Why You Should Trade Classic Black Eyeliner For Navy
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
Get Acquainted With Navy’s Benefits
“A subtle play with colour is a great way to bring out your features without making things too heavy – hence why navy has become a popular switch for black of late, notably on the A/W runways,” explains make-up artist Levi-Jade Taylor. “It’s timeless, soft and clean, but it also has a cool factor that feels modern. Plus, there’s nobody it doesn’t suit – navy is such a slight change from black; it maintains the intensity and definition black gives, but the blue hue brings out all eye colours with a softer finish.”
Take A Haphazard Approach
“The best bit about a liner with colour, like navy, is you don’t have to be an expert – anyone can do it,” says make-up artist Chynara Kojoeva. “Pencils and eye crayons are great as you can take a smudgy, almost haphazard approach to get a diffused, subtle smoke out.” Levi agrees: “I recommend a kohl pencil – like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Pencil in Sabbath – to keep things soft. They’re easy to use and provide you with more of an effortless finish.”
Map Out Your Look First
“If you’re doing a feline flick, before you go in with any navy, map out the outer line first,” says Levi. “Look directly into a mirror and draw a line from the outer edge of your eye upwards. Imagine your lower lash line continues, as this will give you the perfect angle for your eye shape every time. Keep the liner on the lid as close to your lash line as possible. This creates more emphasis on the flick for an elongated eye shape. If you want to keep the look quite muted, go for jewel tones, like coppers, ambers and emerald blue.” Chynara adds: “If feline flicks aren’t your thing, you can play with colour by just dabbing a small amount at the inner and outer corners of the eyes – adapt the look to your preference, there are no set rules.”
Pair It With The Right Tones
“Combine your navy liner with a wash of a terracotta-toned eyeshadow or lipstick,” advises Levi. “The contrasting colours are an autumnal dream. I recommend using a shade like the VIEVE Eye Wand in Camel, or MAC’s Love Me Lip Colour in Bragging Rights. Both tones wear well with navy and make for a chic pairing, and cool tones like greys and taupes work well with navy, too.”
Keep Certain Tools Handy
“The final thing worth noting is you should try and have the right brush and Q-tip to hand if you’re creating navy feline flicks,” explains Chynara. “Muji’s little buds are so skinny and pointy so you can perfect every eye look with ease, creating really thin lines, depending on your preference. Just soak one in make-up remover and drag it over any areas you want to sheer or thin out. If you’re a total liner beginner, use a brush that’s already angled, as it’s much easier to use than a pointed brush. You can pick these up from any art shop and they’ll work a treat.” Levi adds: “If longevity is your issue and you don’t want navy transferring down your face, keep a loose, translucent powder nearby and dust just a tiny amount on top. This will prevent any oiliness on your lids from causing any transference.”
Shop our favourite navy liners…
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.