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Five ways to make your eyes pop

Five ways to make your eyes pop

If you want to define and highlight your eyes, plus boost the look of lashes, eyeliner is the answer. Choose the right formula for you and check out these pro tips to get the best results.

Start with a thin line from the inner corner of the eye and gradually thicken it as you move outwards. Apply close to the lash line, making sure there is no gap.

  • The line should be thicker on the top lash line and thinner on the bottom. It should always meet in the outer corner of the eye

  • Use powder eyeshadow as a liner by smudging it close to the lashes with a stiff, flat brush like MAC #266 Small Angle Brush $45. Dip the brush into water first for a denser look

  • Eyeliners are best used over powder shadows rather than cream

  • Dramatic thick lines and cat-eye flicks look amazing on younger girls, but keep things subtle if your eye area is showing signs of ageing

  • If you have dark circles beneath the eyes, avoid lining the lower lash line (doing the top is a cleaner look). If you use a black shade, use concealer to brighten under the eyes

  • Use short, feathery strokes when using an eyeliner pencil, then blend with a brush. Finish by sweeping powdered shadow over the top

  • To steady your hand when using a liquid liner, rest your elbow on a table.

From top: L’OrÉal Paris Superliner Gelmaticin Ultra Black $24.99. Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Liner $58. Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner in Black $14.39. The Body Shop 2-in-1 Gel Liner Eyes & Brows $25. Jane Iredale Gel Eyeliner in Green $58.

1. Gelpots… are easy to use, give a soft, flattering line and stay put. But the gel needs a brush to apply and if you don’t clean it after use, it’ll go solid! Try: Jane Iredale Gel Eyeliner in Green $58 or The Body Shop 2-in-1 Gel Liner Eyes & Brows $25, which comes with its own brush stored in the cap.

2. Gel pencils… these hybrids give the easy flow of a gel with all the convenience of a pencil. But they break easily so handle with care. Try: L’OrÉal Paris Superliner Gelmaticin Ultra Black $24.99, or Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Liner $58, which comes in a range of shades.

3. Pencil liners… are super-easy to use and are just like drawing with a felt pen. Try: Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner in Black $14.39.

From top: Za Liquid Eyeliner in Black $20. Revlon Colorstay Skinny Liquid Liner in Electric Blue $27.50. Ulta 3 eyeliner in brown $2.95. Almay Intense i-color Defining Liner in Onyx $21.50. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Define +Highlight Eyeliner Duo in Cast away $45.

4. Liquid liners… need a steady hand but are long-lasting and give a dramatic result.

Try: Za Liquid Eyeliner in Black $20 or Revlon Colorstay Skinny Liquid Liner in Electric Blue $27.50.

5. Classic liners… can be smudged and blended for a soft, flattering finish, but beware of hard pencils that drag at the eyelid, particularly if the skin is crepey.

Try: Almay Intense i-color Defining Liner in Onyx $21.50, Ulta 3 eyeliner in brown $2.95, or Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Define +Highlight Eyeliner Duo in Cast away $45.

Want more beauty tips? Take a look at top anti-ageing tips for eyes here.

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