This Easy Eyeliner Trick Is A Game-Changer

"Poolside glamour" was the name of the game at Holly Fulton's show during London Fashion Week, which kicked off this past weekend. "The makeup had to be modern, young, fresh-faced, and happy," explains Andrew Gallimore, the lead makeup artist for the show.

Instead of interpreting that as minimal makeup with only brushed-up brows and a rosy cheek, (as most of his peers did at the New York shows), Gallimore wanted to give the look a little bit of a wink.

After applying a light veil of foundation and concealer where necessary, he focused his attention on the eyes. Mimicking the effect of a pool reflection, he created what he's coined as a "fresh fade" liner trick. "I started by applying MAC Pro High Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil onto the outer waterline, and then lined the rest with the same product in Pure White." To achieve the blend of color in the middle, one simply needs to tap the cyan gently into the white, smudging if absolutely necessary with a liner brush.

"Skip mascara on the top," he suggests, "but add a little bit to the roots of the bottom lashes." (Choose a waterproof formula to avoid any smudging.)

Normally, we would advise against white in the waterline, since it's more of a HD photography sort of trick to brighten the eyes. (For everyday, try a nude like Chanel Eye Kohl in Clair, for a similar effect.) But, here, Gallimore makes it stand out in a way that feels super-fresh, especially when it's the focal point on the face. Plus, white and blue together will only enhance and widen your eyes, and bring out the best in lighter irises.

Not to mention, it's helpful that all you need to achieve the look is two eyeliners and the basic ability to trace your waterline. You can easily work this into a weekend ensemble, or mimic this trick with more muted colors — say, a metallic bronze that meets a deep brown — for a smoky, daytime effect.

Check out a closeup of the look below and let us know if you think this is a trick worth trying.