Q Every time I try to create the smoky-eye look, I end up looking like a panda. I also love the clean lines of liquid eyeliner, but I just can't get the application right. Any tips?

A You need patience and practice. It helps to be relaxed and focused when applying make-up that requires more finesse.

For step-by-step instructions on how to create smoky looks of varying intensities, check out Chanel's website www.exceptionnel.com/en-sg. It recommends techniques based on its latest eyeshadow and eyeliner collection, Ombre Essentielle ($46), Les 4 Ombres ($82) and La Ligne de Chanel ($68).

There is a nice variety of sooty and slate-hued shades here, from sheer and sparkly to deep and matte, to play around with.

You don't have to stick to black and grey shades. Colours like dusky purple and coppery green can give this classic look a nice, fresh twist. They are also easier to layer than blacks and greys and are more flattering for warmer Asian skin tones.

A touch of gold shimmer mixed with traditional smoky shades (inspired by the work of painter Gustav Klimt) has also gilded the eyes of many runway models recently. Check out Style.com's Fall Beauty Wrap-up for ideas.

As for liquid eyeliner, the products that come with longer handles and longer, slimmer brushes tend to offer more control during application.

Marjorie Lee, senior training manager for Estee Lauder, advises against tugging at the sides of your eyes during application. 'This will cause your skin to develop lines and wrinkles over time,' she says.

Instead, tilt your head up and raise your brow if necessary to see your natural lash line. Also start drawing your eyeliner from the outer corner of your eye to avoid making your eyes look droopy. She says: 'The trick is to apply the eyeliner as close as possible to the upper lash line and thicken the line gradually, emphasising the outer corner for the smoky effect.'

Dab some eye make-up remover on a cotton bud to correct any mistakes. If you mess it up, just start over. As they say, practice makes perfect.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 15, 2008.