6 Universally Flattering Eyeliner Shades To Suit Every Skin Tone

Looking to elevate your eye-makeup routine? Universally flattering eyeliner shades are an effortless way to add dimension and versatility. "In painting colour theory, you're taught that the darkest darks (blacks) and lightest lights (whites) exist to accentuate the middle tones: think greys, browns and a range of colours, enhancing dimension and creating contrast," editorial makeup artist El DeBratto explains. "Makeup follows the same principles. When you choose eyeliner shades that fall into softer, less high-contrast middle tones, they tend to be more most flattering and wearable across a wide range of faces."

Ahead, pro makeup artists reveal the exact six shades that complement just about everyone. From classic blacks and ivory brighteners for everyday to a deep burgundy that yields a festive pop, these are the hues that will flatter any gaze.

The catch, of course, is that black eyeliner leaves little room for error: smudging or transferring can ruin any makeup look and it's far more noticeable with such an inky hue. That's why the Lancôme's pencil delivers similar staying power with a hybrid liquid-to-gel texture that sets quickly and stays firmly in place. Anastasia Beverly Hills's Liquid Liner is a very similar option when it comes to long-lasting stay and colour payoff.

For Spickard, chocolate brown ranks just behind black as one of the most universally flattering eyeliner shades. Álvarez echoes the sentiment, noting that brown eyeliner often appear fresher on mature skin and naturally skews more soft glam than dramatic. Still, choosing the right chocolate-hued liner comes down to one key factor: your skin's undertone. Spickard recommends pairing warm skin tones with warm browns and applying the same logic to cooler undertones.

Seeking something more subtle, that still makes eyes pop? Don't discount grey as only suitable for a smoky eye . In fact, it's a more natural-looking alternative to jet black. "Charcoals are going to be flattering on everyone. For instance, a black liner could read as too intense on someone with mature skin or very fair features. Whereas, if you were to opt for a charcoal grey, it's still going to add definition and dimension to the eye space without overwhelming it," says DeBratto.