Eyeliner Staying Power Comparison

I have previously reviewed the Kryolan SkinLiners, but haven't posted pictures of swatches, so along with swatches of these bad boys, you'll get comparisons to three easily obtainable eyeliners.

  I almost always wear brown eyeliner, since I feel it creates a more harmonious look.  I don't even own black liner, since when I'm going for a bold look I use an unexpected color, usually combined with some of the brown liner for better definition.

Let the testing begin!

In order from left to right:

1. Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Brownish Black

2. Kryolan SkinLiner in #21 (Brown)

3. Kryolan SkinLiner in #50 (Teal)

4. Maybelline Creme Gel Liner in #02 (Brown)

5. Loreal MicroLiner in Precisely Plum

After 15 seconds of warm running water:

After one swipe with a tissue:

After scrubbing vigorously under warm running water:

Numbers 1-3 have marker-like applicators that allow for precise placement of ink-like pigment.  I'm a big fan of this style of liner, but there are drawbacks to these formulas: mainly staying power.

#1 Flakes off in little strips that get all over your face. I think the second picture does an excellent job of showing that tendency.  I almost never use this liner, and will not purchase it again.

Big change on #2, eh?  What a disappointment!  This is the worst experience I've had with a Kryolan product.  A silver lining (other than the fact that the liner turns silver) is that it doesn't so much smudge as it just disappears.  Still, I won't purchase it again.

#3 is ok; at least it doesn't smudge.  I was impressed that you can still see it a bit in the last picture, because I  scrubbed really hard.  I'm looking forward to trying some of the other vibrant colors.

#4 is the clear winner.  This stuff is my go-to eyeliner, for obvious reasons.  I haven't found anything better, and although this review has only covered 5 different liner, I've tried plenty.  I love this for when I'm going to be outside all day, whether running, sailing, swimming, or riding.  Give it a try!

#5 is a pencil liner.  I don't like using pencil liners because I don't like the feeling of dragging the hard tip across my eyelids--it wigs me out.  Still, this stuff has good staying power, and is subtle yet interesting.  I'd purchase it again, but I use it so rarely that I think this one will last me another year or two.

More Kryolan!

DermaColor Light Setting Powder in N1

I feel neutral about this setting powder.  It has a very fine texture, and does a nice job of setting my cream foundation and concealer, but for some reason I don't love it.  I think the main reason is its scent; I don't like using scented products because they tend to irritate my skin.  I can't say this stuff has caused a problem, but I guess I can't shake my ingrained bias against similar products.

I generally use Bobbi Brown's Face Powder in Pale Yellow (1) to set my makeup, but I like the texture and color of the DermaColor better.  

Kryolan SkinLiner in 50 (Teal) and 21 (Brown)

I don't believe that looking beautiful and being active should be mutually exclusive. To those who say otherwise, I bite my thumb at them. Hah!

I bought these two liners because I'm always on the search for an eyeliner that will stay put regardless of what I'm doing.    This product is meant to offer smudge free, waterproof lines wherever it is put.  I am very happy with the staying power of the teal liner, but the brown liner doesn't stay on nearly as well.  The formulas must be different.  

Now that I have taken a good look at the Kryolan website, it says that #21 is not meant to be used in the eye area (at least, not in the US), so I imagine whatever ingredient isn't in the clear is what is causing the issue.  My recommendation?  Use the colors that are cleared for use in the US, because they seem to have superior formulas.

For the Love of Kryolan

 Kryolan is a 66 year old German company that focuses on providing makeup for film, theater, etc.  They opened a store in Chicago last year, but it took a while for me to go check it out, since I'm not in film, theater, etc.  Also, I was afraid the makeup would break me out, since most of it has oil in it.  

Eventually, my search for a light enough foundation made me go on a mad hunt for Illamasqua, since they have some of the lightest foundations around. (FYI, some Sephoras have some Illamasqua goodies, but not their full product range.)  So, I made the pilgrimage to Chicago to see this stuff for myself.

Oh, the joy and excitation--just look at all that stuff! Surely this place would have something that matches my skin tone.

This picture was taken from the Kryolan site.  Go check it out!

Oh my goodness.  These hallowed halls have not one product that matches my skin, but five! Can you believe it?  Five options for this significantly lighter than NC15 girl!  Somewhere in my inner consciousness I can hear Count von Count counting each one and laughing delightedly.  

I only bought three, but I'll be heading there again soon, since my face tanned a bit from sailing so much recently.  No worries, though--I'll return to my pale complexion in the coming months.

From left to right:
1. UltraFoundation Cream in Fair Olive
2. HD Micro Foundation Cream in #205
3. DermaColor Setting Powder in Light*
4. Bobbi Brown Face Powder in Pale Yellow*
5. DermaColor Camouflage Creme in D1W

*Note: Numbers 3 and 4 are reviewed here.

1.

UltraFoundation Cream in Fair Olive

I can't say enough good things about this product.  UltraFoundation and I were meant to be, and I can't imagine wanting to wear anything else.  Finally, I have a foundation that has buildable but natural coverage, that doesn't dry my skin out, and actually matches my skin tone perfectly!  As an additional bonus, this stuff doesn't irritate my acne issues, and it isn't scented.  This is the holy grail of foundation.  

Like the UltraFoundation, I use a foundation brush dampened with water to apply this to my face.  I don't know why it works better than a dry brush, but it does.

The one caveat about this stuff is that while it stays on better than the Micro Foundation, it still needs to be refreshed mid-day.  Really, though, what makeup doesn't need some tlc during your lunch break?

The packaging isn't as attractive as the Micro Foundation, but its increased functionality makes the aesthetic sacrifices worth it.  The top screws on and off, so getting into the makeup takes almost no effort.  I rarely leave the house without this in my purse.

2.

HD Micro Foundation Cream in # 205

This stuff is nice. It has a very fine texture, and is meant to be worn for high definition TV work. I find that bright lighting can make this stuff look pretty luminous, so don't overdo it. I put it on with a foundation brush dampened with water, and am amazed at the coverage every time. I like that the product isn't scented. This shade is a bit pinker than I normally would like, and it requires relatively frequent reapplication, so it isn't my favorite.

As for the packaging, it is very pretty. The cream comes in a silver metal container that has the Kryolan face on the top--very chic. However, I find it quite difficult to open.

5.

DermaColor Camouflage Creme in D1W

I have never used a more highly pigmented makeup product.  I got this to use as a concealer under my eyes, but it does a good job other places too.  This stuff can cover anything up--even black tattoos. Like the other cream products I've reviewed, it has a creamy consistency that works best if you warm it up a bit on the back of your hand before you apply it.   Like the previous two products, it isn't scented.  I'll definitely purchase this again.