Hey beauty lovers! Today we’re diving deep into one of MAC’s iconic eye products – the Eye Kohl Matte Eye Pencil. As a long-time MAC fan, I was excited to really put this pencil through its paces and share my thoughts with you all. But I didn’t just want to give you my solo opinion – I scoured through dozens of customer reviews to get a comprehensive look at how this product performs for different people.
So grab a cup of coffee (or glass of wine, no judgment here!) and let’s get into all the details on MAC’s Eye Kohl pencil – the good, the bad, and everything in between!
First Impressions
When you first twist open an Eye Kohl, a few things jump out right away:
- The pencil has a classic wooden body that you sharpen, rather than a plastic mechanical-style pencil
- The color selection is on point, with options ranging from intense black to softer, more wearable browns
- It has that signature MAC vanilla scent (am I the only one obsessed with that smell?)
Across the board, people raved about the incredible pigmentation of these pencils. From deep black “Feline” to bronzey “Costa Riche” to purpley-brown “Prunella”, the color payoff is intense and impactful. As MAC lover Lindsey put it, “I’ve compared all black eyeliners and nothing is more black than Feline.” Bold claims!
Many also noted how creamy and blendable the texture is, especially compared to traditional kohl pencils that can feel hard and scratchy. The smooth formula allows you to achieve everything from precise lines to smoked out, diffused looks. It’s a versatile product for sure.
However, a few customers noted that the soft texture also means the pencil can break easily if you’re too rough with it during application. The sharpening process can also cause issues, with some reviewers lamenting that one side sharpens while the other breaks off. Definitely something to keep in mind!
Wearability Test
Of course, the true test of any eyeliner is how it actually performs on the eyes throughout the day. Here’s where things got a little more divisive in the reviews.
On the positive side, many people found the Eye Kohl to be incredibly long-lasting, even on oily eyelids or watery eyes. Several called out impressive 8-12 hour wear time with minimal fading or smudging. If you’re looking for an eyeliner that can go the distance, this could be it!
However, a significant number of reviewers had the opposite experience, complaining of extreme smudging, running, and transfer, especially with the black shades. Yikes! Even those who loved how the liner looked when first applied often found themselves with racoon eyes by end of day. Some speculated that MAC may have changed the formula in recent years, as they remember the pencils performing better in the past.
It seems wear time can really vary from person to person. Those with very oily lids or who tend to rub their eyes a lot might want to proceed with caution, or be prepared to do some touch-ups. But if you’ve had good luck with MAC liners in the past, Eye Kohl could still be a winner for you.
The Pros
Alright, let’s summarize some of the most commonly mentioned positive attributes of MAC Eye Kohl:
- Intense pigmentation
- Creamy, blendable texture
- Wide shade range
- Can be long-wearing for some
- Versatile for many eye looks
- Waterline safe
If rich color payoff and smooth application are your priorities, these pencils deliver. From an inky black wing to a single smudgy line, you can create all sorts of looks. And many found that Eye Kohls hold up well even in the waterline, a notorious trouble spot for many eyeliners.
A few other miscellaneous pros that came up:
- Some like that you can sharpen to a fine point for precise looks
- Others enjoy using them as a base for powder shadows
- The vanilla scent was a plus for many
- Easy to take off at end of day
The Cons
Now for the less than glowing feedback. Here are the most frequent complaints about Eye Kohl:
- Smudging and running, especially with black shades
- Can irritate sensitive eyes
- Product breaks easily
- Difficult to sharpen
- Need to reapply throughout day
- Overpriced for performance issues
The smudging seems to be the biggest sticking point. When you’re shelling out MAC prices, you expect stellar performance. Needing to check your undereye area for smears every hour is a major downside for a high end liner.
A few sensitive-eyed reviewers also noted that these caused stinging, redness, and irritation. Definitely patch test if you tend to react to eye products! The wooden pencil format, while appealing to some, can also cause issues with breakage and sharpening.
Overall, most of the cons came down to either wear issues or personal sensitivities. Luckily, you can usually test these in store to see if the formula agrees with you before buying.
The Bottom Line
Like most makeup products, MAC Eye Kohl seems to have its devotees and its detractors. If you’re a diehard MAC fan who values intense color and a creamy feel, these are probably worth a shot. Many reviewers have used them for years and continue to repurchase, especially signature shades like Teddy, Costa Riche, and Feline.
However, if you struggle with oily eyelids, watery eyes, or eye sensitivities, you may want to approach with caution. The creamy texture and dark shades seem prone to smudging on some, and a few people had inflammatory reactions. At a relatively steep price point, you want to feel confident a liner will go the distance.
Luckily, MAC has one of the most generous sampling policies out there. Head to a counter and swatch a few shades to see how the color and texture work with your unique eye chemistry. Wear it around for a day and see how it holds up. That’s the best way to know if Eye Kohl is right for you!
Of course, you can also heed the advice of the many detailed customer reviews out there. Here on the blog, I always aim to give you guys the most comprehensive, honest breakdown possible, drawing from my own experience and the wisdom of the crowdsourced masses. Hopefully this deep dive gave you a better sense of whether MAC Eye Kohl deserves a spot in your makeup bag!
As always, I want to hear from you! Have you tried MAC Eye Kohl? What was your experience? Any shades you absolutely adore? Leave it all in the comments below. And let me know what other products you’d like to see get the in-depth review treatment!
Until next time, beauty lovers – stay gorgeous inside and out. Mwah!
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