Retail price: $21.00
Where to find: Bobbi Brown online, Bobbi Brown Nordstrom counter, Sephora
Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush
Retail price: $25.00
Where to find: Bobbi Brown online, Bobbi Brown Nordstrom counter, Sephora
I bought Bobbi Brown's long-wear gel eyeliner a while ago. I went for a complimentary makeover at the Nordstrom counter one lazy Saturday. This eyeliner was perfection! And, as advertised, the liner didn't smudge or wear until I removed my makeup. So, of course, I bought it along with the brush.
I used the eyeliner for a few weeks, but I found it difficult to apply especially in the morning. My lines weren't straight; the lines were too thick (from too much product and try to correct over bad lines); and frankly, I just wasn't used to using a brush to line my eyes. So, I went back to using eyeliner pencils and liquid pens (read my older posts on some of my favorites!). I love the eyeliner pencils and pens I've used/still sue; I usually bring one with me in my purse to touch up. And they are still the easiest products to apply on the eyes.
Then...I saw the movie Burlesque (Sidenote: As formulaic as this movie is, it was quite entertaining!). You know that scene where Christina Aguilera's character tries to apply some eyeliner with a brush, and Cher enters the room and shows her how it's done. It was quite a tender moment, actually. Anyway, when Cher finished, Aguilera's eyes looked awesome! It was then I decided to give Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner another chance. (note: I don't know what brand they were using in the movie)
So, again, on a lazy Saturday, where I opted not to hit the malls (a.k.a. not spend money), I took out my gel eyeliner pot and brush and started practicing. A few tries and a new brush, I'm actually getting used to the application. As I'm applying it, I can barely feel I have anything on my eyelids. The gel part of this product adds to the rich color. I still have my eyeliner pencils/pens, but this one totally lives up to its name!
Things I learned the second time around (and after watching the video on Bobbi Brown's website):
1. You don't need a lot of eyeliner on the brush. Just a smudge on either side of the tip.
2. Start from the inner eyelids and work your way out. When I first started, I would hold the outer end taut and then apply. I can actually apply while looking straight ahead now. Whatever works for you, do it :)
3. If you mess up, use your finger to smudge it off or use a Q-tip with a tiny bit of eye makeup remover and take off any mistakes. You have time to fix it before it actually settles in (it lives up to the name of long-wear, so once it's there, it's there)
4. Practice with some patience :)
4a. One way to practice (and also a way to make a bolder look) is to use an eyeliner pencil and line your eyes as you usually do. Then, trace your line with the gel eyeliner!
This product is quite expensive, but if your eyes are what you love to accent when you use makeup, I say it's worth it.
Photo credit:
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/spp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22753&PRODUCT_ID=PROD1109&cm_vc=XCATEGORY22753
