Must-Have Eye Makeup

If you buy any eye makeup this year, make sure it’s one of these 10 wonder workers – tried and tested by our readers and expert judges in our 2017 Best in Beauty Awards.

Whether you’re into the whole ‘no makeup’ look, or trying to master the perfect smokey eye or graphic liner, this year’s Best in Beauty award winners have everything you need for eye-catching eye makeup.

Best Shadow Palette

The Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette, RRSP R850 was a reader favourite and is Kate Middleton’s go-to for her signature smokey eye. “Lovely selection of 12 colours that stay on all day… till you take them off,” says one of the readers who voted.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: How to create a subtle smokey eye

Best Single Eyeshadow

Clarins Ombre Matte Cream-To-Powder Matte Eyeshadow in Sparkle Grey, R320. This new generation product got the thumbs up from professional make-up artist Storm Catherine Pass. “Lovely texture and a blendable powder that clings to the lids,” she says.

Best Eye Primer

Melt-proof your eye make-up with Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer, R385. Our Beauty Ed, Tracey Kroukamp swears by it: “It knocks out tiredness and gives a smooth surface for eyeshadow so it won’t crease or fade.”

Best Liquid Liner

L’Oréal Paris Super Liner Ultra Precision Liquid Eye Liner Punky, R159,95. “No more smudges through the day, thanks to this!” says Grace Mantjiu, expert beauty writer.

 

Make like Kim Kardashian and use turquoise for a pop of colour.

A photo posted by Mario Dedivanovic (@makeupbymario) on Apr 9, 2015 at 1:34am PDT

 

Best-Value Mascara

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get luscious lashes. Pharmacy favourite Yardley XXX Volume Mascara, R129,95 gave our judges’ eye lashes runway volume without the price tag. Judge and TV presenter Thabile Ngweto commented: “It gave me longer-looking lashes in one sweep”.

Best Lengthening Mascara

Beauty blogger favourite BlackUp Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara, R290 made our list for it’s incredible lengthening effect. Beauty writer Grace Mantjiu said: “The full wand catches every lash”.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: How to apply false eyelashes

Best Everyday Mascara

If you’re after fluttery lashes like Reese Witherspoon, give Avon SuperShock Mascara, R139,90 a try. Our Beauty Editor Tracey Kroukamp had this to say about this affordable cosmetic bag must-have: “It’s clump-free, smudge-free, and adds volume to each little lash.”

Best Brow Pencil

Enhance your whole look by simply doing your eyebrows. Make-up artist Storm Catherine Pass tested Smashbox Brow Tech Matte Pencil, R315 and had this to say about it: “A thin tip allows you to create individual hairs for a natural finish”.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: How to fill in your eyebrows

Best Brow Kit

If you want to go all out on brows, you can’t get much better than the Tom Ford Brow Sculpting Kit, RRSP R595. Judge Liz Ferrett, a high-end retail cosmetics executive, “By far the best brow product I’ve used. Luxe packaging, a nifty angled brush, and wax to set it all in place”.

Want more of the best? Click on a category below. 

Disclaimer: The testimonials presented on this website are applicable to the individuals depicted only and may not be representative of the experience of others. The information provided within this site is strictly for the purposes of information only and is not a replacement or substitute for professional advice.