While I know photos, swatches and reviews of the new Yves Saint Laurent Metal Eyes palettes might be more popular, I really wanted to share this eye pencil first, because there's something interesting about them. If you're a fan of the limited edition Giorgio Armani gel eyeliner pencils and have already used the ones you got to a tiny stub (or you simply might have blinked and they got sold out right under your nose), these YSL liners might cheer you up a little.
I don't know if the formula of the YSL waterproof eyeliners is exactly the same as the Armani ones, but they're exceptionally similar (remember both cosmetics companies are part of L'Oreal)- the gel consistency that gives a liquid-like finish, the intensity, tenacity and ease of use. So far I only bought one YSL pencil, this one in Ultramarine (#3), so I can't do a side by side comparison of the black and other colors, but I suspect it'd be hard to tell them apart. Both Armani and Yves Saint Laurent are waterproof, last from early morning to night without budging and don't smudge.
You need to keep the pencil sharpened for precision (they come with a sharpener in the box, which is very very nice), because otherwise you'll find yourself with a wonky uneven line you cannot smudge. The color sets instantly and stays there, whether you use it on your lid or on your waterline. And have I mentioned yet they're waterproof?
I love the shade of #3 Ultramarine. It's dark enough to give all the definition one wants and yet not too harsh and has a nice brightening effect. I think dark navy blue and very dark green are my best bets for daytime eyeliner colors, not that it would stop me from getting the black and brown once there's nothing left of my poor Armani pencils.
Bottom Line: a must have (and a better deal than Armani).
YSL Long-Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil ($25) is available from yslbeautyus.com and YSL counters.
All photos are mine.
