Having recently “discovered” the transformative power of a well inked eye, ie. learnt how to draw smooth, symmetrical lines (the trick is to tilt head backwards looking down into the mirror whilst resting hand against cheekbone) I am now completely enamored with the lined-eye look. There’s something intrinsically sexy in the simplicity of that thick (or thin) black line, the soft curvature of the flick and the ability to create a beautifully ‘done’ eye in a matter of seconds.
As an eyeliner amateur my weapon of choice to date has been MAC’s Penultimate Eyeliner £14, a marker-pen style liner that allows for ultimate precision, perfect for the unsteady of hand. However, the colour doesn’t last and quickly fades to a slate grey as opposed to a true black. YSL‘s The Black Collection Eyeliner Pen, £22.50 offers the same pen style application with a more vivid, pigment-heavy shade of black, it is perfect for creating the subtle, slim lined look as shown at Stella McCartney.
For a slightly sexier, more dramatic version, simply thicken the line drawn along the upper lashes. For this you need something a little more durable such as a long-wearing gel liner. There are a number of great versions available notably Maybelline’s Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner £5.99 and the classic Double Wear Gel Eyeliner in Onyx by Estee Lauder £15.50. I find myself returning to Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner £16.50 purely for the texture. I have yet to try a liner that compares in consistency, gliding smoothly across the eyelid, it doesn’t pull or drag.
Although slightly more time-consuming than a simple cat flick, Lanvin’s beautifully winged eye, courtesy of make up maestro Pat McGrath, effects the same sultry, cats-eye shape and yet, the use of a dove-grey kohl pencil completely softens the eye for a more sensual than sexy look. To recreate the look, I love Nars‘ Larger Than Life Eyeliner, £17, in Madison Avenue as it blends flawlessly.
And the best thing about a lined-eye? The rest of your face can remain completely naked. Simply set against flawless, hyperreal skin and a moisturised lip and let your eyes do the talking.