Kat Von D Tattoo Liner | Review

The Kat Von D tattoo liquid liner pen is one of the few makeup products that I use on a daily basis and absolutely cannot live without. I first started using this liner over 2 years ago and have tried various other liquid liners; however, I've yet to find any liquid liner that I love as much as this one. I really love the ultra-thin brush tip that doesn't fray or lose it's sharp point like felt-tip liners do. The formula is also amazing: smooth, long-lasting, not runny and not too dry. When in contact with water, it doesn't run/smudge unless you rub at it. 

My personal preference for eyeliner is liquid since I find it's faster/easier to apply than gel liners and gives a more precise/clean finish than pencil liners. The other liquid liners I have tried either have a sub-par applicator tip/brush and a great formula, or a decent applicator tip but the formula is lacking.

Price: $18 for 0.02 oz

PROs:

- ultra fine brush tip allows for precise application

- brush tip doesn't fray 

- applies very smoothly and doesn't skip

- does not run 

- lasts all day without fading/smudging

- water resistant, yet easy to remove at the end of the day with makeup remover

CONs:

- not the most pigmented

It does apply black, but there are other formulations out there that are a more opaque black (Kat Von D autograph liner, UD 24/7 liquid liner, Maybelline Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner). I actually like the pigmentation as it doesn't look harsh if I'm going for a more nautral makeup look, but I can see why some may complain about the pigmentation. My personal experience is that the darker formulations tend to run/smudge.

Overall, I have yet to find any liquid liner (or any eyeliner) that I love as much as the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner. I would recommend this liner to anyone who loves liquid eyeliner! It's especially a great choice for makeup beginners who may have trouble with other liquid liners. I also think it's a great option for those who love doing the cat eye/winged eyeliner look, as the ultra-fine brush tip makes it so extremely easy to create that perfect flick. 

The Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Eyeliner+Serum is a similar brush-tip eyeliner pen that works well and stays put, but it runs out way more quickly than the Kat Von D tattoo liner pen. I also like Kat Von D's Autograph Eyeliner which has a darker pigmentation than the pen; however, the brush tip of the autograph liner is a lot softer/flexible than the pen, so it takes more practice. I have also tried the K-Palette tattoo liner pen which has almost the same brush tip as Kat Von D, but the formula was way too runny.  The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is one of the very few liners I've repurchased time and time again.

More Photos:

This precise brush tip is what makes this liner better than any other out there.

Just look how fine and precise the brush tip is!

Shiseido Benefiance Eye Cream | Review

Skincare product review disclaimer: Skincare products will work differently for each individual since skin type/sensitivity will vary from person to person. The degree of efficacy & adverse reactions caused by one product can be very different from one individual to another. I post these reviews to share my personal experience in hopes it will provide more information for those trying to determine if the product is right/wrong for them before they spend money to purchase it for themselves.

My skin type: combination (oily T-zone) during the summer, and dry during the colder months.  acne-prone. sensitive.

In the past few years, I have tried numerous eye creams/gels/serums to help reduce & prevent fine lines; the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream is one of the only few I find to be effective and worth the price tag. This is a rich, hydrating eye cream that has improved the look of fine lines/wrinkles around my eye area.  

I first started using this product about 2 years ago (at age 24) and loved it. Since I was younger and had barely-noticeable fine lines, I felt I didn't need to be paying so much for such a rich cream, so set out to try a few other eye creams. Most other eye creams made little to no difference and I noticed my eye area often looked dry and the skin looked a bit thin. I eventually decided that instead of wasting time/money on trying to find other alternatives, I should just stick with what I know works. I buy this for 20% off during Sephora's friends & family sale.

For reference:

I have tried Dior Hydra Life Pro Youth Sorbet Eye Cream, Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel, Garnier Ultra Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream, Bliss The Youth As We Know It Anti-Aging Eye Cream, and Clinique All About Eyes.

The only ones I have repurchased are the Shiseido Eye Cream (I use this every night) and the Garnier Ultra Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream (I use this most mornings).

PROs:

- effective for reducing fine lines

- long-lasting hydration

- a little goes a long way

- absorbs well

- very mild scent 

- does not irritate the eyes

- beautiful packaging (rose gold cap)

CONs:

- can feel a bit "heavy" if you have oily skin

- a bit pricey (retail price $55 for 0.51 oz)

- not the best to wear underneath makeup (unless you give it plenty of time to set/absorb)

- shape/weight of jar not functional (It looks nice & pretty, but is a bit heavy and the unique shape causes me to drop the cap often)

*I don't have issues with dark circles or bags underneath my eyes, so I can't say much about how this cream works for those concerns.

More Photos:

close-up of the rich, creamy, hydrating formula

beautiful rose gold color packaging

a photo of the first jar that I finished up completely

yup, I made sure not to let a single drop go to waste

Overall, I would recommend this eye cream to those with normal-to-dry skin who are looking to reduce fine lines around the eye area. I use it every evening before bedtime and it keeps my under eye area hydrated all night. I will only use this in the morning if my skin feels extra dry (rarely). If you plan on wearing this underneath makeup, make sure you allow enough time for the cream to really set and absorb into your skin or else your makeup may slide around. This product has been an integral part of my nighttime routine for a while now and I plan to continue to use it for years to come!

What's your skin type & which eye cream have you tried that you would recommend to others?