A Fine Line.

After MAC’s Penultimate eyeliner totally failed me (I’ll spare you the details), I needed a new liquid liner. When in Ulta last week, I spotted NYX Collection Noir Liquid Liner ($6), part of a new microcollection called Collection Noir. I got the impression that this mini-collection was a more upscale alternative to their traditional liners. I didn’t want to drop a ton of cash on the liner (because liquid liners rarely seem to work for me), so I figured this was a good choice.

I am SO glad I bought this liner. It has the fine brush applicator that’s so crucial to getting a precise winged eye. For some reason, I cannot replicate this look with pen-style liners, no matter how many different ways I apply it. With just one flick of my wrist, I was able to create a tapered cat-eye with whisper-thin ends. The formula is thick enough so that it didn’t run all over my lids when I applied it, but it wasn’t at all goopy or clumpy, either. The application is super smooth, and I don’t have to touch up with a cotton swab after. The tip is really thin, which makes it draw precise, even lines. And once it’s dry, it stays put; no smudging, transferring, or fading. It does take a few seconds to dry; I tried to curl my lashes right after applying it the first time, and ended up with black eyelids. But waiting a few seconds is a small price to pay for a liner this reliable.

You can see in the photo above that straight out of the tube, the brush does have a little excess product on it. I purposely took this picture to show you that one quick sweep against the lip of the tube removes the extra liner, and leaves you with the right amount of product.

If you’re looking for a liquid liner, I would absolutely recommend this one. It’s by far the best drugstore version I’ve encountered. There are certain products that are worth splurging on (for example, an amazing mascara or foundation), but for me, liquid liner isn’t one of them. This NYX liner let me draw dramatic cat-eyes that were simple to apply, and it was very easy on my wallet (yay!). This is definitely a Recession Beauty pick that rivals its pricier competitor products.

Not into liquid liner? The collection of black liners also includes Skinny Liner, Glossy Liner, Kohl Kajal Liner, Matte Liner, Satin Finish Liner, and Powder Liner (similar to an eyeshadow liner that creates soft, diffused lines that easily blend). All liners in the collection are $6.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Shades of Nature Eyeshadow Palette

What better way to start off your Friday morning than with some eye candy? Sephora + Pantone Universe Shades of Nature Eyeshadow Palette ($55) looks just as good sitting on your vanity as it does on your eyes. Inspired by the trademarks of summer–cool blue waters, lush purple flowers, and multicolored sunsets–this palette packs 35 eyeshadows that are bursting with color. What I love most about it is it’s designed to resemble Pantone chips, and includes 7 actual Pantone shades. It’s definitely something design nuts will appreciate.

And beauty mavens will love it, too, because it’s got virtually every color you’d need to create a slew of different eye looks. The colors are perfect for creating a nice bright pop on the lid, or for doing a colored smoky eye (which is so amazing for summer). It’s got neutrals for daytime, office-appropriate looks, and there are also some deep, rich shades close to black that you can use to create a traditional smoky eye.

Available now at Sephora (Although the site currently says it’s not in stock yet, you can sign up for email notification when it arrives.)Images via Sephora

Urban Decay’s New Eyeshadows

Urban Decay has reformulated and repackaged their eyeshadow collection. The company says their recently-unveiled new shadows are softer, richer, smoother, and longer-lasting. The shadows were improved with the help of UD’s trademarked Pigment Infusion System, which, according to UD, “holds tightly to pigment and gives the formula its glide.” In other words, the color is more evenly distributed throughout the powder, making it apply more uniformly. You’ll get smooth, even color from these shades, with improved wear; they resist creasing for longer than their previous shadows. You’ll find most of the same shades you’ve seen before in this new line-up, with a few new hues.

The redesigned packaging allows you to pop the eyeshadow out of its shell. These were made for their new Build Your Own Palette concept. Buy a 6-pan palette for $18, and you get the tin palette with Walk of Shame shadow, a go-with-everything nude, already inside. Then you can customize the 5 empty pans with your fave shadow shades. I love the concept of customizing your own shades, and honestly, it’s an idea that UD was way behind on implementing. But hey, it’s here now…

Images via Urban Decay

MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara

To complement MAC’s multiple upcoming summer collections, the brand plans to add a do-it-all mascara to their lineup of usual suspects. MAC says that Extended Play Lash mascara ($) curls, defines, and lifts lashes for an elevated natural look. The skinny brush supposedly imparts major, pumped-up volume; but in my experience, brushes similar in design to this don’t (the really fat brushes are the best volumizers). The real selling point here is the endurance of this longwear formula; it’s supposed to last 16 hours without smudging, smearing, or quitting.

Personally, I’m not a fan of long-wear mascaras; I feel like most iterations can be really hard on your lashes, and the payoff just isn’t worth it for me (my mascara generally doesn’t smudge unless I rub my eyes). Coupled with the fact that I’m not crazy about MAC mascaras in general, I probably won’t be trying this one. Will you?

It’s available in one shade — Endlessly Black — and hits counters & stores May 24 in North America, and in late May internationally.Images via MAC

Bobbi Brown Spring ’12: Long-Wear

This spring, Bobbi Brown is launching a heap of new stay-put products. Her new Long-Wear collection features eyeliner, cream shadow, and mascara that go the distance; they last for 12-16 hours. Perfect timing, too, cause you can try out* (and stock up, if you like them) these long-lasting products before the dead heat of summer hits, when makeup is most likely to melt down.

*All of these products are being added to Bobbi’s permanent line.

Long-Wear Eye Pencil ($24): These powerful pencils keep your eyes defined, intense, and smudge-free for 12 hours, thanks to polymers that melt when they come in contact with your skin. These polymers keep the pigment in place on your lids and lower lashline. From top: Black Plum, Black Navy, Hunter, Smoke, Mahogany, Jet.

Long-Wear Cream Shadow ($24): I have hooded lids, so I’m not going to be the best judge of this, but I can tell you that these shadows crease on me. (All shadows crease on me, regardless of their formula). If you try these, please report your findings! I’d love to hear if they live up to their claims on you. In this collection, Bobbi’s launched 5 new shades. From top: Velvet Plum, Smoky Topaz, Cool Lilac. New shades not pictured: Black Violet, Berry Noir.

Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara ($24, pictured below): Bobbi’s longest-lasting mascara naturally defines your lashes with rich black color for 16 hours, while still letting you gently remove it at the end of the day. In Black.

The collection is available now online and at Bobbi counters.

Easter Goodies

Who needs a basket filled with chocolate bunnies and eggs when you can have pastels for your body? Even if you don’t celebrate Easter (or aren’t into bunnies), you can still be a hot chick if you rock these pretty pastel hues. Tuck these into a basket for someone special, or treat yourself to these delightful, cheerful products.

1. Essie polishes in Turquoise & Caicos, Lovey Dovey & Tart Deco ($8 each): Because nails this colorful will rival the dyed eggs at the egg hunt. (Images via Essie)

2. Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Amused, Dollface, & Tipsy ($21 each): I dare you to find a prettier pink for your pout! (Image via Musings of a Muse)

3. Lush Immaculate Eggception ($12.95): Inside this fizzy bath bomb shaped like an Easter egg lies a surprise: a bunny or chick that you can also toss into your tub for a sumptuous bubble bath. You’ll have to crack the egg to get it, but that’s half the fun! (Image via Lush)

4. L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin ($8): A gorgeous pink that cushions lips in buttery balm. (Image via drugstore.com)

5. Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hour Cream Gel Shadow in Edgy Emerald ($): (Image via drugstore.com)

6. NYX Stick Blush in Magnolia or Orchid ($6 each): Because pink or peach cheeks never go out of style. (Image via NYX)

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara Is A Disappointment

In the past, I have really liked Smashbox mascaras. But the company recently overhauled their product line and now offer only 3 mascaras, 1 of which is Full Exposure ($19), a mascara that was made to show up on camera and promises the “biggest, longest” lashes. (Smashbox’s other 2 mascaras are Hyperlash, $21, and Bionic, $19, which I have not tried.)

I bought this mascara because of its full yet tapered brush, and its just-right consistency. But when I applied it, the mascara took on a totally different appearance.

MAC Zoom Waterfast Lash

I’m not usually a fan of MAC‘s mascaras (except for Plushlash, which is amazing), and I’m especially not crazy about their Zoomlash line. But I really love this promotional photo for their new mascara, Zoom Waterfast Lash ($15), and wanted to post it!

Here are the quick details on this mascara: it’s water-resistant for up to 12 hours, so it’ll withstand rain, bad weather, laughing till your sides hurt, and your tears, if things get rough. It has a jet-black finish, and is formulated to curl and lengthen lashes.

Zoom Waterfast Lash is available at MAC stores, counters, and online now.

Image via MAC

Spring’s Bold Eye

Pastels and soft colors are great for spring, but one trend seen on the spring runways goes in the complete opposite direction. The smoky eye is back and bolder than ever (like on the model on the left in the photo above). Great for evenings, this eye takes a classic and turns it edgy, with the volume pumped way up.

Not for the faint of heart, this eye look is dramatic and striking. And since it’s so intense, eye primer is a must to keep it from sliding south and smearing all over your cheeks. A few I like: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($20), Benefit Stay! Don’t Stray ($26), Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($18), and MAC Paint Pot ($17.50) in any nude hue that matches your skin tone. I don’t recommend using Blackground, MAC’s black shade of Paint Pot, for this look, because you want the primer to be invisible. In case the makeup slips, you want a nude base underneath, so forgo adding another black layer with this primer.

Read on for more tips on how to recreate this super-smoky eye.

Urban Decay Perversion 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Urban Decay‘s iconic 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($18) is in a black mood…and they’ve launched a new shade to revel in it. Perversion is what UD calls the “blackest black” liner available. This inky, carbon-black pencil is perfect for creating smoky eyes, bedroom eyes…or even just a little daytime definition. I’m kind of obsessed with the model’s liner in the photo above…which totally makes me want to try this for both a defined cat eye and a smudgy smoky eye.

If black isn’t your thing, they’ve also launched Woodstock, a sparkly hot pink with microfine silver glitter, and Demolition, a deep, rich matte brown.

Image via Urban Decay