“The eyes have one language everywhere”

I am in love with Maybelline New York's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. ($9.99)  This eyeliner is an oil-free formula that has a highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base.  The application is smooth and the formula has a nice texture.  The color is intense and long lasting and dries quickly for a smudge proof finish.  Maybelline claims that the formula resists wear for 24 hours, but to be honest I've never let it go that long. 

It comes in a little tub with a twist off cap and has a little brush applicator.  The bristles on the brush are tapered, lay flat and are densely packed.  You have a lot of control when it comes to the precision and the thickness of the lines.

It comes in four colors: Black, Brown, Grey, and Plum.  I've only tried the black, but I am dying to try the plum!

I love that you can adjust the level of intensity of this eyeliner.  You apply it by dipping the tip into the gel and wiping off the excess on the rim of the jar.  For a natural look where you just want a little definition, do small strokes and glide liner across the lash line; it has a nice matte finish.  You can also amp up the intensity by first defining and then continuing to build the line until your desired look is achieved.  For a little bit of vintage pin up sexiness, you can wing the liner out towards the brow.

Be sure to keep the brush clean by wiping your brush with a dry piece of tissue!

The application itself can take a few tries to fully master and it's definitely a tool that that requires a steady hand.  However, once you get the hang of it, it really does look great.