Sue Devitt Victoria Falls Eye Intensifier Pencil

The chubby Eye Intensifier pencils from Sue Devitt have been part of my makeup arsenal long before starting this blog. They are wickedly efficient multitaskers that require very little skill or effort to give one a pretty look. They work both as an eyeliner (medium to thick line) and an eye shadow, can be smudged, sheered and create the perfect smoky eye. The Eye Intensifier pencils are also my go-to item for a simple casual look (aka "just dropping at the dry cleaners/post office/corner store before getting back into jammies and slippers") that still gives my eyes depth and definition. So, yes, Sue Devitt has earned her place in my shortlist with this one.

Victoria Falls is a gorgeous rich almost navy blue. It's one of the colors I find most flattering on me, both for my skin tone and eye color. It's not too bright and doesn't look age inappropriate (I keep everything else nude/neutral), but definitely noticeable in a very good way. I've been playing with Victoria Falls in several combinations and looks- top lashes, bottom lashes, paired with nothing but a black mascara or smoked out with some Chanel Bois Bleu eye shadow. The pencil always works and looks much more sophisticated that the 30 seconds per eye it actually takes.

I use a primer, of course, and the Eye Intensifier stays put without creasing or fading for about 8-10 hours (depending on weather and activity). Topping the pencil with an eye shadow cements it in place until I bring on the makeup remover. The one thing I wouldn't recommend is using this product on the waterline. Not that it's meant for that in the first place- the Eye Intensifier is many things but it's not a kohl, as I've learned the hard way- it made my eyes water and sting when I tried. It was my fault, though, so I now keep it on the outer side of my lashes and all is well.

Bottom Line: highly recommended.

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil ($22) is available from Barneys, Bloomigdale's and Ulta, as well as through the company's website (suedevittbeauty.com), which right now offers a 20% discount for the holiday weekend (no code needed).

All photos are mine.

Sue Devitt Victoria Falls Eye Intensifier Pencil

The chubby Eye Intensifier pencils from Sue Devitt have been part of my makeup arsenal long before starting this blog. They are wickedly efficient multitaskers that require very little skill or effort to give one a pretty look. They work both as an eyeliner (medium to thick line) and an eye shadow, can be smudged, sheered and create the perfect smoky eye. The Eye Intensifier pencils are also my go-to item for a simple casual look (aka "just dropping at the dry cleaners/post office/corner store before getting back into jammies and slippers") that still gives my eyes depth and definition. So, yes, Sue Devitt has earned her place in my shortlist with this one.

Victoria Falls is a gorgeous rich almost navy blue. It's one of the colors I find most flattering on me, both for my skin tone and eye color. It's not too bright and doesn't look age inappropriate (I keep everything else nude/neutral), but definitely noticeable in a very good way. I've been playing with Victoria Falls in several combinations and looks- top lashes, bottom lashes, paired with nothing but a black mascara or smoked out with some Chanel Bois Bleu eye shadow. The pencil always works and looks much more sophisticated that the 30 seconds per eye it actually takes.

I use a primer, of course, and the Eye Intensifier stays put without creasing or fading for about 8-10 hours (depending on weather and activity). Topping the pencil with an eye shadow cements it in place until I bring on the makeup remover. The one thing I wouldn't recommend is using this product on the waterline. Not that it's meant for that in the first place- the Eye Intensifier is many things but it's not a kohl, as I've learned the hard way- it made my eyes water and sting when I tried. It was my fault, though, so I now keep it on the outer side of my lashes and all is well.

Bottom Line: highly recommended.

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil ($22) is available from Barneys, Bloomigdale's and Ulta, as well as through the company's website (suedevittbeauty.com), which right now offers a 20% discount for the holiday weekend (no code needed).

All photos are mine.

Sue Devitt Victoria Falls Eye Intensifier Pencil

The chubby Eye Intensifier pencils from Sue Devitt have been part of my makeup arsenal long before starting this blog. They are wickedly efficient multitaskers that require very little skill or effort to give one a pretty look. They work both as an eyeliner (medium to thick line) and an eye shadow, can be smudged, sheered and create the perfect smoky eye. The Eye Intensifier pencils are also my go-to item for a simple casual look (aka "just dropping at the dry cleaners/post office/corner store before getting back into jammies and slippers") that still gives my eyes depth and definition. So, yes, Sue Devitt has earned her place in my shortlist with this one.

Victoria Falls is a gorgeous rich almost navy blue. It's one of the colors I find most flattering on me, both for my skin tone and eye color. It's not too bright and doesn't look age inappropriate (I keep everything else nude/neutral), but definitely noticeable in a very good way. I've been playing with Victoria Falls in several combinations and looks- top lashes, bottom lashes, paired with nothing but a black mascara or smoked out with some Chanel Bois Bleu eye shadow. The pencil always works and looks much more sophisticated that the 30 seconds per eye it actually takes.

I use a primer, of course, and the Eye Intensifier stays put without creasing or fading for about 8-10 hours (depending on weather and activity). Topping the pencil with an eye shadow cements it in place until I bring on the makeup remover. The one thing I wouldn't recommend is using this product on the waterline. Not that it's meant for that in the first place- the Eye Intensifier is many things but it's not a kohl, as I've learned the hard way- it made my eyes water and sting when I tried. It was my fault, though, so I now keep it on the outer side of my lashes and all is well.

Bottom Line: highly recommended.

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil ($22) is available from Barneys, Bloomigdale's and Ulta, as well as through the company's website (suedevittbeauty.com), which right now offers a 20% discount for the holiday weekend (no code needed).

All photos are mine.

Rosie Jane Cosmetics Eye Definer Beech Tree

Rosie Jane Johnston is an Australian makeup artist with a small line of products based around the idea of an effortless, beachy glowing look. I like the idea in theory, even if my twisted brain connects it to Australian surfing soaps such as Home and Away and everything blonde.

Rosie Jane's Eye Definer in Beech Tree was part of a previous BeautyFix kit. I liked the faceted rectangular shape of the pencil and the fact it allows for drawing a thin or a thick line. I admit I have yet to figure out how to get it close enough to the lash line- even using the thin edge is still not as efficient as a thin brush or pointy pencil, so this is a major issue. However Beech Tree is a medium bronzed brown that's too light for me to use as a liner anyway, so I have to supplement with black or espresso brown at the lash line.

The texture of Rosie Jane's liner is soft and pliable. If you're pale/blonde/blue eyed it would make a very flattering bronze smoky eye. It requires serious cementing with a primer underneath and a powder eye shadow over it, because it's almost as soft as a cream eye shadow, so while the look might be effortless it doesn't cut corners in application.

Bottom Line: Not my color, but has potential.

Rosie Jane Cosmetics Eye Definer ($15) is available from beautyhabit, b-glowing and rosiejanecosmetics.com. Mine came with a free BeautyFix press kit.

All photos are mine

Rosie Jane Cosmetics Eye Definer Beech Tree

Rosie Jane Johnston is an Australian makeup artist with a small line of products based around the idea of an effortless, beachy glowing look. I like the idea in theory, even if my twisted brain connects it to Australian surfing soaps such as Home and Away and everything blonde.

Rosie Jane's Eye Definer in Beech Tree was part of a previous BeautyFix kit. I liked the faceted rectangular shape of the pencil and the fact it allows for drawing a thin or a thick line. I admit I have yet to figure out how to get it close enough to the lash line- even using the thin edge is still not as efficient as a thin brush or pointy pencil, so this is a major issue. However Beech Tree is a medium bronzed brown that's too light for me to use as a liner anyway, so I have to supplement with black or espresso brown at the lash line.

The texture of Rosie Jane's liner is soft and pliable. If you're pale/blonde/blue eyed it would make a very flattering bronze smoky eye. It requires serious cementing with a primer underneath and a powder eye shadow over it, because it's almost as soft as a cream eye shadow, so while the look might be effortless it doesn't cut corners in application.

Bottom Line: Not my color, but has potential.

Rosie Jane Cosmetics Eye Definer ($15) is available from beautyhabit, b-glowing and rosiejanecosmetics.com. Mine came with a free BeautyFix press kit.

All photos are mine

Rosie Jane Cosmetics Eye Definer Beech Tree

Rosie Jane Johnston is an Australian makeup artist with a small line of products based around the idea of an effortless, beachy glowing look. I like the idea in theory, even if my twisted brain connects it to Australian surfing soaps such as Home and Away and everything blonde.

Rosie Jane's Eye Definer in Beech Tree was part of a previous BeautyFix kit. I liked the faceted rectangular shape of the pencil and the fact it allows for drawing a thin or a thick line. I admit I have yet to figure out how to get it close enough to the lash line- even using the thin edge is still not as efficient as a thin brush or pointy pencil, so this is a major issue. However Beech Tree is a medium bronzed brown that's too light for me to use as a liner anyway, so I have to supplement with black or espresso brown at the lash line.

The texture of Rosie Jane's liner is soft and pliable. If you're pale/blonde/blue eyed it would make a very flattering bronze smoky eye. It requires serious cementing with a primer underneath and a powder eye shadow over it, because it's almost as soft as a cream eye shadow, so while the look might be effortless it doesn't cut corners in application.

Bottom Line: Not my color, but has potential.

Rosie Jane Cosmetics Eye Definer ($15) is available from beautyhabit, b-glowing and rosiejanecosmetics.com. Mine came with a free BeautyFix press kit.

All photos are mine

Burberry Midnight Blue (04) Eye Definer Eye Shaping Pencil

Since I'm obviously in denial about the holidays, holiday makeup collections and the existence of December, I thought I'd talk about items from permanent lines and maybe some unsung heroes. Like this one. Of course, I have several reviews brewing for more Burberry Beauty gorgeousness, but since the eyeliner pencils have yet to get much attention I figured it's a good place to start.

When I went shopping at Nordstrom in late August, an eyeliner pencil was not high on my list. But the Burberry rep who did my makeup used their Eye Definer in #04, Midnight Blue, and I loved the way it looked, especially coordinated with the subtle beige and taupe eye shadows from their line. I'm always surprised when hearing people with brown eyes who are afraid of blue. Yes, I also remember that late 1970s/early 1980s "rule" about brown makeup for brown eyes and blue for blue eyes, but it's wrong. There's nothing like a little blue cautiously applied to make brown eyes pop. And Burberry's Midnight Blue is the perfect color for that.

This pencil has a slight iridescent finish- not quite metallic and not obviously shiny, just a little light-reflecting. The texture is smooth, not very creamy but soft enough for an easy application with no tugging or skin-pulling (It's my biggest pet peeve about the pencils from some high-end brands. Paying nearly $30 to feel like I stabbed myself in the eye is not my idea of a good beauty moment). Burberry found a middle ground between  softness/blendability and precision/control in this pencil, and while I'd probably love it more had the texture been creamier, I still enjoy it a great deal.

Bottom Line: Pretty!

Burberry Eye Definer Pencil ($27) in Midnight blue and other colors can be found at Nordstrom, online and in select stores.

Photos are mine.

Burberry Midnight Blue (04) Eye Definer Eye Shaping Pencil

Since I'm obviously in denial about the holidays, holiday makeup collections and the existence of December, I thought I'd talk about items from permanent lines and maybe some unsung heroes. Like this one. Of course, I have several reviews brewing for more Burberry Beauty gorgeousness, but since the eyeliner pencils have yet to get much attention I figured it's a good place to start.

When I went shopping at Nordstrom in late August, an eyeliner pencil was not high on my list. But the Burberry rep who did my makeup used their Eye Definer in #04, Midnight Blue, and I loved the way it looked, especially coordinated with the subtle beige and taupe eye shadows from their line. I'm always surprised when hearing people with brown eyes who are afraid of blue. Yes, I also remember that late 1970s/early 1980s "rule" about brown makeup for brown eyes and blue for blue eyes, but it's wrong. There's nothing like a little blue cautiously applied to make brown eyes pop. And Burberry's Midnight Blue is the perfect color for that.

This pencil has a slight iridescent finish- not quite metallic and not obviously shiny, just a little light-reflecting. The texture is smooth, not very creamy but soft enough for an easy application with no tugging or skin-pulling (It's my biggest pet peeve about the pencils from some high-end brands. Paying nearly $30 to feel like I stabbed myself in the eye is not my idea of a good beauty moment). Burberry found a middle ground between  softness/blendability and precision/control in this pencil, and while I'd probably love it more had the texture been creamier, I still enjoy it a great deal.

Bottom Line: Pretty!

Burberry Eye Definer Pencil ($27) in Midnight blue and other colors can be found at Nordstrom, online and in select stores.

Photos are mine.

Burberry Midnight Blue (04) Eye Definer Eye Shaping Pencil

Since I'm obviously in denial about the holidays, holiday makeup collections and the existence of December, I thought I'd talk about items from permanent lines and maybe some unsung heroes. Like this one. Of course, I have several reviews brewing for more Burberry Beauty gorgeousness, but since the eyeliner pencils have yet to get much attention I figured it's a good place to start.

When I went shopping at Nordstrom in late August, an eyeliner pencil was not high on my list. But the Burberry rep who did my makeup used their Eye Definer in #04, Midnight Blue, and I loved the way it looked, especially coordinated with the subtle beige and taupe eye shadows from their line. I'm always surprised when hearing people with brown eyes who are afraid of blue. Yes, I also remember that late 1970s/early 1980s "rule" about brown makeup for brown eyes and blue for blue eyes, but it's wrong. There's nothing like a little blue cautiously applied to make brown eyes pop. And Burberry's Midnight Blue is the perfect color for that.

This pencil has a slight iridescent finish- not quite metallic and not obviously shiny, just a little light-reflecting. The texture is smooth, not very creamy but soft enough for an easy application with no tugging or skin-pulling (It's my biggest pet peeve about the pencils from some high-end brands. Paying nearly $30 to feel like I stabbed myself in the eye is not my idea of a good beauty moment). Burberry found a middle ground between  softness/blendability and precision/control in this pencil, and while I'd probably love it more had the texture been creamier, I still enjoy it a great deal.

Bottom Line: Pretty!

Burberry Eye Definer Pencil ($27) in Midnight blue and other colors can be found at Nordstrom, online and in select stores.

Photos are mine.

Laura Marcier Eye Liner

I never fully understood the appeal of cake eyeliners until I got acquainted with Laura Mercier's. I noticed its quality every time I had my makeup done by a Laura Mercier rep, but didn't quite get it until I bought my own and started experimenting.

Laura Mercier Eye Liner in Black Ebony looks deceivingly simple. It's a pressed black powder with a matte finish- not exactly the stuff dreams are made for, right? But as soon as I had my brushes in it and played with various amounts of water (you need very little, by the way. I find that results are best with a damp+ brush) I could see why it has so many fans. Liquid black eyeliner is not exactly revolutionary, but this one gives you a lot of control over the finished look. You can draw it as thin or as thick as you like, manipulate the level of pigment and use it with various brushes.

I've found that it takes very little practice to get the hang of this eyeliner. Beginners would probably like to keep it a little more dry and use thinner and short bristled brushes, but Laura Mercier has created a very versatile product here which works with just about any brush or method you favor. The official recommendation is to apply with a flat brush, but my current favorite is actually a thin angled eyeliner brush by Eco Tools, of all things.

There's something about the velvety finish that is incredibly flattering. It's not glossy so it's never as harsh or retro as some black liquid liners can be. But it's also not too muted or boring. It's just right. Most surprising, though is the staying power. Applied over a lid primer but without using a sealing gel/waterproofing solution, this eyeliner stays put all day with no smudging or fading.

Bottom Line: I'm going to buy the blue one, too.

Laura Mercier Eye Liner ($22) is available from Sephora and most department stores.

Photos by me.

Laura Marcier Eye Liner

I never fully understood the appeal of cake eyeliners until I got acquainted with Laura Mercier's. I noticed its quality every time I had my makeup done by a Laura Mercier rep, but didn't quite get it until I bought my own and started experimenting.

Laura Mercier Eye Liner in Black Ebony looks deceivingly simple. It's a pressed black powder with a matte finish- not exactly the stuff dreams are made for, right? But as soon as I had my brushes in it and played with various amounts of water (you need very little, by the way. I find that results are best with a damp+ brush) I could see why it has so many fans. Liquid black eyeliner is not exactly revolutionary, but this one gives you a lot of control over the finished look. You can draw it as thin or as thick as you like, manipulate the level of pigment and use it with various brushes.

I've found that it takes very little practice to get the hang of this eyeliner. Beginners would probably like to keep it a little more dry and use thinner and short bristled brushes, but Laura Mercier has created a very versatile product here which works with just about any brush or method you favor. The official recommendation is to apply with a flat brush, but my current favorite is actually a thin angled eyeliner brush by Eco Tools, of all things.

There's something about the velvety finish that is incredibly flattering. It's not glossy so it's never as harsh or retro as some black liquid liners can be. But it's also not too muted or boring. It's just right. Most surprising, though is the staying power. Applied over a lid primer but without using a sealing gel/waterproofing solution, this eyeliner stays put all day with no smudging or fading.

Bottom Line: I'm going to buy the blue one, too.

Laura Mercier Eye Liner ($22) is available from Sephora and most department stores.

Photos by me.

Laura Marcier Eye Liner

I never fully understood the appeal of cake eyeliners until I got acquainted with Laura Mercier's. I noticed its quality every time I had my makeup done by a Laura Mercier rep, but didn't quite get it until I bought my own and started experimenting.

Laura Mercier Eye Liner in Black Ebony looks deceivingly simple. It's a pressed black powder with a matte finish- not exactly the stuff dreams are made for, right? But as soon as I had my brushes in it and played with various amounts of water (you need very little, by the way. I find that results are best with a damp+ brush) I could see why it has so many fans. Liquid black eyeliner is not exactly revolutionary, but this one gives you a lot of control over the finished look. You can draw it as thin or as thick as you like, manipulate the level of pigment and use it with various brushes.

I've found that it takes very little practice to get the hang of this eyeliner. Beginners would probably like to keep it a little more dry and use thinner and short bristled brushes, but Laura Mercier has created a very versatile product here which works with just about any brush or method you favor. The official recommendation is to apply with a flat brush, but my current favorite is actually a thin angled eyeliner brush by Eco Tools, of all things.

There's something about the velvety finish that is incredibly flattering. It's not glossy so it's never as harsh or retro as some black liquid liners can be. But it's also not too muted or boring. It's just right. Most surprising, though is the staying power. Applied over a lid primer but without using a sealing gel/waterproofing solution, this eyeliner stays put all day with no smudging or fading.

Bottom Line: I'm going to buy the blue one, too.

Laura Mercier Eye Liner ($22) is available from Sephora and most department stores.

Photos by me.

Bobbi Brown Denim Ink (28) Gel Eyeliner Fall 2010

Bobbi Brown has fully redeemed herself from a year of blah with her fall 2010 Denim & Rose Collection. Tomorrow I'll show you the gorgeous face palette and next week I'll discuss the Denim mascara. Today is about the new Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner color, Denim Ink (no. 28).

Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliners are among my favorite products. They are ridiculously easy to apply, stay on all day without budging or smearing and the colors are always beautiful and never look garish even in the bolder shades. The new Denim Ink color is right up my alley- it's a very dark navy, a bit on the gray side (at least on my skin- if you're pale and very pink the blue might stand out a little more). The color is darker on skin than it's in the pan  and has a little shimmer. I was surprised the name the gave this color doesn't indicate the shimmer, but I don't really mind. Bobbi Brown knows how to keep things elegant even when she goes to the frosty side.

I apply it with either Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine eyeliner brush or even with thinner brushes when I want to really keep it close to the lashes. Both work well with the gel's wonderful texture.

Bobbi Brown Denim Ink (28) Gel Eyeliner ($21) is available from most department stores and bobbibrowncosmetics.com

All photos are mine.

Bobbi Brown Denim Ink (28) Gel Eyeliner Fall 2010

Bobbi Brown has fully redeemed herself from a year of blah with her fall 2010 Denim & Rose Collection. Tomorrow I'll show you the gorgeous face palette and next week I'll discuss the Denim mascara. Today is about the new Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner color, Denim Ink (no. 28).

Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliners are among my favorite products. They are ridiculously easy to apply, stay on all day without budging or smearing and the colors are always beautiful and never look garish even in the bolder shades. The new Denim Ink color is right up my alley- it's a very dark navy, a bit on the gray side (at least on my skin- if you're pale and very pink the blue might stand out a little more). The color is darker on skin than it's in the pan  and has a little shimmer. I was surprised the name the gave this color doesn't indicate the shimmer, but I don't really mind. Bobbi Brown knows how to keep things elegant even when she goes to the frosty side.

I apply it with either Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine eyeliner brush or even with thinner brushes when I want to really keep it close to the lashes. Both work well with the gel's wonderful texture.

Bobbi Brown Denim Ink (28) Gel Eyeliner ($21) is available from most department stores and bobbibrowncosmetics.com

All photos are mine.

Bobbi Brown Denim Ink (28) Gel Eyeliner Fall 2010

Bobbi Brown has fully redeemed herself from a year of blah with her fall 2010 Denim & Rose Collection. Tomorrow I'll show you the gorgeous face palette and next week I'll discuss the Denim mascara. Today is about the new Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner color, Denim Ink (no. 28).

Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliners are among my favorite products. They are ridiculously easy to apply, stay on all day without budging or smearing and the colors are always beautiful and never look garish even in the bolder shades. The new Denim Ink color is right up my alley- it's a very dark navy, a bit on the gray side (at least on my skin- if you're pale and very pink the blue might stand out a little more). The color is darker on skin than it's in the pan  and has a little shimmer. I was surprised the name the gave this color doesn't indicate the shimmer, but I don't really mind. Bobbi Brown knows how to keep things elegant even when she goes to the frosty side.

I apply it with either Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine eyeliner brush or even with thinner brushes when I want to really keep it close to the lashes. Both work well with the gel's wonderful texture.

Bobbi Brown Denim Ink (28) Gel Eyeliner ($21) is available from most department stores and bobbibrowncosmetics.com

All photos are mine.