Trish McEvoy understands that eye makeup should be precise without becoming precious. The line is especially good at products that can be used quickly, then adjusted before they set into a decision. The Intense Gel Eyeliner at $35 is the dependable pencil I would keep in a desk drawer, while the Intense Gel Eyeliner (Assorted Shades) at $50 makes sense if you want more than one route to definition. The Eye Brightener Pencil at $30 is a useful counterpoint to a dark line, and the Trish McEvoy Fuller Brows® at $48 gives the brow a finished shape without turning it into a separate event. I also like the 24 Hour Eye Shadow & Liner at $34 for travelling, when a single compact has to earn its place.

Eyeshadow is worth buying when the colour story feels usable, not merely impressive in a photograph. The ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette at $41 is a restrained everyday option, and the e.l.f. Cosmetics Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette at $10 proves a tight edit can still cover the basics. The Vieve Soul Shadows at $20 and the MAC Cosmetics Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette at $35 both lean warmer, and the Merit Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow**** at $26 is worth a look if you want something with a bit more shimmer. Keep the rest of the face simple when the lid is doing the talking.

Liner should give the eye shape, not announce the amount of time you spent drawing it. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner at $5 is hard to argue with if you like a fine, graphic flick, while the e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeliner Pen at $3 is the easy backup to keep in a bag. For a softer pencil effect, the Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner at $24 is the one I would choose, and the Tom Ford Beauty Gel Eyeliner at $51 is worth it for a smokier finish. The Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner at $20 brings a denser, more deliberate line, and the ILIA Thru Line Waterproof Eyeliner at $26 is useful when the day is long. Start at the lash line and build outward, rather than trying to draw the whole shape in one stroke.

Mascara and brows are where a polished eye either succeeds or collapses. The Ilia Limitless Mascara at $29 is the everyday choice, and the Merit Brow 1980 at $24 gives the brow enough structure to frame it without making the rest of the face compete. For more drama, the Tom Ford Beauty Emotionproof Mascara at $61 is a proper evening option, while the Vieve Modern Mascara at $27 and the Goop Beauty Featherlash Lifting Serum Mascara at $28 keep the effect lighter and more conditioning. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Waterproof Brow Pencil at $4 is the practical buy for filling small gaps, and the e.l.f. Cosmetics Size Up Mascara at $9 is the fun inexpensive backup. Comb through the brow after applying product, even if you think you have used almost none.

My honest view is that an expensive eye kit is usually a sign of indecision. Keep one shadow palette, one liner, one mascara and one brow product in rotation, then replace the thing you actually finish instead of buying a new version of every category. Wipe the tip of liquid liner after use and close mascara tightly, because dried product is not a personality trait. For brows, use short strokes and step back from the mirror before adding more. A little asymmetry looks like a face. Phoebe