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.

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 Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner

Smashbox Penny Lane Always Sharp Liner