How to wear colored eyeliner without looking like a 2-year-old!
If I had to pick just one beauty trend to wear this season, it would be the brightly hued eyeliners popping up everywhere. They look so pretty and flattering while being super-simple—just a flick of the pencil, and you are ready to go!
However, this is also one trend that seems to scare women the most because it’s easy for colored eyeliner to go the route of a 2-year-old playing with her crayons. So, how do you walk the thin line between cool and kiddish? Read on.
1. Don’t just pick a favorite color
Like clothes and lipstick, the color you adore might not be the best option for your peepers. To make colored eyeliner work, you need to pick one that compliments (not matches) your eye color.
Remember that opposites attract:
- Brown eyes look best with richer and more saturated colors like purple, lavender, pink, turquoise, blue, gold, and copper.
- Blue eyes are incredible when paired with bronze, orange, or rust.
- Green eyes look lovely with purple, gold, or dark turquoise.
- Hazel eyes stand out against green or purple.
2. Choose your formula
The format matters—a lot. For instance, pencil liners give maximum control, making them excellent for novices or those with less steady hands.
Want to rim the inner lash line? Use a firm, wooden pencil.
Going for smudged or smokey? Choose kohl, which is more malleable than pencils or eye shadows.
Liquids give the thickest, most dramatic line—those with a brush deposit the most pigment but require a steady hand. At the same time, pen versions are less saturated and dry faster. Gels produce an even line and glide on more smoothly than liquids.
3. Keep it close to the lash line
The trick to wearing colored eyeliner without it looking cartoonish is precision. Keep it as close to your lash line as possible without any skin peeping through in between.
Work your way from the top innermost area to the outer corner for the cleanest effect. Then, do the bottom line, starting from the outside and working your way inward. Move the liner rather than your head.
4. Consider the placement
For a chic look, stick to your upper lash line, especially if you’re new to colored eyeliner. If you want to experiment with your lower lash line, choose a lighter color or use a colored pencil to smudge the liner gently.
A bold color on your upper and lower lids can overwhelm your face and take you from runway-ready to face-paint fiesta in a hot second.
5. Stick to sophisticated shades
Not all colors are created equal when it comes to eyeliner. Neon green or bubblegum pink might remind people of elementary school art projects, but deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and plum instantly elevate your look.
These shades give you a splash of color while still looking luxe and grown-up. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pastel liner can be fun—just keep it soft and minimal.
6. Pair with a black ‘pencil for optimum effect!
On a day when I want to go bright yet not so dramatic, this is the best bet: First, line your eyes with a soft black pencil.
Then, trace the colored eyeliner (jewel tones work best here) right on top of the black, lightly smudging them together.
What you get is a deeper, richer shade that’s almost—but not totally—black. It gives just the right pop of color without screaming out loud.
7. Know when to stop
Less is more when you’re working with bold eyeliner. If your eyeliner is the main attraction, keep the rest of your look fresh and understated. Resist the urge to layer on too much color elsewhere. Bright blush, a statement lip, AND colored eyeliner can all add to a bit of a mishmash.
Honestly, the main reason colored eye makeup often tacky is that it’s paired with super-bright lips, OTT eye shadow and teased hair. Colored eyeliner is the beauty equivalent of a little black dress—meant to be seen, not overshadowed.
Want to keep it chic and cheerful? Stick to loose waves or a high ponytail and natural makeup (soft pinks, peaches, and roses work best). If you use an eye shadow, make sure it’s neutral. In fact, makeup pros recommend ditching mascara altogether for a clean, fresh take on the trend.
Have you ever rocked colorful eyeliner? What is your best tip for dramatic eyes?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Have you ever Skone Cosmetic’s Insanely Intense Tattooed Eyeliner? One of my faves! Plus it comes in green.
I turned 70 and trying out new things, I love how you do this, it makes my eyes so defined.
Colored eyeliner is a fun way to elevate any look without going overboard. I like to keep the rest of my makeup minimal and use the color as a subtle pop—either on the waterline or as a sleek wing. Choosing shades that complement my eyes makes the look feel intentional and chic.