TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5* Why: For one reader who has used a range of eyeliners, from the "super cheap to department store-priced eyeliners, this eyeliner is the worst." The marker tip "feels rough on the eyes" and for another woman, it "[dries] out before I even get to finish lining my eyes" and it "flakes off, leaving little black dots all over" her face. This eyeliner is "almost impossible to use over any kind of eyeshadow" since "the tip drags along [the lid] and picks up shadow" as it is being used. Color payout is also an issue, as many find the color "watered down" and the black version "not dark enough," leaving a "light line that is barely noticeable" for an eyeliner that's supposed to be "ultra black."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.4* Why: Many readers think this product "is not even worth the dollar" it costs and that it's a "good thing it didn't cost more" because of the pain this eyeliner causes. One reader gives this product "0 stars" because "after multiple uses, the pencil is still too hard. It hurts having to scrub over delicate eyelids just to get color that lasts like 30 minutes." Another reader says, "I can't draw a straight line with [this liner] because it pulls so much" and "feels like a colored pencil." One woman says, "If I have to use it, I would only use it for the top lid, but even then, the low-pigmentation [of the liner] shows through and smudges way too much for the bottom lid."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.3* Why: Many readers have to "FIGHT with this [eyeliner] to get any amount of product out," because "it's like using a dried up marker" on the eyes. One reader says, "I tried pressing harder, shaking -- everything -- but it [still] dries out after applying it to one eye. Every time I try to use it, it runs out before I can do my second eye." It also "smears, dries slowly, and creases" making one reader claim to "look like a raccoon." Another reader says, "I [would] like to see CoverGirl improve it or redesign the liner," because "the stubby size is impossible to use" and "I can't get a straight line to save my life."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.2* Why: Readers agree that "given the name of the product, [they] would expect better performance" and the price is "pretty steep for a liner that doesn't last a long time if you use eyeliner daily." One reader finds this "crayony waxy" liner easy to apply but says, "don't sneeze or blink too hard or you'll find yourself looking like you've gotten into a fight after too many drinks" from the smudging. The eyeliner also gets "pretty dulled down" and "fades as the day progresses." One unfortunate reader had "a terrible allergic reaction to [this product]" and "really didn't even want to give it one star!" She warns, "if you have sensitive eyes, don't use this!"
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.8* Why: Readers "like the name [of this liner], but would have liked it more if it was true." Readers find it to be "sloppy" and "definitely not as mistake-proof as the package claims." For one reader, "whether I use the thin or the thick end of the marker, I can't seem to get it right with this eyeliner." The results "look like you put [eyeliner] on during an earthquake" but "may work for those who want a thick line and the smoky look," says another. Others find this eyeliner "hard to remove from [their] eyes no matter how much makeup remover [is used]" and warn "don't try to do a touch up with this liner. It'll only wipe off the liner you had on before" and "is virtually impossible to remove without ruining your whole look."
We constantly hear women talk about how much they love mascara. "My mascara this," "My mascara that" they rave. They go on and on about how crucial it is to their eye makeup routine and how well it works to make their eyes "pop."
And while mascara is awesome and can do wonders, we think that when it comes to adding drama to the eyes, it's all about the eyeliner.
In fact, a good eyeliner might be the most important eye makeup tool ever invented. When you have a good one, it can kick any mascara's butt on any day of the week. That's right, we said it. But before all you mascara-obsessed cronies bust out the pitch forks and hang scarlet letters around our necks, hear us out.
Yes, mascara will open your eyes and enhance your lashes. But for women with ho-hum lashes and small eyes (a complaint of oh-so-many), it's eyeliner that has the unique ability to add intense drama to the eyes. Heck, it's the eye-enhancing jack of all trades -- a great multi-tasker, effective eye brightener, and eyeshadow substitute.
Now, it's important to keep in mind that we are raving about the stellar eyeliners of the world, not the ones that bleed, run, last for two minutes, or have zero pigmentation. We are in no way advocating the use of sucky eyeliners, which unfortunately can sneak their way into your makeup bag if you aren't careful.
So in an effort to have you fall deeper in love with good eyeliners, and steer clear of the bad ones that have failed women numerous times over, we've rounded up a list of the 10 worst eyeliners ever. Read 'em. Know 'em. Never buy 'em.
