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Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner Review, Photos, Swatches (Espresso, Charcoal)

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner
Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner

Say Hello to New Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliners

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner ($20.00 for 0.04 oz.) is now available in two new shades: Espresso and Charcoal. The BADgal Eyeliner formula is designed to glide-on without smudging or smearing, rain or shine. I’ve reviewed the original BADgal, which was in black, previously, and I didn’t have excellent results.

Espresso is a medium-dark brown with subtle red undertones, while Charcoal is a softened medium gray. They both applied very smoothly, practically gliding on, and they delivered enough pigment in one pass to give a nice solid line of color. Each pencil has a spongy smudger brush on the opposite end, and these do stay “wet” long enough to smudge as one desires.

These eyeliners wear decently, but I did not find them to be waterproof. I didn’t find that these created excessive raccoon eyes nor migrated terribly, but they do have a tendency to smudge and migrate noticeably when hit by water. You might wonder how does one do a tear test… one cuts onions and ensures to nick the bulb to send an onslaught of natural tear gas. I also wore it in the shower, because of the water element as well as the heat and humidity that tag along. There is some fading and smudging.

On an average day, these wear six to eight hours without any major concerns, but if my eyes tear up at any point (allergies, dry eyes, whatever). For a product that’s specifically touted as waterproof, it does not hold up to my waterworks! It’s unfortunate, because the texture and glide of the pencil is excellent–soft without being prone to breaking, smooth without being too creamy (and therefore too wet and not drying down!).

Have you tried the new shades, or perhaps the original Extra Black shade?  Weigh in!

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner
Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner
Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner
Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner
Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner
Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner

26 Comments

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Vijaya Avatar

I don’t know what it is about the swatches, but they make me feel like the pencil might be dry. I’m sure you’d’ve mentioned that in the review if it were true, though. Perhaps it’s the colors playing tricks on my tired brain?

Skye Avatar

Hey Christine!
Just wondering what are your top 3 eyeliners for the waterline that seriously do not come off? I’m a student so it’s a pain to reapply. Thanks!

Maya C Avatar

I laughed at the tear test part. I hadn’t really thought about it… I guess I assumed you just took a dropper and dropped water on your eyes or something. I dunno if I’d put myself through the misery of cutting onions for a review!

Rose Avatar

I tend to get watery eyes and if these liners didn’t hold up for you, I don’t think they’ll hold up for me either. Definitely wouldn’t want smudgy eyes at work. Great review!

DarkGlamour17 Avatar

You know what eyeliner is SUPER waterproof and doesn’t leave the face? Sephora Flashy Liner it exactly like Urban Decay only IMO better, AND it’s $8!!

Maisee Avatar

I have this in black and I love it. The only one out of a few that don’t transfer to my top eyelids. Even UD 24/7 liners didn’t work for that.

Mary Avatar

I haven’t tried these, but I like the original. They stay well on my waterline, but its not as black as Urban Decay’s Zero. But I don’t really like UD pencils. The colors are fab and everything, but they can never stay on my waterline and always smudges like crazy. It’s what works for different people.

J12003 Avatar

I’ve been wanting to try these but for some reason these colors look a bit underwhelming. Especially the charcoal. I was expecting a rich charcoal grey color. This charcoal color looks very muted and ashy looking… I don’t like it at all!

I’ll stick to my UD 24/7 Liners!

Neha Avatar

Christine, your blog is A+++. I’m sure you’ve studied women psychology, coz your reviews and writing style clearly answers 1000 kind of doubts which cross every girl’s mind when it comes to makeup. Wish you all the best, and keep up the great work. I wish, someday my 2 yr old daughter also read your blog as she loves makeup.

kathy Avatar

Yeah, I was really disappointed in this in original black,as well! Smudged,smeared-definately NOT waterproof! But creamy. Would NOT repurchase!

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