One of the newest gel liners to hit the drugstore is the Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Liner Pencil, shown here in the Defining Black shade.

With its 1.8mm micro tip and automatic-pencil construction, it promises to be always sharp and to deliver a smooth gel intensity to help you define the windows to your soul.

I’ve been playing around with the Maybelline Master Precise Skinny eyeliner since late December (ahead of the January launch in Canada), thanks to PR. (I also have the other shades that it comes in: Sharp Brown and Defining Charcoal, but I decided to do the in-depth review on Defining Black, since black is what I wear most often.)

See the rest of this post for additional photos, as well as my detailed observations on this new drugstore eyeliner.

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Liner Pencil (Defining Black) Pictures

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Liner Pencil (Defining Black) Swatch

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Liner Pencil (Defining Black) Ingredients

Dimethicone, Ceresin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Stearoxy Dimethicone, BHT, Silica, Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil, Tocopherol [+/- May Contain: CI 77491, CI 77499/Iron Oxides, Mica, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, CI 77266/Black 2] F.I.L.#D179175/1

Claims: TRUSTED 

• Offers precise application, due to the fine tip (Yes)
• Long-wearing gel formula (Yes)
• Intensity of a gel (Yes)
• Waterproof (Yes)
• Always sharp (Yes)
• Ultra-smooth glide (Yes, if used on the waterline & for tightlining. No, if you use it on eyelids that are dry.)

Key Notes

• Name: Maybelline Master Precise Skinny 1.88mm Gel Liner Pencil (Defining Black)
• Colours Available: Defining Black, Sharp Brown & Refined Charcoal 
• Amount: 100 mg (0.0035 oz.)
• Retail Price: $11.99 CAD
• Disclosure: This was provided as a press sample by PR.
• Where to Buy: Maybelline’s Canadian website, drug stores & mass retail locations across Canada

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Liner Pencil (Defining Black) Review

Colour

The Maybelline Master Precise Skinny gel eyeliner isn’t the most intense-black liner that I’ve ever tried, but it’s dark enough that I am happy with the colour.

For reference, I like using black pencil eyeliners like the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero. This Maybelline gel eyeliner was similar in intensity. (If you’re looking for a jet black like the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Perversion, take note that it isn’t nearly as dramatic.)

Finish

While some black eyeliners can leave a sheen or shimmer, the Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Liner Pencil in Defining Black had a very matte finish.

Longevity

The matte finish is what helps to prolong the wear of this gel pencil.

It didn’t smudge on me from morning to night, and its waterproof formula held up, even when I was caught in the rain!

1.8mm Micro Tip & Packaging

When you’re rushing in the morning to get ready, an automatic pencil is your best friend because you don’t have to spend the extra time to sharpen it.

Holding the black, ridged barrel and the pink base, you twist to reveal more product. (At first when I did this, I thought mine was broken, but then I realized that the pencil comes out very slowly. This is actually a good thing because it offers you greater control. Just don’t go nuts and twist up too much because you can’t retract it.)

The 1.8mm micro tip allows you to get a very precise line, which I mainly used on my waterline and tightline. I also tried using it regularly on my upper and lower eyelids.

I loved the bright pink packaging because it helped me to spot the pencil quickly among my other pencils. No having to rummage through them and have to check the barrel to see if it’s the right one. The pink stands out!

Amount

The pencil is very thin, and you get very little product for $11.99 CAD.

Application

This thin automatic eyeliner is meant to be used for the waterline and for tightlining.

When I used it for its intended purpose, it went on easily enough, as long as you don’t apply too much pressure. Go gentle, or the thin pencil can easily break.

Also, since the pencil is on the hard, dry side and the tip is flat, it wasn’t the most comfortable to apply. It would be better if the formula was more creamy. (However, sometimes with creamier formulations, that also means it won’t last as long. Sometimes, it’s a trade-off.)

I wouldn’t recommend to use this as a regular eyeliner on the lid because I tried it, and it can get crumbly.

If you plan on using it on your eyelid instead of the waterline, make sure that you have prepped your eyelids the night before with a good eye cream, if that area is on the dry side.

Pros Black shade (Not the darkest, but dark enough to define well) 1.8mm tip makes it easy for tightlining & applying on the waterline Automatic pencil means you don’t need a sharpener Waterproof gel formula is long-lasting Pink packaging makes it easy to spot among your other eyeliners

Cons Dry formula may be crumbly if used on eyelids that are dry. (Would work better on normal-to-oily lids, but is best for the waterline) 100mg for $11.99 CAD

Final Verdict: 7/10

I wish I loved this pencil more. It works fine on the waterline because it’s the right size, but when it came into contact with my eyelids, it was another story that was completely dependent on whether or not I remembered to use a good eye cream the night before. For this reason, I’ll be using this strictly for my waterline and tightline. (If you have normal-to-oily lids, you could probably get away with also using it as a regular liner on your eyelids.)

What’s your go-to everyday eyeliner? Do you prefer pencil eyeliners or ones that come in a pot and require a brush? Have you tried any new drugstore makeup recently?