Sephora Cobalt, Eggplant, Brown, Espresso, Charcoal, Black Matte Ultimate Gel Eyeliners Reviews & Swatches
Cobalt Matte
Sephora Cobalt Matte Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($13.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a vivid, cobalt blue with strong, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer color payoff in one layer, which was buildable to mostly opaque coverage that was somewhat even, though certainly not the best-performing cobalt I’ve come across.
The texture was slightly waxy and thin, so it tugged slightly against my lower lash line initially. It lasted decently for eight hours before thinning visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Haus Labs Cobalt Matte (P, $22.00) (100% similar).
- MAC Perpetual Shock (P, $23.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Rucker Park (LE, $7.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Sea About It (P, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Out of the Blue (P, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- About Face Sadgrl (P, $13.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- ColourPop Floater (LE, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Chaos (P, $22.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Chaos (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- NARS Ocean Drive (P, $24.00) is darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$13.00/0.01 oz. - $1300.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-lasting" and "waterproof" with color that "wont smudge, flake, or crack" with "one-stroke application without skipping" that delivers "vibrant color." Well, those are the kind of claims you'd expect for a top tier eyeliner formula, but these are definitely more like two strokes--or overlapping strokes--to get more semi-opaque to opaque color. Some shades layered better than others; the "glitter" finish was the worst-performing--sheerer and less readily built up.
The texture was barely creamy but on the stiffer side, particularly with some of the lighter mattes, which I noticed were more prone to snapping off at the tip. These don't contain much product, which is consistent and typical for twist-up eyeliners, so that's not ideal as there isn't a whole lot of product to waste! They tended not to tug noticeably on my lower lash line, but they didn't have as much as glide as more eyeliners have these days (which some may prefer!).
They wore decently; they were relatively waterproof and lasted between eight and nine hours on average. I didn't have issues with smudging or flaking.
Browse all of our Sephora Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77007 (Ultramarines), Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Mica.
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.
Cobalt Matte
PPermanent. $13.00.
Eggplant Matte
Sephora Eggplant Matte Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($13.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a deep purple-plum with subtle, warm pink undertones and a matte finish. It had medium color coverage that was buildable to opaque coverage, and I didn’t have issues layering up the product. The texture was lightly creamy, smooth, and comfortable to work with. This shade wore nicely for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Cassis (83) (P, $34.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Graphic Content (P, $23.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Purp-a-trader (P, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Flourish Me Beautiful (LE, $18.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Blacquer (Berry) (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Purple Stuff (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sephora Love Affair (33) (P, $11.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M80 Matte Plum (P, $21.00) is lighter, more muted, cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Sangria (DC, $10.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Wayne Goss Deep Amethyst (P, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$13.00/0.01 oz. - $1300.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-lasting" and "waterproof" with color that "wont smudge, flake, or crack" with "one-stroke application without skipping" that delivers "vibrant color." Well, those are the kind of claims you'd expect for a top tier eyeliner formula, but these are definitely more like two strokes--or overlapping strokes--to get more semi-opaque to opaque color. Some shades layered better than others; the "glitter" finish was the worst-performing--sheerer and less readily built up.
The texture was barely creamy but on the stiffer side, particularly with some of the lighter mattes, which I noticed were more prone to snapping off at the tip. These don't contain much product, which is consistent and typical for twist-up eyeliners, so that's not ideal as there isn't a whole lot of product to waste! They tended not to tug noticeably on my lower lash line, but they didn't have as much as glide as more eyeliners have these days (which some may prefer!).
They wore decently; they were relatively waterproof and lasted between eight and nine hours on average. I didn't have issues with smudging or flaking.
Browse all of our Sephora Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, CI 75470 (Carmine), Dicalcium Phosphate, Mica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Diisostearyl Malate, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Talc, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Propylene Carbonate, C20-24 Olefin, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate.
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.
Eggplant Matte
PPermanent. $13.00.
Brown Matte
Sephora Brown Matte Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($13.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a dark brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had a slightly stiffer texture, so it tugged a bit at my lower lash line, though it had semi-opaque, buildable coverage that went on evenly. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Brew Haha (P, $7.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Wayne Goss Precious Opal (P, $14.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M60 Matte Dark Brown (P, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty (Earth)quake (P, $25.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Long Espresso (P, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Espresso (DC, $9.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Christian Louboutin Beaute Zoulou (P, $40.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Photogravure (PiP, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Maybelline Bold Brown (P, $9.99) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty In Big Truffle (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$13.00/0.01 oz. - $1300.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-lasting" and "waterproof" with color that "wont smudge, flake, or crack" with "one-stroke application without skipping" that delivers "vibrant color." Well, those are the kind of claims you'd expect for a top tier eyeliner formula, but these are definitely more like two strokes--or overlapping strokes--to get more semi-opaque to opaque color. Some shades layered better than others; the "glitter" finish was the worst-performing--sheerer and less readily built up.
The texture was barely creamy but on the stiffer side, particularly with some of the lighter mattes, which I noticed were more prone to snapping off at the tip. These don't contain much product, which is consistent and typical for twist-up eyeliners, so that's not ideal as there isn't a whole lot of product to waste! They tended not to tug noticeably on my lower lash line, but they didn't have as much as glide as more eyeliners have these days (which some may prefer!).
They wore decently; they were relatively waterproof and lasted between eight and nine hours on average. I didn't have issues with smudging or flaking.
Browse all of our Sephora Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), Synthetic Wax, Mica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate.
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.
Brown Matte
PPermanent. $13.00.
Espresso Matte
Sephora Espresso Matte Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($13.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a blackened brown with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It had medium pigmentation in one stroke, which was buildable to mostly opaque, even coverage. The texture wasn’t as emollient as typical eyeliners, though it wasn’t stiff enough to tug at my skin. This shade showed signs of thinning after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics Spliff (P, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Last Frontier (P, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Wayne Goss Rich Hazel (P, $14.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Demolition (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Maybelline Bold Brown (P, $9.99) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Demolition (P, $22.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- NARS Last Frontier (P, $24.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Brown (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Glitterbug (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Wayne Goss Precious Opal (P, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$13.00/0.01 oz. - $1300.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-lasting" and "waterproof" with color that "wont smudge, flake, or crack" with "one-stroke application without skipping" that delivers "vibrant color." Well, those are the kind of claims you'd expect for a top tier eyeliner formula, but these are definitely more like two strokes--or overlapping strokes--to get more semi-opaque to opaque color. Some shades layered better than others; the "glitter" finish was the worst-performing--sheerer and less readily built up.
The texture was barely creamy but on the stiffer side, particularly with some of the lighter mattes, which I noticed were more prone to snapping off at the tip. These don't contain much product, which is consistent and typical for twist-up eyeliners, so that's not ideal as there isn't a whole lot of product to waste! They tended not to tug noticeably on my lower lash line, but they didn't have as much as glide as more eyeliners have these days (which some may prefer!).
They wore decently; they were relatively waterproof and lasted between eight and nine hours on average. I didn't have issues with smudging or flaking.
Browse all of our Sephora Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Trisiloxane, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Dimethicone, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, CI 75470 (Carmine), Polyethylene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Talc, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C20-24 Olefin, CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Tin Oxide.
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.
Espresso Matte
PPermanent. $13.00.
Charcoal Matte
Sephora Charcoal Matte Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($13.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a deep gray with warmer undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable color coverage that applied evenly and wasn’t prone to tugging on my lash line. The texture was lightly emollient with decent glide. This shade wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Smoke (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Stone (DC, $10.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Maybelline Intense Charcoal (P, $9.99) is cooler (90% similar).
- Haus Labs Charcoal Matte (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Zinc (LE, $26.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M14 Matte Charcoal Grey (P, $21.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Stone (51) (P, $11.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Sephora 5th Avenue (03) (DC, $10.00).
- MAC Slate (LE, $16.00).
Formula Overview
$13.00/0.01 oz. - $1300.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-lasting" and "waterproof" with color that "wont smudge, flake, or crack" with "one-stroke application without skipping" that delivers "vibrant color." Well, those are the kind of claims you'd expect for a top tier eyeliner formula, but these are definitely more like two strokes--or overlapping strokes--to get more semi-opaque to opaque color. Some shades layered better than others; the "glitter" finish was the worst-performing--sheerer and less readily built up.
The texture was barely creamy but on the stiffer side, particularly with some of the lighter mattes, which I noticed were more prone to snapping off at the tip. These don't contain much product, which is consistent and typical for twist-up eyeliners, so that's not ideal as there isn't a whole lot of product to waste! They tended not to tug noticeably on my lower lash line, but they didn't have as much as glide as more eyeliners have these days (which some may prefer!).
They wore decently; they were relatively waterproof and lasted between eight and nine hours on average. I didn't have issues with smudging or flaking.
Browse all of our Sephora Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Trisiloxane, Synthetic Wax, Dimethicone, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Polyethylene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, CI 75470 (Carmine), Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C20-24 Olefin, Dicalcium Phosphate, CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide.
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.
Charcoal Matte
PPermanent. $13.00.
Black Matte
Sephora Black Matte Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($13.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a medium-dark black with neutral undertones and a matte finish. I was genuinely surprised at how weak this shade was for a basic black eyeliner; it had sheerer coverage, wasn’t as buildable, and went on unevenly to boot! The texture could have been more emollient and smoother when working over the skin. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- About Face Into the Void (P, $13.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NARS Via Veneto (P, $24.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Black (P, $18.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Moira Black (P, $7.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Glide or Die (P, $23.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M10 Matte Black (P, $21.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Squid (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, glossier (95% similar).
- Chanel Ebene (10) (P, $34.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Haus Labs Punk (P, $18.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Cuz I'm Black (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$13.00/0.01 oz. - $1300.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-lasting" and "waterproof" with color that "wont smudge, flake, or crack" with "one-stroke application without skipping" that delivers "vibrant color." Well, those are the kind of claims you'd expect for a top tier eyeliner formula, but these are definitely more like two strokes--or overlapping strokes--to get more semi-opaque to opaque color. Some shades layered better than others; the "glitter" finish was the worst-performing--sheerer and less readily built up.
The texture was barely creamy but on the stiffer side, particularly with some of the lighter mattes, which I noticed were more prone to snapping off at the tip. These don't contain much product, which is consistent and typical for twist-up eyeliners, so that's not ideal as there isn't a whole lot of product to waste! They tended not to tug noticeably on my lower lash line, but they didn't have as much as glide as more eyeliners have these days (which some may prefer!).
They wore decently; they were relatively waterproof and lasted between eight and nine hours on average. I didn't have issues with smudging or flaking.
Browse all of our Sephora Ultimate Gel Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Dicalcium Phosphate, CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, CI 77266 (Black 2) [nano], Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Mica, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate.
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.
S did a cobalt dupe BITD that was called Sea If I Care, iirc. There was a chartreuse called beautiful monster and a rusty one with the word fox in it. I don’t recall any with meh ratings like these. The old S ‘Sea’ might have been an A-. S liners were the lead dogs. Please don’t go all UD on me! Fentys are my current loves. Even repurchased a Bank Tank. Reformulations: it seems 50/50 whether they improve things or not,
I mean if anything tells us the world is off kilter… this!
Well…if I didn’t already own several deep aubergine eye pencils, Eggplant may have tempted me. But I do, and so I’m not going for it.
These are not too hot in the performance area, even though they swatch pretty nicely.
I am a bit tempted by that one. I’ll probably get one of the dupes though. I like my makeup to have a grade A unless it’s a super unique item.
I’m so glad to see you back here, I should have said it a lot earlier, but you know, life came sort of in between.
I am not overly impressed by these – apart from them being all matte shades, they just don’t seem to be really good. The shade colours are popular ones and the dupe list will provide better quality alternatives.
A shame because usually Sephora’s eye pencils are pretty good.
The only one that I might be interested in would be Charcoal Matte but it is such an easily dupeable shade that I don’t feel the need to pick it up, even if it is the best scoring of those reviewed. B+ isn’t good enough, I don’t want any tugging on my eyelids.