Eyeliner is great when you want to define your eyes and make them pop, but sometimes harsh black eyeliner can be a bit jarring, especially in natural light. Instead of sticking to the basic blacks, Allure magazine suggests trying a creamy chocolate for 2012.

Whether you’re just using a bit on your inner rims or going for an all-out smokey eye, rich brown shades of eyeliner will look polished and appropriate – even in bright light. Try using Jane Iredale – Eye Pencil in Basic Brown.

Even if you can’t let go of your black liner entirely, you can use both shades for a more wearable look. Just use the black on your inner rims, then line your upper and lower lash lines with the brown pencil. A good  Pencil Sharpener will make sure you get a clean line every time.

Finish off with a brown mascara for a truly office-friendly look that won’t seem like too much when you’re sitting around a conference table. You may never want to go black!