10 Outdated Eye Makeup Techniques To Skip In 2025
In the colorful world of eye makeup, trends come and go faster than you can say “cat-eye.”
While some techniques stand the test of time, others deserve to retire gracefully. As we step into 2025, let’s take a look at some of the eye makeup trends that might just be overstaying their welcome.
Here are ten styles you might want to skip, keeping your look fresh and contemporary.
1. Heavy Black Liner on Waterline
Remember when heavy black liner on the waterline was the go-to for a bold look? Times have changed, and so should our eyeliner techniques.
While this method might have been all the rage in the past, it now tends to make the eyes appear smaller and less open. Instead of drawing focus to the beauty of your eyes, it can create a harsh, closed-off appearance. Try experimenting with softer shades or just tightlining your upper lashes for a more modern look.
A little change can open your eyes to a whole new world of style possibilities!
2. Overly Shimmery Brow Bone Highlight
Oh, the allure of shimmer! But when it comes to brow bones, less is definitely more. An overly shimmery highlight can create a dated, frosty look that distracts rather than enhances. The key is subtlety, ensuring your brow bone highlights complement rather than overshadow your eyeshadow.
A soft, satin finish can provide the lift and brightness you’re after without the disco ball effect. Embrace modern elegance by opting for a gently reflective powder, keeping your appearance fresh and balanced. Your brow bones will thank you for the understated sophistication!
3. Thick Clumpy Mascara
Ah, the infamous spider lashes! Once upon a time, thick, clumpy mascara was synonymous with drama. However, in 2025, this look screams more “clutter” than couture.
Clumpy mascara can weigh down your lashes, making them appear shorter and less defined.
For a more modern touch, aim for a lighter application with a quality brush that separates each lash. Length and volume are your friends, but clumps are not invited to the party. So, wave goodbye to spider lashes and say hello to a clean, elegant lash look!
4. Extreme Cut Crease with Harsh Lines
Once a staple for dramatic eye makeup, extreme cut creases with harsh lines now feel more like eye barriers. While precision is key, overly defined lines can create an artificial and uninviting appearance. In contrast, softer transitions allow for a flow that enhances natural beauty.
Blending is your ally in achieving a seamless look. By softening those lines, you invite a modern, sophisticated touch that enhances the eyes’ natural contours. Dare to ditch the overly defined cut crease and embrace a more fluid expression of artistry.
5. Super Thin Brows
Once celebrated in the ’90s, super thin brows have since taken a backseat to fuller, more natural-looking arches. The pencil-thin trend can create a stark, severe look that feels out of place in today’s beauty landscape. Fuller brows frame the face beautifully, adding warmth and character.
If you’re still clinging to those thin brow days, consider embracing a more natural approach. Brow pencils and gels can help fill in sparse areas, offering a refreshed and contemporary look. Goodbye, tiny brows; hello, bold beauty!
6. Frosty Blue Eyeshadow
Frosty blue eyeshadow might remind some of the ’80s, a time of bold fashion choices. However, in 2025, this hue can feel more of a retro flashback than a current trend.
The icy tone can often wash out the complexion, lacking the warmth needed for a modern palette. Instead, consider using muted blues or teal shades that provide depth without overpowering. Adding warmth or earth tones can balance out the coolness, creating a look that’s fresh and inviting. Let frosty blues stay in the past, where they belong!
7. Overdrawn Eyeliner Wings
Winged eyeliner is a classic, but when the wings take flight, you may end up looking more theatrical than intended. Overdrawn wings can dominate the face, overshadowing other features. Striking the right balance is crucial, allowing the wings to enhance rather than distract.
A subtle flick can still provide that desired lift without going overboard. By tempering the length and thickness, you ensure your winged liner looks sophisticated and chic. Let your wings be an accent, not the focus.
8. Mismatched Lash Strips
False lashes can elevate any eye look, but mismatched lash strips can lead to a makeup mishap. Uneven lashes not only feel uncomfortable but also disrupt the symmetry of your makeup. Ensuring your lash strips match in length and volume is key to achieving harmony.
Consider trimming and customizing your lashes to fit your eye shape perfectly. With the right fit, they enhance your eyes’ natural beauty, allowing them to sparkle without distraction. Mismatched lashes? Let’s leave them in the discarded pile.
9. Heavy Lower Lash Mascara
Applying heavy mascara to lower lashes once promised a doe-eyed look, but now it often results in a shadowy, weighed-down appearance. It can draw attention to under-eye imperfections rather than enhancing your natural beauty. A lighter touch on the lower lashes maintains balance and lifts the overall eye look.
Try applying just a touch for definition, allowing your upper lashes to take center stage. By keeping it light, you preserve a fresh and youthful charm. Say farewell to the heavy hand, and welcome a more refined look!
10. Unblended Bold Eyeshadow
Bold eyeshadow can dazzle, but when it’s left unblended, it tends to result in an unfinished look. Harsh lines can make even the most stunning colors appear jarring. Blending not only softens these lines but also creates a harmonious gradient that elevates the entire eye look.
Invest in quality brushes and take time to blend, ensuring your colors flow seamlessly together. The result? A polished and professional finish that lets your personality shine through. Unblended eyeshadow? Let’s brush it off!