Audrey Dao

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collector Set ($249)

What it is:
A limited-edition set of 25 Full Size Aqua Eyes Eyeliners.

What it does:
The 25 Aqua Eyes Collector Set includes the full range of 25 shades so that you can create endless eye looks. Aqua Eyes is an award-winning, waterproof, and long-lasting eye liner pencil that contains a unique formula that adheres to the eye lids and resists water—even under the most extreme conditions. Its creamy texture glides on effortlessly for precise application and intense color, and by smudging it immediately after applying to the lid, it can double as a shadow.

What else you need to know:
Shades include Aqua Eyes in Champagne 23L, Fuschia Pink 13L, Purple 11L, Black Purple 6L, Shimmering Plum 4L, Burgandy 18L, Pearly Brown 2L, Light Brown 19L, Light Taupe 24L, Bronze Green 5L, Bronze 10L, Gold 9L, Pistachio 17L, Green 16L, Forest Green 20L, Turquoise 7L, Blue With Green Highlights 12L, Majorelle Blue 15L, Iridescent Navy Blue 3L, Mat Black 0L, Star Black 1L, Dark Grey 21L, Grey 22L, Silver 8L, White 14L.

My Thoughts:

You can read about the Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes review to find out how the eyeliners perform.

This is every makeup and eyeliner addict’s dream.This reminds of the Crayola crayon boxes with 64+ colors. I know the $249 price tag is a lot to take, but if you were to buy these eyeliners individually, it would cost you $425. That is almost double the cost of this collector set. I don’t recommend buying the collector set unless you like wearing color because it would be money down the drain. A good way to cut down on the cost of this collector set is to split the cost with a friend(s). Divvy up the eyeliners. Take what you need/want. You will still be saving money.

I actually got this for myself. I know. I must be one crazy lady. I love this set. I wouldn’t have gotten it if the eyeliners were poor quality. I honestly will not have to worry about buying eyeliners for a very, very long time.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes ($17)

What it is:
A two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil.

What it does:
These waterproof eyeshadow and eye liner pencils contain a unique formula that adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions, without running or fading.

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite eyeliners. My other favorite eyeliner is Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner. Just like the 24/7 eyeliner, it is extremely long wearing. I actually think this lasts even longer. No smudges. No smears. It stays put until you remove it. It glides on very easily. No tugging. However, I think it’s not as creamy as the 24/7. When you first apply the eyeliner, you can smudge it to your liking. Once it sets, it stays. It also lasts a decent amount of time on the waterline. The colors are rich and vibrant. This is absolutely one of the best eyeliners on the market. Don’t be put off by the price. They are worth it. Once you’ve been through as many eyeliner brands as I have, you would be gladly to pay for these eyeliners.

MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil ($14.50) Waterproof. Longwearing. Metallic, shimmer and matte finishes. Smooth to apply. Won’t transfer, smudge, or budge… Draws the line: powers your eyes. Makes its point. Lasts.

My Thoughts:

I like MAC Powerpoint, but I don’t love it. It’s a waterproof pencil eyeliner that glides on very smoothly. The staying power is great and so is the pigmentation. I do have to touch up about half way through the day. The reason why I don’t love it is because you can’t really apply it to your waterline. The color doesn’t really transfer onto your waterline.

MAC Fluidline ($15) Ultra-smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes.

My Thoughts:

This is one of the best gel liners I have used to date. Usually gel liners will dry out within a couple months, but the Fluidline hasn’t dried out and it’s been a few (maybe several) months. It’s still soft and creamy as the first time I used it. If you want the same precision you get when you use a liquid liner but need a quicker and easier way to achieve it try this gel liner. Not only is it true to the color in the jar and long lasting, but it is very easy to apply. I didn’t experience any smudging or fading, and I have oily lids. I highly recommend Fluidline. It’s a bit expensive for a small jar, but you really don’t need to use a lot when you apply since it’s so pigmented. Just remember to screw on the lid when you’re not using it, and it won’t dry out quickly.

Urban Decay Liquid Liner ($18) New bottle, new shades—same amazing Liquid Liner! Already one of the most unique and varied color selections available, we added MORE amazing colors to the mix. And if that wasn’t enough, our amazing formula will last all day or all night (even both). Enhance your eyes with a classic swipe of solid black, a subtle shimmering neutral, or a burst of sparkling color. Clear inkwell-style bottle looks sleek, and the handle fits in your hand perfectly . . . a steady hand means perfect lines! Formula dries quickly and leaves a beautiful, subtle shine. Liquid Liners can be worn alone, or smudged together to give you unlimited options.

My Thoughts:

This is by far my favorite liquid liner! Or at least one of my favorites. The brush is ultra thin which makes for an easy-to-control application. It goes on very smoothly (not too thick, not too runny/liquidy) and is super long lasting. No worries about smudging here. It doesn’t take very long for the liquid liner to dry either. You can create so many looks easily with this liquid liner: bold thick lines to thin precise lines to cat eyes to winged liner looks. The best thing about Urban Decay Liquid Liner is the massive color choices!

Urban Decay Get Baked Eyeshadow Palette ($28) Blaze it up with a hit of our most gorgeous bronzy shades, rolled up into a super slim palette. Our universally flattering collection delivers three neutral favorites from our best-selling “Baked” collection (Baked, Half Baked, and Twice Baked), an electric shade of teal (Flipside), and a travel-sized 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon.

It’s the first time we’ve offered our long-lasting 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils or Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion as part of a palette! Sin is a shimmery, champagne version of our classic Primer – try it alone or under a shadow. All Urban Decay Eyeshadows contain very few binders for effortless blending and true color.

The super-slim palette features a brown Pucci-inspired exterior and “Get Baked” in electric blue foil. Blue and white flora create a contrasting backdrop to the neutral Eyeshadows inside. The case is complete with a handy mirror and a magnetic closure.

My Thoughts:

I recently picked this up at South Coast Plaza’s Macy’s, and I LOVE it. It’s perfect for summer! Not only that, but this palette is such a steal for me. I love Urban’s  24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon and also Baked, Half Baked, and Twice Baked eye shadows. So, getting this palette was a no brainer for me. You can read my review of 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil to see my opinion. The eye shadows are really great. They are long lasting, pigmented, and blendable. Definitely one of the best eye shadows out there. Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion works just as great as the original with a bit of shimmer. I just can’t get over how much I love this palette!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($16) The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect with the wide selection of lush tropical hues, deep metallics and unusually vibrant neutrals. Incredible with Urban Decay Eyeshadows!

Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, 24/7 Eye Pencils offer long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied. With Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil, these pencils condition skin and stay with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

My Thoughts:

I LOVE Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. I have oily eyelids and it has never smeared or budged on me, even when I applied it to my bare lids! It is a a creamy pencil that glides on super smooth. You can smear it for a smoky eye look and it will stay until you remove it. This eyeliner has lasted me through so many rock concerts and warm, humid nights. It is probably my holy grail eyeliner. I have this in Zero (black), 1999 (plum with gold), Bourbon (brown with gold), and Stash (dark green with gold).

MAC Eye Kohl ($14.50) A soft-on pencil liner that lines, defines and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth, matte/pearl finish. Ophthalmologist tested.

My Thoughts:

This eyeliner goes on super smooth and is pigmented. It does smudge (it is a kohl pencil) so be sure to use a primer or set it with powder to prevent it smearing. I wouldn’t repurchase it though because even though I use a primer, it smudges quite a bit. I love how creamy, smooth it is. I just wish it had great staying power.

Smashbox Wicked Lovely Cream Liner and Shimmer ($32 now $24) are part of the Wicked Lovely Collection. Three sultry cream liners and a sparkling loose shimmer in one mirrored pot! The liners provide totally customizable eye definition that doesn’t flake, run or tug. This mistake-proof formula is a great tool for the perfect smoky eye, and is ultra-blendable to create a range of eye looks! The loose shimmer provides the finishing touch for wickedly lovely eyes. The three cream liner colors are (left to right): metallic taupe, metallic bronze, and metallic charcoal. The top of the packaging flips open to reveal a mirror and the three cream liners. Underneath the liners, in a pot that unscrews from the liners, is the loose shimmer. The liners apply very easily and stay on all day, just be sure to set it with powder. I don’t really care for the loose shimmer. I only use it for a night out on the town. I prefer not to shimmer during the day.

I own Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner ($22) in bronze. It is a deep bronze color. I usually don’t use waterproof eyeliner, but I wanted an eyeliner that would give me a crisp, polished look. I would have to agree that this eyeliner is waterproof, but it certainly isn’t smudge proof. After attending a concert, I discovered that a bit of the eyeliner had smudged or disappeared. When you apply it, you have to be quick to apply because it dries fairly quickly. You also have to be sure you close the lid shut or the eyeliner will dry out. The first time you use the eyeliner, it goes on smoothly. After the initial use, it gets more difficult to apply with each use due to drying out so easily and quickly. Even though Smashbox is one of my go-to makeup products, I would prefer an eyeliner that isn’t so high maintenance.

Bronze                  Dark Brown      Midnight Black      Navy Blue