The Trendy “Fishtail” Eyeliner: A Bold Beauty Hack That’s Simpler Than You Think!

Graphic eyeliner serves as a striking yet straightforward method to enhance any makeup aesthetic. Whether it’s floating lines or the classic cat-eye, there are numerous styles available for those looking to up their eye makeup game. One particular trend that has captured my minimalist makeup-loving heart is the fishtail eyeliner.

As the name suggests, fishtail eyeliner features a dual-winged effect that reflects on both the upper and lower lash lines. “The eye resembles the fish’s body, while the tips emulate a goldfish tail,” explains celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli. He reassures that even makeup beginners can master this technique (and you can personalize it with various interpretations).

Neil Scibelli is a renowned celebrity makeup artist.

To begin, you’ll need to select the right products. Scibelli recommends utilizing a long-lasting liquid liner to prevent smudging or bleeding and advises opting for a felt-tip liner for better precision on those detailed lines. I went for a simple shade, classic black, and chose the Kaja Wink Stamp Eyeliner Pen ($29).

Kaja Wink Stamp Eyeliner Pen

From

$29

$29 at Sephora

Starting from the inner corner, I created a straight line along my upper lash line. As I approached the outer corner, Scibelli advised flicking the liner upward to form a wing. From the top of the wing, I drew a line downwards to thicken it and form a triangle, which he noted would serve as the top fishtail line.

Next up was lining the lower lash line. Scibelli mentioned that I could follow the same steps as the top, starting from the inner corner and extending the liner outward. I chose to start from the center of the lower lash line—feeling it was a bit much to line it fully—but instead of flicking the liner upward, I angled it downward to create a “mirror effect” of the upper wing. I then thickened it by connecting that point back to the corner of the lower lash line to achieve the triangular shape. And just like that, my fishtail eyeliner look was ready.

The best aspect of this trend is the flexibility it offers. You can opt for thick or thin triangular shapes, experiment with vibrant colors, or stick with classic black. If you make a mistake, there’s no need to fret; clean-up is a breeze. Scibelli suggests using a pointed Q-tip dipped in micellar water (he personally favors Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar All-in-One Cleansing Water ($12) to tidy up any smudges.

Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar All-in-One Cleansing Water

From

$12

$12 at Ulta

This entire process took me under five minutes, and I only reached for my micellar water once. The outcome is an adorable and distinctive eye look that transcends basic. I see this becoming a go-to for my fall makeup!

Audrey Noble is a beauty journalist focusing on breaking news, celebrity features, and an in-depth exploration of how factors like race, gender, and sexuality shape societal perceptions within the beauty sector. Formerly a beauty reporter at Allure, she has also held roles at Vanity Fair and Refinery29. Her work has appeared in PS, Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, InStyle, WWD, and more.