Nicola Peltz-Beckham is known for her signature rosy-toned makeup palette and soft glam. However, in recent snaps, she added a subtle twist to her usual glam routine that goes against the current status quo.
On Thursday, in celebration of her 30th birthday, her husband Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham shared a carousel of loved-up pictures of the pair on Instagram. In the second image he shared, Nicola appeared fresh-faced with a radiant complexion and light makeup but across her eyelids, we spotted a surprising swipe of jet-black winged eyeliner. How very anti Gen-Z.
Once a makeup staple, the sweeping, sharp, winged eyeliner— synonymous with cat-eye perfection—was a signature look for stars like Adele and Taylor Swift. However, in recent years the beauty trend has lost its grip on Gen-Z beauty enthusiasts. Whilst millennials clung to its precision and drama, Gen Z’s effortless, experimental approach to beauty started to redefine what’s in.
© @brooklynpeltzbeckhamIn its place? Softer alternatives like smudged grunge eyeliner and pastel hues have been stealing the spotlight. Rather than strict precision, the internet generation favours blurred edges and creative self-expression.
We've also seen the rise of graphic pastel-toned eyeliner with A-listers like Ariana Grande and Millie Bobby Brown experimenting with green, blue and white graphic shapes. The rise of “no-makeup makeup” and minimalistic aesthetics has also made the bold black wing feel too harsh for everyday wear. Social media platforms like TikTok have also played a part, celebrating trends like the 'clean girl' aesthetic or smoky liner looks that focus on blending and adaptability.
© @milliebobbybrownAlongside the pictures, Brooklyn wrote a heartwarming caption. "Dear Nicola. Happy birthday baby. I will keep this short but I want to write down a little of how much I love you," the note read.
He continued, "A few years ago I asked you to marry me and it was the best decision I have ever made. You make me smile and laugh and you are the most amazing and most gorgeous person I know. I am so lucky to be able to spend every day with you and wake up next to you every morning." Adding," I love your smile, your laugh, your passion about your work, your love for dogs, I just love the way you are. You are perfect in every way. I love you so much Nicola."
Maybe Black eyeliner isn’t actually dead, Nicola's proved that it’s just evolving.
