Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m excited to dive deep into a product that’s been generating a lot of buzz in the makeup world – the MAC Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner. As someone who’s always on the hunt for the perfect eyeliner, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this and put it to the test.
I’ve spent the past few weeks really getting to know this liner – wearing it in different situations, comparing it to other popular liners on the market, and gathering insights from other makeup enthusiasts. And now, I’m ready to share my honest, unfiltered opinion with all of you.
So grab a snack, get cozy, and let’s get into this comprehensive review of the MAC Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner!
First Impressions
When I first took the MAC Brushstroke liner out of its sleek, black packaging, a few things immediately stood out to me:
- The brush tip applicator. It’s thin and precise, which got me excited about the potential for creating sharp, defined lines.
- The rich color payoff. With just one swipe on the back of my hand, I could tell this liner was intensely pigmented.
- The smooth, ink-like consistency. It glided across my skin without any tugging or skipping.
Based on these initial observations, I had high hopes that this liner would deliver on its promises of boldness, precision, and long-lasting wear. But of course, the real test would be how it performed on my actual eyes throughout the day.
Application & Wear Test
On a Monday morning, I decided to take the MAC Brushstroke liner for a spin as part of my work makeup look. Here’s a step-by-step of my experience:
- 9:00 AM – I carefully applied the liner to my upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and working my way out. The brush tip allowed me to create a thin, crisp line that hugged my lashes perfectly. So far, so good!
- 12:30 PM – Lunchtime check-in. After a morning of meetings and running around the office, I was pleased to see that the liner hadn’t budged or smudged at all. It looked as fresh as when I first applied it.
- 5:00 PM – End of workday examination. I scrutinized my liner in the harsh fluorescent lighting of the office bathroom. Still no fading, flaking, or transferring to my upper lid. Color me impressed!
- 7:30 PM – After a post-work gym session (yes, I’m that person who doesn’t take off my makeup before working out), I was stunned to find my liner completely intact. No sweaty raccoon eyes here.
- 10:00 PM – I finally removed my makeup before bed, and the liner came off easily with my regular cleansing oil. No harsh rubbing or leftover residue.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by how well the MAC Brushstroke liner held up throughout a long, active day. It truly lives up to its 24-hour wear claim.
The Pros
There’s a lot to love about the MAC Brushstroke liner. Here are the key benefits that really stood out to me:
- Bold, intense color: This liner delivers serious pigment payoff. The black shade is a true, deep black – none of that wishy-washy gray business. If you want your liner to make a statement, this one won’t let you down.
- Precise application: The brush tip applicator is a dream for creating all sorts of liner looks, from thin and subtle to thick and dramatic. It gives you a level of control and precision that felt tip liners just can’t match.
- Serious staying power: As my wear test demonstrated, this liner does not budge. It laughs in the face of humidity, sweat, and oily lids. If you need your liner to last through work, workouts, and everything in between, the MAC Brushstroke liner is up to the task.
- A little goes a long way: Because the formula is so pigmented, you don’t need to keep going over the same line to build up the color. One or two strokes gives you a rich, opaque line. This means the product lasts longer, making it a great value in my book.
- Easy removal: Despite its bulletproof staying power, this liner is surprisingly easy to remove at the end of the day. It dissolves away effortlessly with a bit of cleansing oil or micellar water – no scrubbing required.
The Cons
No product is perfect, and the MAC Brushstroke liner is no exception. Here are a couple potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Learning curve: If you’re used to felt tip liners, there may be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using a brush tip applicator. It can take some practice to master the right amount of pressure and angle for creating your desired look.
- Price point: At $24, this liner is definitely on the pricier side compared to drugstore options. However, given its high-quality formula and long-lasting wear, I think it’s worth the splurge for anyone who wears liner regularly.
- Limited shade range: Currently, the MAC Brushstroke liner only comes in black and brown. While these are staple colors that work for most people, I would love to see MAC expand the shade range in the future to include more colorful, experimental options.
How It Compares
Of course, the MAC Brushstroke liner doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Let’s see how it stacks up against some other popular liquid liners on the market:
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: Known for its high-pigment, long-wearing formula, the KVD Tattoo Liner is a cult favorite. Having used both, I actually prefer the MAC liner. I find the brush tip easier to control and the wear time even longer.
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: Another long-wearing favorite, the Stila liner has a felt tip applicator. It’s a great option, but I personally favor the precision of the MAC brush tip. The Stila also tends to dry out faster in my experience.
- NYX Epic Ink Liner: At a more affordable price point, the NYX liner is a great dupe for the KVD Tattoo Liner. It has a brush tip like the MAC liner, but I don’t find the formula quite as pigmented or budge-proof.
Ultimately, I think the MAC Brushstroke liner holds its own (and then some) against the competition. It has quickly become my new go-to liner for its perfect combination of precision, pigment, and longevity.
The Bottom Line
So, is the MAC Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely. This liner truly delivers on its claims of bold color, precise application, and around-the-clock wear. Whether you’re a liner novice or a cat-eye connoisseur, I think you’ll be impressed by its performance.
Yes, it’s a bit of an investment compared to drugstore liners. But for a product you’ll likely use every day that won’t let you down, I think it’s money well spent. I know I’ll be repurchasing this liner again and again.
Of course, don’t just take my word for it. The beauty of makeup is that everyone’s preferences and experiences are unique. But if you’re in the market for a new liner and long-lasting wear is a top priority for you, I highly recommend giving the MAC Brushstroke liner a try.
I hope you found this review helpful and informative! Feel free to share your own thoughts and experiences with this liner (or any others) in the comments below. Let’s keep the beauty conversation going!
Until next time, my loves – may your wings always be sharp and your liner always be smudge-free.
Xoxo, Your Friendly Neighborhood Beauty Blogger
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