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!

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

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

This next one is my personal favourite.

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

Then it comes back down again.

But that doesn’t last long.

Not long at all.

Never forget.

Still growing...

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

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

This is where things start to get wild.

We have to applaud this one.

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.