How to find the right eyeliner for you

True or false?

A good eyeliner is a black eyeliner.

Sorry to shake things up here, but it’s actually false. Okay, well, maybe not completely false, but it’s definitely not always true.

A black eyeliner may be a make-up kit staple for every woman in the universe, but it’s not necessarily the best one – for you anyway. See, when you factor in things like your skin tone, your eye colour, and your age, there could be many other eyeliner colours that’ll work much better for you and your features.

SKIN TONE

Fun fact: black eyeliner is actually considered too dark for those with very fair skin as it may enhance dark circles under your eyes and make you look much more tired and weathered.

Instead, those with fair skin should opt for dark browns, greys or moss greens to line their eyes. If you really don’t want to give up your black liner, make sure to apply it only to your top lash line.

Try:

COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Brown Blaze
e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Stick in Green/Moss
Max Factor Kohl Pencil in Charcoal Grey

If your skin is medium, olive or tanned (and sits on the warm side of the skin tone spectrum), then black actually is a great shade of eyeliner for you. You can also try shades like maroon and bronze. They’ll work wonderfully with your skin tone and help make your eyes pop.

Try:

Colour by TBN Wind-Up Pencil in Black
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Rust
L’Oreal Color Riche Crayon De Couleur in Smoky Taupe

For darker skin, shimmery metallics of gold or silver and bright, vibrant shades will work wonders. For an everyday liner look, try a royal blue or purple, and for something with a bit more sparkle, try a glittery silver.

Try:

Maybelline New York Color Show Crayon Kohl Liner in Beauty Blue
Australis Gelifeye Gel Eyeliner in Plum Punch
Bourjois Sparkling Eyeliner in Gris Ensorcelant

EYE COLOUR

If you’re one of the few million in the world with green eyes, then you’ll want to be on the look-out for purple, plum and even magenta eyeliners as they’ll complement your eyes best and do glorious things to really make the green in your eyes pop.

Try:

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Purple
Jane Iredale Mystikol in Amethyst
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Permaplum

For those with baby blues, you can try a dark or royal blue to work with the blue flecks in your peepers or opt for a shimmery metallic copper to really make your eyes stand out.

Try:

Face of Australia Eye Definer Pencil in Marine
Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Hot Scorch
Revlon PhotoReady Kajal™ Intense Eye Liner + Brightener in Blue Nile

Consider yourself pretty lucky (yes, lucky!) if you have brown eyes, because you can pretty much wear any eyeliner colour you desire. But if you really want to bring out the best in your eyes, try a bright teal. Khaki green and champagne shades will also look great on you.

Try:

Maybelline New York Color Show Crayon Kohl Liner in Turquoise Flash
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Sugar Frost, $39, 02 9663 4277
L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Smokey in Antique Green

YOUR AGE

Unfortunately too much heavy black eyeliner is an absolute no-no for those who have noticed the skin around their eyes isn’t as taught and smooth as it used to be. The dark hue will add years to your eyes and enhance dark circles, crows feet and hooded lids.

Instead, opt for softer tones to line your eyes. Think: grey, navy and brown.

Try: