The dress code recently changed here at work — mandatory cat eyes every Tuesday and Thursday — and the edict came straight from the top (in other words, per Tabs).
I’ve been doing my best to comply with the new policy, but there are only SO MANY TIMES I can wear a basic black cat liner before I start craving something new and different.
And I think I may have found it. 🙂
It’s a sassy new user-friendly liner with a finish more thrilling than a James Bond movie! It’s called Bobbi Brown’s new Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink, and it sells for $22.
Remember L’Oréal’s Infallible Never Fail Lacquer Liner 24H in Blackest Black? That glossy finish?
Well, Twilight Night’s finish just might have it beat.
A deep purplish black with microscopic glitter, it’s almost like looking up on a clear night at a sky filled with stars. Breathtaking, and better yet, the color should complement a galaxy of skin tones.
Whether you’re seeking soft, smudgy lines or crisper edges, Bobbi’s gel formula delivers, and it skates across my lids without skipping or dragging.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink on the left (also from the Desert Twilight collection) and the Bronzer/Blush Duo in Bahama Brown and Pink Peony on the right
Applied on my lash line atop a good primer (I really like NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base), Twilight Night stays meow-worthy for at least 8-10 hours (yet it barely manages four hours on bare lids).
An angled brush like the MAC 266 takes most of the work out of creating cat eyes with Twilight Night and makes it really easy.
After loading the brush with liner, I start at the outer corner of a lash line (a side closer to my ear), positioning the shorter bristles closer to my lashes (the brush head at a 45-degree angle). Then, using short, gentle strokes, I draw the brush head along the lash line toward the inner corner of the eye (the side closer to my nose).
The angle of the brush, when you start at the outside of the eye, should create that eye-catching cat eye flick, and you can start closer to your ear to make the flick longer.
Since it does contain glitter, I don’t use Twilight Night along my water lines. Instead, for this particular look, I’ll wear Becca Cabrera, a dark and creamy bronzed purple pencil, that loves both water and lash lines.
PRICE: $22
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Bobbi Brown counters and online at bobbibrowncosmetics.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A- (without primer, it’s prone to creasing)
What’s on your reading list now?
You know what they say! — reading is fundamental. 🙂 I’ve been trying to read more in an effort to offset the damage caused by VH1’s Hollywood Exes.
On my reading list this week…
From the left, that’s this week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly (which is actually one of my favorite sources of graphic design inspiration), The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker and the Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Beauty by Ann Shoket.
How about you? What’s on your reading list now?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I think I may need to pick this up. Your cat eye is beautiful Karen! I’m sure Tabs approves! My kitties are very disappointed that I have yet to perfect the cat eye on myself…
Looks kind of like Essence London Baby (which is my fave). Comparison?
Ah. I need try drawing the line from outer end. I love gel liners with glitter. All the bam and complexity without fallout.
Played with this yesterday too. Was honestly in love with the shade–and it looks GORGEOUS on you. You can tell it’s not black but it’s still defining while providing some interest and shimmer. I love it–but if we’re being honest here, the only reason why I didn’t purchase it was because most days I am too lazy to carefully apply gel liner anymore–all of mine are gathering dust :/
Aahh pretty! I might have to take a look at this soon! On most days I still reach for a plain black though, just because it’s the color that really stands out with my skin tone/eye color.
This is pretty! Thanks for the tips on how to apply the liner. I’m all for the cat eye dress code!
I have the latest issue of EW on my reading list too! Recently I read The 500 which was a fun, quick read. Before that I read Fever a YA novel which is part of the Chemical Garden Trilogy. Next up is another YA novel called City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
Wow – what a beautiful, soft look! The liner color intrigues me since it is not nearly as harsh as a standard black liner. I may have to pick this up!
The gel liner — want! Its totally gorgeous and the color is quite different and unique!
Reading right now — While on vacay I finished a book called Moloka’i about the struggles of people affected w/ Hansen’s disease in Hawaii. Then I went on to finish The Bronze Horseman which is first in a trilogy of books about Russia during WW2.
Im reading (almost done, would have finished last night if we had not decided to play Scrabble instead) the 2nd book in that trilogy right now. 🙂
You did a great job with the winged liner, Karen. This makeup artist is ashamed. 😀
Nerd girl alert: I am reading an anthropology textbook. Yes, that is correct. Anthropology textbook. During the summer. “The Anthropology of Globalization” by Jonathan Xavier Inda & Renato Rosaldo.
Love the color up close! I’m not a fan of dark black eyeliner but this looks like a nice alternative for a softer line.
I’m currently reading “Look Great, Live Green: Choosing Bodycare Products that Are Safe for You, Safe for the Planet” by Deborah Burnes. Very eye opening look at the chemicals we’re putting into our bodies by way of skin care, body care and makeup products.
This is such a gorgeous color! It reminds me a bit of MAC’s Ash Violet. I don’t know why, despite having a few gel liners, I still seem to reach for my pencil liners. I’m too chicken 🙂
This looks great – looks like it’s right up my alley for a cat eye.
Ouuuu really pretty!
Tabs gives a nod! I love the microshimmer in Boby’s shimmer inks. I have the one in Espresso and love it :). I still have to finish 1Q84 and then on to “Olive Kitteridge”…
That’s really pretty. I’m not a fan of colored liners, but this color I might wear. This entire collection are colors I gravitate to besides my typical neutrals. I may have to get something, maybe this gel eye liner, from this collection before it’s gone.
oooh. so pretty. i love me some bobbi gel liners. reading – feed. another zombie novel. i almost gave up on it, but am sticking it out. it’s okay.
I think this is the one thing that I will get from this collection. Love her gel liners.
Loving the look of this liner! I have Black Plum but this looks richer. Black liners are too stark on me, but I love purples against my green eyes.
Right now I’m reading David Millar’s Racing Through the Dark in honor of the Tour de France. It is wonderfully written and just heartbreaking.
Hi Karen. Great look. 🙂 I have yet to perfect the cat eye look. I recently started using Maybelline’s gel liner in blackest black. I’m usually a dark chocolate kinda girl but recently have been stepping out of my comfort zone with midnight blues and amethysts.
As for books I’m reading, I am currently reading Mansfield Park again by Jane Austen. Prior to that I read Pride and Prejudice and the Hunger Games Trilogy (for the 3rd or 4th time). I am really looking forward to the movie sequels and how they plan on interpreting the books.
Hope your having a great week!
love the way you describe colors karen:)
Love the cat eye look you have done!! I like Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner because it last really well on my oily lids.