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 washi…