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Smashbox Always Sharp Liner Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner
Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner

Smashbox Always Sharp Liner ($20.00 for 0.01 oz.) is a “waterproof kohl eyeliner that glides on and self-sharpens every time you twist the cap off.” There’s also a 3D formula, which as far as I can tell, differs primarily by the inclusion of shimmer. The original (or regular) formula is waterline safe as well. The self-sharpening mechanism is great for anyone who needs more precision when using their pencil eyeliner, and it definitely works! The consistency of the pencils was soft enough that it glided on without tugging on the lash line. The three shades I tried yielded more opaque color coverage in a couple of layers. The formula noticeably faded and thinned out after six to seven hours, and the teal shade migrated into the outer edge of my lash line, so wear was less than ideal. It seemed waterproof, as it didn’t run or smudge when it came into contact with water.

Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner ($20.00 for 0.01 oz.) is described as a “black with pink pearl.” It’s a warm-toned black with violet sparkle and shimmer. It was semi-sheer in a single stroke and buildable to semi-opaque color. This shade wore well for seven hours on me. Marc Jacobs Beauty (Plum)age (60) (P, $25.00) is lighter. Urban Decay Empire (P, $19.00) is less sparkly. Urban Decay Delinquent (P, $19.00) has finer sparkle. MAC Designer Purple (P, $15.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Smashbox Cabana Always Sharp Liner ($20.00 for 0.01 oz.) is described as a “green.” It’s a green-leaning teal with a subtle, pearly sheen. It had good pigmentation in one pass, and it was fully opaque after two layers. This shade wore well for seven hours but migrated and gathered in my outer corner. Sephora Collection Good Mood (P, $9.00) is darker. Make Up For Ever #52L (LE, $19.00) is similar. MAC Blue Noon (LE, $16.00) is slightly bluer. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner ($20.00 for 0.01 oz.) is described as a “brown with shimmer.” It’s a dark, subtly warm-toned brown with gold and bronze shimmer. It had fairly good color payoff in a single stroke, and it was buildable to mostly opaque color after two layers. This shade wore well for almost eight hours on me and didn’t migrate. Marc Jacobs Beauty Brown(out) (54) (P, $25.00) is warmer. Buxom Come Over (P, $17.00) is lighter. MAC Deliciously Rich (LE, $16.00) is a gel eyeliner. Urban Decay Hustle (LE, $19.00) is slightly warmer. Urban Decay Corrupt (P, $19.00) is darker. MAC Lord It Up (P, $15.00) is slightly darker. Burberry Midnight Brown (P, $27.00) is very similar. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

3D Orchid

PPermanent. $20.00.
C
C
6.5
Product
6
Pigmentation
9
Texture
7.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
74%
Total

Cabana

PPermanent. $20.00.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
9
Pigmentation
9
Texture
7.5
Longevity
5
Application
87%
Total

Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner
Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner

Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner
Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner

Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner
Smashbox 3D Orchid Always Sharp 3D Liner

Smashbox Cabana Always Sharp Liner
Smashbox Cabana Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Cabana Always Sharp Liner
Smashbox Cabana Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Cabana Always Sharp Liner
Smashbox Cabana Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner
Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner
Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner
Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner
Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner

29 Comments

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Laura Avatar

Wow, that is surprising. Most of my eyeliners are pencils that need to be sharpened. I’ve never noticed that before. That’s quite a bit of a difference!

Kathleen Avatar

I got this eyeliner in the teal color for my sister who looooves mermaid-colored eyes. I used this on her and covered the majority of her eyelid with it, then she went to a friends bday party. And when she came home the next morning the eyeliner was literally in the exact same condition as when I first applied it, even after her sleeping in it and everything. I was very surprised and impressed with how well this formula worked out for me!

Stephanie Avatar

I loved these eyeliners when I first bought them since they stay on all day long. After a few uses though, the tip breaks off in the cap and the eyeliner doesn’t twist up anymore. This has happened to 2 that I have so this must be an issue with these eyeliners. What a waste of money!

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