Trib Tested: Revlon Photoready Kajal Matte Eye Pencil
The claim: Revlon's new Photoready Kajal Matte Eye Pencil can be applied with intensely precise definition or used with the built-in smudger for a softer, smoky look. Soft kajal can be used to line the inner lid. The highly pigmented color with matte finish glides on effortlessly for all-day wear. It comes in four shades — Matte Coal, Matte Lemon, Matte Charcoal and Matte Marine.
Cost: $9.99
Where: Drug and discount stores
Eyeliner is often a tired girl's best friend. I love it as an everyday look, usually using a thin pencil to set off shimmery eye shadow any time of the year. When I tried the Photoready Kajal Matte Eye Pencil in black, I wasn't ready for how thick, heavy and dark it would look.
But I smudged it out with the soft, spongy tip, blended in some chocolate-brown powder and had a smoky, dramatic effect that lasted all day long. Trying out a fun aqua hue was great for a brighter look, and the pencil sharpened well for a tighter line. The texture of the crayon itself was similar to those from Urban Decay or Marcelle. You'll notice this look — definitely a great product at drugstore prices.
The Photoready Kajal Matte Eye Pencil is one of the better eyeliners I've used recently. The liner tip is narrow without being sharp, and I don't have to apply and apply and apply to get the dark look that I like.
Its staying power is about average, particularly in the heat and humidity. Alas, I don't think there will ever be a liner that can stand up to the worst of Pittsburgh summers.
The built-in smudger is a definite plus. No more trying to origami a tissue into just the right shape, just to end up smearing black halfway down your face. Overall, a definite positive makeup tool.
— Megan Guza
Wearing eyeliner is something I've been meaning to get back around to. Once upon a time, I worked at stenciling the perfect thin line under my lashes, using one of those inky little brushes. It didn't seem worth the effort. These days, eyeliner pencils are popular. Because I've discovered how wonderful lipstick pencils can be, I jumped at the chance to try out the Photoready Kajal Matte Eye Pencil.
Across the top lid, I smudged a line of the marine color, and then, switching to the gray pencil, drew a finer border under the outer part of my lower lashes. Neither stayed put. As soon as I quit gawking at myself in the mirror and let my face relax, the blue color transferred to a lid area just north of the eye, while the thin gray line drizzled downward.
I'm not really that put off. Although this product might be better suited for epidermis that's younger than mine, I might find a similar one that will convince me eyeliner is worth my while.
