9 Best Products for Emo Eyeliner

So I guess you heard the riveting news!!! When We Were Young Festival is happening, and it will be here soon! But guess who’s opening? That’s right! Emo eyeliner will be making its debut. And the ghost of our emo past is screaming! So how do you prepare? I am so glad you asked.

First, you freshen up those heart-aching lyrics, next you dust off that Glassjaw tee, and finally you grab your favorite eyeliner!! And don’t forget your skinny jeans! Because the looks we are about to create will touch your heart, and pull at those heart strings!

So if you’re hanging on a Thursday, and you’re looking to create some Bright Eyes, for a Day To Remember, stick around to learn more! Here are some of the best products to create the most moving emo eyeliner looks for your next big lineup! 

What is Emo Eyeliner?

The word Emo is short for the word emotional. It is defined as a type of rock music that is influenced by punk. With its reflective, introspective, and heartbreaking lyrics it’s no wonder that there is a specific look inspired by it. 

To create the faultless emo eyeliner, it’s all about bringing emotion and emphasis to the eyes. You can start with creating a soft palette for the face. A mellow cheek, and a neutral lip. This will draw the perfect amount of attention to the eyes. 

The emo lifestyle is all about expressing how you feel. In my opinion, there is no wrong way to achieve this. Some will love an emo eyeliner that is heavily covering the lash and waterline, While others may choose to apply a shade of eyeshadow across the lids while smudging the liner’s outer corners, creating that smokey look.

"A Decade Under the Influence" - Taking Back Sunday

How Many Ways Can You Do Emo Eyeliner?

The look is limitless!!

In the early 2000s, the colors such as black and red made this iconic look. However, as we often see when history repeats itself, it usually brings a fresh new look. Like any melody; duration, quality, texture, and loudness are some of the bones that create a song. The same applies to creating a makeup look.

Dark Smudged liners, reverse cat eyes, pops of color, glitter eyeliners; burgundy, bronze, grays, and neutral can all be worn to create the iconic emo eyeliner. We are diving deep! We want soulful eyes that express how we feel as individuals, and there are certainly multiple ways to do this.

So we welcome generational changes because that is what helps influence the look, and inspire their comebacks! The emo aesthetic has taken on many forms throughout the years! For example, the new e-girl makeup trend has its roots in emo culture. Here are some of my current favorite emo looks. The photos to the right are inspired by the images from the left:

"Hands Down" - Dashboard Confessional

What Products Should You Use for Emo Eyeliner?

#1: KVD Beauty Tattoo liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

KVD Beauty Tattoo liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

We can not talk about eyeliner without including this Tattooed Queen on the list. Not only is she a lover of music, but her eyeliner continues to make the top of the lists, year after year. This is an award-winning product that has bold pigment, and an ultra-precise brush tip. It’s the perfect eyeliner to compliment your emo-inspired looks. And the waterproof formula is going to allow you to rock your look all night.

#2: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

This product is also a staple in my makeup bag. It’s made with hydrating vitamin E and jojoba oil making it really comfortable to be worn in the waterline. It comes in a variety of colors. If you’re inspired by a traditional emo eyeliner trend you must have this product. Its ultra-creamy formula will allow you to achieve very versatile looks! It’s also cruelty-free! 

#3: NYX Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner 

This one is perfect for a dramatic eye. The slender felt tip brush gives you the flexibility to create really thick bold lines by pressing down ever so gently. The Ulta website states its resistance to tears; what emo kids were made for! This is a must-have at a competitive price. 

#4: Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer

Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer

We can’t focus our attention on the eyes without priming our lids. This product is for normal, oily, dry, and combination skin. It is one of Too Faced’s best-selling products. This is non-creasing and lasts for 24 hours plus! This product will allow you to create a look that will not budge! 

#5: Sephora Collection Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick

Sephora Collection Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick

This product can truly make up all your emo dreams! This stick is so versatile, comes in many shades, and can be blended out as eyeshadow or used to create bolder liners. This is a staple for any Smokey eye punk princess. You can also use this to prime the eyes to add longevity and pigment to an eyeshadow statement.

#6: Natasha Denona Glam Eyeshadow Palette

Natasha Denona Glam Eyeshadow Palette

These eyeshadows are simply the best! This specific palette will help you create the perfect soft emo eyeliner look. The colors are dramatic and smokey! Once you experience this formula, you’ll have all the feels. It’s creamy and the tones are perfect! 

#7: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner 

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This eyeliner seriously stays put until you’re ready to change your look! It’s easy to use for the beauty beginner and delivers adaptable looks. This comes in a mini size, and will be great to travel with for those going to the festival in October!

#8: Colourpop Super Shock Shadow

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow

These come in great colors and are so shimmery. They are highly pigmented and have a great color payoff. If you’re looking to add some light to all the dark this will give you just that. With these products, you can create a very fresh innovative emo eyeliner!

#9: L’Oreal Infallible Gel 24HR Lacquer Liner

L’Oreal Infallible Gel 24HR Lacquer Liner

You can really customize your look with this gel liner. Compared to the felt pens, and liquid liners, this one can take a little practice but the styles you can create are endless! This can be used both on the lid and waterline. And the color is a true rich black! 

"Cross Out The Eyes" - Thursday

Where Can You Find Inspiration For Emo Eyeliner Looks?

Get out of time, go for a walk, and collaborate with a friend. Inspiration is all around us! And If you prefer the comfort of your home, Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration.

If we want to stay on the emo track, keep a journal! Or follow some of your favorite bands’ styles and past looks.

Need more specific inspo? Check out #emoeyeliner on instagram where you can view looks, see by other MUA, and find some cool tutorials. This is a great way you could blend your current visions with others who may have similar features or skin tones as you!

Who Can Wear Emo Eyeliner Looks?

It’s not just a phase, mom! Anyone can wear this look!

If you have more mature skin just keep in mind to hydrate the skin first. You’ll want to use a matte color so it wont show the texture. Apply with a fluffy brush that won’t move the skin around and if you want to use eyeliner, I recommend a nice thin line. 

And if you choose to do the bottom, I would keep it thin. Next you can add a soft shadow over it so that it blends nicely.

What Differentiates Emo Eyeliner From Alt or Goth Eyeliner?

Goth Eyeliner tends to be very heavy. Typically seen with a bold lip and eye, worn on top of a very neutral, and cool skin. The colors don’t vary much, as you’ll often see a lot of deep tones. It can be worn with designs around the eye, similar to these graphic eye trends.

Emo eyeliner keeps the eyes as the focal point. And this look allows more room for some warmth to the skin and the rest of the face. Unlike a Goth style, the lip traditionally worn is simple, and neutral!

Alt eyeliner is comparable to a traditional cat eye, brought up a couple notches. It’s usually completed with a full set of eyelashes. Like emo eyeliner, you may see it worn with a variety of colors. However, it is known for the harsh winged liner, making it less adaptable, as opposed to an emo eyeliner. 

My Final Thoughts on Emo Eyeliner

Go ahead and wear your heart on your sleeves. And don’t be afraid to try new things. With these top products added to your collection, you might as well be headlining! Music is life and makeup is your story. Rock on!