Eyeliner Styles to Steal This Diwali: 7 Looks That Let Your Eyes Do the Talking

A quick detour to share how eyeliner styles can vary depending on eye shape, so I'll talk about hooded eyes and almond eyes first before jumping back to the main event.

Hooded Eyes Your lids fold over as you blink and that's why they sometimes "swallow" a wing if you drew one using your eyes being closed. If you want to do your liner keeping your eyes open, try keeping this slim and angling up from the outer corner.

Almond Eyes Eyeliner styles for almond eyes can be done either classic, graphic or smoky whichever you prefer. You don't have to worry too much about your eyelid shape!

Starts off simple enough, just applying a thin line along your upper lash (see image below). If you're unsure where to start, draw an imaginary straight line across the top of your lid and add a little flick pointing towards the end of your brow. This gives you a simple yet flattering look suitable for almond and most eye shapes – simply shorten the wing on hooded eyes.

Skill Level: beginner to intermediate. Best For: almond and most eye shapes. Pro Tip: It's easier than you think! Start with the flick, once you've got that down it's easy to trace back up to your lashes. Eyeliner Suggestion: Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner

A bit more dramatic than the above, but still staying within the same family. You'll basically need to take the outline of your classic wing, lengthen and elevate the tail of your wing. This creates the illusion of lengthened eyes without going overboard. Great option for almond eyes or hooded eyes with a fine line.

Skill Level: intermediate. Best For: almond eyes especially. Pro Tip: Draw an imaginary line from your lower lashes to the tail of your brow. Your wing will follow that path easily. Don't forget to check both eyes for symmetry! Eyeliner Suggestion: Lakmē Unreal Precision Liquid Eye Liner

Opposite the above, you want to create a soft line that dips ever-so-slightly downwards at the outer corners creating an effect that looks big eyed and wide – great with a festive saree. Perfectly sweet, a touch retro and surprisingly flattering.

Skill Level: beginner. Best For: almond and rounder eyes. Pro Tip: This one can get tricky on hooded eyes due to the downturn which might be lost in shadow but try keeping your line thin and your downfall slight. Precision isn't key here. Eyeliner Suggestion: Lakmē Ultimate Glam Eye Liner

This is the one for people who think a festival without glitter is just a Tuesday. A neat liner, with a touch of shimmer along the lid, the inner corner, or as a floating accent above the line.

Skill Level: intermediate. Best For: all eye shapes. Hooded eyes should keep glitter at the outer third so it doesn't disappear when the eyes are open. Pro Tip: press glitter on with a fingertip rather than brushing it, then seal it in place. Do your liner first, then the sparkle. Eyeliner Suggestion: Lakmē Ultimate Glam Eye Liner underneath, for a defined base to build on.

Soft, smoky, a little undone. Smudged kohl is the "I just threw this on" look that quietly took ten minutes. It's forgiving for beginners, because imperfect is the point.

Skill Level: beginner. Best For: every eye shape, especially if you like a rock-and-roll edge with your lehenga. Pro Tip: draw along the upper and lower lash lines, then smudge with a small brush or fingertip before it sets. Tightlining, which means drawing between your lashes along the waterline of the upper lid, adds definition without a visible line. Eyeliner Suggestion: Lakmē Eyeconic Ultra Smooth Kohl Liner, for smudged and tightline looks.

Two parallel flicks, one on top of the other, or one above the lid and one along the lower lash. It's graphic and fashion-forward, and it photographs beautifully under festive lights.

Skill Level: advanced. Best For: almond eyes and anyone who enjoys a challenge. On hooded eyes, keep the wings slim and well spaced. Pro Tip: draw the first wing, then use it as a guide for the second. Use a cotton bud with a little micellar water to clean up the edges. Eyeliner Suggestion: Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner or Unreal Precision Liquid Eye Liner, since crisp lines are non-negotiable here.

Not everyone gets a full evening to get ready. This is the look that goes from the office to the Diwali dinner with five extra minutes in the loo.

Skill Level: beginner. Best For: every eye shape. Pro Tip: start with a thin line and a small flick for the day, then add a touch more definition and a bit of smudging at the outer corner when it's time to party. Eyeliner Suggestion: Lakmē Ultimate Glam Eye Liner for the daytime base, and Eyeconic Ultra Smooth Kohl Liner for the evening upgrade.

If you want simple party eye makeup that still looks like you tried, a few habits go a long way:

• Prep the lid. A little primer or concealer, set with powder, gives liner something to hold on to.
• Rest your elbow. Prop it on a table and look straight into the mirror. Steady hands are mostly good posture.
• Build in short strokes. Tiny dashes beat one long, nervous line.
• Keep a cotton bud nearby. Cleaning up a wobble is half the craft.
• Do your eyes before foundation. If liner goes wrong, you can wipe it away without wrecking your base.

There are lots of different eyeliner styles, but they come down to this: pick based on time, skill and occasion. But most importantly, makeup is supposed to be about self-expression and having fun with it. And also, even if you find your makeup isn't turning out perfectly, do not worry because once you will get familiar and start working hard then you'll be acing through all kinds of styles easily.