Has Gen Z ditched liquid eyeliner? Millennials complain it’s the ‘only way’ to ‘look hot’

The cat is out of the bag: winged liquid eyeliner is outdated.

Despite becoming the signature look of Taylor Swift and Adele, the sharp, black swipe of liquid liner has been declared archaic by the likes of General Z.

“Ok, can one of the young guys let me know if we’re still doing winged liquid liner? Because I don’t see young people doing it anymore and I’m worried because it’s the only way I can look hot,” creator Lynette Hoyle said in a recent TikTok video that has since racked up 3.8 million views.

In her quest for help from “all girls 27 and under”, viewers offered advice in the comments, recommending that Hoyle try a softer brown eyeshadow or pencil to create a subtle wing – which she later admitted that it was “correct” guidance – while others refused. to deliver their liquid liner with wings.

“I only wear brown eyeliner, it lifts my eyes,” wrote one user.

“I’m also 27 and I’m afraid it’s out. I don’t see anyone younger wearing it anymore,” commented another.

“Taylor Swift still wears winged liners so we’re good,” someone else argued.

“I wouldn’t know myself without my winged liner – bury me in it,” said another person.

But Arizona-based makeup artist Jackie Alves confirmed Hoyle’s suspicions, saying the trend generation is now “opting for a softer approach” to the eye look, much to the chagrin of those with permanent makeup and tattoos.

“I’m definitely seeing a move away from the glitz and glamor of the 2016 era — bright colors, glitter and cut creases,” she told Newsweek.

“Today’s makeup is all about clean looks and soft shades, with a tanned brown accent replacing bold liquid liner.”

But the au natural makeup movement hasn’t just conquered liquid liner — it’s also destroying eyeshadow and lower lid liner.

Earlier this year, eyeshadow – specifically a smokey eye – was branded “an old thing”, while one woman’s journey to break the lower lid eye habit went viral.

“The main difference between Gen Z and Gen Y [millennials] it’s that the older we get, we tend to settle on a ‘look’ we like and can do quickly when kids or work demand more of our time. So Gen Y is still in fashion, but not as much as Gen Z,” The Buyer Insider founder Shawna Suckow told Newsweek.

“Winged liner isn’t completely out, but it’s definitely less pronounced.”