Silver Eyeliner Is Everywhere—Here’s How to Wear It

As people continue to take bigger beauty risks this year, we’ve seen a few exciting trends—one being silver eyeliner. Searches for the topic have shot up over the past year by more than 25 percent, according to Spate. “Silver (and metallics in general) will have us in a chokehold for the rest of the year,” says makeup artist Nicole Bueno. “I think it’s trending because we no longer see metallics as just party wear,” she says, noting that although we’re well past New Year’s Eve, metallics are still trending.

Beauty and fashion often tend to mirror each other, and Bueno notes that metallics have been dominating the runaways of the Spring/Summer 2023 season. “Personally, I love the fact that people aren’t afraid to have fun with makeup,” says Bueno. Makeup artist Kellsie Bain says TikTok is another piece of the puzzle when it comes to why silver is trending. “TikTok allows people to be more creative than ever, and silver eyeliner is definitely having its moment,” she says.

While silver eyeliner is currently trending, experts say it’s timeless. “I think metallics are always a good idea and are very versatile,” says Sarah Tanno, celebrity makeup artist and global artistry director of Haus Labs. We’ve got your guide on how to wear silver eyeliner and which products are best, according to the experts.

Ways to wear silver eyeliner

Bueno says there are endless possibilities when it comes to silver eyeliner, from super glam to effortlessly chic. “Silver eyeliner is a great way to incorporate a little brightness. You can add a thin silver liner alone at the lash line or stacked over black or another shade. You could also add a bit of silver to your smoky shadow to add a little pop,” says Tanno. 

Tanno’s personal favorite way to follow the trend is by applying Haus Labs Hy-Power Pigment Paint in Silver Shimmer ($24). “I like to apply with a thin eyeliner or angle brush to line the eyes. You can use a flat brush to cover your lids completely in the metallic shade or use a fluffy eyeshadow brush with a touch of the paint blended over a black eyeshadow to add a nice metallic pop over your smokey eye,” says Tanno. “The paints are so versatile. I love that one product can be used to create so many versions of a trend.”

Bueno notes that silver will pop most on or next to a dark base. “You could do a black wing and a silver wing right above it,” says Bueno. “Kind of like Sydney Sweeney’s look for the British GQ awards done by Melissa Hernandez. Pop on some black liner on the waterline and a pair of lashes to amp up the drama.” 

Bain agrees that silver eyeliner pairs nicely with a thin line or black gel liner to really make it pop. However, she notes that the nice thing about silver eyeliner is that it’s a statement on its own. Bain says it doesn’t need to be paired with any eyeshadow. “Let it be the star of the show.”

Expert-recommended silver eyeliner

Tanno highly recommends Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner in Titanium Shimmer ($22), noting “is the perfect metallic silver that applies smoothly on the eye while delivering high pigment. It also has a small brush at the end that you can use to blend or smudge out the color.”

At the moment, Bain is loving Em Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner in Silver Lining ($26). “It glides on like a dream and dries to a long-lasting finish.” Bueno says you can never go wrong with the classic Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner ($25) in silver shades.

Additionally, if you don’t have the most steady hand or want to try something super ornate, Bueno recommends Face Lace stickers. “They come in so many cool shapes, they’re easy to use and really bring a look to the next level.”