Maybelline Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner

Most Helpful Positive Review

Good!

(DISCLOSURE: I received this product free from Influenster and Maybelline in exchange for my honest review.) I tend to prefer pencil to liquid when it comes to eyeliner, largely because I find pencil to be easier to apply, more naturally forgiving to mistakes, and less likely to fade or smear. Afte...r using the Tattoo Studio Ink Pen a few times – a classic cat-eye wing, an attempt at a smoky eye, and my basic everyday Single Swipe – I did still go back to my trusty pencil, but I also liked using this particular product a lot more than I thought I would. First: it went on VERY smooth. I didn't need to exert a lot of pressure to control the line during application, and for someone who isn't super makeup savvy – or who hasn't used liquid eyeliner in a while – I imagine the felt-tip brush, which does a lot of the work in terms of shaping/guiding, would be tremendously helpful. Someone who IS super makeup savvy, though, or who regularly likes trying out a lot of creative, daring looks, would probably prefer a more traditional multi-bristle brush. Second: this eyeliner does not smear, drip, flake, smudge, fade, or rub off. In fact, I had to actually kind of scrub at it with a second round of makeup remover after my normal oil cleanser couldn't get it off. It is truly waterproof. It does not feel fear. The next time I am watching one of those TV shows where the female lead has been living in a dystopian hellscape for a month without access to running water or a well-lit mirror but her eyeliner is somehow still perfect – I will simply shrug and concede that she must be wearing this stuff. It's not a plot hole, it's not a miracle, it's just How It Works. The post-apocalyptic beauty staple none of us knew we needed. That said . . . as long-lasting and powerful as the formula is, and as smooth as it goes ON, it does not dry well. I noticed odd texturizing throughout daily wear; like the ink was curling up around the edges of the line. I thought at first that maybe I applied too much, so I was conscientious about being as light-handed as possible the next day – but still saw curdled edges after a couple of hours. Not a deal-breaker if you like the other features of the product, in my opinion, but for sure a little odd. Overall: this is a really durable, beginner-friendly liquid eyeliner that I would absolutely recommend – with the caveat that it does seem to have a slightly imperfect finish after initial application.