Tutorial // A Brown Smokey Liner Look

Today I fancied changing up my makeup look and opted for a brown smokey cat-eye. I think that brown makes a nice alternative to black and can still add drama and a sultry quality to a look.

This look was easy to achieve with three products, and would be suitable for an everyday look or an evening out. To achieve this look I used two brown eyeshadows from an Esteé Lauder palette - one a medium brown which went all over the lid, and the other a dark chocolate brown which I blended into the crease. I then used a warm brown gel eyeliner from Collection (reviewed here) in a small flick along my top lash-line. I then blended some of the brown eyeliner along my lower lash-line and smudged it in with a pencil brush. To finish the look I used Esteé Lauder Sumptuous Volume mascara (reviewed here). To add extra drama you could add false lashes, but as I was wearing this during the day I chose to skip this step.

Do you prefer black or brown eyeliners?

MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy // Review

This eye kohl from MAC is described as 'intense bronze'. It is essentially a warm dark brown with tiny flecks of gold shimmer running through it, very pretty and great for summer. 

As you can tell, this is a well-loved item in my makeup bag. Since purchasing this eyeliner, it has become my go-to brown for a quick and easy smokey eye. I often find myself wearing this on a day-to-day basis and I don't find the tiny shimmer particles too much for daytime wear. The kohl formula is creamy and smudges easily which is great for creating a smokey look, but it does have the disadvantage of poor longevity. I find that the liner does fade throughout the day and needs reapplying which is annoying as it is such a lovely shade.

Even though it may not last the longest time, I do still really love this eyeliner as it is just so pretty and easy to wear. The MAC eye kohls retail for £14 and are available from MAC stores and online. Have you tried Teddy? 

Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner Black // Review

I was given this liner for free when I spent £4.99 on the Collection gel eyeliner. It is not something I would have picked up on my own accord as I have never used a felt tip liner before and didn't really expect to like this much... but I am surprised to say that I do!

The liner claims 'All day wear for perfectly defined eyes. Easy to apply, fast dry formula' and I have to say it certainly lives up to these claims. This liner is incredibly easy and fuss free to use! The felt tip applicator takes the time and mess out of creating a winged eye it also dries very quickly which minimises any smudging. It is a great deep black and lasts all day with no flaking or fading like pencils or liquid can. 

The Extreme Felt Tip liner is priced at £2.99, which I think is amazing value for money and is available in four colours - purple, teal, black and blue. 

I definitely think this eyeliner would be suitable for those who find creating a winged liner difficult and want to learn the technique before using liquid or gel. Or like me, those who want to save time and create a winged eye in a matter of minutes. If you are interested in trying this eyeliner it is available from both Boots and Superdrugs stores as well as the Collection website.

Collection Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner in Brown // Review

Only a few years ago it seemed that gel eyeliner was exclusive to higher end brands... but not anymore! High street brands including Maybelline, Revlon, Rimmel and Barry M have all recently brought out a gel eyeliner, as have Collection (formerly Collection 2000).

I was looking to buy a brown gel liner for everyday wear for a change to my usual black. Whilst browsing I discovered that Collection had a range of gel liners - available in black, brown, teal and gold. 

At £4.99 I thought I'd give it a whirl. So what do I think? On their website Collection claims that the eyeliner gives '12 hours lasting wear', although I did not wear the liner for precisely 12 hours it certainly lasted throughout the day. The colour, a dark but-not-too-dark brown was a perfect change from black and suitable for daytime.

The only downside to this product is the brush that it comes with. The brush is far too small and fiddly to use so I would recommend using another eyeliner brush with this product. 

Overall I really like this eyeliner and I would repurchase. I think this product is as good as gel eyeliners from much more expensive brands so well done Collection! Collection products are available in both Boots and Superdrug stores as well as online.