Salma Hayek Just Proved Winged Eyeliner Will Never Go Out Of Style
Our take
The resurgence of classic beauty techniques is a quiet revolution, and Salma Hayek’s recent appearance at the Kering Foundation dinner perfectly embodies this shift. Her impeccably executed winged eyeliner, paired with peachy glam, isn’t just a striking look; it's a statement about enduring style and a rejection of fleeting trends. It’s a reminder that true elegance lies not in chasing the newest viral aesthetic, but in mastering timeless techniques. We’ve seen similar appreciation for enduring style in other recent moments, like Dakota Johnson’s sophisticated choice of a plunging Valentino dress that highlighted a striking diamond necklace [Dakota Johnson's Plunging Valentino Dress Highlights Her Witchy Diamond Necklace], proving that classic silhouettes and refined details remain eternally captivating. The beauty landscape has been saturated with experimental looks and maximalist approaches, and this return to foundational skills feels refreshing, even grounding. It suggests a move away from the performative aspects of beauty and towards a more considered, intentional approach.
The article’s observation about the “contentious” nature of winged eyeliner in recent years is particularly insightful. The proliferation of tutorials and increasingly complex techniques has, ironically, created a sense of anxiety around achieving the “perfect” wing. The pursuit of perfection often overshadows the inherent artistry and confidence that a well-executed wing can convey. This isn’t to say that experimentation isn’t valuable – far from it. But Hayek’s look highlights the power of simplicity and mastery. It’s a testament to the skill of the makeup artist and a celebration of the enduring appeal of a classic technique. It also echoes a broader cultural shift towards "calm luxury," where understated elegance and refined execution are valued over overt displays of wealth or trendiness. The recent enthusiasm for finding the best deals at the Nordstrom End-of-Summer Beauty Sale [I Spent Hours Finding the Best Deals at the Nordstrom End-of-Summer Beauty Sale So You Don’t Have To] also speaks to this desire for quality and value, rather than fleeting trends.
Beyond the immediate aesthetic impact, Hayek’s choice signals a broader cultural recalibration in the beauty space. We’ve seen a cyclical nature to beauty trends, with what was once considered "old-fashioned" steadily regaining popularity. This is partly fueled by a desire for authenticity and a rejection of the constant pressure to conform to ever-changing ideals. The renewed interest in classic techniques aligns with a growing appreciation for self-expression and individuality. It’s about finding what works for *you* and mastering it, rather than chasing the latest influencer-approved look. Even the nostalgic embrace of beauty from films like *Practical Magic 2* [Every Spellbinding Beauty Detail in Practical Magic 2, Straight From the Hair and Makeup Trailer] demonstrates a longing for a more romantic and timeless aesthetic. This isn’t a rejection of modern beauty; it’s an integration of the past with the present, creating a more nuanced and enduring style.
Ultimately, Salma Hayek’s winged eyeliner is more than just a makeup trend; it’s a symbol of enduring style, quiet confidence, and a return to foundational beauty skills. It's a visual reminder that true beauty lies in mastering the classics and embracing your own unique expression. As we move forward, will we see a continued prioritization of skill and technique over fleeting trends, and how will this influence the development of new beauty products and techniques? The focus seems to be shifting from the *what* to the *how* – and that’s a development worth watching closely.
If someone had told me a decade ago that winged eyeliner would become one of the most contentious techniques in the beauty community, I would have asked them if they were joking (and then I would have asked them to pass me that Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner). As someone who spent well over a decade perfecting her flick, I certainly have my own biases. But I truly believe there’s no denying the power of a wing to uplift your entire look, pun intended. And it appears that Salma Hayek is right there with me on Team Wing.
On Sept. 10, the Mexican-born actor-producer attended the Kering Foundation's Fifth Annual Caring For Women Dinner, held in New York City. Donning a black Balenciaga gown with an oversized, off-the-shoulder taffeta neckline, Hayek looked every bit the glamorous silver screen icon — and that included her glam. Makeup artist Sofia Tilbury gave the star a radiant base with rosy highlighting, peachy-pink lips, and thick, razor-sharp winged eyeliner. Topped with plenty of lashes and complemented by peachy-pink eyeshadow, the makeup look was classic Old Hollywood sophistication.
Rounding out the rest of the beauty, hairstylist David Von Cannon created a sleek, snatched ponytail with plenty of bounce and shine, while on her fingertips, the actor opted for a short, milky-white mani (allowing the focus to remain on her impressive Boucheron double ring).
Much like the middle part versus side part debate — which also seems, to me, to mostly just be the trend cycle running its ever-faster course — the winged eyeliner discourse has a very simple solution: Wear what you like and what feels right for that look. As Hayek’s glam demonstrates, you can’t go wrong with that strategy.
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