Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayons (Part 1) Review, Photos, Swatches
(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).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty In Big Truffle (P, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Buxom Here's My Number (P, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Past Twilight (DC, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Christian Louboutin Beaute Zoulou (P, $40.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Espresso (P, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Lush (P, $20.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Crave (P, $22.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #25L (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Burberry Chestnut Brown No. 02 (P, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Photogravure (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
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).
(Earth)quake
PPermanent. $25.00.
(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).
Top Dupes
- Tarina Tarantino Locket Book (DC, $15.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #25L (P, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Whiskey (P, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Stila Espresso (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M60 Matte Dark Brown (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Mat Taupe (932) (P, $33.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- MAC Duck (P, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Bronze (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Stila Lionfish (P, $22.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Stomper (P, $5.00) is more muted (90% similar).
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).
(Brown)ie
PPermanent. $25.00.
(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).
Top Dupes
- MAC Lowlights (P, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Bustier (LE, $6.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Mahogany (P, $24.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Local Wares (DC, $16.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Darkness of Calm (LE, $17.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Mole Brown (LE, $16.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Rail (P, $20.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Lancome Pluie (P, $23.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- NARS Last Frontier (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
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).
(Iron)y
PPermanent. $25.00.
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).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Alkaline (P, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Plumeria (P, $9.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Sephora Aloha (P, $10.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Fine(wine) (P, $24.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- MAC Keep It Currant (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Glam Jam (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Stila Deep Fuchsia (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
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).
Fine(wine)
PPermanent. $25.00.
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).
Top Dupes
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Steel(etto) (P, $24.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Colour Pop Prance (P, $5.00) is darker (80% similar).
- Colour Pop Prance (P, $6.00) is darker (80% similar).
- Kat Von D Nietzsche (P, $19.00) is darker (80% similar).
- Sephora Baby Blues (P, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar).
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).
Deja Blue
PPermanent. $25.00.
(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).
Top Dupes
- Marc Jacobs Beauty (Grape)vine (P, $24.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Zoeva New Jewels (P, $7.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Violet (P, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Ho Ho (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Smashbox Nymph (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- NARS Blue Lotus (P, $24.00) is brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Zoeva Regency (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- NARS St. Marks Place (P, $24.00) is brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Purple Reign (LE, $25.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
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).
I’m loving Earthquake, but 0.01?!
0.01 for $28 that dries out quick!!!
I can’t do it. I refuse.
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).
(Iron)y didn’t sound interesting, but looks like a really great alternative to black for me. Fine(Wine) is of course, on the list.
It is! It’s not quite what I think of taupe, but it’s more than just gray.
Earthquake and Irony are gorgeous!
They are!
I think I’d pick up a shade I’d use a lot, that way the drying out problem is moot! Otherwise, I’ll have to wait and see if other people’s dry quickly. They really do look gorgeous.
That’s my philosophy with these – I didn’t repurchase *every* shade that I had that dried out, I only repurchased the few I’d use often and were more unique (since I have quite a few eyeliners, lol).
Fine(wine) is a must buy for me!! Such a unique color, a true red, so glad it’s permanent
That’s one of the selling points of the MJB liners – more unique shades!
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.
Were they the mattes or from the regular line?
Regular line: Ody(sea) and (Luna)tic. So disappointed ?
That was my problem too – the ones I purchased never ‘worked’ ! I threw them out – wasted money.
Because it is near impossible for brands to get a purple eyeliner right, (Grape)vine has won me over. Except for the price: OUCH!
Funny, I don’t mind rebuying my HG Blacquer Highliner as nothing else lasts on my upper tightline like it. It even withstands my watery eyes when allergies beset me!
The wear is very similar with these as it has been for me on the regular Highliner formula. Very long-wearing, even on the waterline!
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.
I love the deeper colors like Fine(Wine and (Grape)Vine. These also seem to have great wear time, though the fact that they dry out so quickly is a bit of a bummer.
I’m hoping they’ve gotten a better handle on minimizing it, but we shall see. It’s one of those issues that I feel like a lot of MJB Highliner fans have had to come to terms within 2-3 years post-launch!
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).
I’m liking these more than I thought (I usually prefer shimmery eyeliners) – I think it’s perhaps how intense/rich they are on!
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?
Well, once a week, you just might use it up after all 😉
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.
Thank you so much Ashley!!! I’ll def have to check out finewine. I said I wouldn’t, but I can feel my resolve dying LOL
I like the deep grey shade as I think it can be more wearable than black (which can be very ‘ageing’ on mature eyes). But the drying out factor in less than a year is concerning.
It would be softer than black for sure!
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!
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!).
I’ve been waiting for the review on Iron(y). So glad to see it scored an A! I also like Earth(quake).
Thanks Christine!
My pleasure, Bonnie!
Iron(y) is nice. IDK about the wine one, I love it but I’m not sure what it would like with my pale skin.
It would be interesting!
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.
Hope you can check ’em out sometime, L!
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.
And not a taupe, smoke or brown-gray. Just gray (only black and white mixed for a true charcoal gray).
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.
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.
I wish I had your luck! I tossed 15 or so of them just a few months ago.
(Iron)y is exactly the kind of color I like to tightline!
Nice! 🙂
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!
Nice sample!
These look pretty awesome!
Yay!!
DEJA BLUE reminds me of Rimmel Scandaleyes 008 Light Blue if your looking for a drugstore dupe.
I really want FINE(WINE) but I feel like i could dupe in in a lip liner as well. lol
Thank you for the dupe! 🙂
I like Brownie a lot but it sure looks a lot like the dupes, hard to justify a purchase.
Yeah, that one is more dupable than some of the others!