When it comes to makeup, eyeliner is one of the most versatile and transformative products out there. The right eyeliner has the power to make your eyes pop, define your lash line, and even make you look more youthful. But with so many eyeliner colors and formulas on the market, how do you know which one is best for making you look younger?
How Does Eyeliner Color Affect How Old You Look?
The color of eyeliner you choose can have a surprising impact on how old you appear. Certain shades can subtly brighten the eyes, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and give you a more wide-eyed, youthful gaze. Here’s a quick rundown of how eyeliner color affects perceived age:
- Black eyeliner is classic, but can also be aging if used heavily on the upper and lower lash lines. Keep it to just the top lid for a defined look that doesn’t add years.
- Brown eyeliner is softer and more natural-looking than black. It defines eyes gently without being overly harsh.
- Navy blue eyeliner makes eyes look brighter and more vibrant. The cool tone is especially flattering on lighter eye colors.
- Dark green eyeliner enhances hazel and brown eyes. The lush, earthy tone brings out undertones and adds dimension.
- Plum eyeliner warms up blue and green eyes beautifully. It also helps downplay redness around eyes.
- Grey eyeliner is fantastic for adding subtle definition while avoiding a stark contrast against fair skin.
In general, lighter, brighter shades of eyeliner tend to make eyes look bigger, more refreshed, and youthful. Heavy black liner all around the eyes can feel aging. Go for brown or grey shades on bottom lids to keep things soft. Bold pops of color like emerald or cobalt along just the top lash line can brighten eyes without being overly dramatic.
What Are The Best Eyeliner Colors For Looking Younger By Eye Color?
The right eyeliner shade for making you look younger depends on your natural eye color. Here are flattering shades for different eye colors:
For Blue Eyes
- Bronze
- Copper
- Gold
- Plum
- Purple
Warm, golden-toned eyeliners make blue eyes radiate. Shades like bronze, copper, gold, plum, and purple will make blue eyes look brighter and limber. Go for a subtle metallic sheen for added luminosity.
For Green Eyes
- Brown
- Emerald
- Grey
- Navy
- Purple
Complementary colors are key for making green eyes pop while minimizing redness. Natural-looking browns, bold emerald green, slate grey, rich navies and purples will enhance the dimension of green eyes beautifully.
For Hazel Eyes
- Brown
- Forest Green
- Gold
- Plum
- Teal
Hazel eyes are unique in that they contain multicolored flecks. Play up the nuances with complementing shades of deep forest greens, glistening golds, plum, and rich teals. Soft brown liner on lower lash lines keeps things understated.
For Brown Eyes
- Black
- Bronze
- Grey
- Navy
- Plum
Brown eyes look most vibrant and lively with contrasting shades. Go for bold blacks, shimmering bronzes, slate greys, navies and deep plums. Avoid matching brown eyeliner, which can look dull. Focus color along upper lids only.
| Eye Color | Youthful Eyeliner Shades |
|---|---|
| Blue | Bronze, Copper, Gold, Plum, Purple |
| Green | Brown, Emerald, Grey, Navy, Purple |
| Hazel | Brown, Forest Green, Gold, Plum, Teal |
| Brown | Black, Bronze, Grey, Navy, Plum |
Should You Avoid Black Eyeliner To Look Younger?
Black eyeliner is a staple in many makeup bags, but is it necessarily the best choice for a youthful look? Here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re debating retiring your black liner:
Pros of avoiding black eyeliner:
- Softer, lighter shades can brighten eyes and open up the face
- Black liner all around eyes can feel aging and closing off
- Colorful shades complement eye colors for a vibrant look
- Non-black liners allow eyes to stand out on their own
Cons of avoiding black eyeliner:
- Black liner offers bold definition
- It’s classic, easy to apply and pairs with any makeup look
- Black makes lashes look thicker instantly
- You may prefer the way black liner frames your eyes
There are valid reasons on both sides for wearing or avoiding black eyeliner. Rather than ruling it out completely, consider balancing black liner just along upper lids with softer brown or grey shades along the lower waterlines. Or try using black liner for evening looks when you want that intense, dramatic framing, then switch to lighter colors for day.
What Types of Eyeliner Work Best For A Youthful Look?
In addition to color, the formula and finish of eyeliner impact how lively, bright and youthful your eyes will appear. Here are the types best suited for a younger look:
- Liquid eyeliner: The thin, precise line created by liquid liner accentuates eyes without being overpowering. Skip heavy flicks for subtle enhancement.
- Kohl pencil: Softer, smoother kohl eyeliners allow you to line eyes gently for just a hint of definition.
- Gel eyeliner: The creamy texture glides on easily. Use a small angled brush for thin application that enhances eyes gently.
- Eyeshadow: Sweep a shimmery eyeshadow along the lash line for a soft, smudgy look. Metallic shades brighten subtly.
Avoid heavier pencil, crayon, and retractable liners which can easily transfer onto lids for a messy, lived-in effect. Keep application precise but understated for wide-awake eyes.
Makeup Tips For Using Eyeliner To Look Younger
Once you’ve chosen the optimal youth-boosting eyeliner shades and formulas for your eyes, use these pro makeup artist techniques to apply it:
- Apply liner close against the base of top lashes, without leaving gaps.
- Keep lines thin, gradually tapering thinner as you reach the outer corners.
- Smudge kohl or eyeshadow liners with a brush or fingertip to soften edges.
- Lightly tightline along the inner rim for definition without heaviness.
- Balance bold upper lid color with neutral light brown or beige on lower waterline.
- Set liner with matching eyeshadow to prevent creasing or transferring.
- Curl lashes and apply mascara after liner for wide-eyed lift.
Top Eyeliner Product Picks For A Youthful Look
Ready to shop for eyeliners that will enhance your eyes while rolling back the years? Here are some top-rated, bestselling products in youthful colors and formulas:
Liquid Eyeliners
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Teal
- NYX Epic Wear Liquid Liner in Sapphire Blue
- Dior Diorshow Onstage Liquid Eyeliner in Matte Brown
- Haus Laboratories Liquid Eye-Lie-Ner in Aphrodite Olive
- KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner in Trooper Black
Kohl Eyeliner Pencils
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Torch
- NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
- Charlotte Tilbury The Classic Eyeliner Pencil in Bedroom Black
- Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Chocolate
- L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Grey
Gel Eyeliners
- Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Forest
- MAC Fluidline Gel Eye Liner in Blitz & Glitz
- Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Soft Nude
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Cream Color in Jet
- Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12H Wear in My Boyfriend’s Jeans
Eyeshadows for Liner
- L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow in Amber Rush
- NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Sycorax
- Natasha Denona Chromium Liquid Eyeshadow in Aubergine
- Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow in Rapture
- Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Palette
Conclusion
While there’s no one “best” eyeliner color for looking youthful, lighter, brighter shades tend to be most flattering. Choosing a color that complements your eye color is key. Go for fine lines, a soft smudgy look, and formulas that glide on easily. Avoid rimmed raccoon eyes with heavy black liner all around. The right shades and techniques can enhance your eyes, open up your gaze, and take years off your look instantly!