EM Cosmetics Illustrative Eyeliner Review [Updated]
Do you ever get this hoarding tendency where you 'save' all the nice stuff for later? Well, it's been about 7 months since I've had this liner (I've used it sparingly) and it's still going strong! Keep reading for the full Em Cosmetics Illustrative Eyeliner review, spoiler alert: it has made my all time favourites list!
Quick facts:
Formulation: Cruelty-free, vegan, No PFAs/PFOs, fragrance free, gluten products free
Application: The brush tip is super high quality, thin and precise, and produces smooth, smudge-proof lines
Scent: No scent
Packaging: It comes in a sleek, minimalist design that is easy to hold and apply. When the cap gets put back on the pen it somehow 'rejuices' the liner if you know what I mean lol.
Where to buy: EM Cosmetics website
Price: $22 USD
Pros: This is a very precise brush-tip eyeliner that produces very smooth lines with a rich, neutral-dark-brown color. The liner has a high level of lasting power and is easily removed with makeup remover. The color is buildable without getting super thick or flaky.
Cons: The formulation is not the most waterproof I've ever tried, but it stays on for a regular work day and is not a pain to remove. Also, you would have to order from Em Cosmetics directly to get this as they don't distribute through other retailers.
Verdict: 9/10. This liner is making it to my all-time favourites list. Only slightly biased because it's Michelle Phan's creation of course <3.
About
Em Cosmetics is a brand founded by Michelle Phan, one of the original beauty influencers on YouTube. The Illustrative Eyeliner is one of their best-selling products, known for its precision and ease of use. It's crafted after an illustration pen, and meant to be water-proof, smudge-proof and long-wearing.
Personally for my more oily eyelids, it's not the MOST water-proof, so I have to be aware and not rub my eyes (or break down in the middle of a shift), but other than that I appreciate not having the scrub my eyes at the end of the night to get it off. It's the perfect balance.
Em Cosmetics Illustrative Eyeliner Wear Time
If you're looking for an everyday black or brown liner, this Em Cosmetics liner would be perfect for you. I personally have been preferring the slightly softer look of the deep neutral brown liner, and it really lasts all work day for me (at least 8 hrs).
*Remember to shake it before application.
Show below: Em Cosmetics Illustrative Eyeliner Swatch compared to Uzu Flowfushi Liner (my previous favourite, shown below, in a slightly warmer brown color). The liners are very similar but I like the color and staying power of the Em Cosmetics liner more.
Summing up this Em Cosmetics Illustrative Eyeliner review
My initial impression was that this liner had just the right neutral, opaque dark brown color I was looking for.
The craftsmanship behind the brush tip is impeccable, and I don't know HOW, but my liner has lasted over half a year already (granted I don't use it every day, but I'm so surprised it hasn't dried out)! I purchased mine from the Em Cosmetics website and highly recommend it if you're looking for a trusty daily liner.
Let me know if you end up getting this liner (or have an even better recommendation) and share your thoughts below, I'd love to hear!