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's truly something for everyone on the platform. That said, if you're into a bit more colour, please turn your attention to "LED" eyeliner.
Anyone who follows beauty creators on TikTok has probably spotted LED liner in the wild. The makeup trend fits right in with the ever-popular graphic eyeliner fad that we're in. It's bright, it's bold, and it usually looks a lot harder to do than it actually is.
Below, learn more about the LED liner trend from a professional makeup artist, including tips for re-creating the look at home.
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What Is LED Liner?
Despite the name, LED eyeliner isn't about putting real LED lights on your face — but it is inspired by what that would look like. This makeup look uses white liner as a base to lift a bright eyeliner design. "That contrast gives off a coloured LED light look," New York City-based makeup artist Ehlie Luna tells POPSUGAR.
Think of the neon liner trend that dominated in 2016. The white base makes the "liner appear brighter and with more dimension, like that of a neon sign," Luna says.
How to: LED Liner Tutorial
The possibilities are endless with the LED liner trend. A quick scroll on TikTok or Instagram proves just how many different ways you can take this. Another great thing about this makeup trend is it shouldn't require any products outside of your regular beauty collection. You just need white eyeliner for your base and a colourful eyeshadow or liner of your choice.
"You can use a white liner, like MAC Cosmetics Chromaline in "Pure White" (£18.50), and then apply your favourite colourful shadow on top," says Luna. Other options are the NYX Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil in "White" (£13.99), Glossier No. 1 Pencil in "Canvas" (£14), or the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in "Yeyo" (£18).
Start by creating your design with the white shade in a cream or liquid formula. Once it dries, layer your colourful eyeshadow (or another cream or liquid liner) on top. Luna's tip: you'll get a true LED feel if you use primary colours, like red, yellow, and blue. To really punch up the colour, repeat the layering process by applying another coat of white, followed by colour.
There you have it: the LED eyeliner look. It's that easy.