How to Do the Sleepy Eyes Trend All Over TikTok

Eyeliner has long been focused on lifting the eyes with ultra-precise, razor-sharp wings that angle upward toward the brows. However, a major change is happening. The sleepy eyes trend all over TikTok right now is proving that droopy, heavy eyes are actually chic and can be an intentional aesthetic choice. “The sleepy eye is all about a sexy, heavy upper lid look,” Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry Sara Wren explains.

Yup, instead of fighting the telltale signs of a sleepless night, you can work with the drowsiness by drawing on flat, straight wings that are completely opposite of cat eyes. Sleepy eyes have a downturned effect with wings that follow the natural shape of your eyes. Honestly, when the winter blues hit, this look is perfect for leaning into the sluggish vibe, but making it fashion.

Sara owes the rise of the sleepy eyes trend to the resurgence of indie sleaze, Y2K beauty, and ‘90s grunge. “Less-perfected eye looks and general lack of precision are having a moment,” she notes. Sleepy eyes fulfill that by not needing to be completely symmetrical or sharp.

Not exactly sure how to try the sleepy eyes trend? Sara broke down the look in four easy steps.

1. Prime Lids

Sara recommends first prepping your eyes with Hydro Grip Eye Primer. She likes to swipe a thin layer of it on “360 degrees around the eyes” to create a smooth, hydrated base for the shadow and liner that will soon be blended on top of it. The primer is spiked with blue agave extract to help lock in eye makeup for up to eight hours.

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Tube of Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer on a white background.

2. Line

The key to really making your sleepy eyes work is using a black eyeliner that easily smudges. We may be biased, but our Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner in Outer Space fits the bill to a T. Made with avocado oil, the ultra-creamy gel formula effortlessly glides on and “has a bit of playtime before it sets,” Sara notes. Draw it along your upper and lower lash lines as close to the roots of your lashes as possible. Be sure to follow the natural shape of your eyes by going straight outward instead of upward. This will keep your look from veering into siren eye territory.

Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren applies our Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner in Outer Space.

3. Smoke + Smudge

Once your lines are drawn, it’s time to make ‘em a little blurry. “Simply use the smudger on the end to soften the lines and drag out the shape toward your temples,” Sara explains. Further blend it out with a deep brown shadow, like our Color Chalk in Double Dutch. Coat a pencil brush in the pigment and add it to the outer corners of your eyes along the upper and lower lash lines. Don’t get too carried away, though. “Going down too low will make the sleepy eyes effect messier,” Sara adds.

Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren applies Milk Makeup Color Chalk in Bounce, and blends out.

4. Swipe on Mascara

To finish off the sleepy eyes look, Sara loves to load up lashes, especially the tiny ones on the bottom, with KUSH Mascara. This award-winning volumizing formula is “amazing for creating super thick, full, fluffy lashes in just a few swipes,” she says. From there, you can top your cheeks with a natural flush and your lips with a hint of gloss to complete the fashionably tired, just-rolled-out-of-bed fantasy.

Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren applies Milk Makeup KUSH Mascara.

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.