully with:
- Classic winged liner: Double the drama with a flick at both inner and outer edges.
- Smudged or smokey lower lash lines: For added depth and dimension.
- Negative space designs: Incorporate floating liner or graphic color blocks.
- Natural, bushy brows: Let bold liner shine by keeping brows soft and wispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Inner-Corner Eyeliner
Q: Does inner-corner eyeliner suit hooded or small eyes?
A: Yes! With careful placement and by adjusting the length and thickness, this technique can visually open up and elongate both hooded and smaller eyes.
Q: Will this trend work for mature or sensitive eyes?
A: Use gentle, ophthalmologist-tested products. Avoid aggressive pulling and opt for soft pencils if sensitivity is a concern—inner-corner lining is adaptable at all ages with the right formulas.
Q: How do I make my inner-corner liner last all day?
A: Always prep the area by blotting away moisture, layer waterproof product, and set with translucent powder for extra longevity.
Q: Can I combine color with inner-corner liner?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with bold shades or metallic finishes for a unique twist on the classic black flick.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Trying?
With its ability to transform and elongate the eyes, inner-corner eyeliner has evolved from a pro-only hack to an accessible trend for makeup lovers of all levels. Whether you’re after subtle enhancement or full-on drama, the right tools, technique, and practice can help you master this look. Embrace your unique eye shape, experiment with color and finish, and make the inner-corner flick your own signature statement this season.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a43267223/inner-eye-liner-trend/
- https://www.ipsy.com/blog/eyeliner-trends
- https://www.eyeko.com/blog/press/cosmopolitan-1-eyeliner-5-different-celebrity-eye-looks/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a63217951/makeup-trends-2025/
- https://lihtorganics.com/blogs/media/feature-cosmopolitan-middle-east-3-benefits-of-switching-to-organic-beauty-products-this-ramadan
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/makeup-trends-youre-about-to-see-everywhere
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