My Take: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Gel eyeliners are all that everyone is talking about and scrambling to buy.But unfortunately the good ones, MAC, Stilla,Bobby Brown and the likes are outta reach for most of us.So you make do with the next best thing.And in this case the next best thing might prove to be the best thing there is, Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner.Gel liners have become my favourite kind of eyeliners because they blend easily and are so flexible.Plus the colour payoff is way better than anything pencil or liquid liners can offer.Though my relationship with this one has been on the rockier side.I do love it to bits but, yeah there is a but or rather a few buts.And that is why I felt compelled to review the product even though it has been talked about enough.I can hear a few why’s and sigh’s so I’ll get on with the review.

What It Claims

Now gel reinvents liner:
• Oil-free formula holds highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base
• Smudge-proof and waterproof for 24 hours
• Most intense line for lasting drama
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested
• Contact lens safe

eye-studio-lasting-drama-gel-eyeliner_pack-shot-crop_130717

Directions
DEFINED LOOK
Define – In small strokes, glide liner across lash line from inner to outer corner.
DRAMATIC LOOK
Define - In small strokes, glide liner across lash line from inner to outer corner.
Enhance – Extend and thicken line from outer corner up towards brow; wing out for extra drama.

Price
Rs 375 for around 2.8gms (not sure since I threw away the box)

The Good

Since it’s in gel form the application is super easy.Even a newbie can get the hang of it in a couple of applications unlike liquid liner which takes a lot of practice to master.And no tugging of the eye unlike a pencil liner.
It’s pretty damn lasting.Don’t know about the 24 hour claim never stayed that long with makeup on, but it does last a good 7-8 hours on eyelids.The waterline though is another story.
It’s waterproof which is a bonus despite which removing it is not a pain.It easily wipes off using cotton and cleanser.
A little goes a really long way especially the way I use it. I have been using it for almost 6 months and I’m yet to scrape the bottom.
It comes with a handy brush.Although it’s not the best brush to apply gel liner (I’m partial to angled liner brushes) it’s still pretty decent.The bristles are stiff and soft at the same time.
Cat eyes with this liner is a cake walk. I guess that’s because you have more control over the product by way of using a brush.
Its cheap when compared to other higher end versions and gets the same job done (almost).

When I used more product to draw a thicker line I got an intense line but when using less product I didn't get an intense enough line which is the biggest vice of this gel liner.

The Bad

Even though the product is easy to apply it being gel and all it is not dense enough which makes me dip my brush again and again into the pot which contradicts the intense line claim.I have to go over and over the line for a perfect black line.I get much better results with my glimmersticks.
The colour is a watery black instead of jet black.I guess that’s because the product is not dense enough so when you spread it instead of leaving a jet black line it leaves a paler black line.I know what you’re thinking.Use more product.Well keep reading.
If I do slap more product on the brush and apply, the product settles in the corners of my eyes within the hour.And when applied on my waterline it smudges and creates horrible lines on my lower lash lines.So very unsightly.To compensate I pick as little of the product as possible (and even then wipe off excess).
It cannot be used on the waterline.Not only because it smudges but it also irritates the eyes and it is almost impossible to wipe it off from the waterline.I strongly recommend against using it on the waterline.
Non-availability of shades.I wish there were more colors to experiment.Coastal Scents scores in this department with 25 shades.