We all know the spiel: living with a global pandemic has caused all of us to think out of the box, and the same goes for beauty. We’re going bolder with our makeup choices and that’s for two reasons: one is that it looks really good on a Zoom call, the other is when uncertainty beckons, creativity thrives. 

“My theory is coloured eyeliner is having a moment on the street because of the pandemic,” explains make-up artist Kylie O’Toole, who worked on this beauty shoot for ELEVEN Australia’s [PEOPLE] 2021 Campaign (and which is now our go-to inspiration for coloured liner). “People had time out of the workplace and time to play. When faced with uncertainty it seemed people were being bold with their hair and makeup.”

That was preicsely O’Toole’s inspiration behind this particular campaign, she says she “wanted the makeup to be fun and to represent this particular unprecedented time in our lives.”

But the coloured eyeliner trend can be tricky—and daunting—particularly if you’re not familiar with experimenting with colour. The best bit? You can throw out the rulebook because this look is all about having fun.

“When selecting colours for your own eyeliner look my recommendation is to play,” says O’Toole, who insists that anyone can wear any colour.The sky’s the limit—think pops on neon pink, pastel blue or even forest green. “Take chances and go with your gut. If you enjoy a colour wear it. I don’t believe in rules.” Mecca has a range of inexpensive liners in their Mecca Max collection, aptly named the Zoom liner (seriously, is that a coincidence?!) and includes shades such as lavender, canary and espresso. It’s a great place to start if you’re unsure on hue.

Remember that the coloured eyeliner should be the hero if this look. “My only suggestion is to have one bold statement per face,” O’Toole agrees. “Choose the eyes or lips—both can be too much.” As for your hair, take inspiration from this shoot: “The hair was pretty simple. We wanted the models to look and feel like themselves. My makeup is designed after the hair and styling, it’s the last bit that ties the look together.”

Step 1: Test products on the back of your hand. O’Toole says this is a great way to gauge the pigment.

Step 2: Apply an eyeshadow primer. Alternatively, lightly powder the eyelid before applying. “I’m quite organic in my approach to makeup but one thing I find I’d liner sits better on an eye without foundation on it.” 

Step 3: Go for it! Using the liner, apply a feline flick or a geometric shape: whatever you’re feeling in the moment. It’s best to apply in small strokes and to get as close to the lash line as possible.

Step 4: Apply fixing spray to set your look.

O’Toole’s final words of advice? “Our main motto is to never stop having fun,”—we think that’s also the perfect motto for this particular trend.