The latest eyeliner trend of 2025 is all about being edgy, bold, and unapologetically creative. Enter the fishtail eyeliner, a look that has taken over our Pinterest & Instagram feeds. This dual-wing liner mimics the beautiful flare of a fishtail, and if you ask us, it is an interesting way to spice up your eyeliner game. Be it attending a music festival, simply amping up your everyday college glam, or stepping out of your comfort zone, the fishtail eyeliner is a character in itself.
Want it? We thought so! Below, we have broken down the steps and provided the perfect fishtail eyeliner tutorial so you can ace this eyeliner trend flawlessly.
Here’s What You Will Need:
- A steady hand with a lot of patience
- Q-tips or cotton swabs to clean up any edges
- Makeup tape for those sharp cuts
- Concealer for a smooth base
- A precise gel or liquid eyeliner
- An angled eyeliner brush (If using a gel eyeliner)
Step 1: Begin with a Clean Canvas
The key to any long-lasting makeup look is to first start with a clean base, as it is easier to work with and to fix any imperfections as you go. Ensure you use an eye primer or a concealer to achieve a smooth surface and give your eyeliner a base to hold on to. Doing so will also ensure that any oily lids won’t make your eyeliner smudge or crease.
Step 2: Accurately Applying the Tape
Whether you are a pro or not, one way to ensure a fool-proof execution is to use a makeup tape, cutting it in a ‘<’ shape and applying it to both the outer corners of your eyes between the top and bottom lash line.
Step 3: Applying the Top Wing
You can go about as usual, applying your top wing as you normally would. Remember to follow the angle of your makeup tape. Draw a sleek and sharp cat eye with an upward flick, angling it upwards, pointing towards the tail end of your eyebrows.
Step 4: Create a Sharp Bottom Wing
Here’s where all the drama lies! Start with your bottom lash line, drawing a second wing in reverse that mimics your top wing, leaving a gap where the tape is applied. The signature fishtail eyeliner effect is enhanced with the negative space in between. Intensify if needed to double up on the drama.
Step 5: Define Your Inner Corners
To make your eyelook stand out and look more snatched, lightly line the inner corners of your eyes and extend them slightly more towards your nose bridge. Doing so will balance the boldness of the wing and enhance it further.
Step 6: Clean Up To Perfection!
The key to nailing the fishtail eyeliner trend without looking messy is in the detailing. So, make sure you clean up any uneven edges or smudges with a Q-tip for a sharp and clean look. Next, finish it up with a pair of falsies or a volumizing mascara to amp up the drama.
And, Voila! Now you know how to do fishtail eyeliner, and it's finally time for you to try it out yourself and witness its intense charm!
Image Credits: Pinterest
