Ashley is an expert liquid liner wearer. Every time I see her she’s got the perfect cat-eye going on. Here’s her first post for Toronto Beauty Reviews on what she knows best!
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If you’re like me, you adore the look that liquid eyeliner brings – when done correctly, liquid eyeliner can add sophistication, elegance and glamour to any appearance, both day and night. Personally, I love the ‘cat-eye’ effect – a perfect line above the eyelid, flaring out a bit at the end to add a touch of glamour and edginess to day-to-day life. It’s my go-to makeup routine and, once mastered, can be easily done in less than 5 minutes.
Now, I’m a self-proclaimed ‘make-up’ junkie. I will try anything and everything at least once – including liquid eyeliner. Over the years, I’ve tried a range – from department store to drug store brand, and expensive to penny-pinching. In terms of liquid eyeliner, I’ve tried a range. Here’s my personalized breakdown of the three expense levels of liquid eyeliner:
The Cheap
NYC Liquid Eyeliner is the cheapest of the cheap. I picked this up, on sale, at my local Wal-Mart for a grand total of $1.00. Regularly, this eyeliner is still on the less expensive side as it usually retails for approximately $4.00 – $5.00. If you’re looking to save money, this is the liquid liner for you. But, if you’re looking for great eyeliner with precision application, look elsewhere.
This eyeliner was overall, a disappointment. I wasn’t expecting great things for the price I paid, but I was expecting it to relatively stay in place and retain some of its colouring during the day. Unfortunately, the first time I blinked, the entire line smudged on my eyelid! Some smudging with liquid eyeliner is expected, but in this case, the ENTIRE line smudged! Generally, it was incredibly unusable, unless you were willing to stay closed eyed for a few minutes while the line dried. Impractical. And furthermore, I found myself reapplying numerous times within the day. Not worth the fuss!
The Middle
Loreal’s Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner is a ‘middle of the road’ price range option. Generally ranging from $8.00 – $10.00, this product is sold in all major department / drug stores. Until recently, this product was a staple in my makeup bag – it was my ‘go-to’ liner for liquid eyeliner. If you’re looking for consistency and affordability wrapped in one, this is the product for you. Dries almost instantly, and allows the user to either create a smaller pristine line, or a bolder, dramatic line. It’s easy to apply and rarely smudges on first contact. The brush itself is medium width – good for designing either smaller or more dramatic line effects. Only drawback to this was that I found I was re-applying after about 4 hours of use – the line usually starts to fade around 4-5 hours into wear. But generally, very good product for your money!
The Splurge
Now, for the splurge. Stila’s ‘Stay all Day’ Waterproof Eye Liner is the most expensive on the list, ranging from approximately $18.00 – $22.00 in specialized departmental stores across the country. While relatively expensive compared to the rest, it is well worth the money. This product will not budge. From the moment you apply to the moment you remove, the product stays consistent and bold. I found this product to stay put in my muggy, humid workplace. No re-applying. Don’t hesitate to purchase this product – while a splurge, it’s well worth the money if you like the liquid eyeliner look.
Conclusion
Now, it’s up to you! Experiment with different liners – some might work better for you than they did for me. Depending on your skin type (i.e. oily skin = more likely to wear off), different liner consistencies and different colours may work best for you. Experiment with colours, linear width and ‘winged’ effects – you might just find your new make-up
look!
***Disclosure: All products purchased by Ashley***
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Thanks so much for this Ashley! I recently just got into makeup and so this was definitely very helpful!
http://llwannabemd.blogspot.ca/
Very informative Ashley, thank you for posting this! I honestly want to rock eyeliner everyday but unfortunately, I ain’t that patient or that talented with a steady hand.
I wish, I wish!
oxo
ML
Twenty York Street
http://www.twentyyork.com
Follow me in Twitter: @20YS
i love liquid liner!
Try small lines! I did it in the beginning – small lines and small strokes across the time of your eye. Take your time! Hopefully it works one day!
Loreal is definitely the go to brand for departmental stores! It hasn’t steered me wrong yet.
I’ll have to try the brush – I’ve never used it! The trick to liquid liner is start with small strokes / small lines. Much easier! Thanks!
I have yet to master using a liquid liner. I find that it is easier if I use a thin angle brush to draw the line. I wet the brush with the liquid liner. The brush provide more control. Thanks to Ashley for the reviews.
Glad to hear your thoughts too NP! I’m doing well, thanks so much! Haha busy as usual but you know how it goes
Haha S I’m the same – sometimes I can totally master it then the next day it’s all over my face
Oooh I wonder if we have that in Canada!
Yes I agree with Ash, sounds great for spring!
I love Liquid Liners coz they are easy to work with! I also tried the NYC one which was sad but the Loreal one is going strong even after 1.5 yrs and I use it daily! Hope you are doing good Elaine.
I love the concept of a liquid liner (I have about 5) but cannot for the life of me master it. Kudos to you for rocking it out and thanks for the reviews!
good roundup
i’m using the l’oreal one now….for cheap instead of the first one which was disappointing, i’d give a hearty round of applause to Black Radiance which can be found at walmart or walgrees…that liquid liner was my go to amazing find 
I only stopped using it because i work at an ulta and just get liner there and we don’t sell it
Turquoise would be a beautiful colour, especially for spring!
Ooh I’m all about the Lancome Artliner. I want to try the turquoise one from Stila!