Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner, $12

One of the reasons I bought the Sephora Waterproof Bronzing Kit was because it included this Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof eyeliner in black. You all know how I take my black eyeliner seriously so I put this to the test.

Overall this eyeliner is pretty easy to put on and stays waterproof. However, It does smudge under the eyes after a while, unlike my go-to Revlon Colorstay Retractable eyeliner which does not smudge under the eyes. I really cannot stand any eyeliner that does that because number 1, I always ALWAYS use primer so it shouldn't be happening, especially not with a product that is known for being waterproof.

I think that this pencil is a bit too soft so it often just lets you draw a thick line rather than pressing lightly and being able to achieve a thinner line. It also includes one of those smudging sponges at the end of the tip which I have never actually figured out how to use. I always just end up smearing the eyeliner and ruining my neat lines.

Final verdict:
Cost: $12, about twice the cost of my favorite Revlon eyeliner.
Is it actually waterproof?: It is waterproof except for some reason it still manages to smear. I think that when things are waterproof they shouldn't be moving around at all.
Repeat offender?: I don't think so. Since I already use a similar product that doesn't smudge or smear and costs only half of what this does. I think I'll stick to what I know. However, if you are interested in still trying this, it does come in lots of different colors that the Revlon eyeliner doesn't offer (click here to see some of the cool colors!).

-M

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner, Black, $5-8

This is by far my number 1 go-to eyeliner. I have been using this eyeliner for years and have tried others that are similar but none of them ever compare. Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner is a twist-up eyeliner that does not even require sharpening (but comes with a small sharpener anyway!). I hate hate hate to sharpen eyeliner pencils. I feel like I always end up wasting a bunch of pencil and/or always screwing it up and breaking the pencil somehow. When I look for an eyeliner it definitely has to be the retractable kind.


I use this eyeliner almost daily. I like to try different eyeliner (obviously) but I always come back to this one as my main product. The Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner often comes in a two pack (as pictured) so I always try to buy a few since I know I will be using it often. The two pack is also usually priced about the same as the single pencil.


The eyeliner claims to last up to 16 hours, but I can testify that it lasts LONGER than 16 hours, especially when used with a primer. Although it does not say it on the front of the packaging this eyeliner is actually always waterproof. I've said this before but I usually have makeup on when I go to the gym in the evening (I don't apply it for the gym I swear--I'll admit I do touch up sometimes--yikes!) but it does not move at all even with all the sweating! I also want to note that while I was writing this review I drew a little line of eyeliner on my hand and a few minutes later tried to rub it and it did not budge at all.


The tip of this eyeliner in not very thick and if you practice it enough you can definitely get a handle on how to achieve a thicker or thinner line. I find that it has a very versatile tip that is controlled by the pressure you apply and how close you hold the pencil to your eyelid. Overtime the technique you develop will help you control the pencil even better. I can pretty much apply this stuff in the dark. The eyeliner pencil is soft so you can either layer it on or use just one stroke and blend it with a brush to "smear it." Even though the pencil is soft, it is not weak. What I mean by this is that it doesn't break if you apply a lot of pressure to it like some other retractable pencils do.


Final verdict:
Cost: The Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner is priced between $5 and $8 depending on where you look. Like I mentioned above, I recommend the two pack because it is a great value and you will have some eyeliner when you run out of the first pencil!
Tips: Do not roll up the pencil too much but don't keep it too low either. You should have the pencil rolled up around 4-5 millimeters (you don't need to measure I'm just estimating). The pictures of the pencil in this post are a good example.
Does the pencil actually go on black?: The pencil is a true black. It does not go on light black--I've had this happen with other brands it is so NOT COOL. I feel very strongly about my black eyeliner dammit.
Repeat offender: If Revlon ever stopped making this I'd wear black for 40 days straight. No really, I swear by this stuff.
-M

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Waterproof Mascara in Very Black, $4-$10

As promised to two loyal readers this week, I've got a mascara review, a waterproof mascara review to be more precise. I love to try different mascaras each time I run out because unlike other beauty products it seems like most mascaras are truly unique formulas. The one I picked up is Maybelline's Waterproof Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara in Very Black.


Alright so here is the rundown, this product promises "zero clumps," "clean definition," and "voluptuous volume." Do we get all 3 promises? Not so much, but two out of three isn't so bad. You definitely get "clean definition" and "voluptuous volume" because this baby goes on thick and dark. I really love the look of super dark voluptuous lashes and the "clean definition" is referring to (in my opinion) the fact that this stuff dries super fast. But "zero clumps" is something to argue. Ok so I'll give them this, there are no clumps on the brush, because as you can see it is one of those new plastic brushes with the little plastic spikes sticking out as opposed to a traditional brushey-brush (technical word, I know!). But clumps definitely appear on the lashes after a few layers of mascara. I like to layer mascara on a few times, and around the fourth brush stroke this mascara starts to clump. It isn't a horrible problem because I've been dealing with clumping since I started using mascara, I don't really see it as a product turn off.



Final verdict:
Cost: You can find this priced between $4 and $10. I found it on Amazon for $4.99 and on Drugstore.com for $6.99 (with a buy 1 get one 50% off special). Not bad.
Brush functionality: I love the long and thin shape of the brush. If you look carefully it has an hour-glass shape with a point at the top, designed to hit even the shortest lashes. I think the brush's design is definitely a winning point for me here.
Does it clump?: If you layer it on too thick (as I tend to do) yes it does clump.
Is it waterproof?: Yes, I went to the gym with it on, even took a shower with it on and it stayed in place. After getting wet if you touch it with your fingers it does flake off, but it doesn't run down your face like in the movies. Also, it dries on thick and hard, so you aren't going to have soft lashes.
Repeat offender?: I don't tend to repeat mascaras but this is a pretty good deal, it is a big bottle what will last a long time and it achieves the promised look. I dig it.

PS--In honor of Earth Day Drugstore.com has a special 40% off on green and natural product, thought I'd share that with you guys! I noticed some Burt's Bee's products are in this sale too so stock up if you are into a specific one!

-M