In Defense Of Eyeliner

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Don't let the terrifying specter of an aging Robert Smith ruin eye makeup for you. Eyeliner doesn't have to be garish. When used wisely, it can emphasize one's eyes, bringing out the whites and the color of the irises to create a dramatic effect.

Apply the liner lightly along the inner rim of the lower lid at the very base of the lash. "If you're concerned about looking too intense, do just a little bit on the outer corner," says Nathan Rubin, director of training for Beaute Prestige International. "Then smudge it to make it softer." For cleanup, a wet cotton swab will do the trick.

Jean Paul Gaultier's Monsieur black eyeliner should work for most skin tones, though the fairest among us might opt for a shade of brown. But when to pencil? "I wouldn't have a problem wearing it every day," says Rubin. "But [most guys] may just want to wear it at night. It's just got to be discreet." In short, eyeliner can be good for the gaze.

-- Joshua David Stein