Make Up For Ever M22, S20, I24, M26, I32, M30, I34 Aqua XL Eye Pencils Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Make Up For Ever M22 Matte Majorelle Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is supposed to be a “long-wearing,” “waterproof” pencil eyeliner (requires sharpening) with “one swipe color” that will not tug or skip. There is a fair amount of variance between shades with respect to color payoff, texture, wear, and application. They do not, personally, wear well at all on the waterline for me–three to four hours at most and darker shades can get really messy whenever I attempted wearing them on the waterline (they are supposed to “work great in the waterline”). They wear better on the lower lash line, which is about eight hours on average with faint thinning/migration to the outer corner. A lot of the color is intact, and the colors didn’t fade. I found them harder to remove and had to use more makeup remover (on a cotton swab) than average to get them off. I found the texture to be waxier than the prior Aqua Eyes formula for most shades. They were waterproof with respect to actual water, like I could take a shower and not have a smeary mess at the end. I would use some shades again, but it wouldn’t be the first formula I reached for–for me, they’re just not nearly long-wearing or pigmented enough to merit the extra effort for removal.
I’m not sure if it was just my bad luck, but almost every shade’s tip broke off when swatching, which is unusual (usually if I break one, I can fix the pressure to avoid doing so 10 more times!), though I didn’t have any issues with the tips breaking off when applying to my lash line.
Make Up For Ever M22 Matte Majorelle Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark blue with strong, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque coverage in one stroke, which was buildable to semi-opaque coverage, but it was never fully opaque due to the waxier consistency that seemed to prevent color from building up fully. It didn’t drag or tug on the lash line, and this shade lasted for eight hours on the lower lash line. L'Oreal Cobalt Blue (250) (P, $8.99) is brighter (95% similar). Ardency Inn Dark Blue (P, $19.00) is brighter (95% similar). KVD Beauty Poe (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sephora Sea If I Care (P, $14.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). MAC Flourish Me Bold (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sephora My Boyfriend's Jeans (29) (P, $11.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sephora My Boyfriend's Jeans (DC, $10.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). NARS Ocean Drive (P, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar). About Face Sadgrl (P, $13.00) is lighter (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Out of the Blue (P, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Floater (LE, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Push (P, $22.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Sea About It (P, $22.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). NARS Most Wanted (LE, $24.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Royal Wink (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Sephora Cobalt Matte (P, $13.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Urban Decay Chaos (P, $22.00) is lighter (80% similar). Lancome Cote d'Azur (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Make Up For Ever S20 Satiny Navy Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a dark, navy blue with cool undertones and a satin sheen. It had medium coverage in one pass, which was buildable to full opacity with two to three layers. The texture was moderately waxy, glided along the lash line without tugging, and lasted for eight hours on me. MAC Deep Blue Sea (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Sephora Surfer Babe (DC, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever #3L (P, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Siahi (P, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Hyacinth (P, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Make Up For Ever I24 Iridescent Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium-dark blue with cooler undertones and a pearly sheen and very slight sparkle. It had semi-opaque coverage, which was buildable to opaque coverage in one pass. The texture was a little creamier and softer compared to some of the other shades, so it was easier to use and seemed to deposit color better. This shade wore well for eight hours. MAC Take the Plunge (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar). bareMinerals True Blue (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Gucci Beauty Iconic Ottanio (DC, $32.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Abyss (DC, $22.00) is cooler (90% similar). Sephora Surfer Babe (DC, $10.00) is darker (90% similar). Chanel Intense Teal (946) (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sephora Aqua Glitter (P, $13.00) is cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Cosmic Eternal (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). NARS Naxos (P, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Steel (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay The Night King (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Blue Me Over (P, $25.00) is lighter (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Santos (P, $19.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). NARS Abbey Road (P, $24.00) is warmer (95% similar). Urban Decay Radium (P, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Make Up For Ever M26 Matte Pastel Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright, light-medium sky blue with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer coverage that was buildable to semi-opaque coverage. The texture was a bit waxier, so it was comfortable to use, but it didn’t deposit color as evenly or as opaquely as marketed. This shade lasted for seven and a half hours. ColourPop Big Splash (LE, $7.00) is lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Electric (DC, $22.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Lady Lagoon (P, $22.00) is darker (80% similar). Fenty Beauty Hot Tub Club (LE, ) is darker (80% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Mint (P, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). ColourPop Crystal Crush (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Make Up For Ever I32 Iridescent Lagoon Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium-dark, bluish-teal with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen with slight sparkle. It had semi-opaque coverage in one stroke, which I was able to get to mostly opaque coverage with two to three passes. The texture was moderately waxy, glided on well with decent color deposited onto the lower lash line. It lasted for eight hours on me. Make Up For Ever #52L (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). Tarina Tarantino Spark of Envy (DC, $15.00) is lighter (95% similar). Sephora Waterfall (47) (P, $11.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). MAC New Marine (P, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). Makeup Geek Ocean (DC, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar). Moira Green (P, $5.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Sephora Waterfall (DC, $10.00) is warmer (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Gemstoned (P, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Vacancy (LE, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Deep End (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Electric Empire (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Colibri (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Overdrive (P, $22.00) is warmer (85% similar). Haus Labs Empire (P, $18.00) is warmer (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Ody(sea) (62) (P, $26.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Junkie (DC, $22.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). MAC Blue Noon (LE, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Make Up For Ever M30 Matte Pastel Green Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a pop of medium aqua with subtle, warmer undertones and a creamy, matte finish. The consistency was creamier than it was waxy, though it still only had semi-sheer to mostly opaque coverage. When I would go back to try to build-up the color, some of it seemed to push around, rather than set, so I would recommend applying one layer, waiting a bit, and then going back to do a second layer. This shade wore well for eight hours on me. LA Girl Fresh (P, $4.49) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Zulu (P, $7.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Zulu (P, $7.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). Stila Turquoise (P, $22.00) is warmer (90% similar). Haus Labs Sage Matte (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC The Last Word (P, $23.00) is darker (85% similar). Makeup Geek Mint (DC, $9.00) is warmer (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Hot Tub Club (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Ice Breaker (P, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Aux (P, $15.50) is darker, cooler (80% similar). ColourPop Big Splash (LE, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Mint (P, $18.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Make Up For Ever I34 Iridescent Pop Green Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($21.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium, grassy green with warm undertones and a subtle sheen. It had semi-opaque coverage in one pass, which was buildable to opaque coverage after two to three passes. The texture was waxy but didn’t seem to lift color when I went over the same area twice. It wore well for eight hours on my lower lash line. NARS Puerta del Sol (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Sephora Indulge Yourself (22) (DC, $10.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Sassy Moss (DC, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Canopy (LE, $7.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Mare-Chiaro (938) (LE, $34.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Haus Labs Grime (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Sephora Caipirinha Dreamin' (LE, $10.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
M22 Matte Majorelle Blue
PPermanent. $21.00.
S20 Satiny Navy Blue
PPermanent. $21.00.
I24 Iridescent Blue
PPermanent. $21.00.
M26 Matte Pastel Blue
PPermanent. $21.00.
I32 Iridescent Lagoon Green
PPermanent. $21.00.
M30 Matte Pastel Green
PPermanent. $21.00.
I34 Iridescent Pop Green
PPermanent. $21.00.
Make Up For Ever M22 Matte Majorelle Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M22 Matte Majorelle Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M22 Matte Majorelle Blue Aqua XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever S20 Satiny Navy Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever S20 Satiny Navy Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever S20 Satiny Navy Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I24 Iridescent Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I24 Iridescent Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I24 Iridescent Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M26 Matte Pastel Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M26 Matte Pastel Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M26 Matte Pastel Blue XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I32 Iridescent Lagoon Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I32 Iridescent Lagoon Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I32 Iridescent Lagoon Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M30 Matte Pastel Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M30 Matte Pastel Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever M30 Matte Pastel Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I34 Iridescent Pop Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I34 Iridescent Pop Green XL Eye Pencil
Make Up For Ever I34 Iridescent Pop Green XL Eye Pencil
Iridescent Blue is a real stunner.
It is a nice color!
Lagoon Green is such a gorgeous iridescent shade. Love wearing this shade on the lower lash line.
Awesome!
Well some of the tips do look very fragile and about to break in the photos so I’m not surprised it happened when you were swatching them. In regards to the colors I’m a bit disappointed. They seemed far more creamy and with perfect color pay off when I first saw on a Sephora Hot Now vídeo.
It was strange — one or two, sure, not exactly a surprise, but I was surprised that I couldn’t seem to NOT break them.
Oh my goodness… I knew these wouldn’t get stellar reviews… I agree with the waterline comment. It doesn’t APPLY AT ALL!! The MUFE MUA at the counter told me to realllyyyyyy dry out your waterline before applying it otherwise it will never get on. Honestly doesn’t swipe on anyway. What a let down…especially with such beautiful pastel shades!
Oh no! So sad to hear you had a similar experience, Melissa 🙁
These make me so sad 🙁 The sneak peek didn’t look good but I was hoping (against hope) they would score better since the colors are so unique. I got a sample of the MUFE XL in black, and it was absolutely horrible for the waterline, lasted about 30 secs on me before it all smeared off into a big mess. So much for Aqua XL waterproof. OMG Christine, have you tried the brand new Sephora Contour Inner Rim Gel Eyeliner??? It’s supposed to be made specifically for the waterline. I got the brown one (Fawn Over Me) and was quite impressed! It’s the first eyeliner ever to stay on my wet waterline, and I’ve probably tried hundreds of eyeliners in my lifetime search. It stayed +15 hrs on my oily lids and about 4 hours on my wet waterline, which is a new record for me, but on normal waterlines, it should last much longer. And when it wears off, it doesn’t leave behind major raccoon eyes. It’s a very short pencil (.01 oz) but it’s a twist up and only $8. I’m going to grab some more colors because I love to rim my eyes to get that sexy bedroom eye look!
Oh, wow! That sounds awesome! I did buy them, but I haven’t opened them yet. When I was on Sephora the other night, I actually saw they seemed to have bad reviews?! I didn’t look to read them but now you have me curious!
Yep, the reviews on the Sephora Inner Rim Eye Liners are mixed, either they love them (5 stars) or hate them! Of course, everyone’s waterline is different, but the reviews are so polar that I wonder if some shades last better than others or if some batches are duds. IDK, but for $8, I thought what the heck, might as well give it a try and so glad I did! BTW, when I did my test, I forgot I had rimmed my waterline, and I ended up spraying a hydrating facial mist all over my face and lids, went for a 25 min walk during a windy day (which makes my eyes water even more), and then was cooking/cleaning for hours, and it still lasted 4 hours on my wet waterline, so I think if I didn’t do all that, it would’ve lasted even longer!
I wish it was required on retailer reviews to list the shade you bought, because it can definitely depend on the shade!! Like a black might be more obvious when it smudges/smears/migrates vs. a peachy shade, which usually just seems to disappear.
Let’s see, I already own Sephora’s My Boyfriend’s Jeans, MAC Siahi, Sephora Fairytale and Nyx Esmeralda, with Colourpop Zulu in my cart, all good ones, too. Making these MUFE ones a very easy pass!
Sephora eyeliners are so much better 🙁
It’s soo hard to find pastel gel liners! So I am eagerly awaiting more dupes of the rest of the shades. I think I’ll get a version of Colour Pop Zulu over M30 but I’ll probably get the M26 one from this set.
ColourPop at least applies much more evenly!
Not as good as I’d hoped, though the colors are pretty. Some look so patchy. I’ve read differing reviews on waterline wear. It seems half think they suck, and the rest swear they’re the most long-lasting ever.
Yes, I have heard a few raves for waterline-wear on these as well! I wonder what makes it work for some/not work for others.
I was planning on Lagoon Green, but, based on this, Iridescent Blue would be the better choice. Once again…thanks 🙂
My pleasure, Valerie!
The mattes – very few can get them right. But otherwise the other pencils are gorgeous – especially the iridescent blue and green.
The shimmery shades do seem to be the best – creamier!
Bummer. Just a bummer. Please tell me these aren’t a replacement for their old line.
I do believe this replaces their Aqua Eyes eyeliner!
Seema a real waste when a brand like MUFE comes up with such poor products; and have the temerity of putting a 21 dollar tag on THESE!!!!!
I’m bummed! I remember enjoying the prior Aqua Eyes formula, though I haven’t used it regularly in years.
Omg… I’m not the only one with the tip breaking off. As soon as I tore the plastic wrapping off the pencil and took the cap off, the tip of the pencil broke off… I was so disappointed because that has never happened to me before. Thought I just got a bad one…
It’s something that I’ve had happen occasionally depending on the formula, but since I usually have a few of them to swatch, after one goes, I can manage to apply in such a way (less pressure/different angle) to avoid doing it every single time!
Between my UD Vault of pencils and the Sephora pencils I’ve received, usually as gift with purchase, I can dupe most if not all these colors. I’m certain I can dupe the ones I like. I would have expected better quality from this brand, not that I need more eyeliner.
Whew! Sounds like you have a good stash of eyeliners ;D
I’m sad these aren’t better. I really liked all the blues from this collection. I see all the other blogs raving about them but I always count on you to tell it like it is.
Thanks, Erin! They have decent wear on the lower lash line for me, but they don’t work notably on the waterline at all! I also felt like they weren’t that pigmented (given how they were billed).
Iridescent Blue is the prettiest liner I’ve seen this year.
Aww!
That’s a shame these didn’t perform as well as they looked. Nice idea, not so great execution for a pro brand ?.
Agreed 🙁