Why the eye crayon is my makeup bag MVP
By Emily Taylor
I was an eyeliner addict from way back. Be it a mid-brown for everyday definition, a sooty kohl to create smoky night-time looks or a texta-tipped pen for that precise feline flick, each one held pride of place in my beauty kit. Then, one day, I just…stopped using them. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment, or even the reason. Maybe I was in a rush, or couldn’t find the sharpener, or had left my makeup bag at work. What I do remember, though, was looking at my reflection in the mirror and noting that I looked fresher, less tired, more youthful.
As someone who never left home without an eye pencil in even the smallest of handbags, whittling my favourites right down to the nib, it was an adjustment. Because, once the anchor of my eye look had gone, powdery shadows didn’t feel quite right, either. I needed something new – a palette, I thought, that featured coordinating shades to bring new definition to my eyes. But no palette felt right. One day, trawling through a Melbourne Mecca store, searching for said palette, a helpful shop assistant listened to my conundrum. Silently, she led me over to one of those secret drawers filled with product, glided it open with reverence and presented me with a pencil.
“Oh no,” I said. “I’ve given up using eyeliners – they don’t suit me anymore.” She explained the stick was not a liner, but a crayon, designed to replace my powder products altogether. I admit I was sceptical, having never been a fan of cream shadows (too slippy, not enough control). But I was assured that once I tried this stick – which was apparently never in stock – my mind would be changed. I politely paid, trying to appear unphased when the cost was significantly more than a little crayon had any right to be, and scuttled away, feeling annoyed a myself for never being able to say no.
But, then! I glided the unassuming matte-taupe tone across my lids, blended swiftly with my fingertip and, voila, a natural-looking wash of colour that still felt fresh. Then, I ran the crayon along my lower lash line and that definition I’d been seeking was apparent – but soft, subtle. I think I may have emailed the store to thank the mystery makeup angel for her advice. I’d likely never have picked up this sort of product had it not been for her insistence.
All this is to say that, if you’re feeling that your eyeliner is too “hard” these days, or it’s dating your look, consider a crayon. Or maybe your powder shadow seems ashy, unnatural or feels hard to blend smoothly – also consider a crayon. Below are some of my favourites – including the product that converted me to this category in the first place. Not only are they essentially effortless to apply and straightforward to blend, the end result delivers one of my most favourite makeup looks – undeniably you, but just a tiny bit more pulled together.
Entry level: Mecca Max Zoom Shadow Stick Matte
I am never without this product in my makeup bag and stock up a few times a year. While I’ve tried a few different shades, Taupe is my personal pick for subtle definition and a slight contour without too much colour. While it also comes in a high-shine version, I find this matte variant more flattering and natural.
Price: $20.00
Midrange: Nudestix Magnetic Matte Eye Colour
Simply draw this plump pencil over the areas where you wish to add colour, then smudge with a shadow brush or fingertip to blend and create your desired look. It handily comes with its own sharpener to keep your tip in top condition.
Price: $40.00
Luxe: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Matte
The crayon that converted me. This ritzy stick is simple to apply and relatively long lasting. It also incorporates hyaluronic acid for a smooth finish that doesn’t tug at delicate lids when applied. Blend out with a brush for professional results. My favourite shade is Caramel, but there is a wider range of colours to suit all complexions.
Price: $55.00
Watch how simple it is to apply eye crayon in this video by Nudestix.
