Eyeliner 101 & A Giveaway!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 8:05If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
I was in a hurry yesterday and forgot to put my eyeliner on. As I took a last look in the mirror before departing for work, I was astounded at how nekkid I looked! My eyes looked tired and like I’d been crying all night. I wasn’t. That’s why I’m a huge fan of eyeliner for women over 40—it really defines the eyes and makes them pop.
Back in the day, aka ancient times, we certainly did not have the choices we have today. Although this is a wonderful development, it can sometimes leave us dazed and confused—okay, I speak for myself only. For example; I don’t remember having so many types of eyeliner back then; I’m pretty sure it was just pencil and maybe some liquid. Now eyeliner comes in many formulas with just as many application choices. There are pencils, kohls, liquid, cake and gels. Admittedly, each type does serve a different purpose. I recommend experimenting with different types to see which one you’re comfortable with. I love the look of liquid eyeliner but I can’t for the life of me get it to look decent on me–shaky hands I guess. Here’s a quick rundown on each type.
Pencil eyeliner is great for the beginner and is quick and easy. Depending on the brand, the lasting power can be excellent. I love Urban Decay 24/7 liners—they are waterproof, smudge proof and come in beautiful colors. The same can be said for Makeup For Ever Aqua liners. Both are available at Sephora and Sephora.com
Liquid eyeliner works great once you’ve developed a steady hand– I never have. This type of eyeliner is usually recommended for a precise or sharp wing-tipped or cat-eye look, but I can achieve the same results with gel liner and I think it’s softer. I can only recommend LORAC Front of the Line liquid eyeliner because it comes in a felt tip pen that easy to use. However, there are many good liquid eyeliners out there from which to choose.
Kohl liners are what you think of when you think of Cleopatra. There are two types of Kohl liners—pencil and loose. The pencil type is much softer in texture than regular pencil and the color is usually more intense. It is easier to smudge and fantastic for that sexy smoldering eye that looks like you just finished a romp in the hay. Loose powder kohl liner is applied with a wand; you place it between your upper and lower lashes, close your eyes and pull through the wand. I’ve never tried it, I’m too much of a scaredy cat, but I sure like the look.
Cake liner looks like an eye shadow pan but a true cake liner has a much harder texture than an eye shadow. The benefit of cake liner is that you can do a very thin line for a natural look or go thicker for a va-va-voom look. The brush you use will determine how thick or thin you apply it. Laura Mercier makes excellent cake liners in gorgeous shades—Blue Marine is awesome! Cake liner is also the best for ‘tightlining’; see a video on tightlining here.
Gel or cream liner is the one I prefer. It blends like a dream and the texture is juuuust right. Gel liners are soft so no tugging on your eyelids, they have exceptional staying power and are suitable for the waterline. A good quality brush is an essential when using gel liners. I have both a flat straight brush for under lower lashes and a thicker angled brush for top lashes. The best gel liners on the market, in my opinion are MAC Fluidlines, Bobbi Brown gel liners and Stila Smudge Pots.
Which finally brings me to the giveaway! I’m giving away one Stila Smudge Pot Collection like the one pictured above to one lucky reader! This set includes 4 mini smudge pots and a mini eyeliner brush! The shades included are:
- Black (intense black)
- Kitten (the eye-conic universally flattering shimmering nude champagne)
- Violet (bright shimmering ultraviolet)
- Starry Night (deep shimmering navy)
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment to this post telling me which type eyeliner you prefer and why . Please don’t forget to leave a valid email address in the comments so I can contact you if you win. To gain additional entries:
- Become a fan of Prime Beauty on Facebook
- Become a new subscriber to Prime Beauty Emails
- Become a new follower of Primebeauty50 on Twitter
- RT @primebeauty50: RT to win Stila Smudge Pot Collection http://bit.ly/ayh7x3
Contest open to U.S. residents only. The contest ends on Sunday, March 7th , midnight PST . One winner will be chosen at random and the winner’s name will be announced on this blog, March 8th. Good luck to everyone!
February 24th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I really love all eye make up – but I think the standard pencil tends to be my go to just because of the ease of use on busy mornings. When I have extra time I love using cream lines because of the way they can be blended for interesting looks and liquid liners because of the strong definition it gives.
In other words – I love it all!
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February 24th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
HAHA, I’m with you! I especially like colored eyeliners too to liven things up. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
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February 24th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
I love creme/gel liners. My new favorite is the Wet ‘n Wild. It’s such an inky black.
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February 24th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Haven’t tried that one. I also want to try the L’oreal ones, have you tried those yet?
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February 24th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Oh, pick meeeee! I love eyeliner although I have yet to reach far beyond pencils (love the 24/7 ones & L’Oreal Liquid Intense pencils). They are easy for me to control. I’m venturing into more colors – these Stila ones look like fun
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February 24th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I think the colors look great too, this set has gotten great reviews. Good luck!!
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February 24th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
i like Liquid eyeliner, would love to try gel . thanks
ginnn7(at)yahoo(dot)com
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February 24th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I subscribe email new
ginnn7(at)yahoo(dot)com
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February 24th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Thank you! Good luck!
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February 24th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I love to use different types of eyeliner depending on the makeup I am wearing. In my opinion, I love using eyeliner to accentuate my look, while making my makeup look polished and complete. Thank you for this wonderful review, it allowed me to learn about great products. I would love to try the eyeliner because I enjoy wearing products that allow me to feel confident and ready to begin my day!
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February 24th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Well said! Gool luck, I think you’ll like Stila!
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February 24th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I’m a fan of Prime Beauty on Facebook!
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February 24th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
I’m a new follower of Primebeauty50 on Twitter!
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February 24th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
I have retweeted!
My twitter username is: ilovetoshop2010
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February 24th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I don’t have have the precision for liquid eyeliners. I’m a klutz and I think the liquid eyeliner would become a weapon in my hands.
So I use pencil eyeliners. Really, though, the line I draw seems to fade within minutes. I would love, love, LOVE to try a gel eyeliner.
Thank you!
kari {dot} latte {at} gmail {dot} com
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February 24th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
I feel your pain with liquid eyeliner, Kari! I too am a klutz and can not draw a straight line, that’s why I usually use pencil or gel. Good luck in the contest and thanks for reading!
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February 24th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I like pencil liners but liquid eyeliner is perfect for cat eye looks!
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February 24th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
facebook fan Dee Gee
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February 24th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
tweeted
http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/9613165271
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February 24th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
I began using eyeliner when my eyelashes started falling out during chemo. It helped to define my eyes. I continue to use it even though my eyelashes have returned. I used pencils as they are quick, easy and rather forgiving.
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February 25th, 2010 at 7:28 am
I’ve been using Blinc liquid liner, but I’d love to try the gel ones- especially in all the different colors! Thank you for having this giveaway!
K´s last blog ..Mini Review: Cop Out Movie
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February 25th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Following you on Twitter and RT’d about the contest! (@Kay819)
K´s last blog ..Mini Review: Cop Out Movie
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February 25th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Thanks so much K, good luck!
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February 25th, 2010 at 7:35 am
I actually like using eyeshadow applied with an eyeliner brush, but that only works with pigmented eyeshadows like MAC, and not with most other shadows.
I like fluidline, but I have to clean my brush frequently if I want a thin line (I know, I’m lazy!) I really like UD’s metallic liquid liner (with two sides of the brush to choose b/n thin or thick lines)–it works great when I do makeup on my sister because she has limited lid space and it really opens up her eyes.
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February 25th, 2010 at 8:02 am
These are great tips, Nicole. Thanks!
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February 25th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Followed you on twitter (x1) (as @discojing)
Nicole´s last blog ..Soy-Glazed Burger (てり焼きバーガー)
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February 25th, 2010 at 7:37 am
RT’ed (x1)
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:47 am
I love gel liners because of their staying power. I have also tried the felt tip liner from Maybelline and although it isn’t waterproof it is so easy to use that I get to practice my lining skills and for once I’ve created a cat eyeliner that’s really neat!
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February 25th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Good for you, I still haven’t perfected the cat eye look!
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:49 am
My fave is Revlon in the retractable pencil..it sharpens for you..so no need for a sharpener and color stays on. I have been dying to try the Stila smudge pots though! Thanks for the giveaway!!
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February 25th, 2010 at 10:01 am
I haven’t tried that Revlon but Revlon is one of my favorite drugstore brands, thanks for the tip!
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:49 am
I’m a Facebook fan.
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:49 am
I love Stila Smudge Pots..they are my fave eyeliner. Would love to have a whole set!!
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February 25th, 2010 at 10:00 am
I love ‘em too and these colors are to die for!
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:50 am
following you on twitter:
@tinkerkatie
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Tweet: http://twitter.com/nina0205/statuses/9633528562
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/TinkerKatie/status/9633382971
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February 25th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I use all eyeliners, but I do prefer gel. The color is usually more saturated. I also like cake, because of the control in formula it gives me. l use cake mascara occasionally too, it layers really well I feel so old fashioned when I use it!
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February 25th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Hi Tara. I’ve nver tried cake mascara, sounds interesting though!
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February 25th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Obsessed with eyeliner, and gel/creme liners are the best! And Stila always has good products
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February 25th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Missy, I’m obesessed too! These colors would look great on you, good luck! Oh and BTW, muah!!!
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February 25th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
I love pencil for tightlining and BE shadow liners for lid lining. The shadow liners give a super nice muted look.
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February 26th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Never tried the BE shadow liners, I’ll look into that. Thanks!
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February 25th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
I really want to try the gel/cream liner!!..never have before. I never go anywhere without liner though but I have only used the pencil and liquid and liquid doesn’t work too well for me.
: ) : )
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February 26th, 2010 at 8:08 am
I hear ya, I feel nekkid without eyeliner!
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February 26th, 2010 at 8:55 am
I prefer cake eyeliner because of the control you get. You get a cleaner line than a powder or a pencil but not quite as sharp as a liquid. It’s also more forgiving on a shakey hand.
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February 26th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
I love all types of eyeliner, depending on the look I’m going for. For everyday daytime looks, I usually go for pencils. For nighttime, dramatic looks, I use kohl or gel liners. Cake liners are great for day too, since I have an easier time getting a fine line with them than with the gel liners. The only type I have problems with are the liner pens, which is ironic, as they are supposed to be the easiest of the fluid liners to use.
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February 26th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I love love love cream/gel liners. They’re smooth ad usually last longer than pencil or other liquid type of liners. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
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February 26th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I tweeted the giveaway:
http://twitter.com/lipstickncandy/status/9700687933
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February 26th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I follow Prime Beauty on Twitter (lipstickncandy)
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February 26th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
I’m a fan of Prime Beauty on Facebook (Amber H)
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February 26th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
I prefer gel liners, normally in really dark black or a brown shade to match my eyes!
Thanks!
mumzymuM@gmail.com
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February 26th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
I’m email subbied!
TY!
mumzymum@gmail.com
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February 26th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I follow you on twitter @mumzymum
TY!
mumzymum@gmail.com
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February 26th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/mumzymum/status/9715921692
ty!
mumzymum@gmail.com
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February 27th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
DT: http://twitter.com/mumzymum/status/9760397209
ty!
mumzymum@gmail.com
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March 1st, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I use pencil eyeliner so I don;t have to be so precise!
aerolantern at gmail dot com
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March 1st, 2010 at 2:54 pm
I like pencil too–pretty foolproof. Welcome!!
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March 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
subscribed via email
aerolantern at gmail dot com
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March 1st, 2010 at 2:21 pm
following you on twitter
twitter id = aerolantern
aerolantern at gmail dot com
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March 1st, 2010 at 2:22 pm
retweeted!
http://twitter.com/aerolantern/status/9842201534
aerolantern at gmail dot com
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March 1st, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I’m a fan of Kohl eyeliners because they are easy to apply and look great.
My favorites are MAC’s eye kohl in Teddy and Sephora’s waterproof eye kohl in brown. Sephora’s stays on better, but I love the shimmery aspect of MAC’s line. I prefer their “soft-on” aspect to pencils, and prefer the look they create to liquid liners. I love cream liners, they’re always a go-to for evening looks when I have more time to apply. And I’ve never tried Cake liners, but now I feel like I know enough to try. Great 101. I love how your blog targets women over 40, yet still provides info every girl could use
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March 1st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
HI Kayla! Teddy is one of very very fav shades! I also like Laura Mercier in Brown Copper–very similiar. Good luck in the contest!
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March 4th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Gel liners are the best. They don’t smudge during the day, they last all day long and you get your money’s worth.
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March 4th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Agreed, although I like pencils too.
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Beauty Blog Link Love « Glitter Geek says:
March 5th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
[...] Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot [...]
This week in beauty blog link love | Retrodivas Beauty says:
March 5th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
[...] Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot [...]
March 5th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
*waves* Found you through BBLL and LOVE YOUR SITE (haha I think I just became your very first fangirl!). Hmm…so my favorite type of liner is gel/cream (although I don’t actually know the difference between the two!).
I also became a fan on facebook (Gus Carrick…its a guinea pig, I know, but I hate going on my real fb!), subscribed to emails and followed you on twitter (lisalovesparkle!). My email is lisakatec(at)gmail.com!
Lisa Kate´s last blog ..Emotional Angel
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March 5th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Lisa,
Welcome! I’m so glad to have you! Going to check out your blog right now. Good luck on the giveaway!
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Beauty Blog Link Love | Audrey Dao says:
March 6th, 2010 at 12:04 am
[...] Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot [...]
Beauty Blog Link Love for 3/6/10 - Hot Beauty Health says:
March 6th, 2010 at 3:43 am
[...] Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot [...]
Beauty Blog Link Love 06.03.2010 | MakeUp4All, Ladies Beauty says:
March 6th, 2010 at 4:19 am
[...] Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot [...]
March 6th, 2010 at 6:48 am
I like gel liners because they are the easiest for me to make a straight line with. Pencil liners area easy to use, but I can’t really draw straight.
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Beauty Blog Link Love Weekend Roundup! | Prime Beauty Blog says:
March 6th, 2010 at 8:03 am
[...] Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot Collection. You can follow any responses to this [...]
March 6th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Definitely pencil! I’m not steady-handed enough for the others.
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BBLL – Saturday 6th March 2010 | Lipglossiping says:
March 6th, 2010 at 9:29 am
[...] Prime Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot [...]
March 6th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Gel liners all the way! Even cheap ones like Wet n Wild are not bad. Also, have you seen the multi-tip liquid eyeliners meant to get between your lashes? :D
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March 6th, 2010 at 10:56 am
I prefer liquid because of the clean precise line I can achieve!
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March 6th, 2010 at 11:17 am
I am a fan of Urban Decay 24.7 liners! They glide on well and stay put most of the day.
styleezta at gmail dot com
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March 6th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Me too! And the colors are fab!!
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March 6th, 2010 at 11:19 am
email subscriber
liis177 at hotmail dot com
styleezta´s last blog ..Coming to America!
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March 6th, 2010 at 11:20 am
facebook fan
melissa valmonte
styleezta´s last blog ..Coming to America!
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March 6th, 2010 at 11:20 am
follow you on twitter
@styleezta
styleezta´s last blog ..Coming to America!
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March 6th, 2010 at 11:21 am
tweeted http://twitter.com/styleezta/status/10084057640
styleezta´s last blog ..Coming to America!
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March 6th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
In high school I used pencil eyeliners cause they were all I knew. I mainly just need to line my bottom waterline (I have deep set eyes, too much on top lid closes my eyes in) however I found they smudged and never lasted very long. When I first started getting into makeup about a year and half ago I did lots of research on the best, longest lasting and most waterproof eye liner and I ended up making my first sephora purchase. I got Makeup Forever Aqua cream liner in black and a BareEscentuals angle precision liner brus. It was def a slurge for me but turned out AMAZING!!! Never had I had such a great eyeliner that didn’t budge or smudge. That was me entering the world of gel liners and I will never go back! I managed to make it last a little over a year before it dried up but I got my use out of it. Sadly I haven’t had the money to repurchase since
. I’ve tried going back to cheap pencil and kohl liners from the drug store and I tried the $3 ELF gel liners but it’s just not the same. I miss my good quality stuff but just can’t justify the expensive at the moment (last semester college student trying to desperately safe enough to have a cushion if I can;t find a job right away). Ive heard amazing things about the smudge pots and would LOVE LOVE the chance to try them out!!!! I hope it’s in the cards for me, but if not still a great contest and may whoever win feel grateful and make the most of the wonderful prize!!
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March 6th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
lee(period)jiyun(at)gmail(period)com
My favorite eyeliner is a gel type: Wet ‘n Wild’s black cream eyeliner! It’s waterproof, smudgeproof, darker than Blacktrack fluidline, doesn’t flake, and is less tan $4. Seriously.
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March 6th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Wow, I’ll have to check that out!
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March 6th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
I prefer the pencil eyeliners because I just find they smudge well without making too much of a mess. I’ll pretty much use any kind of eyeliner, though. My least favorite is the liquid liner, I just think the line is too harsh.
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March 6th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
I became a fan of Prime Beauty on Facebook “Deanna Gentry”
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March 6th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/10100415746
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March 6th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
I prefer pencil eyeliner because they’re the only ones I use! To be honest, I’m scared to try liquid eyeliner.
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March 6th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I hear ya! I still haven’t mastered liquid.
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March 6th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I’m a facebook fan! (Grace Wong)
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March 6th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Twitter follower too! (gracewong1)
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March 6th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
tweeted: http://twitter.com/gracewong1/status/10104834822
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March 6th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I’m an email subscriber!
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March 7th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I’ve only used liquid eyeliner with a felt marker-like tip, but I would love to try a cream/gel one!
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March 7th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Good for you! I’m in awe of anyone who can manage liquid–felt tip or not!
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March 7th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I like liquid eyeliner because it doesn’t smear and is pretty long lasting. I’ve heard good things about this UD eyeliner and would love to try them out
annalene´s last blog ..Rain gear on the cheap!
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March 7th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
facebook fan (anna lene – i have the blue plush elephant icon)
annalene´s last blog ..Rain gear on the cheap!
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Yoetke Beauty Blog says:
March 7th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
[...] Beauty asks “What’s your favorite eyeliner?” and gives away a Stila Mini Smudge Pot [...]
March 7th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I love gel/cream liners!
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March 7th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Gel and cream eyeliners are my favorite. I love MAC Fluidlines and Stila Smudgepots.
Katherine @ Lipgloss and Spandex´s last blog ..Swatches: Ulta eyeshadows in gray
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March 7th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Wow awesome giveaway! My favorite liner is pencil for a smudged look, but gel on the waterline because it stays put! Just retweeted =)
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March 8th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I love liner!!! My favorite is kohl or liquid! I do think it prefers which look your going for! My everyday choice is liquid! This is a awesome giveaway!!! xoxox
Kim
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March 8th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
I forgot to mention I knew the giveaway was over…just wanted to comment !!! xo
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March 8th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Thank you, Kim. Stay tuned because another giveaway will be coming up soon!
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March 14th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
My favorite type of liner is cream/gel. In the morning when I’m already kind of running late, I don’t have time to use liquid eyeliner without messing up. Pencil smudges too much on me, I only use it on my tightline/waterline, so cream/gel is the best way to go
My favorite right now is actually the Wet `n Wild one, it’s better than the one from L’Oreal HiP!
CJ´s last blog ..Buying stuff?
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