Key takeaways
- Halo eyeliner has evolved from Instagram's spotlight-eye technique to concentrating shimmer on the lower lash line, as demonstrated by Kim Kardashian at the All's Fair season two premiere.
- Makeup artist Ariel Tejada applied black liner at the inner and outer corners of the lower lash line with frosty shimmer in the center, paired with cool taupe on the lid and warm brown in the crease.
- The technique requires black eyeliner, taupe and brown eyeshadow, full lashes, and steady application rather than advanced blending skills to recreate a polished red-carpet effect.
- Hairstylist Iggy Rosales complemented the makeup with a sleek, long ponytail and two loose tendrils framing the face, emphasizing Kardashian's centered part.
The halo eye dominated Instagram a decade ago, when beauty enthusiasts blended lighter eyeshadow onto the center of their lids and surrounded it with deeper shades to create a luminous, spotlight effect that made eyes appear larger and more open. The technique never disappeared but evolved over the years, and halo eyeliner has become its current form, with makeup artists adapting the concept to the lash line itself. At the New York premiere of All’s Fair season two, Kim Kardashian demonstrated a streamlined version that shifts the entire shimmer effect to the lower lash line, simplifying the application while maintaining the signature glow that made the original technique so popular.
Lower-Lash Innovation
Makeup artist Ariel Tejada created the look by applying black eyeliner at the inner and outer corners of the lower lash line, deliberately leaving a lighter, frosty section in the center directly beneath the pupil. This break in the dark line allows light to catch the shimmer without requiring the effect to extend across the top lash line, a departure from traditional halo eye application. Instead, the upper lash line received a more defined, dramatic sweep of black, creating contrast between soft shimmer below and sharp definition above. The eyeshadow layering reinforced this division: cool taupe on the lid paired with warm brown in the crease added depth and prevented the eye from appearing flat, while full lashes amplified the effect on the lower line and added movement.
This approach to halo eyeliner differs significantly from its predecessor because it concentrates the shine effect into one zone rather than distributing it around the entire eye. The frosty center sits directly where the eye naturally draws attention, making the shimmer more noticeable while requiring less product than blending shadow across the entire lid. This efficiency makes the look achievable for makeup users of varying skill levels.
Complexion and Lip Color
Kardashian’s complexion work supported the eye makeup without competing for attention. Light pink blush positioned high on the cheekbones photographs clearly under red-carpet lighting and adds dimension to the face without the appearance of heaviness. A touch of highlighter on the nose added shine to the high points of the face without overwhelming the overall look. Her lips finished in soft pale pink with a cool beige liner that subtly defines their shape, creating a contoured appearance without obvious overlining or the appearance of enhancement. The pale lip color echoes the muted palette of the eyeliner shimmer, creating visual harmony across the face.
Hair and Overall Styling
The Ponytail and Center Part
Hairstylist Iggy Rosales created a sleek, super-long ponytail that extended the full length of Kardashian’s hair while emphasizing a perfectly centered part with surgical precision. Though Kardashian revealed a new lob just days before the premiere, her hair was pulled back completely for this event, allowing the makeup and face to remain the focal point of the look without distraction. The severity of a fully-pulled-back ponytail would typically call for softer framing elements to avoid an overly austere appearance.
Softening Details
Two tendrils were released to frame the face on either side, softening the severity of the updo without adding volume or disrupting the sleek aesthetic. These strategically placed pieces also call attention to Kardashian’s cheekbones and the makeup applied there. The ponytail’s sleek flow visually echoed the ribbon elements on her gown, creating continuity between hair and dress and suggesting the look was designed as a unified ensemble rather than individual components.
The Dress and Complete Ensemble
Law Roach styled Kardashian in a pale-gray Ashi Studio dress that served as the architectural statement of her red-carpet look. The gown featured a sculptural corset that created structure through tailoring rather than embellishment, lace panels that added visual interest without weight, and a dramatic train that extended behind her as she walked. Crocodile-embossed leather details, including a coordinating neckpiece, provided textural contrast against the smooth fabric and introduced a tougher edge to balance the dress’s formal silhouette. Against this graphic piece, the makeup’s restraint became its strength; the strategic placement of shimmer in the lower lash line created visual impact without overwhelming the carefully balanced ensemble.
Why This Technique Works for Red Carpet
Concentration and Impact
The lower-lash halo succeeds because it concentrates the shimmer effect into a single strategic location rather than spreading it across the entire eye. This placement creates maximum visual interest while maintaining sophistication, making it accessible for anyone seeking a polished look without the blending skills that traditional halo eyes require. The technique allows light-catching shimmer to coexist with a sharp, defined upper lash line, a combination that reads as both modern and wearable.
Longevity and Visibility
The frosty center beneath the pupil catches light whenever the wearer glances downward or to the side, keeping the shimmer visible throughout an evening under photography and in movement. A defined upper lash line ensures the eye reads sharply in close-ups and photographs while maintaining softness in the overall appearance. This combination of shimmer in one zone and definition in another prevents the eye from appearing overly frosted or young, a concern with full halo eye techniques.
How to Recreate This Look
Readers seeking to recreate this makeup require only black eyeliner, cool taupe eyeshadow, warm brown eyeshadow for the crease, and full lashes. The technique demands steady application and restraint rather than blending skills or expensive formulas; mid-range and drugstore versions of each product will produce the same effect as luxury options. Begin by applying black liner to the inner corner of the lower lash line, extend it partway across the lid’s edge, then skip the center beneath the pupil and apply another dash of black liner to the outer corner. Fill that skipped center section with frosty shadow, apply taupe to the lid and brown to the crease, add full lashes, and the look is complete. The smallest strategic details, as demonstrated at the All’s Fair premiere, often deliver the most noticeable effect.
Source: Allure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is halo eyeliner?
Halo eyeliner concentrates shimmer on the lash line. In Kim Kardashian's version at the All's Fair premiere, black liner frames the inner and outer corners of the lower lash line while a frosty, lighter center sits directly beneath the pupil to catch light.
What eyeshadow colors were used for Kim Kardashian's look?
Makeup artist Ariel Tejada applied cool taupe eyeshadow to the lid and warm brown eyeshadow in the crease to add depth and complement the shimmer effect on the lower lash line.
Can this makeup look be recreated with drugstore products?
Yes, the technique requires only black eyeliner, cool taupe eyeshadow, warm brown eyeshadow, and full lashes, all available at multiple price points from budget-friendly to luxury brands.
