I've always been a black eyeliner loyalist (see The Eyes Have It). However, I recently decided to be daring and try something new. I picked up Nars Eye Liner Pencil in Bamako, a deep aubergine. I never thought eggplant-rimmed eyes could be a good idea, but after giving Bamako a try, I was pleasantly surprised. I lined my upper lids and smudged, then lightly rimmed my lower lids. As I pulled back from the mirror I was sure I was going to look like I had been crying, or beat up, but the effect was just the opposite! My eyes looked big and bright, and the color was less harsh than the usual black.

Bamako and Manon are Nars' featured liners this season. Manon is a bright violet so you definitely need a bit more courage to try it, but Bamako is a great way to experiment with a different eye without looking scary.