Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eyeliner Liner Review!

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eye Liner

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eye Liner ($10) is a bold, waterproof and smudge-proof gel/cream eye liner. It's a part of the Revlon "Colorstay" line, so it's also long-lasting. When you pull the applicator up, a mini brush pops out for convenient use.

Available in four (4) shades: Black, Charcoal, Brown and Plum.

Charcoal is a soft black with silver iridescence. A nice choice if you want a black liner that isn't as harsh as black.

The brush design isn't exactly the best - it works, but I think a standard angled brush would've probably been more useful. I'm still able to control how thick I want the line, as well as create a good wing. The only thing that's kind of annoying is when the product dries in the brush, it hardens up a bit, making application less easy. Every few uses I have to clean the brush, and because of the waterproof formula, it isn't the easiest brush to clean with regular hand soap. I usually use Dish Soap as it breaks up the oil pretty well, or eye makeup remover. Olive oil even works, followed with any soap.

(lined my top lid with Charcoal)

The cream itself is a good consistency. It's not by any means a very soft or wet cream, nor is it very dry. It's creamy enough to apply smoothly without any tugging, but I usually have to double or triple dip the brush to complete an eye. I have the tendency to pile the product on the brush to avoid double dipping.

I find that the texture makes it really easy to use. Although I prefer a wetter formula, a wet formula is actually  a bit more difficult to use you need a steady hand or it can get messy. Beginners will appreciate the Revlon Colorstay Cream Liner as it applies a very clean line that is easy to control and the color isn't too harsh.

With one swipe, the color isn't fully opaque, but it's buildable to opaque with an additional coat. So, for someone who wants a super-dramatic dark line, this liner probably won't meet your standards unless you're willing to put in the extra work of layering.

The actual pot is very small. It holds 2.3g/0.08 oz of product, in comparison to MAC Fluidline which contains 3g/0.1 oz of product for $15. Bobbi Brown Gel Liner alike MAC contains 3g/0.1 oz of product for $22. Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner contains 4.8g/0.17 oz for $15 and comes with a brush, which makes it the best value of the liners mentioned.

Here are several swatches of the liner used with the brush provided. 

The first swatch on the left shows the liner with two layers of product to show it's opacity. The rest of the lines are the brush with one pass. As you can see, especially with the thinner lines on the right, additional product is needed, as a little product does not go a long way.

The lasting power is good, but it doesn't meet the 24 hour claim. I'm not prone to oily eyelids, and it gets me through the day with little fading by the end of the day. Those who are prone to oily lids, may notice fading mid-day.

Overall, it's a pretty decent cream liner, but it's nothing I'd re-purchase. For a few dollars more, I'd rather purchase a Clinique or MAC Cream/Gel Eyeliner because of the better value overall, and the creamier texture.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Creamy consistency - not too dry or wet
• The product is easy to use, and isn't messy - good for beginners at cream liner
• Contains a convenient, attached brush
• Sets quickly, and won't smudge
• Doesn't flake off or transfer throughout the day
• Travel-friendly packaging

Cons:

• The formula could improve by being slightly more lubricated - a little product doesn't go a long way, and I often have to re-dip my brush for additional product.
• With one pass, the product isn't completely opaque, so an additional layer is required for full opacity
• The product contains a small 2.3g/0.08 oz of product, which is less than the majority of cream liners on the market. So although it's cheaper, it may not be the best value. Especially since many cream liners dry out before they are finished.
• Doesn't stay put for the 24 hour claim.
• Removal may be difficult, as it's waterproof. An oil based remover works the best.

Price: $10, at your local drugstore. The price may vary based on your location, but the average is $10, give or take a dollar.