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 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.
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.
