Cat-Eye Tutorial

Oh my god, you guys, GENIUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

How to Be a Girl: Cat Eyes! from The Hairpin on Vimeo.

Guys, I tried this and it worked HELLA GOOD. Definitely use 1/2" tape, not any wider, and if you have deeper-set eyes than Jane, which I think I must, try keeping your eyes sort of half-closed and looking down your nose at the mirror, but seriously, TRY IT. Here's how it turned out on me...I even already had the liner Jane recommends using:



Review- RUBY Kisses 24 Hour Eye Define

Super lush liner glides on then sets for 24 hour wear.

I'm not really the type to wear black eyeliner, even more so if it's in pencil form ...but, I started to really like this RUBY Kisses 24 Hr Eye Define so much I'm slowly converting my everyday look around it! I tried it in Very Black, which is a switch from my normal brown liners, and I love how it glides on smoothly, giving a striking definition on my lower eyelids. It has a silky thin point, which makes it easy to navigate and I don't feel clumsy using this pencil. The pencil does stay on for hours, I even took a nap and found that it stayed in tact when I woke up! The only minor drawback is that it did smudge a little just after a few hours, but in a strange way it created a sexy smoky eye look for me unintentionally and I didn't mind the little running! Perhaps, if you want to purposefully create the smoky eyes, this is a great pencil to do it, otherwise, it's still a sexy look to wear whether or not that was the intended use. For me, it's a keeper and I'm not even the type to wear black eyeliners, but I like the smoothness and ease of use so much I'm willing to convert.

Review - Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner

Our new waterproof long-wearing liner provides bold definition that won’t smudge or budge for up to 8 hours. This creamy, easy-to-apply formula contains vitamin E and jojoba oil to moisturize and protect. The cap houses a unique built-in sharpener so you’ll always have the most precise application.

$19.00

So, I got this eyeliner in both Onyx a very intense black as well as Black Violet a beautiful smokey purple which is the perfect addition to any smokey eye. I already loved the actual product as it is really much more intense than a lot of other liners I have tried recently. The purple is so in this year and you can wear it with both lighter shades to add a little drama or bolder shades to add another dimension of color. Then as I was researching the product for you I found that what I had been sent was actually a sample size of the liner (really I could'nt figure out why it was so small, but it fits in my make-up case quite nicely.) In the full size liner, which I think is a steal for $19, (please don't chintz on your liner people, a little extra dough goes a REALLY long way) actually comes with a built in sharpener and is I assume the normal length. These two little gems have solidly secured themselves a place in my daily routine, and I think they will do the same in yours!

Trish says: Smashbox's Limitless Eyeliner really is limitless! I tried the pencil in a deep charcoal grey called "Graphite" and love the smokey color and rich pigment. The awesome part, besides lasting all day without any running (which ranks really high on my list), is its versatility! The silky point allows me to create a line that is super clean and precise, at the same time, if I wanted to smudge it and create a smokey effect, it's surprisingly easy to do! I'm not the most skilled with pencil eyeliners, but this particular one makes creating a variety of looks so easy and simple. Plus, as I mentioned before it lasts for hours and the integrity of the pencil remains true and in tact for the duration. It's a beautiful eyeliner with so many options, I'd definitely recommend picking your favorite color and having fun with creating a variety of looks.

Review - Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen

No-mess liquid eyeliner creates a precise line from soft to dramatic.

Can you guys just do me a favor and promise never, ever to buy this eyeliner pen? It's the worst.

Review- Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner

This innovative gel-based waterproof liner stays blendable for 60 seconds then dries to a smudge-proof, budge-proof finish that lasts all day. JET SET is perfect for lining the inner rim of the eye or as a stay-put traditional liner. Glides on effortlessly with ARCED LINER BRUSH #21. $22

I am feeling this eye liner in a major way!! I tried it in navy blue and am loving just how sexy it looks! It seems to bring out a super cool and chic downtown edge to it (if that's the look you're going for) which adds that extra bit of fun and fashion to any style. I found this silky eyeliner to glide on very smoothly and was able to create a super thin line, although it did take me a couple of practice tries to perfect it. Eventually, I learned that to maximize the use of the eyeliner brush, I had to press the brush firmly into the pot and make sure all sides of it were equally covered. That way your first application is your best, and ideally, only application. Once you create the perfect line, it doesn't take long to set (about 60 seconds or less) you're pretty much done for the rest of the day! I didn't experience any smudging, although my line was pretty thin to begin with, and noticed it lasted a long time. The best part is how cool the midnight blue looks and how little it budged! As well as being overall very easy to use with a nice eyeliner brush. I can imagine this being a great navy eyeliner that works for all skin tones and eye colors, as well as an excellent choice for the stylish fashionista in all of us!


Hillary says: This is the waterproof eyeliner you want to use if you are just starting with waterproof eyeliner because as it says in the description, it gives you 60 seconds to blend, but those seconds can be used to correct as well. Believe me, I'm an old hand with an eyeliner brush but even I make mistakes now and then, which is why I love this eyeliner. I have it in Dark Brown and Midnight Purple and both colors have an amazing amount of pigment and stay on until you want them gone. I must admit, the first time I used one in my waterline (rim of lower lid) I used too much and it was totally uncomfortable, but I've since learned my lesson and it wears comfortably and beautifully. These liners are "must-haves" when creating a smokey eye (yes, smokey eyes can be any color you want). As an added bonus, if you think your eyes might tear, in the wind for example, this gel stays put.

Movie Maven says: Yeah, yeah, I know the whole Mad Men look is kind of played out at this point - fashion has moved on to being inspired by Black Swan instead, replacing pencil skirts with chiffon layers and clean lines with feathery details. But I know what looks good on me, and it's a 60s-inspired thick black line. This is partially due to the fact that I find it incredibly difficult to do a thin, thin line, and partially because like every other woman with a substantial rack in America, I want to look just like Christina Hendricks. This gel eyeliner is perfect for completing this look, since with the use of an appropriate brush, you can create a great, solid line that stays in place like a dream. Thanks, Smashbox, for making my life a little more Mad Men.

Review- The Balm Pick-Up Lines eyeliner pencils

the balm Pick-Up Liners II features 3 mini eye pencils in green, plum, and navy shades. These water-resistant liners glide on smooth for a perfect application and are tucked in a travel-friendly case that's complete with its own mini sharpener.

(Warning, possible cute overload)Seeing whereas I am on the high end of the list for picky eyeliner people, I thought this could just be a gimmick and nothing more. I mean, after all, three mini eye-liner pencils in cute colors that come in a CUTE box with... yes it's true, a teeny sharpener built into the box?? But how well does it work? Really well actually, this is good eyeliner. The Balm (check their products out if you haven't already) has good products overall anyway, and this did not let me down. I tried all three colors over the weekend and they're all beautiful with good stay-put value. I'm an eye rubber of the worst kind too, so this isn't a small feat for a small eye pencil. Second to the cuteness/greatness of the compact idea is the built in sharpener. I seriously hate dull pencils. I am not that savvy with them to begin with, so if they get dull or hard to use, I just throw them out. And I hate waste. I get mean for the rest of the day about a bad eyeliner. (I'm petty sometimes too... oops). But with the built in sharpener I can take the clunky one out of my make-up bag and slide in this cute teensy box with everything I need to roll around town looking cute.
OH, and the clincher: the packaging. A cute little image with the quote "You must know karate 'cuz your body is really kickin'". If that's not a good pick up line for these liners, nothing is.

Josephine says: We have the Balm at Makeup Mania NYC so I use their line both personally and professionally. These liners are so creamy yet so long-wearing I have spent hours wondering just how this came to be. For real for real. All six colors (they come in two different packs of three, one set being more staple colors: black, brown, grey and the other more fun and experimental: olive green, navy, burgundy) are equally badass. The advantage to a tiny (yet mighty!) pencil, too, is that they are tres easy to apply to one's own eye line because you can get super close to the mirror. Finally, psychologically-speaking, it might be the name which as we all know can be powerful but I tend to use these after I have been at the store for hours and need a "pick-up." I am not making a bad pun either!

Deedlejuse Says: I love this little three pack of eyeliner! The three pencils I got were black, grey and brown. I love them, so much! I, as Amanda S, am like insanely picky when it comes to both Mascaras, but more so with my eyeliner. My go to liner right now is Make Up Forever in black, but I have begun leaving it at home because I sooooo much prefer The Balm's Pick-Up Liners. They are small, which can be as aggrivating as the pencils at Ikea, or mini-gulf, but as soon as you get the hang of them you realize that the size is just one of the best parts! There is a sharpener at the end of the box ( which is awesome) the creamy pigment that really stays, even when you tend tp rub your eyes like all the time, and even at the end of the day I have not found that any black streaks are left around my eyes. The tips of the pencils are so wonderfully small that your able to draw on exactly what you wanted. I'm very, very happy with this little trio!

Review - Face Stockholm Precision Eyeliner

Make your mark with our new eye ink Precision Eyeliner. Just like your favorite felt tip, this eyeliner was meticulously crafted in Japan to allow you to create signature eye designs with the ease and precision of a pen. Saturated liquid color dispenses automatically for consistent, fluid application. Precise, clean lines dry quickly, without streaks, smears or transfers. The tapered tip allows total control and precision for magnificently even and strikingly defined eyes.

Listen, I know the whole 60s thing is really hot right now because of the whole Mad Men* phenomenon, but I will have you all know that I have been rocking that look for ages. AGES! You really can't go wrong with a well-fitting knee-length shift, some killer pumps, a brooch, and an updo. And of course, the perfect cat-eye liquid liner. I've been on the hunt for the perfect liner for ages, and have been using Almay's version for a long time with great results, but it really takes a steady hand to get a thin line when you want one. So I was super-stoked to give this Face Stockholm Precision Liner a try. I wore it a couple of different ways and I found I got the best results when I wore it over a shadow to help the liner stay on most effectively - and stay on it did! I happened to crash at a friend's house one night while wearing it and it was still on the next morning. My friend was like "Oh my god, your eyes still look incredible." Then I did the walk-of-non-shame-because-all-I-did-was-sleep-on-my-friend's-couch. But it still easily came off with my makeup remover! Sweet! And y'all - the "precision" in "precision liner is NO JOKE. You can get a superthin line right at the lash line, or draw an outline for a cat-eye and fill it in (my favorite tutorial is here). I might even be willing to pony up the $36 this baby costs. Love it.

*I'm not contractually obligated to mention Mad Men in every post...I just like it a lot.

Review- Face Stockholm Eye Liner in Disa

A collection of soft, smooth, rich colors to define, enhance and compliment our Eye Shadow shades. Perfect for lining top, bottom and inner eye, as well as brow coloring. $17

Who calls an eyeliner "Disa?" I don't even care about the odd name. This green is a hybrid of military and forest green and it's cra-mazing. The pencil is so thick and creamy that the desired smudge-y effect that one generally has to work for to make sultry is instantaneous. I lined my entire eye with it and just left the rest to chance. It travelled like a good pencil should but never needed a cotton swab to clean or maintain. I will absolutely purchase other colors when I need new pencils.

Review- Smashbox Jet Set Palette

Adorn eyes with four opulent shades of budge-proof metallic liner. This best-selling waterproof formula is housed in a mirrored airtight compact with a mini arced liner brush for flawless application. Includes 3 new shades and our best-selling deep black shade. Our innovative gel-based liner stays blendable for 60 seconds then dries to a smudge-proof, budge-proof finish that lasts all day. JET SET is perfect for lining the inner rim of the eye or as a stay-put traditional liner. A must-have for smoky eyes. $48

Smashbox is contemporaries with some of the most popular companies around--MAC, Makeup Forever and the like. They have added a real awareness to the consumer makeup market to what the pros use and swear by. This integrity elevates the whole consciousness of makeup, IMO. I think it's because of their ethos that the products they manufacture are of such a high quality. The Jet Set palette is filled with four rich gel eyeliners in one easy to store (not to mention gorgeous!) case. In keeping with their Fall '09 line inspired by the Showtime series The Tudors, there are two stately traditional colors in black and chocolate brown and two ostentatious metallics in gold and bronze. The set comes with an angled brush which makes the application artful yet foolproof. I rushed through my first use of the gold color and ran out of the door without any powder set yet the color stayed just fine. The second time I pulled this kit out, I blended the chocolate and the bronze by layering them on top of each other. Three total strangers told me my eyes were a pretty color that day. I'm just saying. The thing about gel formulated eyeliners is that the technology allows for a smooth application followed by the liner drying on its own once applied. This is great for when you want a precise line that lasts and lasts and color-wise looks stunning. Que rico! Now where's Jonathan Rhys Meyers?

Review- Smashbox Cream Eye Liner

Doesn’t tug like a pencil, flake like a powder or run like a liquid, this top-selling putty will easily outlast 10 pencils. The innovative cream formula provides totally customizable eye definition. Wait 60 seconds for it to dry or immediately smudge with shadow for extra intensity.

I'm not too good with eyeliners, I know I've pointed it out before, that I lack in make-up applying skills, but I want everyone to be clear. Well, what I mean is, I don't do a great job applying them unless they're very smooth and easy to use. If they flake or get dried out, the situation turns potentially lethal and scary for people to watch, so I actually am not joking when I say I waited to try this when everyone was out of the house. The last thing people want to see on a day off is me storming around the apartment with a fist full of cotton balls jabbering about how I have to rub stuff off my face because it stinks and I hate my make up. Thankfully for those in my life, and for Smashbox, this stuff is easy to use! I looked at the harmless teeny little tin of cream and thought "YEA... RIGHT! hah!", with images of me having bronzy raccoon eyes danced across my mind. But with little to no major effort or tears on my part, I managed to slide this stuff across my lids with a teensy brush I had on hand. It also had pretty good staying power, through a sweaty day walking around Brooklyn in search of something fun to do.
I used the color "burnished bronze" which at first seemed at odds with my super pale blue-gray eyes, but as a finished product helped me pull off the pale pink eyeshadow I'd been desperately trying to work into my repertoire. I definitely recommend make-up fanatics give this a try, even the beginners who are a little iffy on their skills. It runs very soft and smooth and is fun and easy to apply!

Josephine says: I totally agree. I love this stuff with the passion of 10,000 fiery suns. I have the one in 'black plum' and the color is like an edgy cousin to charcoal grey. 'Twas easy as heck to apply and I am serious when I say that while I didn't get the chance to maintain it once through a gruelling 10 hour day, it didn't even move for a second! To reiterate what a feat in and of itself that was, it was easily one of NYC's Most. Humid. Days. Ever.

Melissa says: Like the other ladies, I was a bit skeptical about using this. I’ve been loyal to my Mac Ebony eyeliner for years and couldn’t think of using anything else. The case was kind of daunting as well, but I thought I’d give it a try. Especially since everyone had a great experience.

I had Blue Steel which is a great color because it makes you do a double take because it’s not exactly black, but it’s not really blue either.

I put it on and was pretty happy! First, I actually applied it correctly. It was really easy and went on well. I am definitely going to keep this in my make up arsenal. I think that after you get over the hump of applying it, you’ll be good to go. If you don’t have any reservations, then you will simply love this eyeliner! Plus, the color is super hot. Oh, this is the third day in a row that I'm using it.

Review- pürminerals Pür Intensity Gel Eyeliner

Ocular-tested and free of tar and fibers, these pür-ly innovative gel eyliners are also safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses.
Pür Minerals does NOT test its products on animals.

This is a good eyeliner- not great- good. True, it does make a very clean line, although you can easily wear it smudged if that's your preference. Also the Carbon color I have is as black as night, but ultimately it lacks the staying power of my regular liquid eyeliner. The pürminerals Gel Eyeliner did stay on for several hours, but not all day. But again, for those of you who smudge, my liquid liner fails in that arena, so it does come down to personal preference. Basic rundown- if you are a smudger, you can't go wrong with this gel. For clean line girls like myself- stick to the liquid.

Trish says: It's been a while since I've rocked the dark eyeliner look...and wow, have I been missing out. Really, suddenly my daily make-up routine went from soft and subtle to dramatic and daring. Thank You, Pür Intensity Gel Eyeliner. Hillary is right, though, this gel eyeliner is great for smudgers or people (like me) who prefer a thicker line. I found it very easy to apply and to create a near perfect line everytime, which is something I couldn't always achieve with liquid eyeliners. Also I tried the Coffee Quartz shade which is a gorgeous, rich, deep brown. The color doesn't so much jump out at you, as it draws you in, much like a sultry, sexy gaze. Hillary is also right that the gel eyeliner doesn't quite last as long as traditional liquid eyeliners, yet it still stayed on for much of the day for me without any running. The purmineral eyeliner also does an excellent job of opening the eyes and defining them. I love this gel gem and think it's perfect for newbies of gel eyeliners or for others like me who want to play up their looks and add a bit of glamour and sultriness back (in a very easy to do way)!

Movie Maven says: Yep, I'm a clean line gal myself, as well as someone who a) is constantly messing with her eyes and b) sweats more than a hooker in a Baptist church in Georgia in July. For those reasons, I had serious problems with this liner. I put it on to go out for a friend's birthday at around 8:30pm one night, and when I got home at 1am, I looked like I'd been knocked around - a lot. This stuff smudged everywhere on me. Raccoon eyes everywhere. Maybe it would have done better with a base; maybe I applied too much of the stuff; in any event, this is definitely not my favorite product. I'll stick to liquids.

Josephine says: Maybe it's because I used the best 'one-inch or less' nylon bristled brush in the history of makeup (the Ben Nye #12) but this stuff glided on with ridiculous ease. I set it immediately with a loose powder and even after I rubbed ginger (or hot pepper, it's unclear) into my eye when I was cooking Indian food earlier tonight and thus wept for a good four minutes out of my left eye alone, my perfect line hasn't moved a millimeter. I haven't worn it for hours on end yet but I suspect the powder set is the key. BTW, I have the brown shade called coffee quartz and it's a really pretty deep brown that looks great on a dishwater blond!

Review- Pencil Me In Eyeliners

The Pencil Me In website talks a lot about the supposed health benefits of their products - that the antioxidants and the vitamins in the pencils help keep your eyes protected from free radicals. The copy also says they are the "newest 'green' cosmetic," but I'm not sure that the person who wrote that knows what "green" is typically intended to mean. Nowhere on the page does it say anything about being particularly environmentally-friendly. Maybe it's referring to the all-natural ingredients? It's not terribly clear. That said, however, whether these eye pencils are somehow "better" for you than others or not, they certainly live up to the claims of being tug-free and come in the widest (and wildest) variety of colors I've ever seen.

I had two colors, the Emerald City and the Mint (the Mint being the light, light green pictured above). The Emerald City, a deep jewel green with a touch of blue in it, is wonderful for hazel-eyed girls (me) and redheads (not me; I wish). It's everything you want in a liner - easy to apply, doesn't pull your eyelid all around, and stays in place for a good long time. The highlight shades like the Mint could theoretically be used in a number of places; what I did was put it just in the crease of my eyelid, giving my eye a brighter, lighter look without overdoing it.

Overall, the Pencil Me In is a great product - above average when compared with other similar products, and a reasonable price. But the thing that tips the scales for me on this one: BUILT-IN PENCIL SHARPENER. Yes, it's true. It's right in the cap. It's SO GREAT. Now, this does require that you not lose the cap, which I have been known to do, but it's so much easier to keep track of than a free-floating sharpener. Definitely a big recommend on this product.

Hillary says:

I got these pencils in something called "Buff" which is actually a very light green and "Platinum" which is silver. I love all the funky colors these pencils come in. I can't think of many colors you would look for that they don't have. These pencils have a great consistency- just soft enough to glide across the eye area and just hard enough to keep a point. And as Movie Maven pointed out, this pencil solves the age old problem of searching for a sharpener, as it's right on the cap. The Buff pencil makes my eyes look bigger and the Platinum makes them just look cooler. I ditto everything Maven said about the "green" product question, but I appreciate any additional anti-oxidants which are thrown my way. After all, every little bit helps!

Amanda S. Says:

I got two great colors of this eye pencil: denim and greystone. They go great with my light blue eyes. I too was a little confused about the 'natural' aspect of this product, but beside that, they're great pencils. They went on really smooth without skipping and slipping along my eyelids when I worked with them, and they also didn't turn to mush and lose their strength either. I often have trouble rubbing my itchy eyes too much and lose my eyeliner quickly, but this stuff stayed put.

Joyce says:

I like eye pencils I can sharpen, and appreciate that these come with their own sharpeners in the cap. I tried Brownie and Indigo (perfect for true hazel eyes--gold with green rims), especially when I use brown at the top and blue smudged into my lower lashes. They aren’t too hard nor too soft . . . they’re like Baby Bear’s porridge—just right. I do not like when I have to drag a pencil across the delicate eye area repeatedly to get it to work or repair it because it smudges too easily. And, they stay on. I like ‘em!

Sheba says:

I have been using their Black Velvet and Brownie. Both are very soft and easy to apply -- no more dragging!! They open up your eyes and help to make them pop. I thought I had two neutral colors however, maybe that is best for me. The Brownie does seem to really bring out Hazel eyes. . . seems to make them sparkle a bit. I honestly think anyone can use these two colors to full advantage. Their array of colors is amazing and you will find have difficulty selecting one -- you will probably end up with a couple. They do have some staying power -- I did not have to refresh these as often as I usually need to. You can lightly line for the office, etc. and go a bit heavier at night or whenever you want a more noticeable effect. Also, I found them to be relatively easy to remove with soap and water. I use a gentle soap and it took them off quickly. . . no racoon eyes, etc. The sharpener is like the frosting on the cake -- what a simple but very smart idea.

Deedlejuse Says:

I have to agree with everyone on how fun and use-able these eyeliners are. The colors I received are so cool: Meteor a bronzy highlighting sort of color, so wearable when you don't want to really commit to a color, and Lapis an almost navy dark blue. I love the way they glide on, they aren't too malleable, which is great because it is easier to control. I also love the built in sharpener, I am forever loosing sharpeners for some reason and it is much more difficult to loose it when it is attached to your favorite eyeliner! So much fun, and for only 7 bucks? Yeah, I love them.

Malikah says:

When I think about my perfect summer makeup, I think soft, shimmery, easy to apply, and long wearing. Pencil Me In Eye Pencil in 24 Karat Gold totally fits the bill. The frosted metallic yellow-gold pencil had a great subtle sheen and glided onto my eyelids effortlessly. I applied just a little bit and smudged with my pinky finger for gorgeous, yet still daytime appropriate eyes. When getting ready for an evening out, I layered a bit more of the eye pencil on my upper eyelids and swiped a tiny bit just under my lower lash line. My eyes instantly looked bigger, brighter, and drop dead sexy. I felt Studio 54 ready in no time at all! Sadly, my disco eyes didn’t beat the summer heat, but as the pencil started to fade it left pretty little sparkles across my eyelids. It wasn’t as defined as I had hoped it would be, but still looked great. If you’re looking for an easy way to achieve super glam eyes, definitely go for Pencil Me In 24 Karat Eye Pencil.

Josephine says:

I have the mint color sans sparkles. When I looked at it I thought, "Aw, h*ll, no" based on my own skin tone and eye color but I was pleasantly surprised with how soft the color is. It does go on fairly creamy although my problem with a consitency like this is that it doesn't go on very evenly. There is a run-off of color on one's lashes which "has to go somewhere" buy the day's end, and that generally is not a good thing. The sharpener, in my humble opinion, is neither practical or necessary for an eye pencil. It also doesn't work that well. I am going to throw it in my kit and use it on my ladies of color in the future.

Trish says:

I love colored eye pencils and especially love the look when I see it on others! However for me, maybe it's because of my darker eyes and golden beige-ish skin tone, I can't seem to make the right color work...hence a box full of blue eyelining pencils! When I tried the Pencil Me In shade in a baby blue called "Sky" I had great hopes it would match my skin tone and eyes...sadly, it didn't...so the shade didn't quite work on me, but it's still a good pencil with a soft smooth feel. As much as I like the look and the pencil itself, the light blue doesn't quite go with my dark hair and eyes.

Sultana says: I got this in a color called 'Pink Lady'. I remember when I was younger, the popular thing to do was a wear a white liner to make your eyes pop. This pencil reminded me of a white liner except its pink. I put it on and what it does is give your eyes a very subtle pop. The color is a nice baby pink. But you can put on additional layers to create a brighter pink. I love pencils that have a sharpener in the cap. It just simplifies life! I would definitely purchase this in another color. I even tried the pink out on my daughter. It is so subtle an 8 year old can wear it!

Review- e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Get no smudge, no budge eyeliner that lasts for hours for a fabulous and fresh look of precision. The smooth pen applicator easily glides on color for very fine to bold lines for effortless beauty. $1

I had such plans for this eyeliner! We were going to go everywhere together. We were going to be inseperable. Wherever you found my perfectly lined upper lids, it would be close at hand. But alas, as happens in all good love stories, it was not to be. For you see, the pen did not want to stay on my lids. I tried it many times, but to no avail. I thought I was doing something wrong like, perhaps, I had foundation on my lids, but no. It made no difference if the lids were freshly cleaned or if they had lotion on them. The line faded in no time flat, which practically broke my heart because I love e.l.f. products and this pen would have been so convenient for putting on eyeliner on the subway. If anyone out there has this pen and it stays on, please leave a comment and tell me the trick. I'm holding on to this eyeliner in case I learn some application trick that will keep it in place. But then, I'm a hopeless romantic at heart.

Review - e.l.f. Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Stick

Achieve color intensity for your eyes with twist-up ease (no sharpening required)! Glide on the dark soft gel “liner” to create dramatic definition to the eyes. $3.00

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e.l.f.'s studio line has more chic packaging and a slightly higher price point than their regular products. The shadow stick line is a great product for $3.00. I have it in black liner with the smoke shadow. The black liner is easy to apply, so you don't need to go heavy. It glides on and is very black, it also is retractable so if you are heavy you can twist out a small amount so you don't break it. I don't line the inside of my eyes EVER so I use this on my lash line when I am wearing fake eye lashes; it really helps hide any bit that would appear to be false. The liner goes on smoothly and creates a nice straight line. I do notice that the only downfall is that it does smudge easily and can feather. I luckily carry the ELF shine eraser wipes so clean up is quick and easy.

The gem of this set is the smoke shadow - this goes on so smooth and deposits a soft smooth application that has GREAT pigment. You'll swear you are using a premier shadow, not a "recession-friendly" product. The color is great, a medium platinum gray. I love this and found application to be so easy and it looks great in the crease of my eye. It stays on throughout the day with only minimal creasing. I am really hoping more colors will be added to the selection - right now there are only four options. Next on my list is the pearl / glow. This smoke is a great color for day and apply a little heavier for night.

Amanda S. Says: I really love this eyeliner, when I cracked it open I thought 'great, some complicated gizmo....' but really, it the shadow and eyeliner work great together and it's so easy to carry it around. The last time I got a 'combo' thing like this... the caps fell off and the stuff got ruined! But this has survived the nightmare of my purse for over a week so far, I'm glad to say. As for the liner, I haven't had one go on smoother, and that's even comparing it to liners upward of $15 in price. The shadow I think is cute, although I am not sure I will use it as much as other shadows I have. This is a steal at this price, if you use eyeliner all the time and HATE how expensive it can be and also hate when it goes on all messy, get this!

Movie Maven says: Once again, e.l.f. has blown my mind with their value products. $3.00?? What? $3.00 for just the eyeliner would be a steal - it's smooth, has a great retractable feature, is crazy dark black (a plus in my book, but fair girls be forewarned), and stays pretty well in place. I found the amount of smudging to be on par with most drugstore brands - there was a bit, but nothing major.

But then - to include the shadow stick as well? Stick a fork in me, ladies, I'm done. I am a very lazy woman, as well as a consummate snoozer in the mornings, so something that is quick and easy to apply is ideal for me. The shadow stick twists up, you swipe it on, and you're good to go. I found the need to reapply the shadow after a day of wearing it, but what girl wouldn't want to pump up her look a bit before going out for after-work drinks? A plus plus.

Hillary says: Products that multi-task have a special place in my heart (and my purse). This dual purpose sweetheart from e.l.f. is no exception. My stick is in black (eyeliner) and smoke (eyeshadow) and is perfect for the "smokey eye on the go". As I'm sure I've mentioned on this site in the past, I often put my make-up on on the subway on my way to Manhattan. Call me tacky, but it saves me time and the lighting is great. To this end I have to carry everything with me (minus foundation which I do at home). This stick fits right in with my arsenal with a liner which is neither too soft nor too hard and a creamy, blendable shadow. One caveat about this particular color of eyeshadow, make sure to end your application at least a 1/2 inch below your brows and blend up. The first time I applied it I put it too high and it made me look like my eyebrows had grown by leaps and bounds; it stuck right in there. The next time I used it I took my own advice and got a perfect sultry look. For an even softer look you could apply the shadow and go over it with a foam applicator sponge- ever so lightly. That would give you a nice blend. And as you've read above- it's $3. Why $3 and not $1 as e.l.f. usually is? Well e.l.f. has recently released their new "Studio" line (roll your mouse over Studio on the main page of their website). This new collection is chock-full of double duty products which are perfect for ladies on the go. There are also all new Studio brushes which encompass some of the harder to find brushes. I'm totally getting the Studio brow set which comes with a wax and a powder and I'm thinking I can "splurge" and get the Studio Mini Makeup Collection for $15. Check out the site and they'll even recommend products and colors especially for you!

Sheba says the $3 price is outrageous! I am not complaining --it is so amazing. I have a storage area full of liners that I never learned how to use or they didn't look right or something. Believe me, they all cost a lot more than $3 and I gave them plenty of chances!! This took all of one try to look good -- it actually looked like I knew what I was doing. The shadow goes on as easily and you can get a light, medium or heavy look by adding a little more or just wiping a little off -- it stays pretty well and I agree with Movie Maven -- you want to refresh it before heading out at night. However, that is nothing against this product -- I do that with any shadow that I wear. I want to look fresh, even if I don't feel that way. So investing $3 is well worth it for this combo. I think it is a terrific bargain!!

Review- Smashbox Wicked Lovely Cream Liner and Loose Shimmer

Three sultry cream liners and a sparkling loose shimmer in one mirrored pot! The liners provide totally customizable eye definition that doesn’t flake, run or tug. This mistake-proof formula is a great tool for the perfect smoky eye, and is ultra-blendable to create a range of eye looks! The loose shimmer provides the finishing touch for wickedly lovely eyes.

If you like the look of a smokey eye (and who doesn't), this is a fool proof all-in-one kit. You can wear one or all of the eyeliners and finish the look with the Metallic Taupe loose eyeshadow. The shadow has the perfect amount of shimmer, is totally wearable and well pigmented. I can see it matching any skin tone. The eyeliner colors are nice and rich and last all day which I don't usually find with cream eyeliners. I call this product fool proof because the colors are so well matched, any combination will provide that smokey eye we all crave now and then. This is a must-have for fall.

Review - Julie Hewett Omit Liner

$16

CitySlicker Says:

I just got my lucky magazine in and saw this coupon code for Julie Hewett.. I have this Omit liner.. It's amazing! I use it for my eyes & lips. It’s not drying on my lips like most eye liners are. Its creamy, stays put, and wears for a long time. It’s the perfect nude liner for those super sheer nude lippies This liner is very versatile. I line the inside of my lower eye, instantly an amazing fresh pop. I also line the upper lash line for a super nude natural look & sometimes I feather the liner over my lid for a clean crisp un made up look. It actually looks like I have nothing on but my lids don’t look dull... I love this liner; I have only a nub left so I am off to score the 25% off while it lasts... I couldn’t be more satisfied with this product!

Sheba says:

I have this pencil and it is everything City Slicker says and more. It is such a useful tool in perfecting your look for the day or evening. It goes on so smoothly compared to other eyeliners I have used. Sometimes they just stick a bit when you are applying -- not the Omit pencil. It just glides along. You can end up with the most natural look after using the pencil to conceal your imperfections and/or line your eyes, and your lips. It will give you such a nice fresh look when in truth you are covering up those areas you want to disguise and lining your eyes and lips with a very natural color. It definitely is one of the best that I have used and I see myself continuing with it. Yes, it is a bit costly and the shipping charges are outrageous. . . but wait for it to go on sale and then buy more than one. I feel that I am saving more that way -- please don't tell me it isn't so.

BULLETIN - 25% off everything Sale Now Through October 1st -internet sales only - Use coupon code JHLA25 Also Free shipping This is great -- 25% off and free shipping. This is a great savings so take advantage during this period.

Review- Rosie Jane Eye Define Eyeliner

These revolutionary eye liners are a collection of richly hued pencils designed to give contrast to the soft colors of the already loved Rosie Jane Eye Hints. The luscious formula glides on perfectly, without dragging across the fragile skin of the eye area.
They deliver bold, clear, true color that easily blends and defines. With a wind up, slanted top it makes the application of eye liner seem effortless. $15

I've got this pencil in Beech Tree. It's a nice medium brown with a bit (not too much) of shimmer. It goes on smoothly and is easily blendable. It goes great with my hazel eyes. The design is a little different than most pencils as it doesn't come to a point but to a slant. It's still possible to angle it any way you want. This pencil comes in 3 colors- Beech Tree- medium brown with a little shimmer, Fern- green and Grape which is of course- purple. It never needs to be sharpened which is an added bonus.

Review - The Balm Shady Lady Eyeshadow

These va-va-voom shadows are designed to illuminate your eyecolor, putting you in the spotlight! Whether you're feeling the innocent ingenue or the femme fatale, there's a shadyLady calling your name!

With cheeky names like "Luscious Lana" and "Risque Renee" (though I think "Caught in the Act Courtney" might be pushing it past being cute and into being cumbersome), the Balm's shadyLady line of shadow/liners evokes pin-up girls in two-piece bathing suits that don't show even a hint of navel. I tried "Jealous Jordana," a deep, shimmering green that can easily be used as both a shadow or a liner. I particularly liked using it to line my lower lids with a liner brush, since I could put it on pretty close to my eye without it irritating the sensitive skin of my lids. The color is great, and the shadow comes in a magnetic compact with a tiny magnifying mirror inside. It comes in a ton of colors, and works well to give you that smoky-eye look for hours and hours! I should know - I just woke up with it still on my face.

Hillary says:

From your first swipe of the brush on this eyeshadow you can tell it's good quality. It's very pigment dense. To that fact, it also doubles as a powder eyeliner. My color is Jealous Jordana which is a dark, shimmery green which looks good on it's own or with a lighter color on top. It seems to have some flicks of bronze in it. I've mostly been using it as a liner with a lighter color of green. It has great staying power and stays where it's put. What more could you want in a shadow?

Sheba says: I am thinking I just might get the 'Jealous Jordana' as it sounds like it would be ideal with hazel eyes. Meanwhile, I tried the 'Sexy Stacey' which is a luminous pewter as they describe it. Let me say this particular shade would enhance just about any eye color. It is pewter but with wonderful silver-like undertones or highlights. You can use it as a liner and a shadow. It applies very smoothly. I like the liner a little darker than the shadow and you accomplish that with a second coat of liner. You can apply the shadow as light or as dark as you like -- depending on the results you are looking for. Is it for the day or are you preparing for a night out? I love the fact that this does not cake when used as a shadow. I did not find lines in the creases of my eyelids either. The smokey eye look is easily attainable with this particular shade and probably with all the others (but I haven't tried them all YET). The cost is reasonable and notice that shipping is free - for standard delivery. That factor is a pretty decent savings when you look at the shipping costs for other cosmetics.

New Product Alert - Shu Uemura's Tri Colored Eye Pencil

Rebirth Collection Tri-Color Eye Pencil What it is:A colorful, stacked eyeliner and shadowing pencil from shu uemura made up of three coordinating shades. $25.00

CitySlicker Says:
They only have 2 colors right now but I am sure they will adding to the collection.. I can't believe you get 3 choices for $25, this will make travel easier and more compact.. I love this concept!

Review - Fresh Eye Contour Duo

This soft, dual-ended pencil is formulated with kohl and vegetable pigments to ensure deep, rich color, and an easy, tug-proof application.

I bought this eyeliner while on vacation and felt like I was allowed to spend more than I usually do on makeup since I was in Sephora. Call it a vacation high, but I actually made a great decision. After trying it in the store, I decided that it was the BEST EYELINER IN THE WORLD and after having used it nearly daily for about a year, I'm convinced I was right. It comes as a "duo," which means you get half the amount of each color (I have Esterel Olive & Morel Noir), but it lasts so long and is so easy to apply that it's well worth the initial investment. I pretty much haven't used any other eyeliner for daily (or nightly) wear since. It goes on easily - almost as smoothly as the best liquid eyeliner - and stays on. I love it, I love it, I love it. $22 @ sephora.com.