Embrace TikTok's Seductive New Trend: Siren Eye Makeup

Siren eye makeup is TikTok's latest viral trend, but we can't attribute the seductive look solely to the social media platform. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Lily-Rose Depp, and Zendaya have all rocked the dramatic take on the smoky eye on red carpets of late, and the trend has even drawn comparisons with the signature statement look of the '90s supermodel. Its name and inspiration date back much further: sirens were creatures in Greek mythology that lured men to their deaths with their irresistibly sweet songs (via Britannica). Sometimes associated with mermaids, the siren has evolved in popular culture to refer to a beautiful woman who seduces men, usually with the intention of causing them harm. Siren eye makeup embodies the energy of the myth with its daring and sultry vibe.

The good news is that you don't need to be a celebrity to pull off this bold look. With the right tools and a little practice, anyone can fashion themselves into a siren. And while siren eye makeup has traditionally been worn on red carpets, you can wear it anytime you feel like getting in touch with your inner femme fatale.

Siren eye makeup takes winged eyeliner to the next level. The look combines a dramatic, elongated wing with smoky eyeshadow to create the desired alluring effect (via L'officiel). The siren look has some similarities with the TikTok-approved doe eye look, although the two result in contrasting styles. Doe eyes are worn to make the eye look bigger, rounder, and more reminiscent of a Disney character, while siren eyes elongate the eye into a feline-like shape. However, both trends utilize similar techniques. They both require prepping the eye with a hydrating primer, lining the lash line, and finishing with layers of mascara (via L'Oréal).

As Lancôme explains, the key to achieving a siren eye is to emphasize the outer corner of the eyes. Whether you're going for an intense siren look or a more subtle version, the process involves adding eyeliner and eyeshadow together to stretch the eye out to sharp points at the corners. With that in mind, there's a step-by-step process that makeup artists and TikTok users follow to get the best results.

To create a siren look, you'll need liquid eyeliner, an eye pencil, your choice of eyeshadow (darker colors work best), an eyeshadow smudge brush, and mascara (via Pennsylvania News). It's also a good idea to have concealer nearby to clean up any mistakes, plus a shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to enhance the look.

Start by applying primer to the eyes. Then draw a thin line with your pencil from the outer corner of your eye, stopping just above the crease (via Maybelline). This will be the wing. Connect it back to your lashes and then apply eyeliner along the upper waterline of your inner eye corner. Repeat on the bottom waterline of your outer eye corner and connect the outer line to your wing. The StudentBeans blog recommends applying the eyeliner line just above your natural crease line if you have hooded eyes, as it will be more visible this way. Trace over your eyeliner with dark eyeshadow and blend with your smudge brush. If you need to, use a small amount of concealer to clean the edges of your wings, and then add highlighter to the corner of your eye closest to your nose. Finally, finish with mascara. 

It takes most people a few practice tries to really nail the technique, and once you're comfortable with the look, you can start experimenting with other colors. In no time, you'll be able to create a flawless siren eye to complement any look.