Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Gel Eyeliner in Stay Onyx

I recently swatched this gel eyeliner from Estée Lauder and was quite impressed by its staying power.

The pot that I tried was a press piece from a travel-exclusive set of 2 boxes (one for home and one for travel?), each box containing the same liner and an accompanying brush.

Above are swatches I made with the brush. The tool will do when you’re in a pinch but a proper brush for lining will serve you better. It’s not exactly a dud but when you’ve been spoilt by better brushes, you will feel the difference. Do note that although it is pictured as an angled brush, it actually has a straight-cut tip.

The colour might have the word ‘onyx’ in its name but it really starts out as a pretty, neutral brown-black. It easily builds up in intensity and doesn’t cake with layering. In addition, the liner sets very well and isn’t easily removed. I’ve only swatched it on my arm but by all measures, it reminds me of the Bobbi Brown gel liners…not a big surprise, given that EL is BB’s parent company.

This special duo set is available only at airports and other travel retail locales where Estée Lauder is carried.