You’ve seen it. That perfectly un-perfect, lived-in, "I just woke up at a music festival" look. It’s the vibe that defines the rem crush with eyeliner aesthetic—a specific blend of 90s nostalgia and modern pop-star precision. Honestly, most people think you just smear some black pencil on your face and hope for the best.
It's actually way more calculated than that.
When Ariana Grande launched r.e.m. beauty, she wasn't just throwing products at a wall. She was trying to bottle that specific 60s-meets-90s look she’s made her signature. But "rem crush" isn't just a mood; it's a technical challenge. If you use the wrong formula, you don't look like a rockstar. You look like you have a severe case of allergies.
The rem crush with eyeliner Vibe Explained
Basically, the "crush" look is about controlled chaos. It’s that deep, kohl-rimmed intensity that feels heavy but never "dirty." Unlike a sharp cat-eye that requires a steady hand and zero breathing, this style thrives on a bit of a smudge.
People often confuse it with a standard smoky eye. It's not. A smoky eye is a gradient. A crush look is a statement. It’s about high-pigment payoff right against the lash line, often using the At The Borderline Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in shades like Midnight Black or even the stark white So Mod for contrast.
You want the pigment to look like it's melting into your skin.
Why your current liner is failing you
Most drugstore liners are either too waxy or too liquidy. If it's too waxy, it won't smudge—it’ll just skip across your lid. If it’s too liquidy, it’ll bleed into your fine lines. The r.e.m. beauty kohl pencils are specifically formulated to be "creamy" (almost like a crayon) but they set. You have about 30 seconds to mess it up before it stays put for 48 hours.
Seriously. 48 hours.
How to get the look without looking like a raccoon
Getting a rem crush with eyeliner result requires a specific layering technique. You can't just draw a line and leave.
- Tightline like your life depends on it. You have to get the liner into the upper waterline. This closes the gap between your lashes and makes the "crush" look feel intentional and dense.
- The "Dash and Smudge" method. Instead of one long stroke, draw small dashes. Then, take a dense, short-bristle brush (or even a clean fingertip) and pull the pigment upward.
- Set with shadow. If you want that deep, velvety finish, take a matte black or deep espresso shadow and press it directly on top of the pencil. This prevents the "oil-slick" look that happens by 3 PM.
The Secret of "So Mod"
Ariana often uses white liner on the bottom waterline to make her eyes look massive. If you’re doing a heavy dark liner on top, putting white on the bottom prevents the "closed eye" effect. It’s a 60s trick. It’s basically magic for small eyes.
Real talk on the "Borderline" formula
Let’s be real: not everyone loves these pencils. Some users find them too soft. If you live in a hot climate, the tip might feel like it’s melting.
Pro tip: Pop the pencil in the fridge for five minutes before you sharpen it.
🔗 Read more: Easy Bake Oven Mix: Why Your Homemade Hacks Are Better Than the Packets
The built-in sharpener at the bottom is okay, but for a true rem crush with eyeliner look, you actually want a slightly duller tip. A super sharp point is for wings. A rounded tip is for crushing.
"The at the borderline eyeliner marker is perfect for everything from a subtle, classic cat eye to a bolder, more graphic statement look." — Ariana Grande
While she’s talking about the marker there, the philosophy carries over to the kohl. It’s about versatility. You can go from "office-appropriate" to "backstage at the Forum" just by how hard you press.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Primer: If you have oily lids, that kohl will move. Even "waterproof" labels have a hard time fighting natural skin oils. Use a matte primer first.
- Over-smudging: There is a fine line between a "crush" and a "bruise." Keep the darkest pigment within 2 millimeters of your lash line.
- Neglecting the Lower Lash: If you go heavy on top, you need at least a hint of shadow or liner on the bottom to balance the weight of the look.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to try the rem crush with eyeliner aesthetic, start with the kohl pencil rather than the liquid marker. It's way more forgiving for beginners.
First, prep your lids with a bit of translucent powder to soak up any oils. Draw your dashes along the upper lash line, focusing on the outer third of the eye. Smudge it out immediately using a smudge brush—don't wait, or it will "lock" in place.
If you mess up, don't use a makeup wipe; you'll ruin your foundation. Dip a Q-tip in a tiny bit of moisturizer or eye cream to "erase" the mistake with precision. Finally, finish with two coats of volumizing mascara to blend your natural lashes into the dark background you've just created.
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is a look that feels alive.