Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner True Black: Review and Swatches

Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner in True Black Review and Swatches

By Contributor: Swati Rao

Once I got hooked to cream or gel liners, there’s been no looking back and now I can’t even imagine going back to liquid liners. I was on the lookout for a super black pigmented gel or cream liner as soon as my Inglot gel liner dried up (which was way too soon). Now those of you who have used Inglot’s black eyeliner would know that the shade is blacker than any black ever known to mankind, I kid you not. I wanted a cream or gel liner that could rival Inglot’s black without drying up within a couple of months of use. So, the natural choice for me was to go the Mac store and try Fluidline in Blacktrack

, but when applied on I was a little disappointed with it (don’t kill me for saying this, guys). Off I went to the adjoining Clinique store, swatched their cream liner on my arm and snagged it up without   giving much thought.

Product description from Clinique’s website: Creamy eyeliner brushes on deep, smoky, eye-defining colour. Long-wearing, waterproof f ormula comes complete with a mini Eye Liner Brush. Ophthalmologist tested.

How to Use:

• Apply in even strokes close to lash line with Eye Liner Brush or included mini brush.
• Can be smudged while still wet for a smokier effect.
• Remove with your favorite Clinique eye makeup remover.

This comes in a cute little plastic pot with a silver screw top lid. The pot isn’t as bulky as Mac’s or Maybelline’s so that in my books makes this ideal for travel purposes. It comes with a chubby brush which has fairly scratchy bristles. The bristles are densely packed, but way too thick for precise application.

The texture of the liner is, as claimed, not very creamy, but a hybrid of liquid-cream. I hope that explains it. The consistency is on the thinner side so it spreads easily and gives you enough time to play around before setting. It is very easy to spread it like a cream shadow and can be used as an eye shadow base to make the colors pop.

The only thing that fails to impress me about this, which also happens to be the very reason I bought it is- Pigmentation. It is black for sure, but not true black or intense black. Since the consistency is undeniably thin, a single swipe is not enough to deposit enough color and you definitely need to go over the line a few times to make it look black.

It is waterproof, safe for waterline, and safe for contact lens wearers. The staying power is impressive and it stays on my upper lid until I remove it, which is around 6-8 hours later. On my waterline is manages to hold on 3-4 hours so no complaints in this department.

Oh, how I love thee:

• Easy to spread because of its creamy consistency
• It’s a multitasking product that can also be used as an eyeshadow base for smokey eyes.
• It’s waterproof and does not budge for hours once set.
• I have had it for 3-4 months and it shows no signs of drying in the pot.
• Comes with a brush.
• Contact lens safe.
• Waterline safe. Does not irritate my eyes

Oh, how I loathe thee:

• Some may not find the brush to be useful for precise application.
• Pigmentation is not true to its name-true black. You need a couple of swipes to achieve that true black look.
• Since multiple swipes are required, I have finished more than 75% of the pot in these 3-4 months.

Let’s check the photos and swatches:

Quantity: 5gm

Price: Rs.1100

Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: I would totally recommend it to those looking for a safe and effective cream liner with decent pigmentation and awesome staying power. Just make sure you do not buy this expecting a true black.