Are you stuck in the endless loop of classic black eyeliner? While black is timeless and versatile, adding a splash of colour to your makeup can completely transform your look. Coloured eyeliners are the perfect way to spice things up and express your unique style. From emerald green to gold, deep plum to peach, these shades can bring life and personality to your eyes.
This guide dives into everything you need to know about coloured eyeliners—how to wear them, why they’re trending, and how to find the perfect shade for every occasion. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Coloured Eyeliners?
Black eyeliner has been a go-to for decades, but coloured eyeliners offer something more—a way to express your mood, add flair to your makeup, and stand out. Whether you’re heading to work, a party, or a casual outing, coloured liners can elevate your look and make your eyes the center of attention.
Why Are They Trending?
Coloured eyeliners have gained massive popularity recently thanks to their versatility and the rise of bold, experimental makeup looks. Social media influencers and celebrities are ditching conventional makeup and embracing vibrant hues, making coloured eyeliners a must-have in every makeup bag.
Benefits of Using Coloured Eyeliners
a. Enhance Your Natural Eye Colour
Different eyeliner shades can make your natural eye colour pop. Emerald green works beautifully on brown eyes, while deep plum complements green and hazel eyes. Gold and peach shades add warmth to blue eyes, making them appear even brighter.
b. Versatility for Any Occasion
Coloured eyeliners aren’t limited to dramatic looks. A subtle line of peach or gold can work well for a casual day, while bold emerald or plum can make your evening look unforgettable.
c. Break the Monotony
Let’s face it—black eyeliner can get boring. Adding a colourful twist can breathe life into your makeup routine and make you look more vibrant and playful.
Top Coloured Eyeliner Shades to Try
Emerald Green
Emerald green is a showstopper. It’s rich, vibrant, and adds a dramatic flair to any outfit. This shade pairs beautifully with neutral eyeshadows and is perfect for both daytime and evening looks.
How to Wear It:
- Pair it with gold or bronze eyeshadow for a regal look.
- Use it on your lower lash line for a subtle pop of colour.
Gold
Gold eyeliner screams elegance and sophistication. It’s ideal for festive occasions or when you want to add a touch of glamour.
How to Wear It:
- Create a gold wing for a metallic finish.
- Add it to the inner corners of your eyes for a radiant glow.
Deep Plum
Deep plum is a versatile colour that works well with almost all skin tones. It’s bold yet subtle, making it a great option for any occasion.
How to Wear It:
- Combine with mauve or pink eyeshadow for a romantic vibe.
- Use it to create a smoky eye effect.
Peach
Peach eyeliner is soft and delicate, making it perfect for everyday wear. It’s a great way to look fresh and youthful without overpowering your overall makeup.
How to Wear It:
- Use it on your waterline to brighten your eyes.
- Pair with coral or nude eyeshadows for a cohesive look.
How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone
Selecting the right shade of eyeliner can be tricky, but understanding your skin tone can help.
Fair Skin
- Best shades: Peach, gold, light green.
- Avoid overly dark colours that can appear harsh.
Medium Skin
- Best shades: Emerald green, plum, copper.
- Experiment with metallic shades for a striking look.
Dark Skin
- Best shades: Deep plum, emerald green, gold.
- Bold colours stand out beautifully against darker tones.
Applying Coloured Eyeliners: Tips and Tricks
- Start with a Steady Hand: Use small strokes to avoid mistakes.
- Prime Your Eyes: A good eye primer ensures the liner stays put all day.
- Experiment with Techniques: Try different styles—wings, tightlining, or a bold graphic design.
- Blend for a Softer Look: Smudge the liner slightly for a more natural finish.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Looks with Coloured Eyeliners
Coloured eyeliners are versatile enough to fit into both casual daytime looks and bold nighttime glam. The secret lies in how you apply them and what you pair them with.
Daytime Looks
During the day, subtlety is key. Opt for softer shades like peach or gold, which enhance your features without looking overdone.
- Peach on the Waterline: This brightens your eyes and gives a fresh, natural look.
- Gold Accents: Add a thin line of gold on your upper lash line for a soft glow.
- Minimalist Pairing: Stick to nude or pastel eyeshadows and a light coat of mascara.
Nighttime Looks
Nighttime is the perfect opportunity to go bold with dramatic colours like emerald green or deep plum.
- Winged Emerald Liner: A striking emerald wing can turn heads at evening events.
- Smoky Plum Liner: Blend deep plum eyeliner with complementary dark eyeshadow for a sultry vibe.
- Metallic Flair: Add glitter or metallic eyeshadow to amplify the coloured liner’s effect.
Pairing Coloured Eyeliners with Eyeshadow
The right eyeshadow can enhance your coloured eyeliner, creating a cohesive and polished look.
Neutral Tones
Neutral shades like beige, taupe, or brown are a safe choice that won’t overshadow the eyeliner.
- Pair emerald green with light brown for a natural look.
- Combine deep plum with soft pink for a romantic finish.
Contrasting Shades
For a more daring approach, use contrasting eyeshadow colours.
- Pair gold eyeliner with a deep purple or navy blue shadow.
- Use peach liner with a shimmery teal shadow for a bold, vibrant look.
Monochromatic Looks
Stick to similar colour families for a harmonious effect.
- Peach eyeliner with coral or orange-toned eyeshadow creates a cohesive warm look.
- Emerald green eyeliner with olive green or forest green eyeshadow adds depth.
Best Coloured Eyeliner Products on the Market
Here are some of the best-coloured eyeliners that beauty enthusiasts swear by:
Emerald Green Eyeliners
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Mainline.”
- NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Pencil in “Esmeralda.”
Gold Eyeliners
- Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in “Bad Bride.”
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in “Golden.”
Deep Plum Eyeliners
- Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in “Plumage.”
- L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Eyeliner in “Purple.”
Peach Eyeliners
- ColourPop Crème Gel Liner in “Peach Fuzz.”
- Sephora Collection Retractable Eyeliner in “Pink Quartz.”
How to Maintain Coloured Eyeliners All Day
Coloured eyeliners can fade or smudge, especially during long days. Follow these tips to keep your eyeliner looking flawless:
Use a Primer
An eyeshadow primer creates a smooth base and prevents creasing, keeping your eyeliner intact.
Opt for Waterproof Formulas
Waterproof eyeliners resist smudging caused by sweat, tears, or humidity.
Set with Eyeshadow
Layering a matching eyeshadow over your eyeliner sets it in place and enhances the colour.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes
Frequent touching can smudge your eyeliner. If you need to adjust your makeup, use a brush or sponge instead of your fingers.
Trendy Coloured Eyeliner Looks to Try in 2024
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the hottest coloured eyeliner trends for the upcoming year:
Graphic Liner Designs
Experiment with bold, geometric patterns using emerald green or gold eyeliner for a futuristic vibe.
Double-Lined Eyes
Combine two colours, such as deep plum on the upper lash line and peach on the lower lash line, for a multidimensional effect.
Floating Crease Liner
Draw a line above your crease using a bright shade like gold or green for a statement look.
Celebrity Inspirations: Coloured Eyeliner on the Red Carpet
Celebrities are embracing coloured eyeliners, setting major beauty trends:
- Zendaya: Known for rocking emerald green eyeliner with nude lips for an effortlessly chic look.
- Rihanna: Spotted wearing gold eyeliner paired with matching gold eyeshadow for a monochromatic metallic look.
- Lily Collins: A fan of deep plum eyeliner, often paired with berry-toned lipstick for a cohesive appearance.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Coloured Eyeliners
Even the most vibrant coloured eyeliner can fall flat if applied incorrectly. Avoid these common mistakes:
Overloading the Colour
Too much product can make the liner look heavy. Start light and build up gradually.
Skipping the PrimerWithout primer, coloured eyeliner may smudge or fade, especially in warm weather.
Choosing the Wrong Shade
A shade that doesn’t suit your skin tone or eye colour can clash with your look.
DIY Coloured Eyeliner: Tips for Customizing Your Shades
Want to create your unique eyeliner shade? Here’s how:
Use Eyeshadow
- Wet an angled brush and dip it into your favourite eyeshadow.
- Apply it as eyeliner for a custom colour.
Mix and Match
Blend two coloured eyeliners to create a shade that’s uniquely yours.
Add Glitter
Mix a clear eyeliner base with glitter pigments for a sparkly finish.
The Future of Coloured Eyeliners in Beauty
Coloured eyeliners are here to stay. With brands launching innovative formulas and shades, the options are endless. From sustainable, vegan-friendly products to high-tech, long-lasting formulas, the future of coloured eyeliners looks bright—literally and figuratively.
FAQs about Coloured Eyeliners
1. Can I wear coloured eyeliner every day?
Absolutely! Subtle shades like peach or gold are perfect for daily wear, while bolder hues can add drama for special occasions.
2. How do I remove coloured eyeliner without irritating my eyes?
Use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover to dissolve the product without harsh rubbing.
3. What’s the best eyeliner for beginners?
Look for pencil eyeliners—they’re easier to control and less messy than liquid formulas.
4. Can coloured eyeliner replace eyeshadow?
Yes! A bold coloured liner can serve as the focal point of your look, especially when you’re short on time.
5. Is coloured eyeliner suitable for mature skin?
Yes, but stick to softer shades like gold or peach to avoid accentuating fine lines.