The key difference between millennial and Gen Z eyeliner

If you’re still doing your eyeliner like Lauren Conrad, firstly, same, and secondly, you must be a millennial. 

Not just because you’ve seen The Hills and know not to wear combat boots to the beach but because, according to TikTok, there’s a difference between how we did our wings in 2016 versus 2025.

Of course, it’s not the first time the beauty differences between millennials and Gen Z have been pointed out (are you team side part or centre part?) but it is one that we’re keen to take Gen Zs lead on. Theirs just looks more crisp and cool, okay?!

Millennial vs Gen Z eyeliner: What’s the difference?

First brought to our attention by TikTok creator Megan Bowen, the main difference between millennial and Gen Z eyeliner is the angle of the wing and where you draw it from.

Bowen explained that back in 2016, she would start with the eyeliner on her eyelid and then draw a sharp angle 'up' once reaching the outer corner. Depending on your eye shape, this has the potential to create a kind of dipped effect or thick end — a tell-tale sign of a millennial-style wing.

But now, Bowen uses her bottom lid as the guide and starting point, and rather than drawing the wing in an ‘up’ motion, she aims for an ‘out and away’ diagonal line.

Once an outline has been established and the (let’s be honest, sleeker, sharper wing) is in place, only then does the top eyelid get some eyeliner action, kept nice and tight along the waterline.

Of course, everyone is welcome to do their eyeliner however they bloody well wish and eye shape will forever dictate our eye makeup choices. But you gotta admit, she looks chic.

“It literally took five years off, so much younger, so fresh” — dammit Bowen, we agree.

Main image credit: @jentioseco

Ready to give it a go? These are the best liquid eyeliners in Australia.