Overview: The Black Line (Cream & Liquid)

I must say, that in the years that I've worn make-up, eyeliner is probably the product I've worn for the longest and most consistently! (Yes, I speak of that horrid stage in the early noughties when all teenage girls at one stage or another seemed to smother as much eyeliner as phsycially possible under their eyes) That being said, I haven't really used that many eyeliners at all - I spent about 3 or 4 years using the K-Palette 24hr Tattoo eyeliner, and have only recently started venturing into other eyeliners and have really found what I'd been missing out on! Being a staple for many girls out there, finding the perfect eyeliner is a chore and a reward. Here are the few that I've been giving a go..


Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner in True Black
Out of all the products I'll speak about today, this probably ticks the most boxes. I initially bought it because Tanya Burr said that out of MAC, Clinique and Bobbi Brown, this one dries out the slowest (quite bizarre considering they're all owned by Estee Lauder!) but it's much more than that. Sure, I've had this for almost 1.5 years now and it shows no signs of drying despite long periods of non-use, but it's really the softness that really sets it apart. It never drags on your lids, and it doesn't gloop or feather and always delivers a clear, solid black line. It lasts all day and doesn't smudge. My only down side with this (emphasis on 'my'!) is that you have to be good with the brush - which I'm not, and consequently it's hard to get the exact shape I want (my fascination with eyeliner shaping is slightly obsessive). It definitely is my fault and taste completely, and if you are used to using your own brushes with liner, this is even better of a product! It's personal preference in the end, but rest assured, you wont be disappointed with the product itself.

MAC Liquidlast in Black
I've had this for a disgusting amount of years, but the reason why is because again, I always knew it was my fault that I wasn't reaping its benefits. This comes with a thin brush (like the MAC 210) and the formula is liquid but slightly thicker. Personally I find it gets on my eyelashes a bit which I hate but again, if you can manouevre this, the formula is epic. It lasts so ridiculously long (to the point that you might struggle to get it off, so this is only for people who remove their make-up with industrial stuff.. like oil!), it's pitch black and it's neither glossy nor matte. It does take a bit to dry though so if your eyelid folds a certain way you may have to chill out for a minute with your eyes closed (not ideal for us late risers in the morning!) I've recently been getting on with this more and more, and once I stop getting it on my lashes, this could be one of my faves!

Diego dalla Palma Eyeliner*
In terms of pigment, you can't complain - this is crazy black and very matte. It also dries quite quickly so very good for the impatient, and it lasts really really well throughout the day. The formula is quite liquidy so it's easy to get a smooth straight line. That being said, I find the nib slightly hard, so while it has a great amount of control and a clear straight line, I think it can scratch a little. On the other hand, because the tip is quite pointed, you can really get a thin line if you want. Diego dalla Palma is known as the 'MAC of Italy', and this product is definitely a great option for people who want that defined, bold, super intense line :)

Clinique, MAC, Diego dalla Palma, L'Oreal Blackbuster, L'Oreal Black Crystal

L'Oreal Superliner Blackbuster in Extra Black*
Why L'Oreal thought they'd release another version of the cult eyeliner, I'll never know, but this is basically a massive felt-tip pen eyeliner. It looks a bit scary, like it'd be something Amy Winehouse could have sufficiently benefited from but actually, the tip of the pen is very very pointy. In fact, some may say too pointy. It does make you miss the spongy tip of the original Superliner and I've always had an issue with pens in that you can never really control the fluid itself. I struggle to draw straight lines on some areas, and do feel like it scratches your lid a bit. Not a bad formula or liner in general, but definitely not my favourites. I will give it credit for being the tidiest eyeliner though so if you're a bit kack-handed, sick of the mess from being exposed to the actual formula, or looking for one for the make-up bag, this is a good one to go for!

L'Oreal Superliner in Black Crystal
Why did you pick up Black Crystal instead of the coveted plain black shade you ask? Because I'm an idiot, is basically the answer. Although I felt my carelessness had bit me in the arse for the first few months of having this, strangely enough, it pulled through in the end! I had initially thought that it wasn't very opaque, but having gotten near the bottom (or for some other unknown reason), it's satisfactory black at the moment! Another bad thing I noticed and this hasn't gotten better, is the fact that it wont last very long if you don't have eyeshadow on - it'll flake off. Lastly, it takes a while to dry - so don't bat your lids too much or try to curl your lashes straight away - you'll end up with patch, messy, eyeliner. So why did it pull through in the end, you ask? Because I suppose there are ways around these faults, and I quite like the sponge applicator - it's easy to make the exact shape I want, and it's soft and gentle on your lids. It's not very assertive though and kinda floopy so it takes getting used to. I also always wear eyeliner and do my bronzer/blush while I wait for the eyeliner to dry before I curly my lashes so this has ceased to be a problem. Perhaps a tedious product, but it's workable and when it's workable, it's a winner! That being said, I'd probably go with the original formula next time..

My favourite? I'm not sure! I've gotten really used to the L'Oreal Superliner in Black Crystal, so I may go ahead and buy the actual solid black. Perhaps I should try a pen-style one next - I've heard the 17 one is great, any other recommendations? :)

What's your favourite black liner?

<3yu

Comments

  1. Replies
    1. I love that one as a pencil it's so great for smudging! :)

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  2. I really like the Clinque one :) For some reason I'm allergic to all L'Oreal eyeliners! Yucky red eyes = me hating on them!

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    1. Oh that sucks! But yes the Clinique one is epic! :)

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  3. I don´t have those products so that thanks for information ;-)xx
    http://envueltaencrema.blogspot.com.es/

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  4. Really want to try the diego one, sounds great for me!

    A little bit Unique

    x

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    Replies
    1. It's really great, super easy to use because the nib is so short! :)

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  5. I love the Clinique gel liner, it's one of the best! :) ♥

    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/

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  6. The collection 2000 felt tip liner is good and the rimmel glam eyes liquid liner is a staple for me. Great post :)

    Sianni

    http://siannismakeupdiary.blogspot.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. I'll have to give those a shot, I've heard quite a few people mention those 2 - thank you! :)

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  7. Awesome review I keep buying the Mac one and it always dries on me since I'll alternate liners awesome review

    Briandamakeupartist.blogspot.com

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    1. Ahh the Clinique one might be good for you, I use it once in a while and it never dries out.. one time I left the lid off for a couple of hours and it was still okay!

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  8. Thanks for the interesting article! I have tried all and still love Cream Liner the best

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  9. I have always struggle with eyeliner but I'm determined to try it properly!

    Maria xxx

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    1. Haha it takes a lot of getting used to, even with new eyeliners - every one of them are so different!

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  10. Hi Yu, I was wondering, does the L'oreal blackbuster have the same staying power as the super liner black lacquer? I wanted to buy it in tesco but the man wanted to charge me £8! haha.

    You probably have loads of Asian skincare but if you would like the chance to potentially win some, I'm doing a little giveaway :)
    http://susieskin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/asian-skincare-give-away.html

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    Replies
    1. Hi Susie! Hmm that's hard to say - I think it's probably just about the same! :)

      Thanks for the link love!

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