Sultry songstress Adele made a signature statement with dramatic sweeps of graphic liner. Look too complicated? Not so! Check out our easy-to-follow instructions complete with ideas for variations on the look. The namesake herself tends to go heavier while Diane Kruger exemplifies a softer, more subtle cat's eye.
Basic tips:
• Take a liquid liner and draw a line from the inner corner halfway along the top of your lashline.
• Then, draw from the outside corner going inward. Meeting in the middle will result in a clean line like Jennifer Hudson's.
• Next, use a pointed cotton swab to drag and taper the liner to a point just past the corner of your eye.
Basic products:
• A felt tip liquid liner with a soft pen-like brush is much more user-friendly than the classic liquid brush. We like Bobbi Brown's Inkliner ($24; bobbibrowncosmetics.com).
• Use the Precision Tip Q-tips ($4; walgreens.com) to create a dramatic cat’s eye. It’s important to drag the color upwards while it’s still wet so act quickly.
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Problem: I'm afraid of messing up the line
Solution: We love liners with a felt tip applicator like this one from Lancome ($30; lancome-usa.com). It lets you line, shape and define without tugging or skipping. Remember to pull gently on your lid for the smoothest application.
Problem: I have sensitive eyes
Solution: Contact lens wearers or people with fair skin like Emma Stone often have sensitivities. Before you apply any makeup, flush out your eyes with a saline solution to hydrate your pupils. We like the original Visine ($8; drugstore.com). Then pat them down with a tissue and wait a few minutes. This should eliminate dryness and irritation for the rest of the night.
Problem: I think it's too dramatic for me
Solution: If deep black is too harsh, try smudgy grey like the Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense in Agave ($29; saksfifthavenue.com). Instead of a really graphic, liquid line, Ginnifer Goodwin is wearing a soft smoky shadow that still has the same effect.
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