Charting the Curious Evolution of Nicki Minaj’s Eyeliner

The wonderfully delightful and talented Nicki Minaj turns 34 today (she’s reminded us again and again that she’s a Sagittarius—which is a very Sag move, btw).

When we picture Minaj today, we no longer see the pink wigs and yellow eyeshadow we were once accustomed to. Instead, we see sleek hair and probably a Tom Ford dress. And of course, a super long, sharp cat eye. But it wasn’t always this way. The gradual evolution of her style is one thing, but the evolution of her winged liner has been drastic.

Back in 2014, we wrote about Nicki Minaj’s concerning eyeliner. Since then, it’s gotten better, for sure, but it’s also gotten bigger. Like, there’s just so much of it. Allow us to demonstrate.

Here she is 133 weeks ago (yes, we scrolled for a long time). That’s two and a half years ago. Look at that little baby winged liner. Cute!

MakeUpByMylah?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

Then, in the promo image for Pills N Potions, it’s bigger but it’s fine. It’s looking good.

#PillsNPotions ~ HiRes

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

The following week, it’s still growing but it’s faded out at the edges. This is a great look for her.

My big bruva…. From anotha muva…. DROC ~ #CallDRocForABiggie @invisiblebully_ ?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

This next one is my personal favourite.

Good Morning America in a few mins

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

And then, only a week after that, this happens:

Traveling all day :( ?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

Then it comes back down again.

? #PillsNPotionsOnVevo http://vevo.ly/iwdj4t

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

But that doesn’t last long.

Oh hi cute boi?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

Not long at all.

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

Never forget.

#BangBang

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

Still growing…

SNL REHEARSALS R GIVING ME LIFE. WATCH TMRW ????

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

It’s getting awfully close to her brows, you guys.

Me and my mommy ?? hi mommy!!!!!!!!

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

The Roberto Cavalli campaign was a great moment for her winged liner, though.

#RobertoCavalliSS15 #NickiForCavalli

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

This is where things start to get wild.

Mad Genius. Manic Diva. Oh yea?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

? #Tbt

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

TONIGHT I'll be at OCEAN'S SEVEN in ARIZONA. BAD BITCHES #ONLY!!!!! Independent women #ONLY ?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

We have to applaud this one.

Oh hi Detroit? u ready?!?!! ???? #ThePinkprintTOUR

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

??

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

?

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

So 2015 was kind of weird. But we’ll end with this chill wing from two weeks ago. Happy birthday, Nicki! May your life be as long as your liner.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNLHqyHDUtN/?taken-by=nickiminaj

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