Nailing the perfect cat-eye flick, however, remains in the hands of the beauty gods
Words Tania Grier
Swapping your basic brown or black liner for a coloured alternative is one of the easiest ways to update your look this winter and can really impact your natural eye colour. It’s tempting to stay in your comfort zone with the same old shades, but landing on a flattering new tone can be a game-changer, enhancing everything from hair colour to complexion. Whether you want sparkle or shimmer, liquid or pencil, here’s my guide to upping your eye game for AW19. After all, a new liner is a whole lot cheaper than a new outfit – and can make just as much of an impression.
Bronze
3INA’s Colour Eyeliner 506 is a beautiful wearable waterproof bronze that takes minimal effort. It’s possible to achieve the perfect flick in seconds. The design of the brush, with its short applicator, makes application quick and easy, the shimmer ratio is bang on, and it lasts all day. At such a wallet-friendly price you can snap up more of their fun shades.
Metallic Copper
SUQQU’S Colour Ink Liquid Eyeliner 104 is a brilliant burnished copper with a precision point brush and a waterproof metallic finish. It glides on smoothly, is easy to control, dries quickly and – unlike lots of metallics – doesn’t crack. Stunning on all skin tones, a simple flick of this product will add va-va-voom to a smokey eye.
White
CHANEL are channelling the sixties trend with Blanc Graphique, a chic way to update your eye wardrobe. Keep it simple by creating a thin flick and add mascara, or go for the bold runway winged eye. The richly pigmented formula applies easily and stays put.
Grey
I love the silky texture of this Bold Waterproof Eyeliner in Gun Metal from BarryM. Sitting between blue and grey it gives the most magnificent sparkle. A thin slither looks cool, or smudge with fingers or a brush for a sexy smokey eye that won’t budge for more than eight hours. Definitely one for date night.
Neon
FENTY have nailed the neon trend with Baewatch Vivid Liquid Eyeliner Trio, a vibrant collection of green, pink and blue to brighten up a dull winter day. The neon/pastel blend is surprisingly easy to wear, gliding on with a super fine brush. Mix and match all three or wear one shade at a time. Looks equally good as a fine line, or a big bold flick.
Blue
Also from 3INA, the vibrant blue Gel Liner in 802 looks amazing on brown eyes. One of the easier blues to wear for all skin tones, it’s waterproof, matte and lasts all day, gliding on well with an angled, pointed or flat brush. Another favourite is No.318, a deep plum, the colour of the moment and ultra flattering. Although it’s called cream shadow, it can be used as a liner too.
Khaki
A limited edition line from the famous skincare brand, Dr. Hauschka’s Eye Definer 08 Golden Green is a stunning olive with a subtle shimmer. Fabulous on blondes, red heads, and extremely flattering on a mature eyelid, it’s gentle on the eyes due to the moisturising ingredients. Bonus applicator makes for quick smudging, all you need for a soft smokey eye.
Navy
Less harsh than black, navy softens the face and complements the current trend for purple and blue shadows. Phyto-Kohl Star in Mystic Blue from Sisley-Paris is a super smooth waterproof pencil that doesn’t need sharpening and has tiny sparkles that really make the eyes pop. If you’d prefer navy without shimmer, the Photo-Kohl Perfect is ideal, and if you simply can’t tear yourself away from black, the ‘Sparkling Black’ is a great evening alternative.
Plum
Sitting somewhere between deep plum and purple, the LAURA MERCIER Black Violet Eye Definer pencil has an ultra soft finish, designed for lining the inner eyes and lash line. It’s bold and vibrant and creates a perfect fine line with zero effort. I use this on my more ‘mature’ actresses for a soft yet seductive smokey eye – it’s fabulous against grey hair and on platinum blondes.
Gold
Much to my delight, global nail brand MAVALA also have some wickedly good liquid liner. The OR Glamour Eye Liner applies like a dream thanks to the short foam brush and delivers a highly pigmented pop of yellow gold, which is perfect for all skin tones. Flattering as a fine flick, it can also be added to a creamy bronze eyeshadow. Alternatively, go big and create a supersized winged eye.
