Why Black Eyeliner Is the Ultimate Maximalist Statement

Or: How Gen Z's eye drama made my cat-eye look positively Zen

Hello, Gorgeous!

Gen Z is having a field day turning their eyelids into neon art installations. And while they’re having glitter girl summer, I’m comfortably settling back into my classic look. Actually, I never really left. And it occurs to me that my decades-long devotion to a perfect black cat-eye might be the most maximalist statement of all.

Skip the maximalist eye trend

The maximalist eye trend sweeping 2025 is pure Gen Z energy.

Think over the top holographic metallics with graphic liner extending to the temples, and eyeshadow combos that look like they were mixed by a unicorn trapped in a Saturday morning cartoon marathon. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve gone through my own intense eyeshadow phases where it was less about artistic expression and more about notice me NOW!

In many ways, makeup is a temporary tattoo. Try it on, wash it off. It’s just gotten odd that every single thing has to be named. Like the trend for pre-shower makeup on TikTok, where people try bold looks before washing their faces. Yup. We all did that. We just didn’t then broadcast it for the social media masses.

But here's the thing about being comfortably grown up: we've already done our most extreme experimental beauty phase. We lived through (and probably revisited) frosted blue eyeshadow, survived the great glitter epidemic of the early aughts, and emerged victorious with one perfect go-to look and a couple of back ups depending on the occasion or season. While they're still figuring it out. We already know what works. My black winged liner isn't minimalism—it's maximizing decades of trial and error into one usually flawless swipe.

There’s another reason the young ‘uns love great big beauty productions. According to a YouGov report, only 6% of Gen Z wears make-up every day. For them, bold eyes becomes event makeup. Meanwhile, my eyeliner shows up consistently, reliably, powerfully. That's not minimalistic, that's mastery.

If You're Feeling the Pull Anyway:

• MAC Eyeshadow in What’s the WIFI is a joyous neon green that adds fun to a neutral look. If you’re not brave enough for that level of boldness, use your regular contour look on your browbone and dot on a bold color directly below and blend well. It literally gives you a wink of color ($25, maccosmetics.com).

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Electric adds campy teal sparkle for that lunch-with-friends energy ($20, Amazon).

While it will always be fun to try new looks, who has the time, energy, or inclination to blend seventeen shades to achieve effortless drama simply to post it to social media? Let them have their rainbow moment, sticking with what works for you is the ultimate power move.

Will you be trying out some over the top eye looks this summer or letting this one pass you by? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋