6 Of the Best Colored Pencils to Replace Your Go-To Black Eyeliner

Black eyeliner is a constant in many a makeup routine. It’s classic and effortless but, sometimes black can look harsh and dare we say, typical. With so many other shades at our disposal, it may be time to give black eyeliner a rest. 

After all, colored eyeliner is a great yet subtle way to experiment with other shades while highlighting the color of your eyes. So, if you’re ready to embrace colored eyeliner, read on as we share six alternatives to replace your go-to shade of black. We have a feeling you won’t even miss black eyeliner once you make the switch.

6 Shades to Replace Your Black Eyeliner

Instead of using black eyeliner to define the shape of your eyes, use a color like blue or purple to define the shape and complement your unique eye color. It’s an easy makeup hack that can easily upgrade your look with little effort. Enjoy our favorite colorful swaps for your staple black eyeliner. 

1. Brown Eyeliner

Brown eyeliner has all the same qualities as black eyeliner — enhancing the shape of your eye, creating symmetry, faking the appearance of larger eyes — with a softer finish. It’s universally flattering on all skin tones, it accentuates blue eyes and it’s a great upgrade for a daytime makeup look. 

For those with pale skin or mature skin, black eyeliner can look especially dark and harsh and a brown liner can eliminate that. To get the look, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Brown. The precise felt tip on this liquid eyeliner makes application easy and the rich, espresso-colored hue does a great job at defining the eyes with a soft-focus finish.

Editor’s tip: A rich and shimmering shade of bronze is a gorgeous complement for hazel eyes. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Bronze.

2. Deep Blue Eyeliner

If you welcome color into your makeup routine, switching to blue eyeliner should be a pleasant change. A rich blue wing offers an intentional pop of color that upgrades the rest of your makeup without appearing too exaggerated. It’s fresh, a bit eclectic and it looks great with brown eyes. 

We love the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue. The dark, navy shade isn’t too far off from your go-to black liner but its presence is known. For a bolder, electric shade of blue, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Cobalt Blue.

3. Purple Eyeliner

Purple eyeliner is a gorgeous, deep shade that can really enhance brown eyes. To get the look, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Aubergine or the L’Oréal Paris Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Violet Wool. The dark purple, plummy hue is subtle but it does a great job of emphasizing the shape of your eyes and your brown irises.

4. Dark Gray Eyeliner

Think of gray eyeliner as black eyeliner’s quiet little sister. The two aren’t that different but gray is less dramatic than black with the same defining and enhancing qualities. It’s a great compromise that does not get nearly enough attention, plus, it’s super flattering on green eyes. 

Our favorite gray eyeliner is the L’Oréal Paris L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Gray. The color is a gorgeous, cool-toned gray and the budge-free formula lasts all day long.

5. Silver Eyeliner

While silver does not have the same defining quality as black eyeliner, its light-catching shimmer and pale hue make it a subtly, gorgeous statement. To get the tin-foil look, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Silver. 

Additionally, using silver eyeshadow as eyeliner is a great option, (especially if you want more pop) so try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Aluminum Foil. Use a liner brush and spray the tip with setting spray before dipping into the eyeshadow. Wetting your brush will help to create a foiled metallic finish with high-shine pigment.

6. Burgundy Eyeliner

Rich shades of burgundy, oxblood and crimson always make their way into our fall beauty routine whether it’s our manicures or hair color and adding eyeliner to that list is only fitting.

A jewel tone like burgundy still offers the definition of black eyeliner with a softer, vampy finish and it’s a great way to enhance green eyes. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Burgundy to get the look.

Next: 9 Reasons Why Your Eyeliner Always Smears

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: Maëva, IG @/maevaattrait, Design credit: Sarah Duvivier