Hey beauties! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic and long-lasting eyeliners in the game – MAC’s Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Liner. As a self-professed eyeliner addict who’s tried nearly every liner on the market, I’ve been eager to put this cult-favorite to the test. Does it really live up to its name and reputation? Let’s find out together!
First Impressions & Packaging
The Liquidlast liner comes in a sleek, classic black tube with MAC’s signature minimalist branding. The brush applicator is thin and precise, which initially made me hopeful for creating those perfect sharp wings. One thing I noticed right away is that the formula is quite thick and heavily pigmented – you can tell this is going to be an intensely black liner.
Application & Formula
Now let’s talk about actually applying this liner. I have to be honest, there is a bit of a learning curve. The formula is unlike any other liquid liner I’ve used – it’s almost gel-like in consistency. This makes it a bit trickier to get a smooth, even line on the first swipe.
Many reviewers mentioned that the brush applicator that comes with the liner can make precision a challenge, and I definitely agree. The product tends to glob onto the brush, making it hard to start with a fine, sharp line. However, I found that wiping the excess off the brush helps with control.
A pro tip I discovered from other beauty lovers: try using a separate fine liner brush to apply the product for more precision. I gave this a go with a pointed liner brush from my collection, and it made a world of difference! The thicker consistency of the Liquidlast was much easier to work with this way.
Once you get the hang of the application, the payoff is incredible. This liner is PIGMENTED! We’re talking the blackest black that creates a striking, bold look. It also layers and builds extremely well if you want to intensify your liner look.
One important note: give this liner time to fully dry and set before you open your eyes all the way or touch your lids. Because of how budge-proof the formula is, it can smudge or transfer onto your lid if you’re not careful while it’s still wet. I found it took about 30-60 seconds to completely dry down.
Wear-time & Longevity
Here’s where the Liquidlast TRULY shines and lives up to its name. Once this liner sets, it does. not. budge. Seriously, this is the most resilient liner I’ve ever encountered.
I put it to the test on a hot summer day that included a sweaty outdoor event. At the end of the day (we’re talking 12+ hours later), my liner looked as pristine and sharp as it did when I first applied it. No smudging, flaking, or fading at all. I was blown away!
Even more impressive, it holds up against watery conditions. I summoned the courage to hop in the pool with this liner on, and it DID NOT MOVE. I even did a few underwater handstands (for the sake of beauty science, of course), and there was zero running or smearing.
Other beauty enthusiasts reported similar incredible experiences of the Liquidlast holding up through crying, rubbing their eyes, and even getting pepper sprayed at a protest (don’t worry, she’s okay!). This liner is seriously unstoppable.
Many people with oily lids or hooded eyes raved that this is the ONLY liner they’ve found that doesn’t smudge or transfer onto their lids. If you struggle with your liner disappearing or smearing throughout the day, the Liquidlast is absolutely worth trying.
Removal
Now, the flip side of having such a stubbornly long-wearing liner is that it can be tricky to remove at the end of the day. This is not a liner that will come off with just your regular cleanser or micellar water.
You’ll definitely need a heavy-duty, oil-based makeup remover to fully dissolve this product. Many reviewers recommend using an oil cleanser or even pure olive or coconut oil to break it down. Expect to use a bit of elbow grease and spend a little extra time on removal.
Some beauty lovers noted that the tenacity of this liner can be tough on their lashes and lash extensions – it can make lashes clumpy or sticky if you’re not careful during application. Removal around delicate lash hairs also requires extra caution.
Personally, the extra time spent on removal is worth it to me for how spectacularly well this liner performs. But if you’re someone who prefers quicker makeup removal, keep this in mind.
Shade Range
One consistent gripe from long-time fans of the Liquidlast liner: the shade range has majorly diminished over the years. While it used to come in a range of fun bright and shimmer shades, now MAC only offers the liner in the black shade called Point Black.
Many reminisced about a coveted deep brown shade called Coco Bar that was discontinued. Several women said it was their perfect everyday liner shade, and they’re heartbroken it’s no longer available. Others miss having colorful options like vivid teals and purples for more creative looks.
As a beauty lover who adores having options, I absolutely join the chorus of people pleading for MAC to bring back additional shades, especially Coco Bar! A rich brown is such a staple liner color, and it’s a shame it’s no longer available in this incredible formula. Fingers crossed MAC takes note and brings back some shade variety!
Price & Value
At $23 for 0.084 oz/ 2.5 mL of product, the Liquidlast is definitely at a higher price point than most drugstore liquid liners. However, I personally believe the quality justifies the cost.
Because you only need the tiniest amount of product for an opaque line, this liner lasts a very long time. With how much of a staple black liquid liner is in most people’s collections, investing in one that has such outstanding performance is worthwhile to me.
Of course, this comes down to your budget and makeup preferences. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a truly remarkable, long-wearing liner, I think the Liquidlast is 100% worth the price tag.
Overall Thoughts
After rigorously testing the MAC Liquidlast liner and diving into reviews from other beauty addicts, I can confidently say: BELIEVE THE HYPE. This liner is an exceptional product that fulfills every claim of long-lasting, budge-proof, waterproof wear.
It takes a bit of practice to master the application and set aside time for thorough removal. But the payoff of a perfectly sharp and smudge-free liner look that lasts all day (and night!) is unbeatable. For special occasions, sweaty summer days, or any time you need your liner to be unstoppable – the Liquidlast is a must-have.
The limited shade range is a bummer, and I sincerely hope MAC brings back some of the beloved discontinued colors. But the performance of the black shade is stellar enough to still get my hearty recommendation.
If you struggle with oily lids, hooded eyes, or just liner that never seems to stay put – run, don’t walk to try the Liquidlast. It’s a game-changer for stubborn, smudge-proof liner that lasts through absolutely anything. I know I’ll be stocking up on backups of this gem!
Have you tried the MAC Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Liner? I’d love to hear about your experience with it in the comments! And if you have any other long-wearing liner recommendations, drop them below too.
I hope you found this in-depth review helpful, and that you give this incredible liner a go! As always, remember that makeup is personal, and what works for me may be different for you. But I’m confident that many of you will fall in love with the unstoppable power of the Liquidlast!
Until next time, beauty lovers – may your liner always be sharp and smudge-free!
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