Sali Hughes on beauty: behold the power of the long-wearing liquid eyeshadow

A liquid eyeshadow is the answer to all your eyeshadow misgivings, and I will die on this hill. One neutral, long-lasting shadow gives the impression, however false, of a person with time, skill and polish, when in fact its effort:effect ratio is a joke.

Just daub on to the middle of your lid from lash line to socket, avoiding the inner and outer corners in the first instance, then take a clean fluffy shadow-blending brush and buff in a windscreen wiper motion to spread across to the corners and soften any hard lines.

A long-wearing formula will last all day. If you know my approach, you’ll have no doubt heard this before. But what is new is Mac’s Multi Sculpt Matte Liquid Eye and Face Colour (£22), which is such a brilliant eyeshadow that I don’t even care that it’s not a very good face colour (it dries before it can be properly blended on to the cheeks).

On eyelids, it’s a godsend, especially in warmer weather when energy is low and better conserved for shandy drinking and scowling at the undressed. The shades are so muted as to be foolproof. Buffed Up is a dusty and cool-ish pinky brown that goes with every lipstick and outfit I own. Stone is a cool, mousey taupe that mimics shadow and the visible socket lines I no longer have. For those who love a classic beige, there’s Brulé, based on Mac’s bestselling powder shadow. Whichever of the 14-strong lineup of shades you choose, you’re on to a winner.

This seems an appropriate time to remind you of Make Up By Mario’s Master Mattes Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow (£25). Although available in fewer colours, it lasts just as long and has more of a suede sort of finish that works brilliantly as a base for powder shadows, should you be in the mood. Mauve is my most worn, but there are no duds.

I’m frustrated by the lack of a high-street equivalent to these eyeshadows. Most of the decent long-wearing bargains have a less versatile, more effortful metallic finish that won’t flatter if your eyes pre-date the Spice Girls. Somewhere between luxury and mass is REM Beauty’s Starlet Liquid Eyeshadow Matte (£15), a waterproof liquid lid colour in exactly the sort of boring, bland nudes that invariably prove indispensable. Shades such as Ty and Ily (no idea) carry enough pigment to make themselves known on deep skin tones, while Nvm is a warm, peachy camel that suits most.