TikTok Loves Soft-Focus Liner—Here’s How to Achieve the Blurred Wing Eyeliner Look

What Is the Soft-Focus Liner Trend?

We’ve mentioned that a smudge defines soft-focus liner, but there’s more to it than that. “Soft-focus liner is all about definition with diffusion,” says Ganjoo. “Instead of a crisp, graphic line, the edges are gently blurred to create a smoky, hazy effect that still shapes the eyes. It gives you the impact of liner with a softer, more forgiving finish.” Think a soft-focus finish that’s still impactful but doesn’t rely on perfection the way other eyeliner makeup does.

But Why Is Soft-Focus Liner Trending?

The times they are a-changing, and so are the trends. We’re moving away from unforgiving makeup toward makeup that works with you. It’s not about being perfect, but about finding whatever you feel most comfortable in to wear all day. Ganjoo says the “trend reflects a broader shift toward makeup that feels effortless, lived-in, and personal. People still love definition, but there’s less interest in ultra-sharp, rigid lines, and more desire for looks that enhance rather than overpower.”

Additionally, cat-eye looks require a level of precision that not everyone can achieve. “Soft-focus liner feels approachable, modern, and wearable for everyday life, which makes it resonate with so many people,” says Ganjoo. She stresses that “overall, soft-focus liner fits perfectly into the larger blurred makeup movement we’re seeing right now—a trend toward diffused textures, softened edges, and makeup that enhances features in a more natural, modern way rather than aiming for hyper-precision.” We’ve already seen lip liner move over for blurred lips. So sorry, contour, you might be next.

Every Product You Need to Recreate This Look

Ganjoo says, “You don’t need much,” which is always reassuring when it comes to makeup. The most important product is eyeliner, whether in pencil or pot form. “Cream or gel formulas work best because they’re blendable before they set,” shares Ganjoo, who recommends the bestseller KULFI BEAUTY Underlined Kajal Eyeliner for a pigmented eye makeup look that works for days or nights. We also love the ONE/SIZE Point Made 24-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil because of how long-lasting it is. Seriously, it doesn’t budge.

Apart from the gel or cream eyeliner, Ganjoo suggests having a “small smudge brush or even a cotton swab” handy to achieve your ideal blurred effect. We recommend the HIPDOT Shading Brush to effortlessly blend.

An optional product is “a neutral or complementary eyeshadow to softly diffuse the edges and set the liner.” This depends on the eyeliner color you’re using, though the LAURA GELLER The Delectables: Madison Ave. Mattes Baked Eyeshadow Palette has just about every complementary eyeshadow color you could need, whether that’s mocha, charcoal, or mauve.

6 Simple Steps to Achieving Soft-Focus Liner

Step 1: Choose Your Eyeliner and Eyeshadow Combo

We know eyeshadow is optional according to Ganjoo, but it doesn't hurt to have it on hand. And don’t forget to select the eyeliner of your choice. If it helps, the LAURA GELLER StyleEYES Liner Duo is sharpenable, a feature we always appreciate. Alternatively, the SHADES BY SHAN The Gel Eyeliner is a great gel eyeliner that’s retractable. Another strong eyeshadow palette contender is the OFRA COSMETICS Signature Palette - Radiant Eyes with its warm neutrals.

Step 2: Start at the Lash Line

“Start by applying liner close to the lash line, focusing on building shape rather than perfection,” says Ganjoo. This doesn’t need to be exact—just a line that runs along your lash line. It’s as simple as that.

Step 3: Draw the Wing

We know drawing the wing can feel intimidating, but this isn’t about being perfect. “For the wing, lightly sketch it out without worrying about sharpness,” Ganjoo recommends.

Step 4: Create the Smudge

Ganjoo says, “While the liner is still fresh, use a small brush or your fingertip to gently smudge the edges outward.” The more smudged, the better, though try not to veer into smoky-eye territory.

Step 5: Get Your Eyeshadow Ready

Want to add extra softness to your liner look? Ganjoo recommends tapping “a bit of eyeshadow over the liner to blur” the edges and make it appear softer.

Step 6: Blend It All Together

After you’ve applied the eyeshadow, all that you have left to do is blend. A great option for this is the cruelty-free REALHER "Happiness Is a Journey" Vegan Brush.

The Key to Long-Lasting Soft-Focus Liner

Want your soft-focus liner to last all day, and maybe all night? The key is layering. “Blend first, then lightly set the liner with a matching or translucent eyeshadow,” notes Ganjoo. “This helps lock everything in place while maintaining that diffused effect. Avoid heavy powders, which can make the look look dry or overly matte.” A powder eyeshadow goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Soft-Focus Liner Is for Everyone

Soft-focus liner works for everyone, but don’t just take our word for it. “What I love most about soft-focus liner is that it’s incredibly adaptable,” starts Ganjoo. “It works across eye shapes, skin types, and makeup styles, and it doesn’t demand perfection.” That’s the best part about it? It’s your eye look for the making.

“Makeup should feel expressive and flexible, and this look really embodies that philosophy,” emphasizes Ganjoo. We agree, this look isn’t about perfection, but rather self-expression. Lucky for you, we can help you achieve the look with ease with all the faves we’ve curated in the IPSY Shop, which is packed with all the essentials you need to express yourself through beauty.