Eye Opener

Awaken your dramatic side with statement-making liquid eyeliner

Coal eye pencils have long been the stars of the makeup bag. But now they have some competition, because liquid eyeliner has swooshed back into the spotlight. "Liquid eyeliners make your eyes look wider and more awake, and really pump up the drama," says Jennifer Patrick, professional makeup artist.

The bold, sultry sisters to coal pencils have yet another benefit: They can last up to nine hours, no touch-ups required.

Strokes of Beauty
To nail the look of liquid-lined eyes, Patrick recommends starting on the upper lash line, near the center of the pupil. "Then take short, steady strokes toward the outer eye to keep the line controlled."

For nighttime, go for maximum impact and apply liquid eyeliner to the lower lash line, too, starting in the middle and extending to the outer corner. Daytime, on the other hand, calls for softer appeal: Keep those coal pencils on hand and use them to draw your lower lash line in the same color as the liquid-adorned upper lash line.

While you want to get as close to your lash line as possible, make sure not to apply liquid eyeliner on your eye's waterline because it could make you tear up or cause irritation.

For effortless applications, try NYX The Curve, which is ergonomically shaped so you get a good grip and smooth lines.

Color Your World
Basic colors like black (for darker skin) and coffee (for fair skin) are always in style. When you want to go for show, Patrick says to start with a neutral color of liquid liner and then add a jewel-toned liquid eyeliner on top of it. "A small swipe of peacock blue or emerald adds a pop of color and looks so good when you blink your eyes,"" she enthuses.

Rock a little color with Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Radium or Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner in Purple Amethyst.

Spread Your Wings
The cat-eye or winged look can really turn up the glamour. You'll channel Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor when you extend liquid eyeliner slightly past the outer edge of the upper lash line. "Keep it under control and make sure to wing it up at the end, so you look awake, not sleepy," advises Patrick.

For Hollywood starlet appeal, there's L'Oréal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Black Mica 610.