Make Up For Ever‘s Ink Liner ($27 CAD) is a relatively new release for the brand. I was anxious to try this one out due to the claims, the primary one which claimed this was a truly matte formula.

Released just this past January, the Ink Liner promises  to be a truly matte black liquid eyeliner, and quick drying while providing flawless wear and hold. I have been after a liquid liner that actually delivers a matte black formula without the hint of a sheen so I was super excited to try this out.

And the Ink Liner definitely delivers on the matte black formula! This stuff is as dark as an abyss. It is completely, without a shadow of a doubt, matte. It has no sheen, no hint of a gleam – it is UTTERLY matte. It also remains matte throughout the entire day – I had zero transfer from my eyeshadows to the liner, which is a problem I still have with my matte gel liners.

One thing worth noting, is that this liner is not waterproof. A lot of people assume that liquid liners are always waterproof, and that is not necessarily the case. This one is not waterproof (nor did they ever claim it was), so if you have watery eyes you may want to stay away from this one.

The shot above is the Ink Liner freshly applied. I put it on before work that morning (roughly 7:30 a.m.). My first attempt with the liner produced quite a thick line. As with any new applicator, you need a little bit of time to get used to the shape. The applicator is a small rubberized cone with a fairly rounded end. It has some flex to it, but not as much as a brush tip.

But what a line it produces! With my eye closed, you can see just how solid this product is. I got a sharp point on the end of my wing while freehanding the line.

And this is what the Ink Liner looked like at the end of my work day (roughly 5 p.m.). It’s just as matte black as when I started the day out! It didn’t transfer to my upper lid once it had dried down and it didn’t pick up any of the shimmery shadows from my lid (and I purposely did a look that’s given me problems in the past with eyeshadow transfer). These are enormous pluses in my book since I’m all about that ultra matte life with zero transfer.

I really love that the Ink Liner managed to deliver what other liners have not for me (the true matte-ness), but I can’t help but wish it was waterproof. Maybe it’s just impossible to make a completely matte formula while having waterproof properties? Hmmm.

Do you have a favourite matte liquid liner? I’d love to hear about your experiences with liners!

The product featured in this review was provided by PR.