I don’t know about you, but one of the make-up items I can’t live without is the eyeliner pencil. Over the years I’ve tried so many, as well as dabbling with gel and liquid liners and occassionally using a dark eyeshadow for a smoky effect. Without a doubt though I prefer eyeliner in pencil form. It’s easy to apply, takes up very little space in your make-up bag and unlike gels and liquids you can use it on the waterline (unless like me you wear contact lenses). I’ve been testing out a few, so here’s my black eyeliner pencils review. (You can see in the swatch which one gave the most intense colour payoff).
The Jemma Kidd I-Glamour Define came free with a magazine. In fact it was the second one I received with a magazine – the first crumbled every time I tried to sharpen it, until I was left with a stump which I threw in the bin. Second time around it didn’t crumble or break so I was able to test it but I was really disappointed. It was impossible to get anywhere near decent coverage without dragging the delicate eyelid skin. Considering the RRP for this is £14 I was gobsmacked.
The Neal’s Yard Remedies pencil was also a magazine freebie. I managed to achieve a smoother line with this, but I was a little disappointed with the intensity. This product does have many redeeming features though – it’s formulated with 100% mineral colours, contains organic beeswax and botanical extracts, and is free from talc, parabens and mineral oil. Plus it’s encased in sustainably sourced FSC certified wood. This one retails at around £9, so still a little pricey. I would use this one for daytime, but for me it’s just not dark enough for evening make-up.
Lancôme’s Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner is one I have used for several years. It’s £16 for a full sized pencil, but I always buy mine in a set where you get a mascara, a travel sized bottle of eye make-up remover and a smaller sized pencil, all for the same price as a mascara. It gives good coverage, isn’t too hard and lasts for ages. I’ve got several stocked up because they last so long.
However, my favourite of the four (I saved the best until last!) is the Estée Lauder Pure Color pencil. This is not just black, it’s blackened black, and it’s by far the best eyeliner pencil I’ve tried. It’s highly pigmented, soft enough to avoid dragging the skin and doesn’t crumble. It’s available in three other shades – blackened cocoa, blackened sapphire and blackened plum, and at £16 it’s no more expensive than the Lancôme and only £2 more than the Jemma Kidd!
I really love your style!
I love pencil eyeliner, too!
Have to try the EL one!