Make Up For Ever‘s Ink Liner ($27 CAD) is a relatively new release for the brand. I was anxious to try this one out due to the claims, the primary one which claimed this was a truly matte formula.

Released just this past January, the Ink Liner promises  to be a truly matte black liquid eyeliner, and quick drying while providing flawless wear and hold. I have been after a liquid liner that actually delivers a matte black formula without the hint of a sheen so I was super excited to try this out.

And the Ink Liner definitely delivers on the matte black formula! This stuff is as dark as an abyss. It is completely, without a shadow of a doubt, matte. It has no sheen, no hint of a gleam – it is UTTERLY matte. It also remains matte throughout the entire day – I had zero transfer from my eyeshadows to the liner, which is a problem I still have with my matte gel liners.

One thing worth noting, is that this liner is not waterproof. A lot of people assume that liquid liners are always waterproof, and that is not necessarily the case. This one is not waterproof (nor did they ever claim it was), so if you have watery eyes you may want to stay away from this one.

The shot above is the Ink Liner freshly applied. I put it on before work that morning (roughly 7:30 a.m.). My first attempt with the liner produced quite a thick line. As with any new applicator, you need a little bit of time to get used to the shape. The applicator is a small rubberized cone with a fairly rounded end. It has some flex to it, but not as much as a brush tip.

But what a line it produces! With my eye closed, you can see just how solid this product is. I got a sharp point on the end of my wing while freehanding the line.

And this is what the Ink Liner looked like at the end of my work day (roughly 5 p.m.). It’s just as matte black as when I started the day out! It didn’t transfer to my upper lid once it had dried down and it didn’t pick up any of the shimmery shadows from my lid (and I purposely did a look that’s given me problems in the past with eyeshadow transfer). These are enormous pluses in my book since I’m all about that ultra matte life with zero transfer.

I really love that the Ink Liner managed to deliver what other liners have not for me (the true matte-ness), but I can’t help but wish it was waterproof. Maybe it’s just impossible to make a completely matte formula while having waterproof properties? Hmmm.

Do you have a favourite matte liquid liner? I’d love to hear about your experiences with liners!

The product featured in this review was provided by PR.

After attending the Make Up For Ever Spring 2015 Preview event, we were gifted a generous bag of products that were launching soon. The first product in the bag I reached to try was the Smoky Stretch mascara. Having been a fan of their Smoky Extravagantmascara, I was interested to see what this one would have to offer.

Make Up For Ever says: “Thanks to its exclusive Flex Control Complex, Smoky Stretch’s smooth formula glides on lashes for incredibly length and perfect definition. Its molded multi-bristle brush grips lashes starting from the root, covering every single lash for optimal separation without clumping. Shorter bristles on the tip work magic on tiny lashes.”

The wand on the Smoky Stretch mascara has rubberized bristles in a slight conical shape. It’s a small taper, but it’s also a small brush, which works a lot better on my own lashes. I struggle with enormous brushes because it feels like I can’t get to the root of my lashes so I was especially pleased with the size of this one!

And they’re not kidding about the small bristles gripping your tiny lashes. This wand grasps the lashes and tugs them through the wand in order to coat them with mascara. I suppose that sounds painful, but it’s not. If anything, it’s an incredibly satisfying feeling.

Let’s see how it did on my own lashes:

As you can see, I have blonde lashes that are almost non-existent when there’s no mascara on them. I personally only tend to wear one coat of mascara, but I applied a second one after the first coat had dried to see if it would cause any major clumping (which I don’t feel it did).

Visually the application looks impressive – I like how separated it makes my lashes, but how much bulk it adds as well. The brush grips the lashes and applies an even application of mascara. The smaller bristles are excellent for working on the inner and outer corner to build up the product in areas that need it. It also has a wet consistency, which is a personal preference of mine.

So how did it wear you ask?

UNBELIEVABLY WELL. I am prone to constant and consistent flaking with every single mascara I have ever worn. It drives me crazy, but I’ve tried dozens and none of them have ever not flaked. Until now! Smoky Stretch gripped onto my lashes and held on for dear life. On my longest day, I wore this for 16 hours straight and the only complaint I can make is that I had maybe one flake fall onto my upper cheek by the end of the day. It also doesn’t make my lashes feel brittle or crunchy either – huge plus!

I’ll be curious to see how the formula holds up as the months go on (I really hope it doesn’t dry up after a month like my Benefit They’re Real did), but after the two weeks I’ve been using this product, I can safely say I am totally on the bandwagon with this one.

My press sheet says that the Make Up For Ever Smoky Stretch mascara is available at MUFE Boutiques, but I can also see it up on the Sephora web site which will make it readily accessible for everyone. It retails for $28 CAD which definitely makes this a higher end mascara, but based on my experiences, I will for sure be buying this one when I run out!

Have you tried any MUFE mascaras before? Do you think you’ll give this one a shot?

The product featured in this post was given to me for consideration.