I always admire well-applied eyeliner – it’s just something I’m not very good at. An unsteady hand, the shape of my lids, not being particularly artistic… whatever the reason, I’ve never been able to achieve quite the look I was after.
So I decided to learn. And by learn, I mean, put a whole load of eyeliners to the test and see which ones prompt admiring glances from my other half – and which inspire attention from the pandas on our next trip to the zoo. Here are the ones that came out top for me.
I started with a traditional liquid eyeliner and brush, and went for organic brand Lavera’s Trend Sensitive Organic Liquid Eyeliner (£11.50). The brush is super-fine and I liked the fact that it was both organic and designed for sensitive eyes as I did occasional poke myself in the tear duct with it. After several attempts I managed to achieve a passable ‘flick’, which lasted all day.
Slightly easier is a ‘felt tip’ style, and I was quite taken with Bourjois Liner Feutre (£4.99). The tip is soft and squishy so the line doesn’t come out too thinly – I found the best method was to do short strokes, then join them up as I just couldn’t do a steady enough line in one go. The effect was pretty foxy though.
Next I tried a pencil, in the shape of Lord & Berry’s Smudgeproof Eye Pencil (£7.50). I found this easier, and the look softer. It didn’t budge through two nursery runs but disappeared obligingly with some remover later. A good makeup bag staple.
Time to dig out a brush, for Stila’s Smudge Pots (£13 each). I love Stila branding: the little cardboard box this comes in is very cute, as is the chunky pot, plus I opted for the ‘Cobalt’ shade to mix things up a bit. It’s pretty thick and gunky, but I felt this gave me more control. Smoky – perfect for a night out.
Finally, the powder and brush combo, which I think is my favourite method. I chose Jane Iredale’s Pressed Eyeshadow in Smoky Grey (£13.50), which I used with her slanted brush. I found this was the easiest way to build up a flattering line: it’s not as sharp as liquid, gel or pencil, but it’s more wearable and this particular shadow lasted all day and made my green eyes pop. Husband liked it: pandas not so much. Result.