Why Everyone Is Ditching Black Eyeliner This Summer

Thanks to spring's vaccination rollout, summer 2021 is looking a little more normal than the last. While face masks are now optional in most situations for people who are fully vaxxed, as far as makeup goes, the focus is still all on the eyes.

Whether you've experimented with makeup while social distancing or want to upgrade your everyday look as you spend less time on Zoom, colorful cat eyes are a bold, fun alternative to classic black liner.

Celebrities have provided an abundance of inspiration over the 2021 award show season, and on Instagram throughout the pandemic. Take Cythia Erivo's sharp violet wings, Dixie Damelio's punky fuchsia liner, and Yara Shahidi's blue negative space cat eye as a few examples.

From thick neon lines to a thin wing at the order corner of the eyes, the right way to wear a colorful cat eye is up to you. Keep scrolling for celebrity examples to help you get your creative juices flowing, along with the best colorful eyeliners for your eye makeup work of art.

Doja Cat

Doja Cat's negative space cat eye is truly a work of art. The abstract blue accents add a flash of color to her inky eyeliner look.

Addison Rae

Naturally, the TikTok star is getting in on one of summer 2021's biggest beauty trends. These hot pink clean lines are an easy gateway into wearing bold eyeliner.

Yara Shahidi

Yara loves a graphic eye makeup look and these sky blue negative space wings by makeup artist Golden Shyne are no exception. The thin black line along the actress' lash line adds further definition, so the blue really pops.

Dixie Damelio

If summer 2021's makeup trends are any indication, punk is definitely not dead. Here, Dixie Damelio wears a matte fuchsia eye by Patrick Ta that's inspired by Versace's fall 2021 runway beauty look.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo's violet eyeliner is so sharp and vibrant, it even stood out on the 2021 Golden Globes virtual red carpet. Makeup artist Terrell Mullin created the bold, yet glamorous look using Giorgio Armani Beauty products.

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The Best Colored Eyeliners

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof

Chanel's Stylo Yeux Waterproof is a makeup artist favorite because it comes in a wide spectrum of gorgeous shades, goes on smooth as butter, and doesn't budge once it's set.

To shop: $33; chanel.com

Revlon So Fierce! Chrome Ink Liquid Eyeliner

There's something about the warm, sunny weather that makes you want to break out the sparkly makeup. On those days, why not swap your black cat eye for a metallic lilac? This liquid Revlon liner has an ultra-fine felt tip for drawing precise lines and a game-changing Dip-Ink Cap that keeps it saturated with the liner for intense color payoff.

To shop: $11; ulta.com

Kulfi Underlined Kajal Eyeliner

This new South Asian-owned beauty brand launched with a single hero product: smudge-proof kajal liner infused with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. In addition to skincare benefits, the five colors, including this rich terracotta, are super pigmented for a bold finish on every skin tone.

To shop: $20; kulfibeauty.com

Maybelline Tattoostudio Waterproof Eyeliner

Silver is the training wheels of colored eyeliner. If the idea of trying bright colors freaks you out, this metallic shade is basically a neutral. Better yet, the formula promises to hold up for 24 hours.

To shop: $6; amazon.com

UZ Eye Opening Liner

While a lot of liquid eyeliners claim to be waterproof, this mood-boosting pastel pink UZ pen really follows through with its promise. The innovative formula's polymers ensure your lines stay clean and smudge-free against water, sweat, oil, and humidity.

To shop: $16

Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner

Makeup artists have long relied on white eyeliner as a hack for making eyes look brighter and more awake. However, a matte white cat eye is incredibly cool on a scorching mid-summer day. This Fenty Beauty liner glides on without any tugging and stays in place. Thank you once again, Rihanna.

To shop: $22; sephora.com

Gucci Stylo Contour Des Yeux Khol Eyeliner

This creamy Gucci eyeliner is a foolproof option for adding a pop of color to your lash line or a clean cat eye flick. Along with sky blue, the pencil comes in a handful of jewel tones.

To shop: $36; sephora.com

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner

The shade range of Marc Jacobs' cult-favorite gel liners is as colorful as a jumbo box of Crayons — there's truly a shade and finish for every mood, including this summery matte teal. Use the pencil to create a sharp wing or smudge it out for a grungy lived-in look.

To shop: $26