I wore eyeliner every day but gave it up after lockdown – a £22 eyeliner has rekindled my obsession…

EYELINER used to be part of my personality.

Whether I was running errands, hitting the gym or going on a night out, a neat, jet-black wing was always my signature look.

I spent hours flush against the bathroom mirror armed with an eyeliner and a YouTube video mastering my art - and a Sharpie-style, jet-black felt-tip eyeliner was my weapon of choice.

I could apply it on the bus, in the dark, half-asleep, and even tipsy, and kept an eyeliner in every bag and coat pocket I owned. 

In one swoop, I’d trace along my lash line, then extend it into a triangular flick before coating my lashes in heavy black mascara.

It was quite the look.

Eyeliner was my calling card, so when I didn’t wear it (which, admittedly, wasn’t often), I’d look half-dressed, triggering questions from colleagues about whether I’d slept or was ill.

I fell in love with the defined, elongated illusion it created, but then lockdown hit and I threw aside my make-up bag.

But not quite for good.

I practically wore no make-up during lockdown, but when I eventually picked up my brushes again, my go-to look became more simplistic.

A skin tint, coat of brown mascara, and peachy blush were now enough to make me look and feel ready - I no longer thought my face looked incomplete without eyeliner. 

Also, I didn’t own an eyeliner any more at that time, then when I nicked one from my sister’s make-up bag, I realised I had forgotten how to draw my signature flick, too.

However, cue starting my job at Fabulous magazine - where I literally can’t escape kohls, kajals and pens - and I fell back into eyeliner again.