My skin doesn't look as "fresh" when I wear eyeliner...

I have pale skin and look awful with black eyeliner, regular black eyeliner anyway. I always wear black liquid eyeliner now just on top, which looks fine, but if I circle it around my eye I look dead.
 
Today I just applied a very light eyeshadow and upped the mascara, no eyeliner. And I dont look too bad. Sometimes you dont need eyeliner when you have mascara.

this might be my regular routine.
 
Try using a brightening concealer around the eye area (above and below the eye) before eyeliner. The contrast between light and dark is stunning. If your eyeliner is too harsh, try blending it up a little bit using a soft angled brush. Set the eyeliner with a touch of dark brown shadow to further soften the look. :smile:
 
Okay here is a tip after I have just having back from a christian dior makeup workshop on the weekend.....

try wearing a thinner line of liquid liner on your top lid only.... and under the eye apply a small amount of concealer that is a shade lighter than your foundation.

It is a nice, clean look.