If you've landed here, you might be wondering what eyeliners are best for brown eyes. As a brown-eyed beauty editor, I've usually played it safe with brown eyeliners and classic black eyeliner pencils to frame my eyes. However, in the spirit of trying new things, I've been wanting to experiment with some new shades on my eyes. So, I decided to ask legendary celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge MBE for her advice on the best shades that suit brown eyes the best.

What Eyeliners Suit Brown Eyes?

"Brown eyes are diverse, so it depends on what shade they are," says Eldridge. "They can have a lot of warmth in them, or they could be more deep and neutral. For really dark brown eyes, I would use something like my Seamless Glide Eye Pencil in Betina, as that cool silver sparkle will offset the dark brown depth," she says. "For a dark brown eye that’s warm, shades like Enigmatic Olive would be great, as the golden pearls would highlight any golden or hazel reflections in the eye," she says.

Overall, it depends on the effect you're going for. Personally, I find brown liners great as a natural-looking eyeliner colour, and black eyeliners are perfect for creating a smoky eye look. After all, these shades are both naturally harmonious with deep eyes. However, if you want to make them pop, consider going for some contrasting shades to bring out their richness and depth. "With brown eyes, the contrast is what creates the colour pop," says Eldridge. "If you match your eyeshadow or eye pencil too closely to your eye colour, you won’t get that great contrast," she says. Look for jewel emeralds or sapphires for statement colours, or warm metallics, bronzes or golds that pair beautifully with darker eyes.

Whatever eyeliner look you're going for, scroll ahead for the best eyeliner shades for brown eyes that will give them even more depth

Best Eyeliners for Brown Eyes

• Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Cocoa
• Best Olive Liner: Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil in Enigmatic Olive
• Best Shimmer: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cinnamon
• Best Burgundy Liner: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner
• Best Black Liner: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Liner in True Black

1. Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Cocoa

2. Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil in Enigmatic Olive

3. Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cinnamon

4. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner

5. Glossier No.1 Pencil in Lapis

6. Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner in Depth

7. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner in True Black

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

For as long as I can remember, I've always had watery eyes, and I've always loved eye makeup. However, the two don't go well together. All it takes is a slight gust of wind or a sudden change in temperature, and my watery eyes stream and ruin my makeup.

And if you're anything like me, you've probably had your eye makeup ruined on more than one occasion thanks to those rogue tears that seemingly come from nowhere and melt away eyeliner and eyeshadow in their wake. I've lost count of the number of times a soft, smoky wing has disappeared. I have watery eyes year-round, but with hayfever season in full swing right now, I've been on a quest to find out how to stop watery eyes from ruining my makeup, once and for all.

So, I enlisted the help of Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, a consultant oculoplastic surgeon and ophthalmologist, to find out the causes of watery eyes and how to stop them from ruining your eye makeup.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

"Blepharitis is the number one cause of dry eye, which is an umbrella term that encompasses lots of symptoms, i.e., redness or a gritty or foreign body sensation and, ironically, dry eyes as the eye makes excess tears when dry," says Dr Hawkes. "There can be many causes, such as allergies, medical conditions or as a result of certain oral medications, but it’s always best to see an eye specialist or an optician as there are subtle differences."

Blocked Tear Ducts: "If it’s just one eye, it could be a blocked tear duct. If you have a blockage, you will have a watery eye, which can be caused by trauma to the tear duct. It can be congenital or caused by an infection, but it needs a thorough assessment," says Dr Hawkes. "A common test eye specialists conduct is to ask patients if their eyes are watering indoors and outdoors. If they water indoors, it’s highly suggestive of blockage. If it’s a duct blockage, you need surgery, but it depends on what layer or level the obstruction is at, as this determines how invasive it needs to be," she adds.

Dry Eyes: "If it’s blepharitis and associated dry eye—watery eye syndrome—the mainstay of treatment is ironically with lubricating eye drops, which can be a tricky concept for patients to get their heads around," says Dr Hawkes. "This is because the more lubricated the ocular surface is, the less likely you are to trigger the lacrimal gland to produce tears." Eye drops can help to rehydrate the eyes and prevent them from overcompensating with excessive tears.

Allergies: "If it’s allergy-related, it needs to be investigated and looked at for the cause. Either way, there are lots of different eye drop options available to the different causes that can all treat the condition efficiently," she says.

Can Makeup Make Watery Eyes Worse?

Depending on the cause of your watery eyes, you may find that makeup can exacerbate symptoms. "Blepharitis is the most common cause, which causes blockage of the meibomian glands, which are specialised glands in between the eyelashes, that secrete an oily layer of tear film," says Dr Hawkes. "They open on the waterline, so when you apply eyeliner or mascara, you’re irritating and directly blocking these glands," she says.

"Generally, I would avoid using eyeliner on the waterline and use products suitable for sensitive skin. Clinique has a brilliant 'eye safety promise’ as the products undergo rigorous testing on how they affect the ocular surface, which not many brands do," she says. "Be cautious with application and always remove eye makeup properly, especially if you have sensitive eyes."

How to Stop Watery Eyes From Ruining Makeup

Preventing watery eyes is the key step to minimise the risk of them ruining your eye makeup, and there are some preventative steps you can take to reduce watery eyes.

Cleanse the Eyes: "Much like a thorough skincare routine and ensuring your skin is in a healthy condition to create a good base for makeup, proper cleansing and care of the eye is key here," says Dr Hawkes. "Ophthalmologists call it ‘lid hygiene’, and this is a must, removing in between the lashes morning and evening to ensure glands don’t get blocked," she says. "Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover (£10) is a great one. It has no harsh surfactants that affect the lipid layer on the eyes and does a great job at thoroughly removing makeup."

Practice Good Makeup Hygiene: "Having good makeup hygiene is vital. This includes removing makeup properly, cleaning your brushes, not keeping mascara for years or using expired or dried-out products," she says. Typically, you should replace your mascara every 3-6 months, cream eyeshadows every 12-18 months and powder eyeshadows every 1-2 years. As a general rule of thumb, cream formulations tend to expire more quickly, so go through your makeup bag and check the expiry dates on the products you're using. Additionally, ensure you're regularly washing your makeup brushes, too.

Opt for Cream Eye Makeup: Whilst Dr Hawkes doesn't flag any particular ingredients to avoid in your makeup, she does favour cream over powder formulas. "Specific ingredients in makeup aren’t as important; however, I always advise cream-based eyeshadows and makeup, because powder particles might go into the eye and cause irritation," she says.

Eye Makeup to Avoid: Having spoken to makeup artists over the years, I've learned that it's best to avoid eyeshadows with glitter or shimmer, as they can cause fallout and further irritate the eyes. As for your lashes, tubing mascaras are great as they're long-wearing, but remove easily from the eyes with warm water. Waterproof mascaras are great for avoiding smudges; however, they are more difficult to remove, so look for a good eye makeup remover to fully remove them.

Look for Eye-Safe Brands: "Additionally, I recommend products and brands that have been tested, much like Clinique’s eye safety promise," she says. Look for brands and products that have been ophthalmologist-tested to minimise eye irritation. Additionally, if you're a contact lens wearer, Dr Hawkes says that this can cause problems in itself, so be very mindful to take extra care of your eyes. She also recommends avoiding eyelash extensions if you're prone to issues.

If your watery eyes persist, always seek medical advice. "If you leave anything too long, it can affect your vision, so it’s best to be safe and cautious when it comes to your eyesight," says Dr Hawkes.

How to Fix Eye Makeup

Whether it's a windy day or there is a high pollen count on an important occasion, there are times when smudged eye makeup just needs to be fixed. I've lost count of the number of times I've had my makeup professionally done for a wedding or special occasion, only for it to be ruined by my watering eyes. Here are my tips for fixing it.

Dab, don't rub: Avoid rubbing the area and instead dab with a tissue to remove any excess tears. Often, the area can become dry, so you can rehydrate the area with a sensitive skin-friendly eye cream. This will help to hydrate and soothe any irritation around the eyes. For quick fixes, a Q-tip can help clean up smaller smudges, or you can use a small makeup brush to tidy up smudged eyeliner wings.

Fix the Base: If the situation requires you to fully reapply the makeup, there are a few things you can do. Applying a little concealer can help create a gripper canvas for eye makeup, and it can then be fixed with a pressed setting powder to create a waterproof barrier. Applying with a puff rather than a brush is best to avoid particles from going into the eyes. Tap onto the skin to set the concealer.

Apply Eye Makeup: Waterproof eyeliners or long-wearing eyeshadows (such as cream-to-powder formulas) will provide the best wear. You can also apply a small amount of powder eyeshadow over a cream formula to set your eye makeup. Just ensure the area is fully dry from tears; otherwise, the eye makeup won't adhere. Then, you can apply a setting spray to help lock it in (just keep your eyes closed when you're misting, of course!).

Carry the Essentials: Keep some of your core products with you in case it needs fixing or topping up throughout the day. Alongside your makeup, eye drops or mists can help refresh the eyes throughout the day, and sunglasses are useful for shielding eyes from gusts of wind, or even hiding smudged eye makeup as a last resort.

Best Products for Watery Eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but they’re often the first place to reveal how well we’ve slept, too. After a restless night, it’s usually our eyes that give the game away. From puffiness and dehydration lines to dark circles, there’s often no hiding the signs of too little shut-eye. And even with the best eye creams to hand, the delicate skin around our eyes can still become irritated, leaving behind noticeable redness. Which is why I like to keep a brightening eyeliner pencil in my makeup bag on those mornings when I want to look wide-awake and fake a good night's sleep.

Brightening waterline eyeliner pencils are a quick and easy way to fake a well-rested look. Unlike traditional liquid eyeliner or eyeliner pencils that have dark pigments, these neutral-toned liners are designed to glide along the waterline (the strip of skin between your lashes and your eyeball), where they help neutralise redness and disguise the telltale signs of a bad night’s sleep. They can also make your eyes appear bigger and brighter (as someone with hooded eyes, it's my go-to for making my eyes look bigger), or give any eye look a little extra impact.

Here, I’ve rounded up the best options to keep in your makeup bag for the mornings when coffee alone just won’t cut it. These are the best waterline eyeliners for bright and perkly eyes in an instant.

Best Brightening Eyeliners

• Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil, £31
• Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique High Impact Eyeliner in Beaming Beige, £25
• Best Dual-Ended Eyeliner: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Liner Duo in Black, £26
• Best Affordable Eyeliner: E.l.f Smoky Kohl Eyeliner in Beige Flag, £4
• Best Waterproof Eyeliner: Rimmel Scandal'eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude, £5

1. Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil

You might be familiar with the iconic Satin Kajal Eyeliners, but this creamy, ivory-toned formula from Victoria Beckham Beauty glides effortlessly along the lower lash line. Infused with soothing aloe vera and ginseng, it also helps nourish the lashes. Victoria herself often pairs it with her signature smokey eye, so I'm following her lead.

2. Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener Pencil in Shell

3. Clinique High Impact Eyeliner in Beaming Beige

4. Sculpted By Aimee Brighten & Define Kohl Eyeliner Pencil Duo in Rust/Nude

5. Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Liner Duo in Black

6. E.l.f Smoky Kohl Eyeliner in Beige Flag

7. Fenty Beauty Fine Linez Eyeliner Pencil in Naked Beach

Prefer a retractable eyeliner that you don't have to sharpen? Then this is a great option, and it even includes a smudging sponge on the other end in case you want to create a diffused line on the upper lash line. But it does a great job as a waterline eyeliner too. It leans slightly warmer and peachier in comparison to the other liners in this article, so it's better suited to warmer complexions. However, it's very long-wearing and doesn't transfer.

8. Rimmel Scandal'eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude

9. Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Multi-Use Pencil in Boundless Bisque

As a beauty editor, it's my job to spot beauty trends for a living. And this week, my eyes have been firmly on the emerging spring makeup trends we're going to see for the season ahead. As I write, we're in the middle of fashion month and awards season, and both the runways and red carpets have been offering up countless beauty moments that I just know are going to shape how we'll be doing our hair and makeup before long. And don't get me started on the spring/summer 2026 beauty trends starting to come through now. In short, there is inspiration aplenty.

However, it's not just the trends on the runways, red carpets or our feeds that shape the emerging makeup trends. Many beauty trends are born out of product launches themselves. As a beauty editor, hundreds of new beauty launches land on my desk each month, and, behind each new product, brands dedicate huge resources to finding out what consumers like you and I really want in our makeup bags. And so they can often be quite telling about the emerging makeup trends we'll see in the coming months.

After hours of scrolling through celebrity beauty moments and testing new products, I'm ready to share my findings. Ahead, I've rounded up the spring makeup trends that you'll absolutely want to try for yourself this year. This is all makeup inspiration you'll need for the season.

1. Leading-Lady Blush

After consistent years of placing blush high on the cheeks to sculpt the face, it's returning to where it's actually meant to be: on the apples of the cheeks. Bold blush has been dominating for a while now, but we're instead seeing more natural-looking flushes that look like you're naturally blushing. It's also impossible to ignore the influence thatWuthering Heights has had on our blush application in recent months, and a glance at the recent red carpets reveals that this blush placement is returning once again.

Worn lower and centralised on the apples of the cheeks, it emulates a natural flush from spending time outside, and we can expect to see more Brontë-blush-inspired looks as we head into spring, perfectly timed with the rise of matte and powder products that deliver a second-skin hint of colour to your complexion.

Shop the Trend:

2. Blurred Lips

For a long time, lipstick has often felt far too fussy and high-maintenance. But for spring, beauty brands have been ushering in a new era of sheer-matte lipsticks and lip liners that softly sculpt and deliver a soft-focused, blurred finish. Celebrity makeup artist Nina Park has pioneered the blurred lip look, where she artfully sculpts her clients' lips with various shades of liner. However, you needn't have the artistic hand of a makeup artist to get in on the look. Merit's Signature Lip Blush and Violette_FR's Bisou Balm come in sheer-matte finishes that add a tint of colour for a "just bitten" effect, whilst Rhode's Peptide Lip Shade effortlessly contours the lips for a blurred result.

Shop the Trend:

3. Skincare Hybrids

With the promise of warmer days ahead, it's only natural that we want to trade in the heavier foundations of winter for lighter bases come spring. And, thankfully, skin tint, tinted SPF and concealer formulations are harder-working than ever before. This new wave of skincare-makeup hybrids does so much more than conceal. Take Outside In's Silk Serum Foundation, which applies like a weightless serum but self-sets into a light-diffusing base, whilst delivering hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. Or Merit's The Uniform, which has become our beauty team's go-to tinted SPF as the temperature rises.

Shop the Trend:

4. Suede Bronzer

Just like cream blushers, cream bronzers have dominated our makeup bags for seasons now. However, it's impossible to ignore the flurry of baked bronzers launching for spring 2026. Powder bronzers often get a bad rap for being heavy or glitzy, but newer formulations are more buttery and softer than ever before. Rather than looking flat on the skin, they instead lend a matte, suede-like texture and soft-focus finish. The best part? Once the weather warms up, they won't melt off your skin!

Shop the Trend:

5. Au Natural Brows

Between the rise in brow lamination and fluctuating brow trends of the past decade (we've had 2016 dip-brows, bleached brows and the return of the skinny '90s brow), it seems we're finally leaving our brows well and truly alone this season. Going hand-in-hand with the continuation of "no makeup" makeup or undone waves, I'm seeing more and more brows looking seemingly untouched, both on the red carpets and the runways.

Besides having a great brow tech on speed dial, there are now plenty of brow pencils and brow gels that neatly groom and shape your arches to a naturally enhanced effect. Glossier's Boy Brow Arch and Merit's Brow 1990 pencils have some of the smallest nibs I've ever seen to mimic a microbladed effect, and L'Oréal Paris' Infallible Brow Lamination Gel coaxes even the most stubborn hairs into place with lasting hold.

Shop the Trend:

6. "Charred" Eyeliner

As I write, Gucci's autumn/winter 2026 show is still firmly in my mind, where lead makeup artist Sam Visser sent models down the runway with heavy, smouldering, kohl-rimmed eyes that would be the envy of any party girl. After seasons of barely there eye makeup, no mascara and next-to-no eye shadow on the eyes, you can take this as your sign to pick up an eyeliner and have fun with eye makeup again. Is it the most springlike makeup trend? Perhaps not. But it does feel like a refreshing eye-makeup trend. If you find black too harsh, try a brown eyeliner instead. And you can't go wrong with a Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner.

Shop the Trend:

It's a wild confession for a beauty editor, but I've never been an eyeliner fan. Whether I've opted for sleek cat-eye flicks, smudged kohl for a smoky effect, or precision waterline definition, it always comes away looking a little too harsh and stark. While I love what liner does for the eyes on others, I’ve always wanted that definition to feel softer and more effortless on myself. Last year, I discovered brown eyeliner and brown mascara, both of which completely changed my makeup routine. Brown gives definition and shapes, but in a gentler way that enhances rather than overpowers—it quickly became my everyday staple.

This year, though, I’ve found a new obsession: burgundy eyeliner, which might seem strange at first, but on the eyes it actually reads far subtler than you’d expect. Like brown, it offers soft definition, but in addition, the warmth of the rich red undertones makes my green eyes look brighter and more vibrant. If you’ve ever found black too severe but still want your eyes to stand out, I'm making the case for burgundy being the perfect in-between.

Ahead, I've rounded up the best burgundy eyeliners I've tried, as well as the expert tips and tricks on how to choose your eyeliner and how to use burgundy eyeliner.

The Best Burgundy Eyeliners

1. Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Bordeaux
2. Best Gel Eyeliner: Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner in Bewitch
3. Best Felt Tip Eyeliner: Fenty Beauty Flyliner in In Big Truffle
4. Best Crayon Eyeliner: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner in Compassion
5. Best Pencil Eyeliner: Makeup Forever Artist Colour Pencil in Boundless Berry

1. Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Bordeaux

2. Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner

3. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Compassion

4. Makeup Forever Artist Colour Pencil in Boundless Berry

5. Fenty Beauty Flyliner in In Big Truffle

6. Yves Saint Laurent Lines Liberated Eyeliner in Unrestricted Plum

7. Sephora Collection Waterproof Eyeliner in Matte Burgundy

8. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner

9. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Very Berry

10. Kiko Milano Unlimited Precision Automatic Eyeliner and Kohl in Spicy Burgundy

11. Sweed Satin Eyeliner in Margaux Bordeaux

What to look for when choosing a burgundy eyeliner?

With any colour of eyeliner, texture is everything. As makeup artist Lucy Hart advises, “Look for something that’s creamy and easily glides onto the skin. Ideally, you want a formula that is able to be blended initially, but has good staying power once it has set.” A liner that tugs will never give that soft, diffused finish, but at the same time, longevity matters—especially if you’re wearing it along the lash line or waterline. A pencil with enough softness to smudge, but that locks in place afterwards, will give you the most fuss-free application.

Who does burgundy eyeliner suit?

If you have green eyes as I do, burgundy eyeliner is particularly transformative. “Burgundy eyeliner predominantly suits green eyes but also blue eyes, as it makes the eye colour pop and look more vibrant,” says Hart. And if you're hesitant, don't be. “As scary as it seems it actually looks super subtle when it’s on,” she reassures. Rather than being a statement colour in itself, the red undertones contrast with these cooler shades, simply serving to intensify your eye colour.

How do you use burgundy eyeliner?

Application can be as understated or as bold as you like. “Either smudge a pencil in the waterline or glide along the upper lash line and smudge with a brush for a worn-in and effortless effect,” recommends Hart. For everyday wear, pressing the colour into the upper lash line subtly creates the illusion of thicker lashes and enhances eye colour. For more impact, blend it slightly outward for a soft haze rather than a sharp flick. The key is aiming for a lived-in liner effect, not a graphic shape, giving you definition without the severity of black liner.

How We Tested

When testing these burgundy eyeliners, we evaluated pigmentation, how smoothly each formula applied, and how easily they blended before setting. Longevity was monitored, noting any smudging, fading or transfer, and we also considered how flattering each shade looked on various eye colours, alongside value for money, packaging, price point, and overall ease of use.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I don’t know whether it’s all of the amazing red carpet beauty looks that we’ve been treated to recently or spring’s imminent arrival giving me the urge to try something new, but despite actively avoiding most eye makeup on a daily basis (yes, even mascara), I have recently been tempted to up my liquid eyeliner game. You see, there are few makeup trends that I admire more than a razor-sharp feline flick. It adds definition, lifts and opens eyes and basically elevates your entire makeup look by adding instant polish. However, historically, my attempts have led to wonky wings, uneven thickness and on more than one occasion, having to remove all of my makeup entirely and start again.

This time, though, I decided to call on some experts to steer me in the right direction. You see, as a beauty editor, I have tested many of what are considered to be the best eyeliners, but it seems they can sense my fear. And what I’ve learned is that a confident hand can make all the difference. Once that’s in check, finding the right formula is a bit like a science experiment—you need exactly the right combination of pigment, a tip or brush with the right balance of control and flexibility, and something that’s going to stay put once you’ve put in the hard work. So, where to start? Scroll ahead for the best liquid eyeliners I've tried, as well as pro tips from makeup artists on how to apply liquid eyeliner.

The Best Liquid Eyeliners

• Best Overall: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner (£25)
• Best Waterproof Eyeliner: Lancôme Idôle Ultra Precise Waterproof Liner (£25)
• Best Versatile Eyeliner: Valentino Beauty Eyeliner (£37)
• Best for Oily Eyelids: Maybelline Tattoo Liner Ink Pen Eyeliner (£9)
• Best for Fine Lines: 19/99 Beauty Liquid Pen Eyeliner (£22)
• Best for Beginners: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (£21)

1. Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

2. Lancôme Idôle Ultra Precise Waterproof Liner

3. Maybelline Tattoo Liner Ink Pen Eyeliner

4. 19/99 Beauty Liquid Pen Eyeliner

5. Valentino Beauty Dual-Ended Eye Liner

6. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

7. Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Liner

8. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner

9. Chanel Le Liner De Chanel

10. Dior Diorshow Liquid Liner

11. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

What to Look For

When searching for the best liquid eyeliner, it’s important to consider the overall makeup look that you’re trying to create. “If you want a really dramatic look, or that full Amy Winehouse-inspired flick, then you should opt for a liquid liner with more surface area and a thick nib,” explains makeup artist Elaine Lynskey. “If you want a more natural definition, then opt for a finer nib.”

Skill level also plays a part in the type of liquid eyeliner that you might feel most comfortable using. Makeup artist Scarlett Burton recommends a liquid liner with a felt tip end for beginners. “It’s quite sturdy and gives me the most control,” she explains. “However, I do love a gel point style liner too, applied with a thin art brush, which lots of pros use as they are often a lot thinner and more precise than makeup brushes.”

How to Apply a Liquid Eyeliner

Of course, narrowing down your perfect liquid eyeliner is all well and good, but how do you actually go about applying it? Well, when creating the perfect line, there’s one clear rule: “You must look directly into a mirror with no squinting, head tilts or side-eyes,” says Lynskey. This is particularly important if you're doing eyeliner on hooded eyes. She also recommends using a pressing motion rather than a drawing one. “By pressing the side of the liquid applicator, rather than dragging along the tip, you have more precision and control to create a smooth shape,” Lynskey explains. “If you want to create a sharp point, then you can use the nib.” And if you’ve made any errors, Lynskey swears by a little bit of moisturiser (not micellar water) on the end of a fine cotton bud to tidy up with.

For total beginners, Burton recommends prepping with a pencil eyeliner first. “If it’s a real struggle, then creating the line and wing with a pencil first can be easier to master, and it’s more forgiving if things go wobbly,” she explains. “Then just trace over it with your liquid liner, and you’ve got your perfect shape.”

How We Tested

As a beauty editor, I’ve tested hundreds of liquid eyeliner formulas over the years, and these are the ones that I personally rate for their ease of use (as mentioned, my application skills leave much to be desired!), longevity and flexibility to create different thicknesses of line. I also called on my fellow beauty editors for their picks and makeup artists to share their must-have liquid eyeliners from their kits.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Ask any beauty editor about their favourite beauty products, and nine times out of 10, you can be sure that the Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liners will be mentioned. Our team has tried a lot of eyeliners, but nothing tops Victoria Beckham Beauty's. In fact, VB herself is no stranger to gracing our feeds with a step-by-step tutorial for how she achieves her signature smoky eye (she's a big fan of her Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa, FYI), but in a recent Instagram video, she actually traded in her usual brown eyeliner for something very unexpected.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Fig

We're used to seeing VB wearing her signature smoky eye in brown tones (her favourite shades are Cocoa, a rich matte brown, and Cinnamon, a shimmering bronze shade). However, in a recent Instagram video, she forwent the brown tones in favour of purple hues in her eye makeup tutorial.

She showed her step-by-step using her new Eye Wardrobe eyeshadow palette colourway in Orchid (£72), which features purple tones from lilac through to aubergine that she applied to her eyes to create a smouldering purple smoky eye. "I have been desiring these kinds of purply, mauvy tones for quite some time. I find they're really, really flattering, work on all different eye colours, and I'm ready to update my smoky eye, and give it a fresh, a fresh look for 2026," says Beckham in the video.

Then, to finish off the look, she pulled out her Satin Kajal Liner in Fig (£33), a rich, matte purple, to define her eyes. "Now, the last thing I'm going to do before I apply Vast Lash (£33) is I'm going to take my Fig Satin Kajal Liner, and I'm going to use it on the inside, along the waterline," she says in the video. "Sometimes, I also go on the inside of the upper part of the eye as well. If I'm going out at night and I want a super intense eye, this is a great colour," she adds.

As a fellow brown-eyed person who also gravitates towards brown eyeliners and eyeshadows, I was intrigued, and so I took this as a sign to try the Fig Satin Kajal Liner for myself. And I have to say, I'm glad I did. I'm a colour-phobe when it comes to my eye makeup, so trying a purple eyeliner certainly put me out of my comfort zone. But I was actually really enamoured by the purple hue. It complements my brown eyes, making them look more golden, and is actually pretty wearable thanks to the matte finish. Thank you, VB, for getting me out of my makeup rut.

Shop Now:

Shop More Satin Kajal Liners:

For a long time, I totally overlooked eyeliners in my makeup routine. You see, as a teenager, there was nothing I loved more than lining my eyes with a dark kohl liner. These days, however, I'm all for a more subtle look, and many eyeliners scare me (especially when doing makeup on my hooded eyes—it can often look just too heavy). Which is why I've been on the hunt for the best natural-looking eyeliners lately.

I know, 2016 makeup, with its full-glam cut creases and defined eyeliner wings, may be threatening a comeback in 2026, but until I pluck up the courage to pick up a liquid eyeliner again, I'm following the softly-diffused, smoky wings and barely-there brown eyeliner that makeup artists such as Nina Park have made so popular right now. It's the ideal way to add definitionto your eyes whilst still retaining the "no-makeup" makeup effect.

So I've been putting the most natural-looking eyeliners to the test to find the ones that offer just the right amount of definition, whether you're tightlining, creating a smoky wing or lining your lids. Scroll on for my tried and tested favourites, as well as the tips to make your eyeliner look as natural as possible.

Best Natural-Looking Eyeliners, Tried & Tested

• Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa (£33)
• Best for Smudging: Jones Road The Best Pencil in Brown (£24)
• Best Brightening Eyeliner: Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil (£31)
• Best Affordable Eyeliner: Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Sable Brown (£3)
• Best Waterproof Eyeliner: Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Barbarella Brown (£25)

1. Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa

The Satin Kajal Liners are easily one of Victoria Beckham Beauty's best products because they're just so versatile. The soft pencils glide effortlessly and can be used in multiple ways, but are particularly great for adding soft definition to your eyes, whether you're tight-lining or creating a softly-diffused wing to add natural-looking definition. The Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa is the best shade if you're after natural-looking eyeliner, thanks to its rich brown hue in a soft-matte finish.

2. Jones Road The Best Pencil in Brown

This Jones Road pencil liner glides onto the eyes smoothly, depositing bold pigment without dragging whatsoever. And of course it's good; legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown created it. The formula is buttery soft, so it can be smudged to create soft definition around your eyes without looking heavy. I highly recommend the brown shade for the most natural-looking, "no-makeup" makeup results.

3. Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil

4. Beauty Pie Gel Eyeliner in Turkish Coffee

5. Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Barbarella Brown

If you want a waterproof and totally indestructible eyeliner, then you really can't do much better than Charlotte Tilbury's formula. It boasts an impressive wear-time of 10 hours on the waterline and a huge 28 hours on the lids. Once this is set in place, it won't budge, so it's also ideal for sensitive or watery eyes as it won't smudge or transfer. I'd recommend going for Barbarella Brown for the most natural-looking shade.

6. Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil in Ground Coffee

7. Glossier Boy Brow Arch

You're probably wondering what a brow pencil is doing in this buying guide, but hear me out for a second. Glossier's Boy Brow Arch has an angled nib that is so incredibly fine that it makes it perfect for adding subtle definition exactly where you need it. I love using this one in a brown tone to apply to the very inner corners of my eyes to lightly enhance my eyes with just a hint of colour. It's also one of the best brow pencils I've tried for creating realistic brow hair strokes, but I love to use it as a natural-looking eyeliner too.

8. E.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner in Plum and Go

9. Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil

10. Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Dusk

11. MAC Eye Kohl in Costa Riche

12. Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner in Depth

How to Apply Eyeliner

For the most natural-looking eyeliner, there are a couple of methods that will ensure it looks as seamless as possible. "Tightlining is your best friend for a seamless, natural lash look," says Lielle Neury, Eyelash Emporium lash ambassador and celebrity make-up artist. "Tightlining is an eyeliner technique that involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, the area right under your upper lashes, to create the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes. It’s a subtle way to define your eyes and enhance your lash line without a noticeable line of eyeliner," she says. For this technique, soft kohl pencils are best.

Additionally, opting for brown eyeliners is also best for a softer, more natural-looking result, as black eyeliners can sometimes look too harsh. Eyeliner pencils, unlike liquid eyeliners, offer a more natural-looking formula that delivers a soft, blendable line. In contrast, liquid eyeliners are designed to produce a defined, crisp edge. And if you're after a refreshed look, beige or off-white eyeliner pencils can be applied on the lower waterline to neutralise redness and fake a wide-eyed look.

How We Tested

With hundreds of eyeliners passing by our beauty desk, we've tested all the very best eyeliners around and have taken notes of the ones that deliver the most natural-looking results. We've tried kohl pencils, gel eyeliners and just about every pencil eyeliner out there to see how natural-looking the results were, as well as testing them for their versatility and lasting power on the eyes.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Few makeup products make it from our Who What Wear UK beauty cupboard to my makeup bag. As a beauty editor who tests new beauty products for a living, it's only the very best makeup products that earn a permanent spot in my daily rotation, and for me, one of those is undoubtedly the Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in shade Cocoa. If you're thinking of buying it, scroll on for my honest thoughts on why I think that this Victoria Beckham Beauty product is genuinely worth it after owning it for over a year.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa

The Formula

Having owned this eyeliner for over a year (and several of the other shades, too), I can see exactly why Cocoa is one of the bestselling shades. In fact, it's also a favourite shade of Victoria Beckham herself. As for the formula, it's buttery soft, gliding effortlessly onto the eyes. It's perfect for creating a defined wing, a soft-focus smoky eye, or using on the waterline to define the eyes—it excels at them all.

My favourite way to use it is to create a softly diffused wing and smudge it along my lower lash line to create lived-in, smouldering definition. But you can even scribble it over the entire lid like a creamy eyeshadow stick, making it an incredibly versatile product to have in your makeup bag.

The texture is soft and creamy, so it doesn't drag or crumble when you're applying it. And if you have sensitive eyes like me, you'll appreciate this! It's also waterproof and long-wearing, so you don't have to worry about it transferring or fading throughout the day.

The Shade

Cocoa is the most perfect brown eyeliner colour I've ever tried. It's a rich, chocolate brown with a matte finish, meaning there's no sparkle or shimmer here. I favour this shade over black, as it's a softer and more wearable day-to-day, and having asked my colleagues, it suits all eye colours, too. It offers just enough definition to line the eyes, without it looking heavy. In fact, it's a great eyeliner for tightlining on the lash line if you favour subtle definition day-to-day.

The Verdict

Whilst it may be more expensive than most eyeliner pencils, I wholeheartedly believe this eyeliner is worth the extra investment. If you're yet to try any of the Satin Kajal Liners, I recommend going for the Cocoa shade first. The matte brown shade is ideal for daytime definition, right through to smoky eyes and creating cat-eye looks. Plus, the addition of the smudger on the other end of the pencil is so helpful for diffusing and smudging the pigment. I've tried a few different shades (including Cinnamon, a shimmering bronze, as well as Ash and Black), but Cocoa is by far my most reached-for. Trust me: you won't regret it.

Shop Now:

As myself and the Who What Wear UK team have been keeping a close eye on the Fashion Awards 2024 red carpet, and as a beauty editor, it's clear that one beauty trend is having a huge moment at the ceremony—and that's winged eyeliner.

Winged eyeliner has long been an iconic eye makeup look, however, TikTok has been deeming it a signature hallmark of millennial makeup (you guessed it—right next to side partings and skinny jeans), falling out of favour for the soft, smoked-out wing that Gen Z are opting for instead.

But, if the 2024 British Fashion Awards are anything to go by, the sharp flick of a liquid liner is making a resurgence, with the fashion set and celebrities such as Rihanna and Jourdan Dunn choosing to wear it on the red carpet. In fact, I'd argue that this classic look remains as timeless as ever.

Ready to embrace your winged eyeliner era? Scroll ahead for the chicest winged eyeliner looks we've spied at the Fashion Awards 2024, and the best liquid liners to ensure your wing looks sharp. And if you want to brush up on your application, here's how to do liquid eyeliner like a pro.

Along with her fringe, Simone Ashley's makeup look feels so Audrey Hepburn-coded, proving that winged eyeliner is a timeless look.

I want to copy Ashley Graham's smouldering feline flick immediately.

Rochelle Humes' dips a toe in the trend with a kitten flick—so chic.

The precision of Jourdan Dunn's winged liner needs to be studied.

If Rihanna is wearing it, I'm wearing it.

I love the exaggerated wing on Daisy Ridley.

Sabrina Elba proves just how classy a subtle winged liner can be.

Ellie Goulding's reverse winged eyeliner makes a statement.

Shop Liquid Eyeliners

Finding the best eyeliner in general can be tough—some people spend their entire lives searching for The One—and it totally makes sense. When shopping for eyeliner there are so many things to consider—from ease of application to how pigmented it is, whether it's waterproof, what colours it comes in, whether it's a pen or a pencil, how easily it can be removed, whether or not it smudges, flakes, or transfers, and of course, how long it lasts for. But throw sensitive eyes into the mix and the search for the perfect eyeliner can become a real challenge.

Not sure if you have sensitive eyes? "The main signs of eye sensitivity are redness of the lid margins around your lashes, watery eyes, and redness of the eye itself", says Bridie Bukorovic, an advanced clinical practitioner in opthalmology. "Other signs include peri-ocular skin problems like flaking of the skin or swelling of the eyelid."

What to look for in eyeliner for sensitive eyes?

"If you have very sensitive eyes, you should opt for pencil or gel eyeliners as opposed to liquid formulas," says Bukorovic. "Liquid eyeliners tend to contain a lot more preservatives, which can cause irritation."

You may notice some liners are labelled as dermatologist or opthalmologist tested. "This means it meets the standard of UK makeup base, so it's gone through testing with a number of subjects who haven't had reactions or adverse effects," explains Bukorovic. "This means that it may or may not have been tested on animals or humans." Another key word to look out for? Hypoallergenic. "This means that there's no typically-known allergen-inducing ingredients that people are commonly allergic to."

"Finding the best eyeliner for sensitive eyes can be a case of trial and error because some people have more sensitive eyes than others. However a big factor is placement," she adds. "Some people will want to tightline their waterline which has a direct absorption barrier to the eye so will cause a lot more sensitivity than people who just put it on the top or the lid or inbetween the lashes."

What to avoid in eyeliners for sensitive eyes?

"It can get quite technical when looking at specific ingredients to avoid," says Bukorovic. "But as a general rule, things like fragrance, preservatives, phosphates, and parabens are best avoided. Phenoxyethanol is one of the commonly-used preservatives that can cause sensitivity."

"Most eyeliners are only tested to a basic level and will prioritise pigment, colour payoff, and longevity over sensitivity, so you really want to look for brands that are formulating eye-friendly products."

Shop the Best Eyeliners for Sensitive Eyes:

1. Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner
2. Blinc Smudge Proof Liquid Eyeliner
3. Sweed Satin Kohl Eyeliner
4. Ilia Beauty Clean Line Gel Liner
5. Clinique Quickliner for Eyes
6. Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Eyeliner
7. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
8. Vieve Power Ink Liner Midnight Black
9. Bareminerals Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner
10. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil
11. Glossier Pro Tip
12. Rimmel London Kind & Free Clean Eyeliner Pencil

1. Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner

2. Blinc Smudge Proof Liquid Eyeliner

3. Sweed Satin Kohl Eyeliner

4. Ilia Beauty Clean Line Gel Liner

5. Clinique Quickliner for Eyes

6. Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Eyeliner

7. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

8. Vieve Power Ink Liner Midnight Black

9. Bareminerals Mineralist Lasting Eyeliner

10. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil

11. Glossier Pro Tip

12. Rimmel London Kind & Free Clean Eyeliner Pencil

Confession: I haven't worn black mascara in months. No, I was not blessed with naturally long, doll-like lashes—quite the opposite, in fact! My flutters are blonde and stubbornly straight, so it's rare that I leave the house without a coat of pigment (or, at the very least, a proper curl). Lately, that pigment just happens to be anything but jet black. Navy, violet, emerald, cobalt, russet… I love to play around with hues that level up my look without much of a lift. (It's much easier to swipe on a jewel-tone mascara than to try your hand at graphic liner, is it not?)

I tend to rotate colours based on the rest of my makeup and mood, but for the past several weeks, my eyes have been drawn to a deep maroon. I'm not alone—the term "burgundy mascara" has over 53 million videos on TikTok, including one from Millie Bobby Brown gushing over the red-purplish pigment. Another user even goes so far as to claim that "black mascara is out, burgundy mascara is in" (and I'm inclined to agree!).

The hype is well warranted. Burgundy, after all, flatters every eye colour: It emphasises the richness of brown eyes, makes blue and green eyes pop (since they sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel), and in hazel orbs, it helps any green or gold flecks stand out. Swap your black mascara for burgundy, and I bet you'll never look back—especially after browsing these stunning options (with gorgeous eyeliners to match) below.

Shop Burgundy Mascaras:

Shop Burgundy Eyeliners for a Monochromatic Look:

Ever found yourself trying to re-create your friend's makeup, only to realise that her smokey eye shadow look doesn't look the same on your eye shape? I don't know about you, but it's taken me years to work out what makeup actually suits my eyes, as when it comes to products such as eye shadow and eyeliner, it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here at Who What Wear UK, we've spent years talking to makeup artists and asking them for their tips and tricks on things like how to do makeup for hooded eyes and almond eyes, but today, we're here to talk about round eye shapes.

As someone with hooded eyes, I've always been jealous of those with a round eye shape, as there's a lot more space to experiment with makeup. That being said, it can still be difficult to know where to start, so I reached out to Carly Utting, senior makeup artist at MAC, to find out which eye makeup looks she recommends. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

How Can You Tell If You Have Round Eyes?

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out which eye shape you have. According to Utting, the best way to identify if you have rounded eyes is to look directly into a mirror. "Usually, if the outer corner of your eye slants downwards and is not pulled up towards your ear, this indicates your eye shape is rounded," she says. "A rounded eye also generally looks more circular in the mirror than almond. Historically, most eye makeup is designed to 'lift' the eye into a more almond shape, pulling the outer corners upwards to elongate. This can be particularly challenging with a rounded eye shape, but not impossible. In fact, the difference particular eyeliner and eye shadow placement can make to a rounded eye can be quite incredible."

Eye Makeup Looks for Round Eyes

So, what are the best makeup looks for round eyes? Well, when thinking about your makeup, consider what kind of finish you'd like. "If you are looking to enhance your round eyes and accentuate the rounded shape, adding darkness to the lower and upper lash line is the way forward," says Utting. "Also, highlighting the centre of the eye with a lighter, frosted shadow can really enhance the prominence of the shape." However, if you want to alter the shape of your rounded eyes, Utting recommends adding deeper shades to the upper, outer area to balance and transform the eyes into a more elongated, almond shape. "Matte browns and greys work beautifully for this," she says.

Find out more about each eye look below.

1. Frosted Eye Shadow

As mentioned, if you want to enhance your round eye shape, frosted eye shadow is the way to go. According to Utting, adding this to the centre of your eyelid helps to accentuate the roundness of the eye.

A lighter shade in a shimmery texture really does help to open up the eyes and makes for a perfect evening makeup look.

Get the Look:

2. Kohl Eyeliner

Another makeup trick to accentuate your round eye shape is to use a kohl liner to outline your eyes. "Line the eye using kohl liner on the top and bottom," advises Utting. "[Gently] blend the liner with a soft, smudgy brush and avoid pulling it out and up, as this will elongate the eye."

I mean, how stunning does this look?

Get the Look:

3. Doe-Eyed Mascara

Mascara can make a huge difference to your eye makeup. Utting recommends creating a "starburst" shape when applying mascara on round eyes. "Rather than pulling all your lashes out towards the ear, fan them up on the outer lashes, upwards in the middle and inwards for the inner lashes. Repeat with the bottom lashes. This will create a '60s-style doe-eyed shape."

If you want a more minimal eye makeup look, give doe-eyed mascara a go.

Get the Look:

4. Winged Eyeliner

Now, if you'd rather create a more almond shape with your eye makeup, give winged eyeliner a go. "Create a strong wing in the outer corner of the eye to lift and elongate the eye shape," says Utting.

There are lots of ways to re-create this look. If you want more of a statement effect, I recommend using a liquid liner. However, if you want a softer finish, try using your eye shadow as a liner and apply it to your lids with an angled brush.

Get the Look:

5. Matte Eye Shadow

Another trick for creating more of an almond eye shape is to use a matte eyeshadow. By applying a matte colour across the lid, you'll essentially 'flatten' the rounded shape. Utting says you can also add a deeper shade onto the outer, upper crease line to help transform the eye to a more almond shape.

I think matte shadows look so chic.

Get the Look:

I'm not ashamed to say that I'm a little bit obsessed with Victoria Beckham right now. Don't get me wrong—I've always been a fan of the Spice Girls singer, but ever since watching Netflix's docuseries Beckham, my love for the star has really grown. From her impeccable fashion taste to her Victoria Beckham Beauty perfumes, it seems that there's nothing she can't do. After a couple of late nights scrolling through her Instagram page (yes, I really am obsessed), one thing that I'm dying to know is how she does her signature smokey eye. It's no secret that the fashion designer's makeup is always flawless, but her eye makeup in particular never fails to amaze me. So, what's her secret? Well, luckily for you, I stumbled across a video in which the star revealed the exact eyeliner that she likes to use, and of course, it's from her own makeup line, Victoria Beckham Beauty.

Seriously, how good does her eye makeup look? Since the post went live, searches for "Victoria Beckham eyeliner" have surged on Google by a colossal 200%. Now that I know which eyeliner she uses, I thought it was only right that I did some research into the product so that I could let you know all about it. Interested? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for all the info you need…

What Eyeliner Does Victoria Beckham Use?

So, the eyeliner in question which VB uses in the video is none other than the Satin Kajal Liner from Victoria Beckham Beauty (£32). According to my TikTok feed, this eyeliner is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Available in 21 shades and three different finishes (shimmer, matte and jewel, which has a touch of glitter), the creamy, smudge-proof formula glides on and is perfect for creating a range of looks, whether you're using it on the lash line, on the lids for a smokey eye or to tight-line the eyes. The clever pencil comes with a small sponge on the other end to help smudge out the product, which will help you create that signature smokey eye that Beckham is known for.

As you can see in the video above, she used shade Cinnamon, describing it as softer than using a dark brown or black, giving a slightly "wet" look to the eye thanks to the shimmery finish. She recommends applying the liner to the inside of the eye, as well as underneath the lower lash line and just above the upper lash line to really open up the eye area.

Is the Victoria Beckham Eyeliner Good?

We know that VB is a fan, but what do other people think of her brand's eyeliner? If the reviews online are anything to go by, it's definitely a big hit. One customer wrote, "So good! I love it! I can smudge it and then it stays in place all day!", whilst another said, "I’ve used many eyeliners in my 57 years and this is by far the best!" It seems to be extremely popular on TikTok too, with lots of beauty content creators sharing how creamy the formula is and how easy it is to apply. After watching the videos, I'm definitely convinced.

Scroll ahead to see some of our favourite shades on the Who What Wear UK beauty team, and why not check out our favourite Victoria Beckham Beauty products?

The Shades

Cinnamon

"Cinnamon is a pretty mid-brown with a shimmery finish which I find really compliments my brown eyes," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden. "The subtle bronze sparkle is really pretty and the depth of the pigment is deep enough to provide soft definition that looks pretty smudged out into a smokey eye or drawn around the lash line for more intensity."

Orchid

This is my favourite shade of the Victoria Beckham eyeliner. I pair it with a burgundy eyeshadow and it really makes my eyes pop. Not to mention it applies like a dream!

Cocoa

"Cocoa has become my holy grail everyday eyeliner," says Vousden. "The perfect shade of dark brown, this matte pencil is so versatile and can be used to add definition by tight-lining the lash line, or smudged out to create a soft diffused wing."

Matte

Shimmer

Jewel

The Application

As for the application, these eyeliners are buttery soft. They apply seamlessly on the eyes without dragging and have incredible colour payoff. This means you can easily create a defined and precise wing, but they can easily be smudged into a smokey eye too. On the other end of the pencil is a built-in smudging sponge, which is perfect for recreating Victoria Beckham's signature smouldering eye makeup.

How We Tested

Our beauty team has tested several of the Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liners and compared them to the hundreds of eyeliners we have each tested over our careers. We tested them for their ease of use, blendability and shade range.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

When it comes to makeup application, I’m all for throwing out the rulebook and experimenting with products and techniques in a way that feels right for you. However, as someone with hooded eyes there has always been one makeup technique in particular that I’ve struggled with—eyeliner. And when a friend of mine with almond-shaped eyes said that she was also unsure about how to best apply eyeliner to show off her eye shape, I thought it was worth investigating. 

Admittedly, though, I am no makeup pro. So I called upon two of the biggest names in the beauty business for some genuine expertise on the matter. Ahead, renowned makeup artists Lisa Eldridge, and Ruby Hammer MBE share the lowdown on the best way to apply eyeliner for almond-shaped eyes.

Before we get into the eyeliner tips, though, I asked the experts how to best describe an almond eye if you're not entirely sure what shape your eyes are.

"An almond eye shape is oval, just like the shape of the nut," describes Ruby Hammer MBE, Makeup Artist, Brand Founder and Makeup Artist. "The iris [the coloured part of your eye] is usually touching both the top and bottom lid."

"Almond eyes are slightly elongated towards the outer corner," explains Lisa Eldridge, Makeup Artist and Founder of Lisa Eldridge Makeup. "Alexa Chung is a beautiful example of an almond eye shape." 

Now keep scrolling for expert-approved tips on how to perfect your liner look.

1. Prep Your Makeup Space

Turns out, before you even think about applying your eyeliner you need to make sure that your makeup area is prepped and ready. "The fundamental needs for eyeliner are the same for all eye shapes," explains Hammer. "You require good light and a mirror as you want to see your eyes as naturally as possible."

2. Have a Steady Hand

One of the most important factors of perfecting your eyeliner look? Steady hands. "Try steadying your elbow on a surface, or tuck it into your waist," suggests Hammer.

And when it comes to almond eye shapes in particular, it's really important not to pull at your eye when applying the liner. "This can distort it and when you release you will have a different shape," explains Hammer. Instead, try and look straight ahead into a mirror and apply the liner exactly as your eye is.

3. Apply Liner At the Edges

"For an easy eye look that would look beautiful on an almond eye shape, apply eyeliner at the outer edges of your eye, starting three-quarters of the way along the lid rather than taking it all the way to your inner eye," explains Eldridge. "Look straight into the mirror and then elongate your flick out. It's one of my favourite looks to create on an almond eye, as the definition on the outer corner of the eye really accentuates the shape."

4. Mix and Match Your Liner Colours

Naturally, almond eyes are quite tapered in shape. Therefore, if you want to make the eyes look slightly wider or bigger then mixing up the eyeliner colours that you wear can transform the shape of your eye.

"Applying a black eyeliner along the upper lash line and a lighter colour to your lower lashes gives the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes," advises Hammer. "And don't forget to curl your lashes, specifically focusing on the centre lashes."

5. Try Tightlining

Tightlining is a makeup technique that involves applying eyeliner to the waterline of your eye area to make your lash line look thicker and to define your eye shape. If you want to really accentuate your almond eyes then this is a dramatic way to show off their beautiful shape.

However, if you want to make your eyes look wider then Hammer suggests you switch out black liner in the waterline and "opt for something brighter or light-reflecting", like a nude shade.

6. Have Fun With It

"Almond eyes can wear any style of eyeliner," states Eldridge. Therefore, the best thing you can do is enjoy experimenting with different products and techniques to create a look that you love on your eye shape.

"Don't be afraid to try any look [and] experiment with colours and textures," says Hammer. "Look out for celebrities or friends with a similar eye shape and save pictures of looks you’d like to replicate. Makeup is about having fun. If you don’t like it, then wash it off and try again!"

The Best Eyeliners for Almond Eyes

It's 2024 and the era of elaborate, complex, multi-step eyeshadow looks is officially over. It's true. As makeup trends in general lean towards the minimal, low-key, and natural-looking, it only makes sense that eye makeup trends would follow suit. Gone are the days of over-elaborate multi-shade looks that required an army of eyeshadow palettes to create—and in is a more effortless (and thankfully much simpler to apply) easy eyeshadow look.

This will be welcome news to those who don't have 20 minutes to spend perfecting their eye makeup look in the mirror every morning (me), or a desire to rock up to work with a face of full glam (also me). So yes, you can finally clear out the excessive collection of eyeshadow palettes and brushes that you've been hoarding since before lockdown. The latest eyeshadow trends are all about ease and effortlessness, so instead you can turn to the likes of cream eyeshadow sticks, multitasking products like blusher and bronzer, and adopt a swipe-and-go approach. You can even let your fingertips to do the blending!

To give you some inspiration, I've rounded up nine easy eyeshadow looks that you can pull off without the help of a professional makeup artist. Scroll and screenshot.

EASY EYESHADOW LOOKS TO TRY

1. Blusher As Eyeshadow

Over the past few years my makeup routine has gradually streamlined and my makeup bag now features a refined edit of multitasking products that serve more than just their primary purpose. Cream blushers and bronzers in particular are perfect for using as eyeshadow—they're easy to apply, long lasting, and tie your look together by perfectly complementing your cheeks.

Get the look:

2. Monochrome Brights

Just because an eyeshadow look is easy, doesn't mean it has to be boring. Cream and liquid eyeshadows are perfect for monochrome eyeshadow looks like this one. And if you do want to make a statement or get a bit more creative, simply opt for a bolder, brighter shade over a neutral one.

Get the look:

3. Subtle Smoky Eye

Smoky eyes will always be on trend, but these days, they're no longer quite so intense or elaborate as they used to be. In fact, you only need three shades to recreate this look. A warm brown blended over the lid, a cool-toned grey smudged along the outer lashline, and a pop of shimmery metallic in the inner corner. Effortless.

Get the look:

4. Matte Lids

Just like glossy lips and low-rise jeans, matte eyeshadow is another '90s makeup trend that's made a comeback this year. This is great news for those seeking easy eyeshadow looks—matte shadows are typically much easier to blend than shimmers, and don't result in annoying glittery fallout. To keep the look fresh and modern, use cool-toned shades that sit a little lighter than your natural skin tone.

Get the look:

5. Glossy Finish

This year, eyeshadow trends have been less about colour and more about texture. Matte and shimmery eyeshadow looks might be the more obvious candidates, but a glossy finish is super cool and modern. Personally, this is a look I'll been wearing all summer long—and it's so easy to achieve. Apply with your fingertips and either stick to just a clear gloss on its own or layer it over a wash of colour for double the impact.

Get the look:

6. Latte Lids

The latte makeup trend is already well documented, but it's easy to see why it went viral—and has stayed so. This incredibly low-effort look is all about relying upon warm-toned brown shades that softly sculpt, add subtle definition, and create depth, while still looking really natural.

Get the look:

7. Eyeshadow Liner

Who said that eyeshadow had to go all over your lid? This is a super simple look–and another one that leans into the multitasking makeup trend. Simply use an angled liner brush (dab it in some water for extra hold) to lift shadow from a palette and trace it along your upper lashline. The result? Just a hint of colour and/or sparkle in less than a minute. Easy, peasy.

Get the look:

8. Metallic Shimmer

Sometimes you do want a makeup look that delivers just a little more impact, but that doesn't mean things have to get complicated. Shimmer eyeshadows are a great way to add a little more drama without the need for multi-step tutorials or complex blending techniques. As this look proves, a wash of metallic eyeshadow paired with bold cat-eye liner is the ultimate combination for an easy eyeshadow look.

Get the look:

9. Light & Bright

Light colours might seem scary, but in actual fact they're a failsafe way to brighten your eyes—and are much easier to work with than you'd expect. Plus, it's something different if you're bored or wearing colours or a smoky eye. Whether you opt for a matte formula or a shimmer, start by applying the pigment along your lashline and then blend it upwards. It really is that simple.

Get the look:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Picture the scene. The Spice Girls are on Top of the Pops, Destiny's Child's debut album is ready to go in your portable CD player and makeup aisles of your local drugstore are full to the brim with frosted eyeshadows and lipsticks—it was an iconic time for beauty. And while there are plenty of '90s beauty trends I'm keen to leave in the decade (thin eyebrows, for one) there are some '90s makeup trends that are coming back around again in 2024. And with a bit of makeup fine-tuning and learnings, I'm seriously into them again.

It's not hard to miss that all things '90s are making a comeback right now. First things first, the iconic 'Rachel' haircut has made a nostalgic return, with those flicky layers having a revival with a nod to supermodel blowouts and 90s hairstyles. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, a standout makeup icon from the decade, has now been discovered by a whole new generation with its suits-everyone formula.

Destiny's Child in matching purple dresses and eyeshadow.

So, how to we wear those '90s makeup looks today? Scroll ahead for the best '90s-inspired makeup looks I've saved.

'90s Makeup Looks

1. Brown Lipstick

Halle Berry wearing brown lipstick in 1999.

Brown lipstick was a universally loved makeup trend among many celebrities in the '90s, and we're seeing brown tones continue to be popular. Nowadays, we thankfully have more inclusive lipliner and lipstick shades to suit all skin tones, and formulas that sit comfortable on our lips all day.

How we're wearing it now:

Get the Look:

2. Blue Eyeshadow

Christina Aguilera wearing an iconic '90s makeup trend: blue eyeshadow.

We can't talk about '90s makeup without talking about blue eyeshadow, right? Back then, the blue eyeshadow was usually of the pastel blue variety, had a frosted effect and was often paired with red lipstick. Nowadays, it's been given a modern update with a matte texture in deep blue, that's worn alone to showcase it in its true glory.

How we're wearing it now:

Get the Look:

3. Frosted Lipstick

Kate Moss is one if the major poster girls for '90s beauty.

I'm here for Kate Moss's '90s frosted lip gloss and kohl eyeliner look. While we haven't seen frosted lipstick make a full comeback, we have seen the return of lips that have a subtle shimmer or metallic glow. Look for lipsticks or glosses that offer a iridescent shimmer in neutral tones.

How we're wearing it now:

Get the Look:

4. Lip Gloss

Reese Witherspoon wearing glossy berry lips.

Lip gloss was a '90s makeup staple, and we saw just about every kind of shade and finish to the glossy (yet sticky) formulas. In 2024, we're less inclined to reach for those berry tones, and are instead opting for neutrals like brown to coat our lips. Thankfully, lip gloss textures have also come a long way and we now have balmy glosses that impart shine without feeling tacky to the touch, as well as lip oils, which add moisture and a healthy sheen to lips.

Get the Look:

Get the Look:

5. Frosted Eyeshadow

Britney Spears wearing frosted eyeshadow.

Ah, frosted eyeshadow. While chalky frosted shades were everywhere during the '90s, we've traded them in for sheer, iridescent veils that add a transparent sparkle to eyelids.

How we're wearing it now:

Get the Look:

6. '90s Minimalism

Christy Turlington wearing natural makeup.

When I think of the '90s, I think of Calvin Klein campaigns and the minimal makeup looks that accompanied them. In 2024, with brands such as Glossier and Merit championing streamlined makeup and natural-looking results (think lightweight skin tints and a slick of mascara) we can draw a lot of similarities today with those in the '90s.

How we're wearing it now:

Get the Look:

7. Kohl Liner

Naomi Campbell wearing kohl eyeliner.

Grungy kohl eyeliner was another trend we saw in the '90s. Back then, the application was usually around the entirety of the waterline (think both upper and lower lash line), but the look has been modernised by softly diffusing the liner around the lash line for a soft-focus effect, and brown is often used instead of black to soften the intensity.

How we're wearing it now:

Get the Look:

8. Matte Skin

If there is one thing we can spot from the '90s, it's the penchant for matte foundation. While trends like cloud skin have brought the velvety complexion back into the limelight, we're adding blusher and bronzer to add dimension to prevent the look from washing out our complexions.

How we're wearing it now:

Get the Look:

As a beauty editor, I see makeup trends everywhere, whether it's IRL, on social media or on the red carpet. But in terms of the trends that people are actually searching for every day, us journalists keep an eye on Google data to see what the active search terms are. These are reflective of what people are really after—whether it's a trending new beauty product or a makeup look.

Right now, it turns out that everyone is searching for natural smokey eye makeup. In fact, searches for this makeup look are currently at 4,500%. While it's not new, it's also nothing short of timeless— a brown smokey eye or wing is one of the most versatile yet simple makeup looks. In black or grey, the colours can look too intense outside of the evening, but brown and neutral tones instantly make it wearable. This iteration of the smokey eye can take you from work through to dinner and beyond, so it's no wonder I see it everywhere. And currently, team Who What Wear UK are seeing it all over their FYPs on TikTok, as well.

If you're looking to perfect your natural smokey eye makeup look, scroll ahead for some inspiration and the best products to achieve the look.

The Best Natural Smokey Eye Makeup Looks

This soft, diffused eyeshadow look makes Sofia Richie Grainge's eyes pop.

I'm here for Zendaya ever-so-subtle smoked brown eye makeup, which features a smokey wing that enhances her almond-shaped eyes beautifully.

Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo does soft, natural smokey eye makeup so well. In this case with Lily James, the look is more intense for evening, but it still uses those soft brown hues for a more subtle take on a traditional black smokey eye.

The key to achieving this look is all in the blending—as with this brown smokey eye on Bella Hadid. If you haven't already, invest in a set of eye makeup brushes of varying shapes and sizes. The right tools will make creating eye makeup looks that much easier.

How dreamy is this natural smokey eye makeup look on Laura Harrier? Cream shadow sticks make it easy to apply colour along the lash line, so you can just blend and go in five minutes flat.

If you find that black mascara is too harsh, try brown. It's a small tweak but can make all the difference if you want to dial down the intensity of your eye makeup while still giving your lashes definition.

I love this natural-looking brown smokey eye look; it makes Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's eyes smoulder. Add definition with a creamy, cool-toned brown pencil to the crease of your lid.

Next Up: Tired Eyes? This Makeup Hack Makes You Look Wide Awake in Seconds

If there’s one high-street clothing destination you can always rely on, it’s Zara. Looking for jeans and a nice top? Go to Zara. Need a wedding guest outfit with accessories to match? Pop to Zara. You’re a bottle of wine deep in central London, having changed your mind on a boujee launch party you weren’t going to bother attending, but you're very much dressed not to impress and there's only 20 minutes to spare? Yep, you guessed it. Zara. I say the last one in honour of my friend Charlotte, who recently did just that.

Anyway, you get the gist. Zara is more like the name of a universally loyal friend. And now I can officially confirm the high-street hero meets our demand for more than clothing, shoes and accessories. Launched in May 2021, the Zara beauty collection comprises of eyes, lips and face products that anyone—regardless of skin, colour, gender, age or personal style—can wear. Developed with the creative direction of legendary British makeup artist Diane Kendal, the clean beauty line features a vast array of colours, pigments and finishes, made with high-performance ingredients and all at a very accessible cost. 

The Zara beauty packaging

Despite being available to shop in selected stores and online for the past couple of years, I’d never tried anything before so when an edit of products arrived on my doorstop I was, unsurprisingly, very excited. My husband? Not so much. (It went something a little like…"Please. No more beauty products, I beg...)

Before applying the Zara makeup

On first impressions, the outer packaging is minimal and chic, much like the packaging of the product itself. I was sent a concealer, tinted moisturiser, matte foundation, brow pencil, mascara, kohl liner and lip oil so decided to create a low-key five minute makeup look––and I was very happy with the results. The base makeup felt lightweight, glowy and fresh, giving a ‘your skin but better’ vibe, and I was obsessed with my eyes. 

After applying Zara makeup

Keep scrolling for my thoughts and feelings on each individual product I'm wearing plus a few I’m currently adding to my virtual basket.

The Best Zara Beauty Products:

1. Luminous Creamy Concealer

2. Hydro Glow Tinted Moisturiser

3. Limitless Soft-Matte Foundation

4. Eyebrow Pencil

5. Cosmic Mascara

6. The Line-Up Refillable Automatic Eyeliner

7. Nourishing Jelly Lip Oil

8. Rhinestone Stickers

9. Eyeshadow Palette

10. The Bold Edit of Nail Polish

11. Face Palette

Next Up: 9 Summer Beauty Looks We Can't Wait to Try This Year

The Body Shop has long been a staple on the high street for bodycare heroes thanks to its inimitable range of everything from body butters to hydrating deep conditioners.

From my 4c hair arsenal through the fragranced body scrubs that scrub away dry skin right all the way down to my toes, it would be hard to miss the presence of The Body Shop in my bathroom

So, as a wholehearted The Body Shop fan, when I heard about the brand's recent expansion of their makeup offerings including some vibrant multi-tasking crayons and 'your skin but better' tint, I knew I had to give them a try and present you, the lovely Who What Wear readers, with a very honest review of the range.

My initial thoughts? To put it frankly with their B-corp certification and their grassroots projects such as the current partnership with the #votesat16 campaign, combined with a (spoiler alert) very impressive new makeup range, The Body Shop are essentially a one-stop-shop for looking and doing good. 

Scroll down to read my honest, first-person review of some of the newest additions to the brands makeup range, including the blush-y pigment of dreams.

Day 1:The Zoom Proof Look

Typically on Monday or generally any day that I am fully working from home, I steer towards a fresh-faced, big earrings look for when I want to feel that bit more 'put together' without too much effort. So for my first day using the new makeup range, I tried out the new Skin Tint in Deep 1N (£18) along with the Freestyle multitasking crayon in Parade (£12). Both were creamy in texture and easy to blend, which allowed for an instant natural glow that I loved. I was sold on the combination so much that it formed the base of my everyday look for the week. 

Day 2-4: The Busy Mid-Week Look

With my base consisting of the second skin tint and a Freestyle colour pigment, I felt as though I should lean further into the free element and adapt my placement of the product. To call it a blush that you can also use as an eyeshadow would both do discredit to the product and also minimised a fact I learned the hard way with this product: A little goes a long way. And by a little, I should stress that in order to build without swaying into clown territory you need to almost quarter the amount you have earmarked to use in you head. Trust me. 

I also used the Freestyle multitasker crayon in the shades Play (a bright orange) and Real (an equally vibrant red) and loved the former the most.

Day 6: The Weekend Look

Come the weekend, I knew I wanted to expand my use of the range but also wanted to keep to my usual go-to makeup look in order to see how well The Body Shop's makeup worked within my current routine and her products. 

I started with their Fresh Nude Foundation, a medium coverage wear in the shade deep 3C (£20) before going in for a light sculpting of my cheekbones with Coconut Bronze Matte Bronzing Powder in Dark (£15). For my eyes, I opted for their new Freestyle crayon in boost (£12), which is a slightly shimmery, red copper, across my whole lid before going in to darken the corners with the shade Challenge. I finished my weekend-ready look off with a generous coat of the Turn It Up mascara (£15).

In the spirit of keeping with their flexible range and with the brand's sustainable ethos top of mind, in place of my usual lip liner and gloss combo I opted to use the luscious Peptalk Lipstick Bullet (£14), in the shade think big to line my lips for a day into a night out. And did I mention this lippie is refillable? So minimum waste. 

After 10+ hour of wearing The Body Shop Makeup

My Final Thoughts:

Overall, I felt like The Body Shop's makeup under-promised and over-delivered. Yes, you read that right! I found that the range had both a lightweight makeup option, which for many is what The Body Shop is most known for alongside some standouts like the highlight pigmented matte colour multitasker, which has now become a front contender for when next I am asked 'what one product would you want on a desert island?'.

I also loved the Freestyle crayon, however as it’s formulated with nourishing oils and shea butter that allow for its oh so creamy consistency, when applied to my lash line it did smug over the course of the day, but nothing a quick tissue swipe couldn’t fix. 

The range encouraged playfulness so I am excited to integrate some of my hero product into my rotations, in order to step a little more out of my makeup comfort zone. Props to The Body Shop!

Shop My Favourite The Body Shop Makeup Products:

Up Next: This "Dated" Lipstick Trend Is Back in a Big Way

Just as budget-friendly skincare products can be as good as high-end ones, the same can be said of makeup. These days there are plenty of affordable makeup brands to choose from that are just as good as their more expensive counterparts—proving there’s no need to spend excessively on your beauty routine. In fact, these purse-friendly options are often made in the same factories as or with the same ingredients as makeup products from luxury brands. And if you’re wondering why they’re so cheap? It usually means that the brand has cut costs on the packaging or the marketing spend—the quality of the product itself has nothing to do with it.

That’s right, just because something is affordable, doesn’t mean it’s not as pigmented, long-lasting, or high-performance as a high-end product. Take a look at legacy makeup brands like L’Oréal and Maybelline for example. They’ve stood the test of time, continually evolving and improving their formulas over the years, but still keeping their prices accessible. Meanwhile new brands like Glossier and e.l.f. Cosmetics have found their fame through social media vitality—as sure a sign of any that a product is worth hunting down, regardless of its price tag.

Whether you’re trying to cut down on your beauty spending or you’re starting to build out your makeup kit on a budget, these are the best places to start if you’re looking for affordable makeup products.

The best affordable makeup brands:

1. Beauty Pie

The premise of Beauty Pie is that you pay a monthly or annual subscription fee that gives you access to luxury beauty products at factory prices. This means that (once you're a member) you end up paying up to 12 times less for products that are made in the same factories as high-end formulas, simply because the brand cuts out the middlemen. It sounds too good to be true, but trust us, it's really not—and the products are seriously good.

Shop the brand:

2. e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f. Cosmetics only recently made its way over to the U.K. from the U.S.—for years it was the one makeup brand I always sought out (and stuffed my suitcase with) when I visited the States, but it's now finally available in retailers such as Boots and Beauty Bay. The brand has a knack for creating really impressive products, but manages to do so without bumping up their prices—everything costs less than £15.

Shop the brand:

3. L'Oreal

Thanks to its heritage (it's over 100 years old), L'Oreal is one of the most-trusted affordable makeup brands out there. They also have a really wide product range—you could easily do your entire makeup routine with L'Oreal products from start to finish. With that said, they're most well-known for their base products (they always have impressively wide shade ranges) and their mascaras, which are every bit as good as those from luxury makeup brands.

Shop the brand:

4. NYX Professional Makeup

Ask any makeup artist what their favourite affordable makeup brand is and we can pretty much guarantee they'll say NYX. It's another U.S. import and has quickly become a favourite amongst those looking for affordable and accessible makeup products. Since the products are designed and formulated with makeup professionals in mind, they're seriously good quality.

Shop the brand:

5. Sephora Collection

Sephora's 'own brand' makeup collection finally became available in the U.K at the end of 2022, offering a vast selection of makeup, tools, and brushes. If you're looking to stock your makeup bag for less, this is a great place to start and get all of the basics covered—prices start from just £2.

Shop the brand:

6. Maybelline

Maybelline has been around for years (108 to be precise), but also happens to be a brand that frequently goes viral on social media, proving that its formulas definitely have the star factor. From concealers and mascaras to lip glosses and eyeliners, Maybelline always delivers high-performance products at super affordable prices.

Shop the brand:

7. The Body Shop

The Body Shop's makeup line often gets overlooked in favour of its skincare and body care offerings, but it's well worth checking out—especially if you're after affordable cruelty-free and vegan makeup products. Inspired by and drawing from nature, most of the product range are skincare-makeup hybrids which do good as well as looking good.

Shop the brand:

8. Glossier

Glossier may be less than a decade old but it's already a familiar feature in many peoples' makeup bags and skincare routines. The makeup range (which features eye makeup, lip products, blushers, and base products) cuts the guess work out of makeup artistry, offering simple, easy-to-use solutions.

Shop the brand:

9. By Beauty Bay

Known for being the place to source hard-to-find and up-and-coming beauty brands, in 2018 Beauty Bay turned its expertise to creating a range of affordable makeup basics. The own brand collection launched with eyeshadow palettes (for which it's most well known), but has since extended to include everything from blushers and bronzers to lipsticks and brow products. What's more, nothing costs more than £25.

Shop the brand:

10. Revolution Beauty

Comprising a number of sub-brands, including Makeup Revolution, Revolution Pro, XX Revolution, and I Heart Revolution, Revolution Beauty has one of the most impressive offerings of affordable makeup products out there. You'll find the brand stock both online and on the high street, so it's super easy to get hold of. The brand is most famous for creating dupes of high-end beauty products, so you can create luxury looks for less.

Shop the brand:

Next Up: The 11 Affordable Skincare Brands That Actually Work

I can recall the very first time that I experimented with liquid eyeliner. I loved the look of a winged feline flick, and so I dug out my trusty Rimmel eyeliner to give it a try. As I glided the nib across my lids, I stood back from the mirror, and quite frankly, it was a mess. I couldn’t understand why the winged eyeliner looked disjointed, while on my friend’s eyes it looked seamless and eye-opening. After some investigating, I learned that I have a hooded eye shape, which means that eyeliner can prove difficult.

After speaking with makeup artists, it was clear I was making some makeup mistakes when it came to eye makeup application. The first mistake was not fully understanding my eye shape, which has its own characteristics and requirements for eyeliner application. So what are hooded eyes, and how do you know if you have this eye shape?

"Hooded eyes are hereditary, or you may have excess skin underneath the brow bone,” says professional makeup artist, Amalie Russell. They can also become apparent or more pronounced over time as we age. Blake Lively, Samira Wiley, HoYeon Jung and many models such as Karlie Kloss have some form of hooded eyes—it's just one of many beautiful eye shapes.

How to Do Winged Eyeliner on Hooded Eyes

My second mistake, however, was thinking that eyeliner was off the cards for my hooded eyes. "There are ways around wearing eye makeup to create an illusion so that your eyes appear bigger and larger with eyeliner,” says Russell. Ahead, you’ll find the best tips and tricks on how to apply eyeliner on hooded eye shapes.

1. Don't Stretch Your Lid When Applying Liner

When applying eyeliner, it can be tempting to stretch the skin to get an even line, but when your eyes are relaxed, your wing will look different.

"One mistake people do is pull the skin tightly while doing eyeliner, which changes the shape of the eye,” says Russell. I have the type of hooded eyes, which fold over towards the outer edge of my eye. Stretching the skin to apply eyeliner means it won’t sit seamlessly when you let go of the skin and your eyes are rested. Instead, you'll want to fully relax your eyes as you apply your liner.

2. Look Straight Ahead

This goes hand in hand with tip one. If you’re looking down at a mirror or raising your brows to lift your lids, you may find that your eyeliner looks different when your eyes are rested. Russell recommends keeping your eyes relaxed and looking straight ahead into your mirror to create the wing. By applying your eyeliner this way, you’ll see where your eyes naturally sit and be able to create the most flattering shape.

3. Try Batwing Eyeliner

This technique involves creating a small batwing shape with your eyeliner, so when your eyes are relaxed, you'll have a smooth wing.

If your lid folds over the crease of your eyelid, you can still do a winged eyeliner look, but it's all about the placement, say Russell. "The next step is creating a line going straight across over the fold or hooded eyelid so that when eyes are closed or looking down, the eyeliner looks like a hockey stick or check mark,” she says. It may even resemble a little batwing, but when you look straight on, you—and everyone else—will see a precise wing.

4. Wing It

If you’ve ever done an eyeliner wing then find you can’t see it, this tip is for you. "The tricky challenge is not being shy about overdrawing your eyeliner,” says Russell. "It might seem like you’re taking your eyeliner very far out, but when your eyes are rested, it will look much more neat and flattering.” So when in doubt, wing it out.

5. Try Reverse Eyeliner

Reverse eyeliner went viral on TikTok as the alternative to a classic eyeliner wing. Instead of applying your eyeliner on the top lid, you take it underneath the lower lash line and wing it out. I’ve found this way gets me a better result, as the angle of my eye provides a natural path for a flattering wing. For this method, I prefer to use a brown eyeliner pencil rather than liquid for subtle definition and a smoked-out wing that's softer than a crisp liquid eyeliner wing. You can then give it lasting power by applying an eye shadow in the same colour on top.

6. Use Long-Wearing Products

If you have hooded eyes, you might find your eye makeup is prone to smudging or moving on the natural fold of your lids. Prepping your lids correctly and choosing the right eye makeup products will ensure your eyeliner stays put. "Always apply a long-wearing, water-resistant primer or eye shadow first, then gel or liquid eyeliner," says Russell. "If you are a beginner, you can start by tracing with a soft brown pencil or gel eyeliner," she says.

When choosing eyeliners, look for long-wearing products that will stay put. "Good long-wearing liquid eyeliners are Bobbi Brown, Clinique and KVD Tattoo liner," says Russell.

Shop the Best Products for Hooded Eyes:

I’m calling it—2023 is going to be the biggest and best year for beauty yet. In the last few years, there’s been a continued shift in the industry which has led to the rule book has been well and truly scrapped, perhaps for good. The world of beauty has become less about seeking supposed perfection and more of a safe space for self expression and experimentation—I, for one, am here for it. Because why shouldn’t you wear a neon eyeshadow to do the weekly food shop if it feels good?

Taking the above into consideration, there was one makeup artist I knew I had to pin down for a DMBC (deep and meaningful beauty chat). With 20+ years experience in the industry, makeup artist, Jo Baker has become known for her out-of-the-box red carpet looks she artfully creates for a host of celebrity clientele. Think Lucy Boynton, Olivia Wilde and Sharon Stone. "Humanity has become so open and inclusive,” explains Baker. "There is no beauty standard anymore, it’s getting smashed daily. We are at the point of no return where anything goes and anything is possible and we are going to continue to see more art through beauty."

"Back in the day you found your perfect foundation and stuck to it. You found your perfect eyeshadow palette that made your eyes look great and you stuck to it. It was very much ‘I’ve found my format of what makes me pretty, so I’m just going to stay there.’ It couldn’t be more opposite today. There’s a complete shift where everyone is almost having this explosion of self expression. There are neons and pastels and primary colours and gemstones, and all of these things that have become really big in my personal way of doing makeup in the last few years. I feel next year there’s going to be a further extension of that.”

Such belief Baker has in this beauty movement, she co-founded BAKEUP, a brand specifically designed to push the boundaries of experimental beauty and self-expression. "It's going to give people the encouragement, the invitation and the permission to play and see makeup as this amazing, expressive tool to just have fun and be whoever you want to be each day depending on your mood.” Keep your eyes peeled for its launch into the UK in the new year.

With help from Baker and the SS23 catwalks, I bring you seven super fun beauty trends you can recreate at home with ease. 

1. Colour Burst

Models on countless catwalks were flourished with a splash of colour across their lids. I noticed mint green at DSquared2, lavender at Prabal Gurung and royal blue at Dries Van Noten. The charm of this trend is that you can opt for a pastel shade or dial it up with a brighter pigment. Finish off the look with a simple slick of mascara.

Shop the trend:

2. Elegant Embellishment

According to Baker, this is set to be one of the biggest beauty trends of 2023. "Gemstones give a much better payoff than a sparkly eyeshadow because of how they hit the light,” she explains. If you’re reading this as someone who likes to play it safe—don't stress! "You can dial things up and dial things down, so even if you’re conservative and not very adventurous you can still wear gemstones in a way that’s very simplistic.”

Shop the trend:

3. Mega Metallics

Metallics have swept across both fashion and beauty, and runways such as Chloe, Jill Sander and Valentino very much proved that. Take inspiration from A list makeup artist Hung Vanngo, who perfectly shade-matched a striking gold eyeshadow to the shimmering sequins on Florence Pugh’s co-ord. A match made in heaven.

Shop the trend:

4. Draped Blush

The beauty trend first popularised in the ‘70s will have a massive resurgence in 2023 thanks to Aliétte, Christian Cowan and Etro. Fun fact: Baker created this look on Sharon Stone for the cover of Harper's Bazaar Spain (above). "More mature women are craving something different,” explains Baker. "[Stone] said she wanted to have fun with makeup and told me to do what I wanted as she’s been painted in a classic, predictable, expected level of beauty her whole life. All the young kids are having fun, so why can’t she as well? Why can’t she feel youthful and experimental? This is definitely not just a Gen Z movement.”

Shop the trend:

5. Neon Lips

Glazed and glossy lips have been a go-to look for the past year thanks to the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. I come bearing good news for those with an extensive lipstick wardrobe of bright hues— neon matte shades spanning the entire colour wheel were seen at across the summer runways. Don't mind me, just dusting off my MAC Liquid Lip Colour.

Shop the trend:

6. Gothic Glam

Sharpen your black kohl eyeliner and dig out your smokiest grey-toned eyeshadow palette because grunge glamour is back in the classiest way. A go-to look for Olivia Wilde by Baker, it's all about running the liner across the top and bottom lash line and then going in with an eyeshadow to create the smudged effect. To keep it looking clean and elevated, use a full coverage concealer under the eyes and finish with a nude lipstick and a helping of blusher.

Shop the trend:

7. Linear Lids

Spotted at a handful of catwalk shows and already all over Instagram, the possibilities really are endless when you start to explore the options for lined eyelid designs. Whether you use an eyeshadow, kohl or liquid liner, you have complete creative control over the thickness and the colour of the line.

Shop the trend:

Next Up: 15 Party Makeup Looks That Are Low-Key and Effortless

Of all the best makeup products out there, brown eyeliner has got to be the most underrated. It’s simple, easy to use, suits everyone and can really pull a look together, adding subtle definition when you don’t have time (or the desire) for a bold eye look.

For years, it’s been a staple in my routine. I’m a subscriber to the ‘no makeup-makeup’ look, so my everyday makeup is very natural—a skin tint, a few dabs of cream blusher, and a clear brow gel. Adding black eyeliner into the mix can sometimes look too harsh, so if I do want to add a little definition to my eye area, then I’ll always opt for a brown eyeliner over a black one. Much how a brown mascara is softer than black, I find it helps to enhance my eyes without it looking super obvious that I’m wearing eye makeup. And I have plenty of recommendations for the best brown eyeliners out there.

I’m not the only one who’s a fan. Google searches for ‘brown eyeliner’ have steadily increased over the past year, no doubt because the effect feeds into the "clean girl" look made popular by beauty content creators on TikTok and Instagram. Brown eyeliner has also long been a secret weapon for professional makeup artists. "I love using brown liner for a really low-key sculpted look, creating shadows that define the eyes really subtly”, says celebrity makeup artist Emily Clarkson. "I also love building it up to a really beautiful smoky eye, then layering shadows on top so it’s really long-lasting. It’s definitely one of the most versatile products out there.”

From Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Eyeliner to Beauty Pie’s affordable Kohl Eyeliner, there are plenty of options to choose from, in shades ranging from light to dark brown, and in everything from pencil and crayon to kohl and liquid formulas. With the help of Clarkson, I’ve tried, tested, and pulled together an edit of the very best brown eyeliner options for everyone, so you’re sure to find a staple for your makeup bag. Plus, Clarkson shares her expert tips on how to get the most out of your brown eyeliner.

Best Brown Eyeliners, Tried & Tested

1. Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Cocoa (£33)
2. Best Shimmer Brown Liner: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Cinnamon (£33)
3. Best For Smudging: Jones Road The Best Pencil in Brown (£22)
4. Best For Sensitive Eyes: Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Barbarella Brown (£25)
5. Best Affordable Liquid Eyeliner: NYX Epic Ink Liner in Milk Chocolate (£10)
6. Best Eyeliner Pencil With Smudger: Beauty Pie Supercolour Kohl Eyeliner in Brown Beauty (£13)
7. Best Suits-Everyone Brown Eyeliner Pencil: MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl Pencil in Costa Riche (£20)
8. Best Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil: Yves Saint Laurent Crushliner Waterproof Eye Crayon in Brun Universel (£25)
9. Best Eyeliner Pencil For Smoky Eyes: Makeup By Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in Perfect Brown (£26)
10. Best Retractable Eyeliner Pencil: Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Dusk (£28)
11. Best Luxury Eye Pencil: Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil in Ground Coffee (£24)
12. Best Gel Eyeliner Pencil: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner in True Brown (£19)
13. Best For Easy Application: Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner in Depth (£20)

1. Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Cocoa

2. Best Brown Shimmer: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cinnamon

3. Best For Smudging: Jones Road The Best Pencil in Brown

4. Best For Sensitive Eyes: Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Barbarella Brown

5. Best Affordable Eyeliner: NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner in Brown

6. Best Eyeliner Pencil With Smudger: Beauty Pie Supercolour Kohl Eyeliner in Brown Beauty

7. Best Suits-Everyone Brown Eyeliner Pencil: MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl in Costa Riche

8. Best Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil: Yves Saint Laurent Crushliner Waterproof Eye Crayon in 2 Brun Universel

9. Best Eyeliner For Smoky Eyes: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in Perfect Brown

10. Best Retractable Eyeliner Pencil: Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Dusk

11. Best Luxury Eye Pencil: Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil In Ground Coffee

12. Best Gel Eyeliner Pencil: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner in True Brown

13. Best For Easy Application: Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner in Depth

How Do You Apply Brown Eyeliner?

Much like black, brown eyeliner can be applied in a number of different ways. I personally love using a brown pencil or crayon for tight-lining my eyes. I angle the pencil upwards and apply it right into my lash line which helps to add subtle definition and creates the illusion of fuller lashes without it looking like I have any eyeliner on. If you’ve previously found black eyeliner over-powering, but tight-lining with a brown liner has a totally different result which you’ll probably find more flattering.

"The great thing about brown eyeliner is that you don’t have to be too neat, and if you want a smoky, smudgy look, you can just use a pencil brush to blend,” says Clarkson. She also recommends tight-lining to start with, but for a bolder look, she suggests dragging the brown liner into a wing whilst keeping your eyes open to add some extra shape. "If you feel like this, it adds too much product. Instead of applying directly with the pencil, put a generous amount onto the back of your hand and use a small angled brush to apply along the lash line, building it up to your perfect amount.”

Of course, brown eyeliners also come in felt tip pen applicators, which can be used for a more traditional thick line or cat-eye wing. Although this does require a steady hand (and cotton buds to clean up any mistakes!), any error in the shape will be much less noticeable than a black eyeliner would be. Plus, the overall effect will be more subtle.

Who Suits Brown Eyeliner?

"Brown liners bring a lot of warmth which is really flattering to the colours of our eyes,” says Clarkson. It’s true, much like wearing brown eyeshadow, a brown eyeliner can serve to enhance the colour of your eyes, and even if your eyes are brown themselves, it can really bring out any flecks of gold or green in them. No matter what your skin tone, Clarkson also recommends trying a brown eyeliner if you’re nervous about eyeliner application, since it’s much more forgiving than black eyeliner, which needs to be applied very precisely. "Brown eyeliner is just so versatile and perfect for those who are less confident in their makeup ability,” she adds. "If you slip up then you can literally smudge it with your fingers and add some bronzer on top and it’ll still look great!”

Is Brown Eyeliner Better Than Black Eyeliner?

If you are experimenting with a bold eye makeup look, want a classic feline flick, or are creating a smoky eye look, then a black eyeliner will probably create more impact and will stand out more against any eyeshadow you’re wearing. However, if you’re after a more subtle, everyday look, a brown eyeliner will look much softer.

Clarkson says that she always opts for a brown over a black if her client wants a softer and more youthful look. "A black eyeliner can make the eye area look too heavy and, depending on where you place the product, can actually make your eyes appear smaller,” she adds.

How We Tested

Between the Who What Wear UK editors, we tried and tested a lot of brown eyeliners. We tested them on different eye colours, skin tones and even on the most sensitive of eyes to find the best brown eyeliners that work for everyone. We've been wearing them daily to see how well they apply and how long they lasted throughout the day. We also tried an array of formulas, from gel eyeliners to classic pencils and liquid eyeliners, so you can find the best one for you.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

I am no makeup whizz, trust me. I can't do winged liner (despite years of trying), I have no idea how to contour like people on TikTok do, and any attempt at lining my lips is guaranteed to end badly. Truthfully, my lack of artistic ability is probably the reason I like to keep my makeup natural-looking and as quick and easy a possible. 

There is, however, one makeup technique I consider myself a master at, and that's my ability to brighten up my constantly tired eyes. My incessant dark circles, puffy eyes and persistent under-eye bags mean that I've become somewhat of an expert in disguising tired eyes. I have absorbed every tip and trick that I have received throughout my eights years as a beauty journalist from makeup artists and learned how to achieve a look that hides every hint of tired eyes. So without further ado, this is everything you need to know about how to use makeup for tired eyes.

1. Use Colour Corrector

This is by far the most game-changing tip I have ever picked up. When it comes to dark circles, covering them up with concealer often isn't enough—the purple-hued circles will likely always peep through. Beyond that, slathering on layer upon layer of thick concealer risks making your face look flat and two-dimensional. The best thing you can do to counteract dark circles is apply a colour corrector before applying your concealer.

Purple tones are counteracted by apricot-orange hues. Tapping an apricot-toned colour corrector over dark circles and then layering concealer over the top will limit the amount of dulling concealer you need to apply and ensure dark circles are well covered all day long. Just make sure you prep the area with a good eye cream first—it will make a world of difference. 

2. Apply Concealer Cleverly

Once you've nailed your colour-corrector application, it's not just a case of slapping on as much concealer as you can. Many makeup artists have told me in the past that under-eye concealing is at its best when it doesn't stretch all the way up to the lower lash line. Instead, dot the concealer along the darkest area of your under-eye circles (this tends to stretch in a quarter-circle from the inner corner downwards) and pat and blend with your ring finger. Applying your concealer too close to your lower-lash line will risk making your makeup look unnatural and flat.

3. Swap to Beige Liner

When you're feeling tired and your eyes are showing it, it's important to reach for makeup products that work to brighten things up. While dark liners and shadow can make tired eyes look heavier and smaller, that's not to say you shouldn't reach for liner at all. In fact, one of the biggest tricks that makeup artists use on set to widen and awaken the eye area is by applying a beige liner to the lower waterline. It also helps brighten up the whites of your eyes, creating the illusion of a wider and brighter look.

4. Brush Up Your Brows

This might not be an obvious trick at first, but believe me when I say that brushing up your brows can help make tired eyes look more alive. The simple act of brushing up brows helps to lift the eye area, taking the eye away from any areas of heavy puffiness. Using a clean spoolie, brush brow strands up and across to create lift, and finish by fixing with a brow gel.

5. Tactical Highlight Application

I've only adopted this tip recently, as it's taken me a little while to get right—but it's easily the most eye-brightening makeup application technique out there. The trick is to apply a small amount of luminous highlight to the inner corner of your eye and to the outer edge of the brow bone, just underneath the brow itself. The light-reflecting properties of highlighter will create the illusion of brightness, opening up the eyes to counteract every hint of tiredness. The key to this technique, I have learned, is to adopt a less-is-more approach. Remember, you can always build intensity, but you can't take it away. Going in light with the highlight at first helps prevent the light-reflecting pigment migrating into areas you don't want it.

Next up, I have dark under-eye circles—these are the only 11 concealers that work for me.

Every season, there’s a popular makeup trend that spreads like wildfire. (Remember the siren eye and the über-glossy lips that boomed a few season ago?) Well, thanks to my many hours of research, I can report that this autumn is officially the season of eye makeup. From the runway at Milan Fashion Week—we couldn’t take our eyes off the mesmerising purple look at Versace created by the makeup queen that is Pat McGrath—to our TV screens (read: Euphoria), eye makeup is taking over. So what’s it all about? This trend centres on creating a bold, electric and fun eye look. Think vibrant, bold colours, dazzling gems and elaborate, dynamic lines. There are no limits. Makeup is a world of make believe, and what better way to get imaginative than going all out on eye makeup for the new season.

As we transition into the colder, greyer months, a bold and colourful eye could just be the dopamine hit we all need. Your face is a blank canvas, and makeup is a great tool of creativity, so why not experiment a little? I for one am making it my mission to be more playful with my eye makeup, so this autumn, I am going to attempt to re-create an assembly of striking looks. And as always, Instagram has come thorough with all the inspiration I need, so I'm constantly adding new posts to my Saved folder.

So if you’re looking to spice up your eye makeup looks this autumn, look no further than these six fabulous looks. Plus, shop the key products you need to help re-create the looks at home.

1. Pink Perfection

Long live the Barbiecore trend. I adore a pink moment, and this shade on the eyes is a great way to inject a little playfulness into your look while also keeping it fresh and vibrant. I love this double-shadow effect created by packing in the pigment on the lower half of the eyelids, with a lighter, more blended-out shadow on top. The colour here does the hard work, so even a light wash of pink across the lids will look amazing.

Shop the trend:

2. It's All About the Lines

Okay, graphic liner can seem a little daunting, but it is worth giving a good go. The best thing is that there are no rules and no mess-ups, because you decide on what the end result is. Plus, at the end, it always comes together beautifully. "Arm yourself with Q-tips, a good micellar water (Bioderma is my fave!), a steady hand and a great liner. If you are an amateur (or even if not), then a felt liner is great. I love the KVD Dagger liner or the Eyeko Black Magic Super Black and so easy to use,'' advises makeup artist Mira Parmar.

Shop the trend:

3. Bejewelled

Ever since Europhia graced our screens, eye gems have taken off. Now, there's no looking back, and nothing is off limits when it comes to this look. I am obsessed with using anything from sequins and gems to little pearls as part of my beauty routine. This look really takes your eye makeup to another level, and it's perfect for the festive season.

Shop the trend:

4. Into the Blue

From Kendall Jenner to Taylor Swift, celebs are proving that blue eye shadow is back on the map. ''It's bolder and brighter and brings a pop to autumn," says Parmar of the trend. "It's a great way to amp up your makeup without doing too much. Be prepared to see lots of navy and dark blue going into A/W 22.''

Shop the trend:

5. Going for Silver

I have nothing against gold, but for far too long, it's reigned supreme, and now it's time for silver to shine. If you find silver a little harsh for your skin tone, opt for a shade that is on the warmer side or a different colour with silver specks.

Shop the trend:

6. Not-Grunge Green

Long gone are the days where green was a grunge look, as this autumn is all about embracing the not-grunge green trend. Think of it as an extension of this years brat summer if you will. Featuring monochromatic green eyeshadow in earthy tones like mossy olive and metallic emerald. This look balaces edgy and sophisticated, making it perfect for a fresh yet wearable seasonal statement.

Shop the trend:

My love of beauty began at a young age, which should come as no surprise given the career I pursued, but one of the earliest memories I have is noticing how eye makeup would appear dramatically different on my hooded eyes.

When I first started experimenting with makeup in my early teens, it was usually after school at a friend's house. We would dig out our makeup bags full of Miss Sporty and Maybelline products and give each other (rather dreadful) makeovers. One day, we decided to give a strong, winged liquid eyeliner look a go. As we drew a slick of black eyeliner on our upper eyelids, I noticed that it looked great on my friends' eyes, but on mine, it looked a little bit off. And I couldn't place why. The same went for false eyelashes, which completely overwhelmed my eyes but seemed to suit my friends' eye shapes.

I have a slightly hooded and deep-set eye shape, but I've found eye makeup looks that work.

It was only when I began to understand different eye shapes that everything clicked. I soon learned that I have hooded eyes. This means that less of my lid space is visible, so I have less eyelid "real estate" to play with when it comes to eyeshadows and eyeliner. So if I were to apply an eye shadow colour all over my eyelid, you wouldn't really be able to see it when my eyes are open. This is because when my eyes are rested (and looking straight on), my upper lid hides behind and brow bone. The same goes for eyeliner for hooded eyes on my upper lash line. Trying to do a sleek, flicked-out wing can prove difficult, as it has to go over the folds of my eyelids, and it can look a little off.

But in saying that, I really do love my eye shape, and as I've learned over the years, there are certain tricks and techniques that enhance these natural contours. If you're someone who, like me, might've strived to keep up with the latest makeup trends, but struggled to actually make it work, scroll on below for everything you need to know about perfecting eye makeup for hooded eyes.

How to Apply Eye Makeup for Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes are usually down to your genetics, but you may find your eyes become more hooded with age, too. In fact, hooded eyes come in lots of different shapes and sizes. You may have more of your lid visible in the inner or outer corners of your eyes, and you might find that your eyelids look more hooded at different angles, or it may depend on how well you have slept on any given day.

Whichever type of hooded eyes you have, there are so many eye makeup looks that can suit your eye shape. "You can do any makeup for hooded eyes, but it's just about adapting it to your eye shape," says Dominic Skinner, global senior makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics.

There are so many eye makeup looks that suit hooded eyes.

I used to feel frustrated that certain eye makeup looks wouldn't suit my hooded eyes. However, in my time as a beauty journalist, I've come to embrace and even play up my hooded eyes with different makeup looks. It's just about finding looks that work for you.

The secret is to work with and not against the shape you're born with. Still, there are some insider and industry hacks to complement hooded eyes through eye makeup. No, you don't have to swear off liquid eyeliner or powdery palettes for good. Makeup artists have shared tips and tricks with me over the years, so I've decided to share what I've learned, as well as some great eye makeup looks for hooded eyes. Uncover them all, ahead.

Which Makeup Looks are Suited to Hooded Eyes?

With that in mind, I've rounded up the specific eye-makeup looks that flatter hooded eyes, along with the expert-approved products and tips for achieving them at home. (No messy wings here!)

1. Waterline Eyeliner

If you find liquid eyeliner overwhelms your eyes, try tight-lining—AKA, applying a soft kohl eyeliner, like the Victoria Beckham Beauty eyeliner, to your upper waterline only. "With a hooded eye, you have a very little amount of eyelid space," says Skinner. "So you don't want to cover that amount of space up. "What you want to do is bring your eyeliner underneath onto the waterline, so you're going underneath at the root of your eyelashes," he says. You can still get that liquid-eyeliner look by winging it outwards at the outer corner of the eye, but it's much softer on hooded eyes.

Shop the Look:

2. Reverse Eyeliner

When I recently sat down with celebrity makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis, I was convinced that liner wouldn't work for my eye shape. But she showed me otherwise when I sat in the makeup chair and talked me through the common makeup mistakes. If eyeliner looks too heavy on your upper eyelid, try "reverse eyeliner" by applying your eyeliner on your lower lash line, like Bella Hadid is wearing here. You can make a statement with bright eyeliner colours, but this works equally well with wearable everyday shades like black or brown.

If you struggle to do a winged-eyeliner look, you can try winging your eyeliner out from the lower lash line instead. "Draw along the lower lash line and wing out," says Nguyen-Grealis. "Then, diffuse the line with an eye shadow brush while connecting it to the very edge of your upper lash line." She explained that this helps to add definition while lifting and elongating your eyes. Set with an eyeshadow for a long-lasting finish.

Shop the Look:

3. The Socket Smoke

When creating socket definition, it might feel odd bringing your eye shadow so high onto the brow bone, but that's exactly what you should be doing, says Skinner. "What a lot of people do is that they try to hide their lid by covering it and smoking it out, but you want to apply your eye shadow in the socket," he says. "Look straight ahead in the mirror and imagine where that shadow should go. Then, tip your head back, and you’ll see that actually, where you want it to go is where your brow bone is. This lifts and opens the eye."

Shop the Look:

4. Mini Eyeliner Wing

I rely on this eye makeup a lot for my hooded eyes. If you want to do a liquid eyeliner look with a wing, then avoid applying liquid eyeliner all the way along your upper lash line. Instead, you can apply it from the very outer corner only, winging out to lengthen and elongate the eyes. Find liquid eyeliner too harsh, try applying your liner with a dark brown eyeliner or eyeshadow instead for a softer effect and more natural-looking eyeliner.

Shop the Look:

5. Lower Lash Line Smoke

If I really want my eyes to pop for an evening look, I take a darker eye shadow along my lower lid, which makes the eyes appear larger. I love this look on Karlie Kloss here, who wears a burnt orange smoked out on her lower lash line and ties her smokey-eye look together.

Shop the Look:

6. Eyelid Highlight

"You want to maximise any amount of skin that you can see between the crease and the lash line," says Skinner. The best way to make your eyelids pop is to opt for a highlighting product. "That could be an iridescent eye shadow that's perhaps the same shade as your skin tone or even one shade lighter. Apply just above the iris in the centre of your lid. That amount of highlight will give the illusion of there being more lid space than there actually is," he says. This look really makes your eyes pop and works well worn alone or combined with other eye makeup looks.

"Avoid using bright and reflective eye shadows on the prominent part of the lid [such as above the socket crease or brow bone], as this will emphasise the hoods of the eyes," says Dior pro international makeup artist Jamie Coombes. "Instead, keep these shades to the mobile parts of the lid, as this will provide flashes of colour when you blink. Alternatively, add a fine touch of highlighter along the arch of the brow to lift."

Shop the Look:

7. The Smokey Eye

If you want to go for a smokey eye, then good news—your eye shape makes it easier to achieve this sultry look, as Sarah Jessica Parker shows. Try applying an eye shadow shade all over your lid, buffing it upwards onto the brow bone and out towards the outer edge of your eyes. Run the same eye shadow along your bottom lid, and add mascara to finish. You might find that false eyelashes look too intense on your eye shape, but a lengthening mascara can make your eyes appear more open.

8. Straight Eye Shadow

Notice that the shape is quite graphic and follows the natural lid of Samira Wiley's lid, but the wing itself runs parallel for a graphic shape. In fact, following a straight line when applying eye shadow is key for hooded eyes, says Coombes, and the same goes with more subtle and softer eyeshadow looks too. "Familiarise yourself with the straight-line technique, blending your eye shadow in a straight horizontal line and not blending out too far," he says. "A tip for this is to place the edge of a sheet of paper from the corner of the nose to the end of your brow and keep the blend within that space."

9. Negative-Space '60s Eye

I always turn to Taylor Swift for hooded-eye makeup looks, and this look quite literally took my breath away. While it's not an everyday look (but trust that I'm saving this for my NYE party makeup look), I'm taking note of placement on the crystals on the brown bone in this '60s-inspired look, which creates the illusion of a socket crease and really opens the eyes. You could re-create this look with softly diffused eye shadow or eyeliner for a bold look.

10. Hooded Eyeliner Wing

Depending on your lid shape, you might find that your upper eyelid covers where an eyeliner wing might go. This might be the case if you raise your brows to apply winged eyeliner, only to find when you rest your eyes, the wing doesn't look quite the same. The best protocol is to mark out where you want the lower part of wing to go and draw outwards. Then, when connecting it to the upper edge, you'll want to stop when you meet your natural eyelid create and fill in your outer triangle section of the wing. It should look a little like a bat wing when your eyes are open, but when they are rested your wing will look more flattering.

11. Soft Smoke

This is such a pretty and soft makeup look that works for any occasion. Simply run eyeliner underneath your eyelashes and smoke outwards for a simple eye makeup look. As for eyebrows, you'll want to go for soft definition, says Coombes. "Try not to overdraw brows, as this gives a heavier look and closes the eye," he says. "Instead, lightly define brows with two shades lighter than your usual colour, and brush the brow hair upward to open and lift the eye shape."

12. Bold Eyelashes 

When in doubt, leave your lids bare and go for lashings of lengthening mascara. A good pair of eyelash curlers will ensure an eye-opening effect, and a curling mascara will give all-day hold. If you find mascara smudges on your upper lids, try a tubing mascara formula or a waterproof mascara instead.

13. Tight-lining

If you find eyeliner on your upper lid is too heavy, try tight-lining. This technique involves applying a kohl pencil on the upper waterline so that it adds subtle definition to your eyelashes without taking up space on your upper eyelids.

How to Put Mascara on Hooded Eyes?

After consulting with the professionals, I've learnt over time that the best way to put mascara on hooded eyes it to begin with gently curling the lashes from the root. This will give a beautifully lifted effect that will also help the product from transfering to your eyelid. You'll want to concentrate on applying the mascara to your outer corner and really coating the entirety of the lash—not just focusing on the base or ends. Finally, gently take a cotton bud soaked with a splash of micellar water to clear any fall out.

Where Do You Put Eyeliner on Hooded Eyes?

One of the biggest questions I'm asked is where to place eyeliner on hooded eyes. The only caveat I would give is that the fold through the eyeliner is obviously the biggest barrier as it can sometimes look disruptive and cover the makeup look if you've traced it over your lash liner. So, I always advise either tight-lining your water line or sticking to a baby flick at the very outer edge of eye to ensure the look is perfect from the get go.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

You don't need us to tell you that makeup trends come and go. In recent years, we've seen the fall of bold Instagram brows make way for wild, fluffy strands, waved adios to the sharp contouring trend that saw us waste hours on YouTube trying to perfect the chisel, and laughed a photos from yesteryear that show us sporting foundation-toned lips. Just like in fashion, beauty also has its time-defining trends.

And while makeup artists, as a rule, typically recommend sticking to timeless techniques (much like how some of the best fashion stylists around do), there is one particular time in makeup they find themselves looking back to over and over again. "I suppose we can say that '70s makeup is making a comeback, but I'm not sure it ever really went away," says makeup artist, Mira Parmar. In fact, she describes the '70s as being a truly defining time in makeup—one that championed not only the healthy-looking glow that sets the precedent for great makeup today, but also creativity and self-expression. "It was all about colour, glitter and graphic lines (things we still see today), but also skin-focussed glow and healthy radiance," she adds.

This year, however, '70s-inspired beauty looks are bigger than ever––just look to e.l.f's newly launched 'Good Vibes Only' collection, which pays homage to the era. No longer are we simply adopting '70s-esque techniques, but we're embodying the ethos as a whole. We're looking towards makeup that works with how we're feeling, rather than how we want to look—think fun glitters, statement liners, freckled skin, and big, bright eyes. It's officially time to take a leaf out of the '70s-girl makeup book and enjoy a sense of creative freedom.

Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for the six most wearable (and easy) ways to wear '70s-inspired makeup.

1. Deep Blusher

Blush has fallen off the radar in recent years, with many people finding it tricky to use and even harder to pull off. But blush is back and it's easier to use than ever before. "Blush was big news in the '70s and made a statement. It's the perfect way to highlight the high points of the face and open up the complexion. The perfect blush makes your face look healthier and more glowing," says Parmar. The secret to nailing it every time? Look for a shade slightly deeper than your skin tone to mimic a sun-kissed effect and sweep it over the high points of the cheeks and over the nose.

This is the perfect example of how blush can be used to 'sun stripe' the skin. Opt for a powder that has a subtle hint of glow for the ultimate summer look.

The '70s was all about apricot tones, and this blusher is ticking every box.

Draping your blusher upward, towards the outer corners of the eyes, helps to lift the face and highlight the apples of the cheeks.

Get the Look:

2. Peachy Glow

We've already touched on the fact that apricot tones were big news in the '70s (across both fashion and makeup FYI), but really this statement applies to anything orange or brown in tone. When it came to skin, a peachy, healthy-looking tan reigned supreme. "It was all about that peachy complexion that really focused on the skin," says Parmar. And while time has taught us that sizzling in the sun is the last thing our skin wants, it couldn't be easier to mimic that sun-drenched glow with makeup. "Think about adding freckles and amplifying a dewy, fresh glow."

While this glitter eye look also oozes '70s glam, we're head over heels for Michelle's juicy, dewy complexion.

While nowadays we're all about glow, matte, desert-kissed skin was also a big trend throughout the '70s. Look towards powder bronzers and freckle pens to mimic that Californian hippie vibe.

When it comes to '70s makeup, bronzer is your best friend. For a matte, beachy finish, look for brick-toned, shimmer-free powders. However, for something more glowing like this, keep an eye out for subtle shimmers and liquid formulas.

Get the Look:

3. Graphic Liner

We've been talking about the comeback of graphic liner for a little while now. In fact, we'd go as far as saying graphic liner has appeared in seasonal beauty trend report for the past few years. And while it hasn't yet taken off in a way that has everyone stepping out the house in artistic eye looks, 2023 is the year it's finally going to stick—and the '70s makeup revival has a huge part to play in that. "You could say graphic liner is making a comeback but, to be honest, people have always been using it in moderation. Ever since the '70s, people have been adapting graphic liner to suit their needs," reveals Parmar. This year, however, it's time to let your liner speak for you. Whether you want to add some sharp points to your corners or go for something swirly, there's really no right or wrong way to apply it.

For a subtle look, reach for an aqua blue liner and embrace negative space, applying only to the corners of your eyes.

Nothing says '70s glam quite like a gold and black eye look.

Make a simple graphic liner look work harder by incorporating bright shadows and playing with contrasting shades.

Get the Look:

4. Colourful Eyes

Yep, you guessed it—coloured eye looks are back. "Coloured liner was played with far and wide in the '70s, and it's made a serious comeback," says Parmar. And while graphic liners can certainly incorporate colour, you don't have to go so bold. For something easier to achieve, opt for a smoked-out hue across your lash line or even dab a bright shadow over your lid to create a low-fuss wash. 

Hailey Bieber knows a thing or two about retro makeup looks and this glittery blue eye, teamed with a brown lip oozes '70s chicness.

If you're short on time but want to experiment with colour, simply use your fingers to dab some neon shadow into the corners of your eyes for a super-quick but cool finish.

Wet a liner brush and dab into a colourful powder shadow of your choice to create a soft liner look like this one.

Get the Look:

5. Glitter

It's time to go Studio 54 with our glitter looks. While glitter is typically reserved for festive, wintery makeup looks, the truth is, there's no reason you shouldn't reach for shimmer all year round. "Glitter was huge in the '70s. We've been seeing glitter trickle into mainstay trends more and more (partly in thanks to Euphoria), but this year it's going to be everywhere—from spring/summer through to autumn/winter," says Parmar.

Grey toned shadows taken up to the brown bone paired with sky-high false lashes makes for the ultimate night-out '70s makeup look.

Teaming a wet-look, shimmery eye with a glitter gloss and sparkling jewellery proves there's no such thing as too much.

Get the Look:

6. Nude Liner

While the '70s was no doubt all about glamour and excess, there are certain makeup subtleties that define the era, too. "I, along with other makeup artists, love using a peach nude inside the waterline to open up the eyes. They used this technique a lot in the '70s, and it's remained an insider secret. It's a great way to open up and brighten smaller eye shapes," explains Parmar.

If you look closely, you'll spot how the nude-toned liner on Jodie Comer's waterline perfectly compliments her apricot shadow.

If you're applying a warm-toned brown underneath the eye, applying a nude liner to the waterline is a great way to prevent it from shrinking the appearance of your eyes.

Want to embrace '70s glam with a super-fluttery lash? Reach for the nude liner to make sure they don't create too much unwanted weight to your eye look.

Get the Look:

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Next Up: 9 Pretty Summer Makeup Looks We Can't Wait To Try This Year

If you ask me, summer is the ideal time to switch up your beauty routine and experiment. This year, I believe this to be particularly true. After two summers of restrictions, summer soirées, festivals and holidays are firmly back on the agenda, and there’s a celebratory mood in the air. 

As such, we’re seeing this reflected in beauty trends. Models at MSGM’s and Versace’s S/S 22 shows were sent down the runway with vivid green eyeliner, which feels so right for festival season, and colourful hair accessories have made a major comeback amongst the fashion set this season, as seen on the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy and on the runway at Max Mara. In nail salons, everyone is opting for colourful nail art right now, and rightfully so. Who doesn’t want a dopamine hit on their fingertips? "With summer underway, neon and bright-coloured nails are making a comeback,” says Holly Wolff, nail technician at Neville Hair & Beauty. "Whilst most people tend to currently still opt for neutrals, we have noticed an increase in bright and neon shades, whether it be French tips or other nail art alternatives such as abstract designs. Self-expression is the ultimate trend for nails, so I think it will gain further momentum as people start going on holiday with either solid colour bases or multicoloured shades,” she says.

Ahead, Who What Wear editors and contributors put summer beauty trends to the test with the help of the best makeup artists, hairstylists and nail technicians in the business. We guarantee they’ll deliver some serious beauty inspiration for you to experiment with this summer.

Hair Trend: Silk-Scarf Ponytail

Tying a silk scarf into your ponytail is the ultimate hack for elevating your hair this summer. Here, Zoë Irwin, global ambassador for GHD, created this French-girl look with some key styling essentials. "When you’re wearing a scarf in your hair, it can really elevate an outfit—it’s ideal for wedding guest hair,” says Irwin. "Having some movement is key, so I’ve worked GHD Body Goals Mousse around the hairline before blow-drying to create a sleek finish and to elevate the crown, which is very Parisian.” She recommends taking a triangle section at the back of the hair and teasing it slightly to give volume and lift before securing the ponytail in place. Then, she used the GHD Platinum+ Styler to add curls throughout the lengths, twisting the iron 180 degrees as she moved down the length of the hair to create a glossy, tumbling wave. Silk scarves have a tendency to slip, so her top tip is roll the hair scarf and thread it through a hair grip before pinning at the base of the ponytail and tying in place.

Shop the trend:

Hair Trend: Half-Up Claw Clip

Claw clips are a chic accessory for styling your hair during heatwave weather, helping to keep your hair up and away from your face. While we love a claw-clip bun, Irwin showed us how to elevate lengths with a half-up, half-down style, which can be dressed up or down for summer occasions. To create these loose waves on editor Emma Spedding, she applied hair mousse through the hair before blow-drying with the GHD Helios Hairdryer to create body and volume. Once dry, she tonged the lengths of the hair with GHD’s Curve Classic Curl Tong. "Alternate the direction of each curl for the most natural-looking effect,” she says. Then, she sectioned the top layer of the hair back, taking two pieces on either side of the head, and twisted and tied the lengths together before securing with a claw clip. If you find hair accessories have a tendency to slip out of your hair, her top tip is to spritz your hair with a texturising spray or dry shampoo to help give the accessory grip and extra staying power.

Shop the trend:

Hair Trend: Ribbon Braids

"Ribbons look amazing braided into the hair, and this was one of the most popular looks at Coachella,” says Irwin. "I was totally inspired by video editor Remi Afolabi’s green blazer, so I chose this vibrant green grosgrain ribbon to match, which really pops in her dark hair.” To find the best placement for each ponytail, follow the line of your cheekbone for the most complementary look. Then, split each ponytail in two and knot the ribbon at the base to begin. "You want to continue alternately knotting the ribbon and the two sections of hair on top of one another,” says Irwin. "The only rule is that, whichever way you knot the ribbon, you stick with that pattern. So if you’re tying left over right, continue this all the way through,” she says. If you find it fiddly, use a clip to hold each section in place as you alternate the knotting of the hair and ribbon. Secure the ribbon at the bottom and leave the lengths flowing, or tie the two ponytail ends together to effortlessly change your look.

Shop the trend:

Nail Trend: Negative-Space Nails

This cut-out negative-space nail look on WWW contributor Andrea Cheong is from Townhouse’s spring/summer 2022 seasonal collection, which features abstract shades in varying colours. Get the look by applying a sheer neutral colour to your nails first, then take your coloured polish and paint randomised shapes across each nails. Alternate by painting diagonally, horizontally and vertically on different areas of the nails. For crisp lines, apply a small blob of polish on the nail before laying the brush flat and smoothing the colour over the nail.

Shop the trend:

Nail Trend: Colourful French Tips

Neon French tips sizzle on top of a sheer wash of colour on the nails. If you’re indecisive on what colour to pick, choose the rainbow with a different clashing hue on each nail. Woolf created these neon French tips using a microfine nail brush to add a slither of neon to each nail. We guarantee these will give you a serotonin boost every time that you catch sight of your manicure.

Shop the trend:

Makeup Trend: Pastel Wing

Lan Nguyen-Grealis, makeup artist and founder of Studio One Makeup, gave us a masterclass in tapping into the trend for bright eyeliner this summer. "This look is all about the eyes, so we’re keeping the base minimal and glowing,” she says. Here, she prepped affiliate editor Emily Dawes’s skin with an exfoliating pad before hydrating with a beauty balm and applying concealer just on the areas that need it. For the eyes, she mixed a pastel-blue eye shadow with a fixing spray—which helps to create a fluid texture and long-lasting formula—and mapped out the shape with a firm, angled eye shadow brush. "If you have a hooded eye shape, use the bottom lash line as a guide to draw your wing, and ensure you look straight ahead into a mirror to get the best shape,” says Nguyen-Grealis. "Then, connect the outer wing to your eyelid and build in layers to up the intensity.” If you make a mistake, use a Q-tip to tidy up any areas for a crisp cat-eye shape.

Shop the trend: