Test Drive: Lite-Brite Liners

Cooler weather always signals the return of neutrals to our wardrobe. But this year we’re mixing it up with a burst of color on our eyes. Whether it’s cobalt blue, forest green, shimmery metallic, or even shocking pink, these shades are user-friendly and fun. Makeup artist Lindsey Jones gave us her tips on rocking statement liner.

How To Wear

Jones advises choosing shades that you want to play up in your eyes. Blue liner will flatter blue eyes and “brown eyeliner with copper flecks in it can bring out the amber hue in brown eyes.” That said, don’t be afraid to experiment with a rainbow of shades.

Keep the rest of your makeup — especially on your eyes — simple. Pair bright liner with a light neutral shadow and minimal lip and cheek color. Bright colors can make any skin imperfections stand out so don’t skimp on the foundation or tinted moisturizer. Pay particular attention to masking under eye circles.

Prep lids with a primer or concealer to prevent any creasing. For extra long wear, layer a liquid liner over a cream or pencil. Tip: Soft eye pencils may smudge onto your lashes while you’re applying so make sure to finish with a few coats of mascara.

For the Traditionalist: Dark Tones

Try a dark forest green or true navy for a lowkey hint of color. You’ll only notice the color if you look closely but these shades are much more interesting than plain black or brown.

• Our Picks: stila stay all day waterproof liquid eyeliner in Moss, a rich forest green; stila smudge stick waterproof eye liner in Bluefin, a navy with lovely flecks of metallic blue that reflect the light.

Perfect for Experimenting: Shimmery Metallics

If you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone, go for a great metallic. They’re versatile and subtle enough to pull off day or night. Try lining your bottom lashes or just the inner corner of your eyes with a gold or, for a bolder look, layer copper over a tight lined black liner.

• Our Picks: Make Up For Ever’s Kohl Pencil 7K is a true gold in an easy to apply pencil; NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Skorpios is soft, easy to layer, and luminescent.

Stepping it Up: Jewel Tones

Slightly more daring but easy to pull off as the weather turns a bit colder, jewel tones like dark cerulean and purple make eyes light up.

• Our Picks: Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner #8 is a royal purple with a slight shimmer; MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Auto-De-Blu is a deep cerulean blue that glides on easily.

Feeling Adventurous: Primary Colors

We’d save these colors for the weekend if you work in a more conservative industry but they’re a fun change and are sure to get you noticed. A thick yellow line is surprisingly wearable when paired with loads of mascara and a bright blue or grass green can be blended into darker shades for a little extra sass.

• Our Picks: MAC Chromographic Pencil in Primary Yellow, Hi-def Cyan and Landscape Green go on like colored pencils.

Boldest of the Bold: Neons

With neons, it’s best to go big or go home. Opt for hot pink, metallic aqua, or lime green and wear it in a thick winged line. Pair this with neutral colored clothing and a subdued hairstyle to avoid straying into 80's territory.

• Our Picks: Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner has a fine tip applicator that makes it easy to create a controlled winged line. Go for #5, a metallic blue, or #9, a hot hot pink. NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Celebrate is bright and fun.