FLOWFUSHI Moteliner - Navy Black

12:12:00 AM mandy 1 Comments

It seemed like all Korean YouTubers had and raved about the FLOWFUSHI Moteliner eyeliner in 2018. By the time I got around to buy and try it in 2019, it seemed the entire Moteliner had been discontinued, rebranded, relaunched, and possibly reformulated as "UZ by FLOWFUSHI" and was grazing NYFW with its new wide and wild color range.

I am a little hesitant to review something that may no longer be available. (May because it is still listed on the FLOWFUSHI Japanese website. But I don't comprehend the language at all to know if it is still available to purchase or not.) My final decision to share my thoughts is purely for to me keep track and compare in case I decided to try the new version in the future.

As with most liquid eyeliner products, there are some things I really liked about the Moteliner and some that I wish could be improved on. The unique situation here is perhaps FLOWFUSHI has already improved upon what I did not like already.



FLOWFUSHI's description:

This is a multi-functional eyeliner that offers a premium application. Its brush is invented by a Kumano brush maker, made from 4 different types of bristles of varying quality and coarseness. An octagonal handle that fits the fingers, allowing steady, stable application. A pigment that doesn’t stain the skin, protecting skin from discoloration. Resistant to sweat, water, sebum, and tears. It is fast-drying, good for layering and can be removed with warm water easily.

• 200% stronger water resistance
• Advanced technology
• Dye-free eyeliner
• Easy to remove with warm water

Ingredients
WATER, ACRYLATES/ETHYLHEXYL ACRYLATE COPOLYMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, ALCOHOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM POLYASPARTATE, GARNET POWDER, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, PVP, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, DIETHYLHEXYL SODIUM SULFOSUCCINATE, SIMETHICONE, DISODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID, SORBITAN PALMITATE, SORBITAN LAURATE, HYDROGENATED PALM GLYERCIDES, SORBITAN TROLEATE, SUCROSE PALMITATE, BALCK 2, FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE, RED 33, BLUE 1

Liner 0.55 ml / 0.02 fl. oz

Packaging

A luxe-feeling, seemingly all-plastic, pen-type packaging with a detachable cap. It isn't super lightweight but definitely heftier than your typical liner pen. Something very unique about the Moteliner is the octagonal shape of the tubing design. I would like to say it gives a better gift than something with smooth "sides" but that could just be me. The printing on it is very simple yet there is a stuck-on label with some information in Japanese.

FLOWFUSHI stands by it's quality designed brush applicator by master Japanese artists. I don't generally prefer brush-type eyeliners but I do have to say this may have changed my mind a little. It doesn't fray quickly and seems to always revert back to this well-tapered shape. The line it draws varies greatly and easily depending only on how much pressure I apply and not on whether I use the tip or the fatter part of the brush.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

*Moteliner line is (or maybe was) available in Black, Brown Black, Brown, and Navy Black.

Navy black is a misnomer. The initial line dispensed by the pen is a washed-navy color. Adding even one more layer of liner quickly deepens the blue. Another layer or two gets it closer to a blue-black shade but definitely not the same as a jet black would be.

The ink and brush combination reminds me of watercolor painting. The opacity varies depending on layers with the first and lightest strokes being less intense. There is a wet look before the liner dries down but that becomes matte and shine-free afterward. It has no scent either.

How I Apply

Draw a line as long to the lash line as possible after applying eyeshadow and curling my lashes. I find myself having to draw short strokes if I want a thin line. Otherwise, one long stroke is okay for a thicker line. A second coat is usually always necessary for a deeper color.

Thoughts & Recommendations

The brush is a dream to use. All praises are deserved for whoever the Japanese brush masters were that created it. In the almost half a year since I've opened it, the brush has not shown any signs of actually drying out. There are no dry spots (like with a marker-tip) and the ink flows well. It is easy to control. While some may not like that it takes multiple coats to get the intense blue-black color, others may enjoy the freedom to built up color opacity.

I think the worst part about the brush, or maybe it is the ink, is that if left unused for a while the ink on the brush dries up and needs to be wiped away. The dried gunk acts like a glue and refuses to let new ink from flowing through. It detaches from the applicator, in strands and patches, pretty easily though and works like new after.

When drawn on dry, product-less hands, the ink does not smudge at all. A little of the dried surface pigment may rub off but it doesn't smear. When drawn on a matte face base and my eyelids don't get too oily or watery, the liner stays on great. As with most eyeliners once sebum is introduced though it does show some flakiness.

The weirdest part about the Moteliner, however, is that sebum, tears and friction will almost completely eliminate the eyeliner. This is actually a point that FLOWFUSHI uses in their marketing, that it is easily removed with just warm water. (Freshly drawn liner requires water and quite a bit of rubbing to remove.) But for those with teary eyes, this is not the product to be reaching for. Otherwise, yes Moteliner is water-resistant in the sense that splashing water only will not cause the ink to budge.

FLOWFUSHI says that the formula is dye-free. I am not 100% what that entails and am not too curious to search it up. I will say that from personal experience, the Navy Black color doesn't irritate my eyes at all but it does stain the skin a little if it isn't removed properly.

Chances are high that I will eventually try the UZ version out of curiosity. It promises the same great brush design and better attention to environmental sustainability. There is an impressive range of 13 colors wearable and bold colors to choose from now, in addition to an entire line of "7 Shades of Black" range. The best thing is probably the $16 price point and easier accessibility in America.

stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - Intense Black

12:12:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

When I noticed how great a friend of my friend's eyeliner looked after being in a people-induced hot concert on a warm September evening, I knew I needed to know what she had used. "Stila" was what she said, stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is what I got to try. After using it for almost a year (way over their recommended time of 6 months but that is beside the point), I can definitely see why she and tons of other people call this their holy grail. Me though? Not quite yet not the worst I have tried either.



stila's description:

Our #1 selling waterproof liquid liner enables you to create a variety of eye-opening effects from thin, precise lines to thick, dramatic looks. The formula glides on with ease, dries quickly and won't smudge or run day-into-night. The fine marker-like tip offers a precise application for everyone from novices to pros and results in beautifully defined eyes that will leave a lasting impression.

Benefits:

Waterproof and easy-to-use
Goes on smoothly without skipping, smudging, or pulling
It lasts all day long!

Directions
Pull gently on the upper corner of the eye area to stretch and smooth the eye before lining with the liquid eyeliner. This will make it easy to line and eliminate bleeding.

Apply the liner as close to the lashes as possible. In order to avoid a gap between the lashes and the lining, try painting the liner into the lashes using small feathering strokes.

It is usually easiest to apply liquid eyeliner by starting at the area of the eye where the brush naturally falls. For right-handed women this is most likely a left to right motion; for left-handed women, it is usually a right to left motion.

Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is the perfect product for creating glamorous cat eyes. The best cat eye can be achieved by extending the eye shape. Use the lower lash line as a guide and create the wing first. Then connect it when lining the rest of the eye. Also, as a good rule of thumb, begin to line upward at the second to last lash.

Ingredients
WATER/AQUA, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, BEHENETH-30, SODIUM POLYASPARTATE,PHENOXYETHANOL, ALCOHOL, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, DISODIUM EDTA, ACRYLATES/OCTYLACRYLAMIDE COPOLYMER, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, XANTHAN GUM, MAY CONTAIN (+/_) TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510), BLACK 2 (CI 77266)

Eyeliner 0.5 ml / 0.016 fl. oz

Stila: USD $22.00

Packaging

A lightweight plastic pen tubing with a detachable cap. There is a spring mechanism inside the cap to protect the pen tip applicator from being smushed. While a lot of text is printed on the barrel of the pen, it has surprisingly not smudged off at all with constant usage. The color of the actual packaging itself seems to correlate with the color of the eyeliner.

This particular liner has a marker-type, "spongey" tip that is pretty malleable but not as delicate and flowy as a brush-type liner would be. It is capable of trying thinner lines but as the pointest tip starts to dry out it doesn't dispense as much ink as say the thicker parts of the marker would.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

*Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner comes in 8 colors: Intense Black (jet black), Dark Brown (rich chocolate), Alloy (charcoal), Midnight (deep blue), Snow (white), Intense Smoky Quartz (espresso), Intense Labradorite (charcoal), and Jade (vibrant green).

Intense Black is indeed a jet black as Stila describes. The pigmentation is strong and one swipe provides a strong opacity from the get-go. A fresh dispense of ink does look a little wet and shiny but that does dry down to a matte and luster-less color. Before it is completely set the ink has a very tacky and sticky finish; the more layers of the liner is applied, the stickier and longer it takes to dry. Once it is set though, it feels as if nothing was applied at all while delivering a strong color pigment. There is no noticeable scent to the ink.

How I Apply

Draw a line as close to my lash line, without getting it onto my waterline, after applying eyeshadow and curling my lashes.

Thoughts & Recommendations

There are some very impressive points to the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.
1 - It does not budge at all when I go to try and smudge it after swatching on dry, product-less hands. If I had a matte face base and my eyelids don't get too oily or wet during the day, the eyeliner looks about the same as when I first applied it.
2 - Intense Black is highly pigmented and draws opaque right away. Even when I draw over an existing line, the new ink and/or applicator tip doesn't lift away any previously drawn stuff.
3 - The ink doesn't ever seem to dry or run out even after having it opened for nearly a year (as of this post).

Here is where, I think, this particular eyeliner starts to see some fault.
1 - As sebum and tears are introduced into the mix the eyeliner becomes strangely flakey. If a little human touch is added the ink completely wipes away. I guess this is good for easier removal at the end of the day but it is a bad story for those who specifically are looking for waterproof and longer wear time.
2 - The ink is too tacky for my liking. It also takes a long time to dry if I apply a thick layer or even two layers. If I had better line drawing skills it wouldn't be a problem but I always find myself having to do patchwork in the mornings. When not fully set the ink will transfer and crease.
3 - The marker-type tip isn't great in the long run. The pointiest and thinnest part dries out quickly so I can basically only apply thick lines with the fatter part of the marker, which then is less precise and therefore leads to more need for patchwork and more stickiness.

I am surprised to see that the eyeliner is "Made in Japan" and "Assembled in Korea". Most brands don't typically write this out. I guess stila is playing up the aspect that it is different in origin and may be of higher quality for those who prefer Asian formulated things. I do wonder if this same formula is used in other Japanese eyeliners since I have heard that formulators tend to shop the same things to different brands and it is then sold in different packaging.

While I can see why there is such a strong following for the Stay All Day liner and most of the claims stila makes is fairly well delivered, I don't think it is quite the right formulation and delivery for my own eyes. There are some days where I love wearing it because I applied it great in one swipe. Then there are days where I annoyingly have to do many touch-ups and wait for the stickiness to set in addition to getting oily/teary eyes. A girl can hope for having the best of all worlds.

Etude House Proof 10 Gel Pencil Liner - Dark Cacao

12:12:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

Etude House has really got something very right with their very small yet extremely mighty Proof 10 line of products. Both the Proof 10 Eye Primer and this Proof 10 Gel Pencil Liner have worked wonders for me together and separately. That is saying a lot considering I tried a bunch of eyeliner products at the same time but prefer Etude House's one much more.



Etude House's description:

Its creamy gel texture helps you draw a precise line with ease.

Create your everyday makeup look with the super wearable shades.

You can sharpen the tip with the bottom sharpener to create a precise, fine line for defined eyes.

Strong waterproof film polymer withstands water and sebum for a long-lasting, smudge-proof eyeliner that stays put.

Directions
Twist to dispense a certain amount and use it on the desired area. Close cap after use.

Ingredients
DARK CACAO
TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), ISODODECANE, POLYETHYLENE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), SYNTHETIC WAX, CERESIN, MICA (CI 77019), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), SYNTHETIC CANDELILLA WAX, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, POLYISOBUTENE, METHICONE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE

Pencil 0.3 g / 0.01 oz

Etude House (Korean retail): ₩6,800
Etude House (American retail): USD $8.84
YESSTYLE: USD $12.90
BeautyBoxKorea: USD $7.40

Packaging

A lightweight plastic retractable pencil with a cap on one end and a pull-out sharpener on the other. Most of the tubing is navy blue in color. The only bit different is the part that attaches to the sharpener, which has the same color as the eyeliner itself.

It doesn't appear to have the expiration or manufactured date printed on either the box or the pencil itself. I guess it shouldn't be too big of an issue if purchasing from a reputable seller or Etude House directly.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The pencil is available in 6 colors: Black, Dark Cacao, Milk Chocolate, Rose Brown, Wood Fire*, and Honey Bronze*.

*Glittery colors in the line.

Dark Cacao is as its name suggests a dark and rich chocolate brown color. The formulation is soft enough to dry well without being overly creamy to the point that it smudges—reminiscent of "cray-pas"/oil pastels if you're familiar with those. Overall, it glides with a breeze onto my eyelids without any tug or pulls. The line I get from it is very smooth without any crackly edges. Since it is a matte brown color, it also dries and sets to a very matte and dull-looking finish. There is no detectable scent.

How I Apply

Draw a line however I feel after having applied my face products and eyeshadow, even after curling my lashes but before mascara (if any).

Thoughts & Recommendations

I can't even remember the last time I liked an eyeliner product as much as I do the Proof 10 Gel Pencil Liner. I would go as far as to say that it is the I have tried so far (that is still available for purchase).

Sorry if I sound like a broken record, but not really sorry as I just really love these points about this product. The pencil itself isn't too hard that I have to tug and pull to draw a smooth line. Yet it isn't so soft and creamy that it smudges like crazy once it meets any kind of oil or water. I have gone well over 12 hours with it on, without primer and with a dewy sunscreen/base, and get only the slightest of smudges. Despite it lasting so well, the product still cleanses off easily with makeup remover or cleansing balm/oil.

I haven't used the sharpener even though there is built into the packaging. It just feels a little wasteful to sacrifice some of the good product just to get a pointier tip. If I want a truly defined line I would go for a liquid or potted liner + makeup brush. That's just my thoughts.

Dark Cacao may be a bit dull in color for some. But it is a great as a less obvious line color. Black would definitely be on my To-Try list the next time around. The other colors in the line may be too bright to wear on the daily. If it isn't already obvious enough, I think everyone should try it...immediately.

Missha Ultra Powerproof Pencil Liner - Black (old formula)

12:12:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

I thought I would love the Missha Ultra Powerproof Pencil Liner the minute I first swatched and attempted to rub and smudge the line away. I don't think I have ever met an eyeliner that stayed so well on my hands even after washing with normal hand soap and water. If only the eyeliner continued to last just as well against the oils from my face and eyelids, this would have easily been my new favorite liner product.



MISSHA's description:

Ultra Power/Waterproof Effect - This new eyeliner lasts in water, sweat, and sebum while giving your eyes a strong bold effect.

Smooth Texture - Easily glides onto your lids with its smooth texture.

No Smudging - Quickly dries reducing any possibilities of smudging for a long-lasting, clean look.

**Renewed recently. Claims to have an "improved formula for a brighter, clearer, long-lasting effect".

Directions
Twist the upper cap to show just enough of the pencil to use.
Follow your lash line and draw.
This gel-type pencil liner takes 3-5 seconds to fully set.
Blend naturally by using the sponge tip for a deeper look.

Ingredients (new formula)
BLACK IRON OXIDES, TRIMETHYLSILHOXYSILICATE, ISODODECANE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, POLYETHYLENE, SYNETHIC WAX, MICA (CI 77019), CERESIN, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, POLYISOBUTENE, POLYDYROXYSTEARIC ACID, DIMETHICONE, LECITHIN, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ISOSTEARIC ACID, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, GLYCERYL GAPRYLATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYRICINOLEATE BROWN TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ISODODECANE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), POLYETHYLENE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), SYNTHETIC WAX, CERESIN, MICA (CI 77019), EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, POLYISOBUTENE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC AIC, LECITHIN, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ISOSTEARIC ACID, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYRICINOLEATE ASH BROWN TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), ISODODECANE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, POLYETHYLENE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), SYNTHETIC WAX, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), CERESIN, MICA (CI 77019), EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, POLYISOBUTENE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, LECITHIN, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ISOSTEARIC ACID, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYRICINOLEATE

Pencil 0.2 g

MISSHA (Korean retail): ₩11,000
MISSHA (American retail): USD $18.00
YESSTYLE: USD $8.90

Packaging

**The renewed Ultra Powerproof line of pencil eyeliner, liquid liner, mascara, etc. has chromatic, rainbow-colored packaging.

Other than color changes, the overall design of the old versus new Ultra Power Proof Pencil Liner seems to be the same. One side offers a retractable, thicker-type eyeliner and the other a firm and pointed sponge-tip applicator.

I won't comment on the materials of the packaging since I only have the old version which isn't available anymore. However, I do hope that the new design shows the manufacture date a little more clearly. The black text they used to print it in, on both the dark navy box and the black retractable portion of the pencil itself, is difficult to see.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

**Missha currently offers 3 colors for this specific pencil range: black, brown, and ash brown.

The black pencil (at least the old version I have) has an intense and dark pigmentation even with just one swipe. It is soft and glides very smoothly with no tugging. Once a few seconds pass, the drawn line does not budge. Even the provided sponge-tip applicator doesn't really "smudge" said line; it just rubs away surface pigmentation giving a less intense line color. There is a slight wax smell if one were to sniff the eyeliner in its tubing but not noticeable at all when applying or once on the eyelid.

Perhaps the formulation is too soft? A few days after I started to use this new liner, I snapped about 1/3 of it off because I had mistakenly twisted too much of it out before application.

How I Apply

After applying primer and eyeshadow, I twist up just enough eyeliner to see it sticking out through the tip and draw a line close to my lashes (without being a tight line).

Thoughts & Recommendations

**I am only commenting on the old formulation.

Missha even claimed the old formulation of the Ultra PowerProof Pencil Liner to have been great against water, sweat, and sebum. I wouldn't have questioned their claims after that initial swatch on my hand. The eyeliner stays well on my clean skin or with a matte base. Splashing water on it and tears didn't really budge the product at all.

However, once my facial oils start to gather and collect at the corners of my eyes the eyeliner inevitably starts to smudge, and a lot at that. The amount of smudging greatly varies depending on the sunscreens I use as well; the less matte the formulation the more panda-like I end up. Likewise, the hotter the day and earlier my face produces oils, the earlier and longer I end up having liner transferred to the bottom lash line.

While I don't hate the thicker pencil, it didn't help draw the most defined and thin wing/liner tail. Using this for a general smokey eye also wasn't a choice since the product cannot budge to create that desired smudged look. In the end, the Ultra Powerproof Pencil was mainly used to darken my lash line.

I wanted so much for this product to work. The smooth texture is a dream for easy application. Its waterproof-ness is something to be envied. Perhaps the improved and "new" formulation would fill in where this one lacked? Before discovering the renewal I would have definitely not considered a repurchase. Otherwise, those with a less oily face and eyelids would probably thank Missha and believe it to be a godsend.

Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer

12:12:00 AM mandy 1 Comments

The last time I tried to use eye primer was also the first—in preparation for doing my own makeup (and a few of my friends) for our high school prom. I had no idea what I was doing at the time. Just that all the gurus (did I just date myself with this terminology?) swore by how primers helped with longevity and color intensity. Truth be told, I got it because I was new to eyeshadows and like to be perfect from the get-go; however, I still don't remember if the eye primer I bought made a difference then because I rarely used it afterward to really care.

It wasn't until my recent frustrations with dewier sunscreen formulations and stinging eyes that I turned to Etude House's Proof 10 Eye Primer hoping for some relief. Inexpensive and effective, all bundled into one for my first dive into eyelid primers in...almost a decade. What's to not like?



Etude House's description:

Proof 10 Eye Primer supplies coverage to eyelids and around the eyes to enhance eye shadow color and intergrity for a longer lasting, Perfect 10 look.

High molecular substances coat your skin preventing eyeliner and shadows from fading, erasing, or getting in your crease.

Premium powder and mineral powder corrects even the finest wrinkles, leaving you with a silky, flawless eye base.

Smoothly applicable and finishes with a soft and dry touch.

Directions
Use fingers to gently apply primer to upper and lower eyelids prior to eye shadow application. Also applicable to eye lines prior to eyeliner application.

Ingredients
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TALC, MIC (CI 77019), HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ISODODECANE, TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN, VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, POLYISOBUTENE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), BEESAX, PEG-40 STEARATE, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, 1 2-HEXANEDIOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CI 77492, METHICONE, CI77491, CI 77499, BHT

Primer 10 ml / 0.35 oz

Etude House (Korean retail): ₩5,500
Etude House (American retail): USD $7.20
JOLSE: USD $7.08
YESSTYLE: USD $6.90
iHerb: USD $5.63

Packaging

A clear plastic bulbous, kind of teardrop-shaped, tube with a long cap (for better grip) and doe-foot applicator. It has a simple design that gets the job done. I can see how much product is left inside. The expiration date is also very clearly printed on the side. The end of the applicator does reach to the very bottom but I am not sure how well it would work to reach the widest part of the bulb because of the stopper at the top to help scrape off excess product from the wand.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The primer is pinkish in color in the tube. Once applied it blends in well and is virtually unnoticeable. There is an initial silicone-like slip and tack that does dry down to a matte finish. Etude House did not add fragrance so the primer itself has a very standard wax/silicone kind of scent to it. I don't notice it normally unless I purposely sniff the product.

How I Apply

After applying sunscreen and before any makeup, I spread a thin layer of the eye primer with the doe-foot applicator across my eyelids and near the bottom lash line. I make sure to use my ring finger to really smooth everything out and remove any excess product to avoid creasing of the primer itself.

Thoughts & Recommendations

Oily lids, rejoice! I can finally wear non-matte sunscreens without tearing up uncontrollably and having any eyeliner, no matter how long-wearing they claim to be, smudge like no tomorrow at the outer corners of my eyes. (Both are related but are conditions that can happen independently of each other if the products are right.)

I cannot say this product stopped ALL smudging. But the difference it does make when I do and don't use the Proof 10 Eye Primer is still very noticeable. Even the eyeliner itself holds up better when I add the extra primer step. Creasing isn't non-existent but it isn't quite as bad.

Since I don't have many wrinkles near my eyes at the moment, that isn't an aspect I can vouch for. However, I would say that I have to be careful when applying this because of my bajillion eyelid folds and constantly uneven eyes. Being too heavy-handed does cause the primer to crease and not set properly. If left to its own devices, it will mix with my eyelid oils through the day and the primer eventually finds its way into my eyelashes.

Really, who needs a more expensive product when the Etude House's eye primer works and comes in under USD $10? Even the doe-foot applicator isn't a huge hygiene issue for me either since the primer itself is such a small size—either I finish it fast enough or am not too hesitant to toss something inexpensive. My next eye primer would highly likely be this unless I want to spend some extra dollars to try the mini versions offered at Sephora.

Maybelline Total Temptations Brow Definer - 315 Deep Brown

12:12:00 PM mandy 0 Comments

If the TattooStudio is everything I did not expect it to be for the worst, Maybelline's Total Temptations Brow Definer is everything I did not expect it to be for the best. I had purchased both products at the same time, opened at the same time, yet only continuously reach for one over the other.



MAYBELLINE's description:

Total Temptation™ Eyebrow Definer Pencil precisely fills in brows with our first teardrop-shaped applicator.

Fill in and shape eyebrows with this must-have mechanical eyebrow pencil. Also, discover more of Total Temptation™, Maybelline's most addictive makeup collection. It's designed for pure indulgence!

Directions
1. Begin by defining the brow with the narrow end of the teardrop tip.
2. Use the base of the tip to fill from the brow anchor to the brow arch.
3. Fill in the remainder of the tail of the eyebrow using the narrow end of the applicator.
4. Blend and style with the fluffy spoolie end.

Ingredients
G2014168 SYNTHETIC JAPAN WAX, STEARIC ACID, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES, ZINC STEARATE, POLYBUTENE, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE DABEILLE, MYRISTYL MYRISTATE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA / CARNAUBA WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, TOCOPHEROL, CITRIC ACID, [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE] D212789/1

Pencil 0.15 g / 0.005 oz

Maybelline (Suggested American retail): USD $7.99

Packaging

A lightweight yet sturdy plastic pencil-type tubing with a retractable brow pencil on one end and a very small sphere-shaped spoolie on the other. It is a unique design, one that I don't mind at all because it does allow for a little more precise blending.

The coloring of the tubes for the Total Temptations Brow Definer line is the same pastel-peachy-pink. The only difference lies in the color band around the cap to show the shade of the pencil itself.

Maybelline describes the shape like a teardrop. To me, a new Brow Definer pencil looks more like a diamond/kite. Either way, the shape takes more of an oval look while maintaining a pointy-ish tip once it is used and the edges have softened up.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The pencil itself is quite soft while being very pigmented. It glides easily and there is virtually no resistance when it comes to drawing a line. The finish is matte without being dry, so it blends out very easily as well. There is no scent detectable to my nose.

To me, the "Deep brown" shade looks like a neutral ashy brown. It is not too cool nor warm. There aren't any red undertones yet isn't overly gray. (I don't know...I'm terrible at pinpointing a shade like this.)

How I Apply

Sometimes I draw lines to mimic individual hairs. Sometimes I just make general swipes in the desired shape I would like my eyebrows to look. Then take the spoolie and quickly run through the eyebrows a few times.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I am glad that the first retractable brow pencil I got from the drugstore turned out to be such a great purchase. Even though it doesn't have the additional powder and sponge-tip applicator like my all-time favorite brow pencil designs, I really enjoyed the simplicity of the Total Temptations Brow Definer.

It is affordable in two-folds. The MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) is low and the drugstores always have deals/coupons for beauty brands. The pencil also has a great color pay-off while being versatile and long-lasting. I could draw with a light hand for a lighter stroke or press a teeny bit harder for a deeper color deposit.

The one thing I have noticed is people around me really notice how strong and defined my eyebrows are whenever I use this pencil (even when I thought I had tried my best to fill it in a natural way). This is great for those looking for a more Western approach with their brows. For me, the learning curve to dial back the pressure and number of strokes I need was a little difficult.

Because of how concentrated each line looks, my one pencil has lasted me many many months. The Brow Definer has yet to show any signs of drying out nor have I experienced snapping. In fact, the pencil is so creamy that excess product tends to gather around the pointed tip if I happen to press too hard.

Perhaps the biggest negative, overall, is the lack of shades the brand offers. Maybelline's website only lists 4 (Blonde, Soft Brown, Medium Brown, and Deep Brown) and what is available in the physical drugstores is usually less. I would recommend these to whoever those 4 shades would work for and need something effective yet affordable. I do warn that it may be a tad intimidating for those who aren't into the strong brows look or is new to brow products.

Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen - 365 Deep Brown

12:12:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

Never have I ever been more disappointed in a single makeup product as I am with Maybelline's TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen. I expect something to be long-lasting and easy to use with a name like TattooStudio. Yet this brow marker is anything but. Had I not made an impulsive buy and read some reviews beforehand, my wallet could have been a few dollars fuller.



MAYBELLINE's description:

TattooStudio™ Brow Tint Pen Makeup fills in eyebrows with natural-looking hair-like strokes that last up to 24 hours.

Achieving perfectly defined natural-looking eyebrows has never been easier! Our 1st eyebrow tinting pen features an exclusively-designed multi-prong tip that delivers the look of natural, hair-like strokes instantly. Our long-lasting formula delivers up to 24-hour wear that is smudge-proof and transfer-proof.

Directions
1. Always apply the TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen Makeup on clean eyebrows and use before applying other face makeup.
2. Angle the multi-prong tip up across the eyebrow and draw hair-like strokes from eyebrow anchor to tail using a small, slow motion. Repeat as desired for added intensity.
3. To saturate the tip of the TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen Makeup, hold the pen face down for 5 seconds or gently wipe the tip on a clean tissue before continuing the application.

Ingredients
AQUA / WATER / EAU, ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, PVP, PEG/PPG-14/4 DIMETHICONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL, HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TRIISOPROPANOLAMINE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR, CI 16035 / RED 40, CI 42090 / BLUE 1, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5] F.I.L. D217393/1

Ink 1.1 ml / 0.037 fl. oz

Maybelline (Suggested American retail): $8.99

Packaging

A lightweight plastic marker pen with a color-coordinated cap. The applicator is a very flimsy and thin 4-pronged, maybe felt, marker tip.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

"Deep Brown" isn't quite as deep brown as one would imagine. Instead, it is a medium brown at best with some reddish, warm undertones. There is a surprisingly green-black undertone left once it is met with running water. The ink that comes out isn't wet or tacky. It has a matte look once dried and no discernible scent.

How I Apply

Brush through the general area of where I wanted my brow shape to end up.

Initially: As the second to last step (before lip) in my makeup routine.

Later: As the first step in my makeup routine, especially before any base makeup and even skincare.

Thoughts & Recommendations

Let me clear the air by saying I did not read Maybelline's instructions before using their TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen. I thought it to be like any other brow product (or even similar to liquid liners) and could use it over top a face loaded with things such as foundation, powder, etc.

A brand new Brow Tint Pen has no problem dispensing ink overtop all those mentioned things. But as the marker tip starts to dry up the struggle to draw on top of things with remotely any kind of oil and texture was real.

I found that even skincare hinders the ability of the ink or marker tip to work. Switching to incorporating the Brow Tint Pen before even having applied skincare is definitely the hardest; I like to wipe my face (and eyebrow area) with a cotton round and toner because I don't wash with cleanser in the morning. Any drop of water to the ink immediately washes/wipes the "Tattoo" Studio "Tint" away.

The other big gripe I have with this Maybelline brow product is how quickly the marker tip dries out. It seemed like within the week I opened a brand new pen, the tip or ink already had issues. At first, I thought it was my application method. Yet I had trouble even when I tried to swatch onto my dry, product-less hands. This doesn't seem like a lone occurrence either as reviews upon reviews also address the same issue. Had I looked, it would have been the deciding factor for me to not try this brow tint.

A small gripe I have is with the design of the marker tip. It is overly flexible which ultimately means something that is hard to control, especially when someone is wanting precision for their eyebrows. The natural human tendency would be to apply more pressure as the ink runs out but the marker nub flops over all too easily.

Save yourself all the disappointment and headache. Even at the drugstore, there are better and inexpensive brow products. I am honestly too scarred to try another marker-type brow product in the near future. Maybelline made an attempt but this item works neither like a tattoo nor a tint.

ECO YOUR SKIN Moisture Wall Surge Complex

12:12:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

ECO YOUR SKIN is a bold one. It is a hefty promise for a brand to not only say their a moisturizer could provide a "moisture wall barrier" but that it could last for 48 hours. While that isn't the tagline that got me to try the Moisture Wall Surge Complex, I can certainly see where they are coming from with that claim after using it myself.



ECOYOURSKIN's description:

Moisture Wall Surge Complex, so-called "Water-Wall Cream", will form a moisturized skin wall to your skin layer for the next 48 hours. This effect improves thin and sensitive skin and heals skin damaged by UV rays.

Directions
After cleansing, use toner to moisturize your skin, then softly apply an appropriate amount of Moisture Wall Surge Complex to the face and neck except the eye area.

Ingredients
AQUA,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,PEG/PPG-17/6 COPOLYMER,GLYCERIN,1,2-HEXANEDIOL,BETAINE,PEG-240/HDI COPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH -20 ETHER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM PCA,ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT,PERSEA GRATISSIMA(AVOCADO) FRUIT EXTRACT,CORNUS OFFICINALIS FRUIT EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE,ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER,TRIETHANOLAMINE,CAPRYLYL GLYCOL,ALLANTOIN,ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF POWDER,ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN,DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE,PENTYLENE GLYCOL,ASPALATHUS LINEARIS EXTRACT,GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, FRAGRANCE,CI 14700,CHLOROPHYLLIN-COPPER COMPLEX,CARAMEL

Cream 50 ml

ECOYOURSKIN (Korean retail): ₩72,000
Peach & Lily: USD $80.00

Packaging

A thick glass jar with a sturdy plastic screw-on lid. New boxes come sealed with a packaging label. The inside comes with an inner plastic lid for extra security, yet I don't keep it on once opened for quick access. The body of the bottle isn't opaque; it isn't a con here since I could still see how much product remains inside. I am also not too bothered by the underside/lip where the cap has its screw threads only because of the moisturizer's texture (it likes to stick to itself more than the those harder to reach sides).

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The gel has clear coral hue and a strong, fresh fruity plus aloe-y scent. It is weirdly lightweight yet thick at the same time because of its sticky and stretchy consistency. Rather than feeling watery like gel formulations tend to act when blended in, the Moisture Wall Surge Complex has almost a balmy, tacky sensation. Once the skin soaks the moisturizer in it leaves a generally satin finish and some remaining tackiness.

How I Apply

Scoop out a little with a spatula or my fingertip. Gently rub the product between my palms to create a thin layer. Press the moisturizer into my skin. Once I have generally covered my face I quickly and constantly pat all over to help the gel sink in better and lessen the stickiness.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I can't say I don't like it. I will say it isn't my favorite.

Moisture Wall Surge Complex does indeed create a great moisture barrier on the skin. I think it is mainly from its very sticky texture that it is able to adhere and stay so well. Perhaps it could last for 48 hours, but I do double cleanse my face at night and splash with water in the morning so it would effectively disturb, if not remove, said barrier before 24 hours even hits.

I love that I never show any dry patches or cakey makeup while using this moisturizer. It fairs well even when I wear the most matte of sunscreens, concealers, and powders. My skin never broke out from it or felt congested at all.

I just hate the tacky feeling left behind after application. Of course, if I sit long enough that finish becomes very minimal but I like to do my skincare routine and hop into bed; sticky skin, hair strands, pillowcases, and duvets don't mix well. Applying something non-sticky afterward also helps but for those that want minimal steps, this isn't the product to go to.

A repurchase from me, at full retail price, would be next to impossible. $80 is quite a lot for a solely hydrating product with no other actives. Granted, it does what it says well. Despite the heavy discount during the Peach & Lily sample sale, I did not repurchase the moisturizer mainly because I did not enjoy the user experience. Perhaps those with much drier skin would like this more? Those with sensitive skin may not enjoy the formulation's tug and tack nor the fragrance. Oily skin would probably enjoy something with a more barely-there feel.