Eyeliner is a timeless beauty look that’s as hot as it’s ever been, possibly because it’s so flattering. It helps lashes seem lusher, opens up the eyes and gives drama to your look. If you avoid using it because it can be fiddly to paint on, then it’s time to have another go. The latest liners are easier to apply than ever before. They glide on smoothly, last longer without flaking and don’t require an ultra-steady hand.
Celebrity gallery: our favourite red-carpet eyeliner looks
10 eyeliner tips
Make sure your eyelids are dry – so no eye creams, oil-based removers or cream-based eye shadows.
A great look is a wash of powder eye shadow in one neutral shade with liner applied close to the upper lashes and then loads of mascara.
Don’t stick with black liner – shades of turquoise and violet are very on trend and will give your eyes a pop of colour without looking overdone.
For extra intensity, pair your eyeliner shade with a matching mascara.
Soften a hard line by brushing on a little powder shadow over the top. This will also help set the liner.
Line the eye from the inside corner outward. It may help to hold your eyelid taut as you do it.
If you don’t have a steady hand, keep your elbow on a table. Or, instead of a single sweep, apply a series of short dashes of liner very close the lashes and then join them up.
Never wear more liner beneath your eye than you have on the lid – this is a look that works on catwalks but can seem odd in real life.
Your eyes should be the focal point, so keep lips and cheeks toned down with soft shades.
Resist hard or thick lines and dramatic cat eye flicks/wings unless you’re still young – in which case, go for it.
MY BEAUTY SECRETS
Jessie Gurunathan (28) is a singer, TV presenter, DJ and actress.
My beauty philosophy is… Making time to look after yourself is the most effective beauty advice I can offer. We can be so busy that we often look for quick fixes that “fake” looking healthy, more youthful or just mask your imperfections. After battling a severe case of endometriosis from the age of 13, I have learned that you can’t fake good health. After a while, it all catches up with you and you start to see the effects in your appearance.
The skincare products I can’t live without are… The Jojoba Company Skincare range is something I have recently switched to and I am so glad I did. I also use this product called ASAP Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub, which keeps the texture of my skin pretty smooth.
My haircare secret is… Sebastian Professional Hydre Treatment as I have really long, thick hair and my ends tend to get quite dry.
The must-have products in my makeup bag are… L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara in black. I have pretty sad lashes and I find L’Oréal makes great mascara. A good face primer – Smashbox Photo Finish Primer – is something I only started using this year and I’m a total convert now. Makeup stays intact for longer and doesn’t seem to slide off under stage lights, which can be pretty intense sometimes.
My favourite makeup look is bright lips paired with a black liquid-liner cat eye flick. When I’m in a rush, this is my cheat’s way of looking like I’ve made an effort, but with minimal fuss. Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner is super-easy to apply, sets within 60 seconds and stays put for ages.
My favourite beauty treat is… Sleep! I’m such an insomniac and a good night’s sleep is always a treat that seems to make me look and feel a million times better.
My biggest beauty sin is… Going to bed with my makeup on – I do this far too often!
The best thing my mother taught me about beauty was… My mum is one of the most beautiful woman I know and she exudes inner beauty that others around her are always drawn to. She was never a drinker, nor does she smoke and has never bought into quick-fix jar methods. She embraces the laugh lines on her face and my dad still looks at her as if she’s the only woman in the room. I can only hope that one day I can pass on the same values my mum has instilled in me to my own daughter.
