Found a pencil I'm willing to use more than my gels. ;)

Ever since I discovered and mastered (term used loosely) gel liner, I've never used anything else ever since. Gel liners are so easy to use and for the longest time, I wondered why some people prefer them less than pencils. I mean, pencils are so hard to use! The tips get blunt easily, they don't set quickly, they budge because they're so creamy, the list goes on. And then it hit me: maybe the reason why I don't prefer pencils is probably because I'm using a pencil that's so-so. Or maybe, I just need something with a formula I really like.

The pencil I have today is not your regular pencil. It's somewhat a hybrid, one that should've been present years and years before. Gel liner in pencil form? Count. Me. In.

The Face Shop's Lovely Me:ex Make Me Star Gel Liner in 02 Choco Latte is such a game changer for me. It totally changed my view on pencils, well, gel eyeliners, in general. Choco Latte is a lovely medium brown with a hint of bronze with some glitters added to the mix. The glitters aren't those chunky irritating ones; they're more of an accent and they add to the overall metallic look of the liner. This color is perfect for everyday use and it's really not that dark on the eyes. 

A color comparison to the other brown liners I have. The essence and Maybelline liners are gel types, while the Kyrolan and Nichido liners are pencils. Choco Latte looks like a lighter Nichido Medium Brown mixed with the shimmery effect of London Baby.

But I guess what makes it really special for me is the formula itself. You see, this pencil doesn't feel too dry or overly creamy. It feels exactly like a proper gel liner, only less 'wet'. Upon application, it glides smoothly on the lids. No need for tugging, and I experienced no skipping as well. I was pleasantly surprised with this because usually, regular pencils feel too heavy/creamy on the lids and sometimes they feel a little rough/gritty, too. But with this pencil, I felt absolutely nothing. It glided smoothly and in no time, I was done with my liner. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! When it set, and yes, it does set, it feels absolutely flat to the touch. Like it became one with my skin or something like that haha! It didn't feel tacky or gritty or creamy it just felt flat. And that's absolutely a good thing because you know it's not going to budge. 

I wore this for 9 hours and this didn't budge at all. And take note, I didn't wear primer beforehand. Granted I was in an air conditioned mall for 7 hours (don't ask) but that doesn't really mean my natural oils won't come out. But once it's set, it's set and it feels like you have nothing on your lids. I accidentally rubbed my eye 45 minutes after application because I totally forgot I had liner on and when I checked, I had no smears. Nothing happened. And thank goodness for that because I was spared from having one panda eye in a public place! I rubbed it again after 8 hours, as my natural facial oils were out and that's when it got wiped away. It didn't really run or smear; it more of got erased. I still had to use makeup remover to remove the majority of the liner, though.

Oh, I have one more thing to show you. At the end of the pencil, it houses a...

...rubber smudger! I don't really use these things but it's nice to know I have something to use in case I forget my brushes. I personally prefer mini sharpeners over smudgers but this smudger looks sturdy so I'll give it a try one of these days.

Overall, I am in love with this pencil. I like that it doesn't look too strong on the eyes and I like how easy it is to use. I am very pleased with the formula and how it feels like nothing on the lids. Lightweight and longlasting- what more could I ask for?