TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.2* Why: Readers agree that "given the name of the product, [they] would expect better performance" and the price is "pretty steep for a liner that doesn't last a long time if you use eyeliner daily." One reader finds this "crayony waxy" liner easy to apply but says, "don't sneeze or blink too hard or you'll find yourself looking like you've gotten into a fight after too many drinks" from the smudging. The eyeliner also gets "pretty dulled down" and "fades as the day progresses." One unfortunate reader had "a terrible allergic reaction to [this product]" and "really didn't even want to give it one star!" She warns, "if you have sensitive eyes, don't use this!"
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.8* Why: Readers "like the name [of this liner], but would have liked it more if it was true." Readers find it to be "sloppy" and "definitely not as mistake-proof as the package claims." For one reader, "whether I use the thin or the thick end of the marker, I can't seem to get it right with this eyeliner." The results "look like you put [eyeliner] on during an earthquake" but "may work for those who want a thick line and the smoky look," says another. Others find this eyeliner "hard to remove from [their] eyes no matter how much makeup remover [is used]" and warn "don't try to do a touch up with this liner. It'll only wipe off the liner you had on before" and "is virtually impossible to remove without ruining your whole look."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.8* Why: Readers agree that "the brush is difficult to control and use properly unless you have tons of practice" and is not for beginners. "The brush applicator is too soft, making it hard to draw the line unless you have very steady hands," says one reader. While another says, "The formula sucks! It did not stay on like it should have even though it claims to be waterproof" and it "cracks and is way too goopy." Many readers find that this "eyeliner flakes off in random places" and some had the liner "come off and fall into [their] eyes" making them "very irritated" and "turning them red." Plus, readers say it "takes a while to dry."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.8* Why: Readers say the price is "ridiculous for a product that doesn't have long-lasting power" and this is "definitely not the liner for oily skin or warm weather." It "requires touch-ups during the day," "smudges everywhere," and is "sooooo smushy" that it "does not set." One user bought this product "hoping it would be good for the waterline, but it runs out of the corner of my eyes before I even leave the house." Another says, "At the end of the day, I look more like a harrowed drug user than a smoky-eyed beauty." This liner really "makes a mess of your eye if you're not careful" and readers say "it's impossible to get a fine line because the point flattens [really] quickly." It also "tends to fall off in chunks when sharpening" and "you can lose a lot of product this way!"
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.8* Why: One reader gives this product a "D-" and a "big thumbs down," because she "doesn't know where they get off claiming it's smudge and wear-proof because those are the only two things [guaranteed] to happen." Others say "this eyeliner basically is a loose powder with a sharp stick for an applicator, which is a bit problematic if you aren't experienced with makeup application." One reader says, "I was mortified by how much powder was all over my face. I got so much on my face it looked like I went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson." Bottom line? It's "not worth the effort or the price, because it leaves my face looking like a hot mess" and makes "every morning a constant battle," say readers.
We constantly hear women talk about how much they love mascara. "My mascara this," "My mascara that" they rave. They go on and on about how crucial it is to their eye makeup routine and how well it works to make their eyes "pop."
And while mascara is awesome and can do wonders, we think that when it comes to adding drama to the eyes, it's all about the eyeliner.
In fact, a good eyeliner might be the most important eye makeup tool ever invented. When you have a good one, it can kick any mascara's butt on any day of the week. That's right, we said it. But before all you mascara-obsessed cronies bust out the pitch forks and hang scarlet letters around our necks, hear us out.
Yes, mascara will open your eyes and enhance your lashes. But for women with ho-hum lashes and small eyes (a complaint of oh-so-many), it's eyeliner that has the unique ability to add intense drama to the eyes. Heck, it's the eye-enhancing jack of all trades -- a great multi-tasker, effective eye brightener, and eyeshadow substitute.
Now, it's important to keep in mind that we are raving about the stellar eyeliners of the world, not the ones that bleed, run, last for two minutes, or have zero pigmentation. We are in no way advocating the use of sucky eyeliners, which unfortunately can sneak their way into your makeup bag if you aren't careful.
So in an effort to have you fall deeper in love with good eyeliners, and steer clear of the bad ones that have failed women numerous times over, we've rounded up a list of the 10 worst eyeliners ever. Read 'em. Know 'em. Never buy 'em.
