by Colleen
As a classic white shirt will be this season’s closet essential, the makeup bag also has classic essentials that you can rely on to elevate your look. The perfect red lipstick, the essential concealer, the quintessential mascara… For me, this season’s makeup bag essential is black gel liner. With the right makeup brush and the perfect liner you can line your eyes subtly or dramatically and effortlessly. And that may be all you need to elevate your outfit, just like on other occasions where you may instead reach for that perfect red lipstick.
Alix has been helping me curate a new improved wardrobe and one of the essentials she recommended I buy was a classic white v-neck t-shirt that fits perfectly. (mission accomplished with the vintage white t from JCrew) I am also searching for that perfect white shirt. I love the look of a classic white shirt with the sleeves rolled up past the elbows that can be worn with anything from jeans to a gorgeous skirt. So I thought it was only fitting to reciprocate with a makeup bag essential.
You may feel more comfortable with a crayon eyeliner, and there is nothing wrong with those as they can be blended easily. But if, like me, you find your liner fading away by lunchtime, try a gel liner. Most of them are long wearing and really don’t budge. Not to worry though as mistakes can be quickly fixed with a q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover or these handy ones from Almay that are already infused with the remover.
A gel liner can be applied in a precise line, can be used to easily create the quintessential cat eye or can even be blended to create a larger shape. The only other essential you need with this is the perfect eyeliner brush.
The Brush: Sigma E05 eyeliner bush is the perfect shape. It’s an affordable top of the line brush allowing for precision lining.
The Liner: For black I love Inglot eyeliner gel in black. It is by far the inkiest of blacks I have found and stays put for hours. Runner up goes to Bobbi Brown’s eyeliner gel in black. For a more subtle line try Bobbi Brown’s Sepia Ink, perfect for blondes who find black too harsh. For a twist on a colored liner I love black mauve from Bobbi Brown for it’s subtle shimmer and hint of mauve in a grey/black base.
The technique: Before applying the liner to the eye, make a few strokes with your eyeliner brush dipped in the liner on the back of your hand to remove excess product and also to give yourself some practice with the brush. Get as close to your lashes as possible and using small strokes line the eye, stopping at the outer corner. Look in the mirror and decide if you want to add a cat eye flick at the corner or if you need to thicken the line. You can also use this liner to line just under the upper lashes. This technique really adds definition to the eye.The choice of shape is entirely yours, make your liner classic, rock’n’roll or cate eye. It’s all about your own personal style.
SHOP THE ESSENTIALS