Hey there, beauty enthusiasts! Are you ready to unlock the secret to achieving that effortless, natural-looking eyeliner? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into a world of subtle definition and no-makeup makeup magic!
The Eyeliner Evolution: From Bold to Subtle
As a teenager, I was all about making a statement with my eyeliner. Dark kohl liners were my go-to, but fast forward to today, and I'm all about embracing a more natural, subtle look. You see, certain eyeliners can be a bit intimidating, especially when you have hooded eyes like me. It's easy to go overboard and end up with a look that's just too heavy.
The Rise of Natural-Looking Eyeliners
Enter the era of natural-looking eyeliners! I've been on a mission to find the perfect products that offer just the right amount of definition without screaming 'makeup'. And let me tell you, the results are stunning! From softly diffused smoky wings to barely-there brown liners, I'm loving the current makeup trends that focus on enhancing your natural beauty.
My Top Picks: The Best Natural-Looking Eyeliners
After putting numerous eyeliners to the test, I've narrowed down my favorites. These products will help you achieve that sought-after 'no-makeup' makeup effect while still defining your eyes beautifully. Here are my top picks:
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa: This versatile liner applies smoothly and effortlessly. Whether you're tightlining, creating a soft wing, or defining your upper/lower lashes, it's a dream to work with. The rich brown hue in a soft-matte finish makes it the perfect choice for a natural look.
Jones Road The Best Pencil in Brown: Created by the legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown, this pencil liner glides on smoothly without any dragging. The formula is incredibly soft, allowing you to smudge it for a natural, soft definition around your eyes. I highly recommend the brown shade for an effortless, no-makeup makeup vibe.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil: If you're after a refreshed, wide-eyed look rather than obvious definition, this is your go-to. The off-white hue is designed to be applied on your waterline, helping to disguise redness and instantly brighten your eyes. It's a subtle way to enhance your look without anyone guessing you didn't get your beauty sleep!
Beauty Pie Gel Eyeliner in Turkish Coffee: This eyeliner features a long-lasting gel formula that's incredibly soft, ensuring it glides on smoothly without dragging. It's perfect for those worried about smudging or transfer, as it has impressive staying power. Plus, it comes with a built-in smudging tool for creating smoky eyes.
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Barbarella Brown: For a waterproof and indestructible eyeliner, Charlotte Tilbury's formula is unbeatable. It boasts an impressive wear time of 10 hours on the waterline and a whopping 28 hours on the lids. Once it's set, it won't budge, making it ideal for sensitive or watery eyes. The Barbarella Brown shade is the most natural-looking option.
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Glide Eye Pencil in Ground Coffee: Indulge in a luxurious formula with Lisa Eldridge's eye pencils. They're buttery soft and blendable, allowing you to create various looks. The Ground Coffee shade is perfect for achieving natural definition along your waterline and lashline. It applies like silk but dries down for a long-lasting finish.
Glossier Boy Brow Arch: While it's technically a brow pencil, Glossier's Boy Brow Arch has an incredibly fine angled nib, making it perfect for adding subtle definition exactly where you need it. I love using the brown tone to lightly enhance the inner corners of my eyes. It's also fantastic for creating realistic brow hair strokes and can double as a natural-looking eyeliner.
E.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner in Plum and Go: If brown is too subtle and black is too harsh, try a burgundy eyeliner! Burgundy or plum-toned liners, like this one from E.l.f., provide definition while subtly enhancing your eye color. It applies smoothly and is budget-friendly, making it a great option for a natural look.
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Sable Brown: When you need an affordable yet reliable eyeliner, Rimmel is your go-to. This eyeliner, priced under £3, rivals more expensive options with its silky-soft formula that glides on effortlessly. The Sable Brown shade is perfect for everyday, natural-looking eyeliner looks.
Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner in Dusk: With an ultra-precise retractable nib, this eyeliner is versatile and convenient. You can use it for soft, blended wings or tightlining your lashes without worrying about sharpening. However, if you're applying it to your lids, blend quickly as it sets in place after a minute.
MAC Eye Kohl in Costa Riche: MAC's eyeliner pencils are a staple in many makeup artists' kits, and for good reason. The Costa Riche shade is a deep brown with a matte finish that suits everyone. It's soft enough to create a subtle smoky look and is ideal for tightlining or applying to the waterline. It's also gentle on sensitive eyes.
Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner in Depth: Kosas eyeliners are a joy to work with, thanks to their nimble nib and built-in sharpener on the other end. This ensures precise application every time. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and has incredible lasting power. It also comes with a smudging tool for creating soft, smoked-out wings.
Application Tips for a Natural Look
To achieve the most natural-looking eyeliner, tightlining is your best friend. It involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, right under your upper lashes, to create the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes. Soft kohl pencils are perfect for this technique, as they provide a subtle definition without being too noticeable.
Additionally, opting for brown eyeliners over black can create a softer, more natural appearance. Eyeliner pencils offer a more blendable, natural-looking formula compared to liquid eyeliners, which are designed for crisp, defined edges.
Our Testing Process
At Who What Wear UK, we take our beauty recommendations seriously. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years, including skincare, makeup, hair, and nail care. We work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists, and industry insiders, to ensure our guides are well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to our readers.
We focus on formulas that deliver results, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible outcomes, ingredient knowledge, and what we'd genuinely recommend to our friends.
So, there you have it! My top picks for achieving that natural-looking eyeliner. Remember, it's all about enhancing your natural beauty and creating a seamless, defined look. Now, go forth and conquer the world with your stunning, subtle eyeliner looks!
