Get the look: Kaj’s lived-in liner

Want a cool, effortless makeup look? Try this perfectly imperfect, easy-to-achieve liner that comes together in six steps.

Yes, it may look like the result of a raging all-nighter, but it is possible to achieve this effortlessly cool lived-in liner look while still getting your eight hours: all it takes is the right products, a few technique tips and a whole lot of hydration. Read on or how to ace Kaj’s morning-after eye look, sans the exhaustion.

Hydrate the eye area
The difference between the look of lived-in liner and *actual* lived-in liner is all in the skin. Well-hydrated, healthy-looking skin makes all the difference when it comes to rocking this grungy beauty look. Reach for a radiance-boosting eye cream, like Alya Skin Pink Pearl Illuminating Eye Cream. The de-puffing formula contains ingredients like mineral-rich Tasmanian sea kelp, soothing aloe vera and energizing caffeine to instantly wake up the eye area while creating the perfect canvas for smudgy kohl liner.

Opt for sheer coverage
If you’re going for the slept-in look, you don’t want to go too heavy on foundation. Instead, select a barely-there tinted moisturizer, like Quo Beauty Unisex Tinted Hydrator. With a sheer, oil-free formula, this brightening tint offers a lightweight natural finish that evens out skin tone while looking fresh.

Let loose with your liner
Here’s the fun part: line your eyes generously with Annabelle Stay Sharp Eyeliner in “Go Black,” making sure to rim the waterline as well as the outer edges of the lash line. The soft texture doesn’t tug on the skin, while the long-lasting formula offers intense colour payoff. Use your fingers or a Q-tip to gently smudge the line then let the pencil work its magic. Thanks to its waterproof, smear-proof formula, the edges will look softly diffused throughout the day without ever travelling too far south.

Keep lips soft
Luscious lips give this laid-back look a polished finish. Add a swipe of Quo Beauty Lip Oil in “Watermelon” (which smells as lovely as it sounds) to keep lips well-hydrated for hours on end.

Go grungy with your nails
Add an extra edge to your look with two coats of Quo Beauty Breathable Nail Colour & Treatment in “Stormy Night.” The midnight-blue shade is deep and less expected than black, while the breathable formula allows water-vapour and air to pass through to keep your nails protected. To extend the life of your polish, be sure to apply the Quo Beauty Breathable Base & Top Coat before and after applying the colour.

Elevate your bed-head
What lived-in look is complete without artfully tousled hair? For amped-up natural texture, try the Nexxus Curl Define Treatment Mask. This pre-wash treatment deeply conditions curly and coily hair and effectively reduces breakage, thanks to ingredients like silk protein, castor oil and shea butter. Be sure to air-dry for an appropriately low-key effect.

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