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Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayons (Part 1) Review, Photos, Swatches

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Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

(Earth)quake

Marc Jacobs (Earth)quake Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon ($25.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a deep brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had intense color coverage in just one pass, while the eyeliner had a smooth, creamy texture that glided across the skin without tugging or dragging. The color wore well for nine hours on my waterline and twelve hours on my lower lash line.

The formula is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with “12-hour longwear” with a “bold matte finish” that is supposed to be waterproof and “well-suited” for the waterline. The majority of the shades are very pigmented with mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in a single pass, while the texture is creamy but dries down within ten to fifteen seconds. They wear shorter on the waterline (six to nine hours) and longer on the lower lash line (nine to twelve hours). The formula is fantastic for lining, but the one thing that makes me hesitate is that the past iterations of the liners have dried out in as little as one year (with some lasting two years or longer), though I have noticed the more shimmery shades are first to dry out.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Formula Overview

$25.00/0.01 oz. - $2500.00 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with “12-hour longwear” with a “bold matte finish” that is supposed to be waterproof and “well-suited” for the waterline. The majority of the shades are very pigmented with mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in a single pass, while the texture is creamy but dries down within ten to fifteen seconds.

They wear shorter on the waterline (six to nine hours) and longer on the lower lash line (nine to twelve hours). The formula is fantastic for lining, but the one thing that makes me hesitate is that the past iterations of the liners have dried out in as little as one year (with some lasting two years or longer), though I have noticed the more shimmery shades are first to dry out.

Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon swatches.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Polyethylene, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyisobutene, Methicone, Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

(Brown)ie

Marc Jacobs (Brown)ie Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon ($25.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark brown with warm undertones and a cream finish. It had opaque coverage in a single with a very creamy, smooth, and glide-on texture that was comfortable to use on the lower lash line and waterline. This shade wore well for eleven hours on my lower lash line and eight hours on my waterline.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Formula Overview

$25.00/0.01 oz. - $2500.00 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with “12-hour longwear” with a “bold matte finish” that is supposed to be waterproof and “well-suited” for the waterline. The majority of the shades are very pigmented with mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in a single pass, while the texture is creamy but dries down within ten to fifteen seconds.

They wear shorter on the waterline (six to nine hours) and longer on the lower lash line (nine to twelve hours). The formula is fantastic for lining, but the one thing that makes me hesitate is that the past iterations of the liners have dried out in as little as one year (with some lasting two years or longer), though I have noticed the more shimmery shades are first to dry out.

Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon swatches.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Polyethylene, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyisobutene, Methicone, Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, CI 77492, CI77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

(Iron)y

Marc Jacobs (Iron)y Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon ($25.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a deep, gray-leaning taupe with hints of warmer, brown undertones paired with a cream finish. The eyeliner was incredibly rich in pigmentation, while the consistency was smooth, creamy, and comfortable to apply as it did not tug. On my waterline, the color stayed on well for almost ten hours, and on my lower lash line, it lasted for a full twelve hours.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Formula Overview

$25.00/0.01 oz. - $2500.00 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with “12-hour longwear” with a “bold matte finish” that is supposed to be waterproof and “well-suited” for the waterline. The majority of the shades are very pigmented with mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in a single pass, while the texture is creamy but dries down within ten to fifteen seconds.

They wear shorter on the waterline (six to nine hours) and longer on the lower lash line (nine to twelve hours). The formula is fantastic for lining, but the one thing that makes me hesitate is that the past iterations of the liners have dried out in as little as one year (with some lasting two years or longer), though I have noticed the more shimmery shades are first to dry out.

Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon swatches.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Polyethylene, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyisobutene, Methicone, Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, CI 77492, CI77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

Fine(wine)

Marc Jacobs Fine(wine) Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon ($25.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a deep red with subtle, cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that was fairly buildable, though it always seemed just shy of full coverage. I think that part of that was due to the texture, which seemed to have more slip, and I found I had better luck applying one layer, letting it dry down and set, and then a second layer to obtain the best pigmentation. The eyeliner applied comfortably and lasted for nine hours on the waterline and twelve hours on the lower lash line.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Formula Overview

$25.00/0.01 oz. - $2500.00 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with “12-hour longwear” with a “bold matte finish” that is supposed to be waterproof and “well-suited” for the waterline. The majority of the shades are very pigmented with mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in a single pass, while the texture is creamy but dries down within ten to fifteen seconds.

They wear shorter on the waterline (six to nine hours) and longer on the lower lash line (nine to twelve hours). The formula is fantastic for lining, but the one thing that makes me hesitate is that the past iterations of the liners have dried out in as little as one year (with some lasting two years or longer), though I have noticed the more shimmery shades are first to dry out.

Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon swatches.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Polyethylene, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyisobutene, Methicone, Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, CI 77492, CI77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

Deja Blue

Marc Jacobs Deja Blue Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon ($25.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a light sky blue with cooler, blue undertones and a cream finish. It had a stronger white base, and with how creamy it was, it looked a little streaky when applied to both the waterline and lower lash line for me. It was very brightening on the waterline, and I think “in person” it looked fine, but it didn’t appear even in close-up photos. It had semi-opaque, buildable color payoff with a very creamy consistency. It wore well for eight hours on my waterline and ten hours on my lower lash line.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Formula Overview

$25.00/0.01 oz. - $2500.00 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with “12-hour longwear” with a “bold matte finish” that is supposed to be waterproof and “well-suited” for the waterline. The majority of the shades are very pigmented with mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in a single pass, while the texture is creamy but dries down within ten to fifteen seconds.

They wear shorter on the waterline (six to nine hours) and longer on the lower lash line (nine to twelve hours). The formula is fantastic for lining, but the one thing that makes me hesitate is that the past iterations of the liners have dried out in as little as one year (with some lasting two years or longer), though I have noticed the more shimmery shades are first to dry out.

Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon swatches.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Polyethylene, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyisobutene, Methicone, Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, CI 77492, CI77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon
Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

(Grape)vine

Marc Jacobs (Grape)vine Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon ($25.00 for 0.01 oz.) a dark purple with cool undertones and as atin finish. It had good color coverage in one stroke, though it wasn’t opaque. Like Fine(wine), it had more slip and took a bit longer to set, which also made it harder to build up coverage unless I waited five to ten seconds for that initial layer to dry down a bit. It was easy to apply, as it never tugged or dragged on the skin. This shade stayed on well for nine hours on the waterline and twelve hours on my lower lash line.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Formula Overview

$25.00/0.01 oz. - $2500.00 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with “12-hour longwear” with a “bold matte finish” that is supposed to be waterproof and “well-suited” for the waterline. The majority of the shades are very pigmented with mostly opaque to fully opaque coverage in a single pass, while the texture is creamy but dries down within ten to fifteen seconds.

They wear shorter on the waterline (six to nine hours) and longer on the lower lash line (nine to twelve hours). The formula is fantastic for lining, but the one thing that makes me hesitate is that the past iterations of the liners have dried out in as little as one year (with some lasting two years or longer), though I have noticed the more shimmery shades are first to dry out.

Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon swatches.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Polyethylene, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyisobutene, Methicone, Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, CI 77492, CI77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

50 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Christine Avatar

I repurchased a few that had dried out, but I only repurchased the more unique shades or ones I used often enough to merit purchasing. I don’t think most people have as many eyeliners as me, so I think as long as you DO use yours frequently, the quality of the formula is worth it (IMO, of course).

Tammy Avatar

Now I understand why I didn’t like these! I bought two and couldn’t get either to draw on my eyes at all. They must’ve been already dry when I purchased them. At the time, I was so confused because your swatches were so beautiful and your review was so positive. Glad to know I wasn’t losing my mind, lol.

Maggie Avatar

That’s amazing to hear. Blacquer is also the only liner i can tightline and expect it to last. It’s nice to know I have other options. Personally, I’m looking forward to hearing how the pink one does.

Mariella Avatar

I like the original Highliners and love that bit of shimmer they have. I’m not so wild about matte ones although I really like Irony and didn’t think I would just from the name (I thought it would be a dull matte grey but it looks very nice).

Shannon. N Avatar

FineWine is my pick from these!!

I really want a reddish/Burgundy eye liner for my waterline, but I’m not going to spring on this one. I don’t want to throw away money on something that will dry out in less than a year, considering I’ll be using it only once a week. You know?

Ashley Bryant Avatar

I just did a comparison btwn Fine Wine and nyx faux blacks oxblood. Fine Wine won hands down, and is worth the money imo, but oxblood is a great alternative for $7.99.

Carrie Avatar

I bought the 2015 Christmas mini kit (after the rerelease). I had to through out all the shades except the black, which is still going strong. I’m a fan of that liner, but I’m definitely weary of getting a color I wouldn’t use often in that formula! Earthquake is lovely though!

Christine Avatar

There was definitely a period of time where they had manufacturing issues (which they quietly admitted via a review on Sephora, but they did not recall or issue refunds), so I suspect some of mine are from then (I believe it was the last big roll out of new shades) but a few of my original ones were dead. Some eyeliners dry out faster than others, and then some never seem to dry out (I don’t think I’ve ever had a UD eyeliner dry out!).

L Avatar

I wish (Iron)y were closer to gray than a taupe. It’s surprisingly difficult to find matte gray eyeliner. Here’s hoping these matte highliners come to my closest Sephora, so I can swatch them in-person.

Anne Avatar

I agree about finding a matte gray eyeliner. I finally found one not too long ago that you might want to look into: EL Double Wear Waterproof #03 Graphite. It’s a matte true charcoal gray (not a blue gray) and comes with a built-in sharpener and smudger. It’s very pigmented and applies easily. You might like it.

Jo Avatar

I was hoping for a truer grey too. I wear (Stone)fox a lot but would have loved a matte version of that kind of grey and Marc Jacobs Highliners are the only liners I have found that stay on my waterline.

P Jill Avatar

I have several of the MJB shimmery high liners, and I use them daily. They have not dried out for me yet. The only complaint I have may be that the caps can be a bit difficult to remove.
I plan to try Iron (y), but the other new ones don’t do it for me. I can’t imagine a wine- toned liner being flattering on my eyes. I am curious about the blue you haven’t yet reviewed.

Dominique Avatar

I received Earth(quake) and (Brown)ie from Influenster and at first I wished I’d received a colorful one but I’m pretty happy that I got these 2 for free because I never want to spend money on the brown pencils I always want a super carbon black or fun colors and these are great quality browns so I love both of them.I want Fine(wine) it was the first one that instantly caught my eye when I first saw these.Deja Blue is so pretty and Grape(vine) such great colors!

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!