The long-running Unsung Heroes series here on Makeup and Beauty Blog features some of my all-time favorite permanent collection products.
I know what you’re probably thinking (probably). “Karen, duuuuuuude! How is it humanly possible to get excited about something as basic as another black pencil eyeliner, let alone one that costs $32!?”
GIRL, trust. I didn’t want to fall in love with Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner in 88 Noir Intense. In fact, if I had never known it even existed, I probably would have gone about my business perfectly content with my ride-or-die standby, MAC Smolder, but you know how it goes when you get that itch to try something new.
And that’s what happened here. In the process, I found what I believe to be THE BEST DAMN BLACK PENCIL LINER ON PLANET EARTH — and possibly the universe. I’ve been using it at least a few times every week since April.
Now, you might be wondering, what the heck is it? — I mean, other than a liner.
Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof liners are twist-up, long-wearing waterproof pencil eyeliners with a thin pencil tip on one end and a hidden sharpener on the other.
The tips feel quite hard to the touch but glide on the skin like creamy kohls with no tugging, so they’re easy to apply.
Unlike many creamy kohls, though, which scoot around on your eyes throughout the day, these don’t move AT ALL once they’ve completely dried down, which take about five minutes, and that allows for plenty of time to smudge and play.
They’re available in a bunch of colors in Chanel’s permanent line. Chanel also likes to periodically release limited edition shades that make me want to drop to my knees and cry with joy (like I did with Orchidee from the summer collection), but if I could only wear one of them for the rest of my cat-lovin’ life…it would been 88 Noir Intense.
First of all, the black color? — it’s so intense! Not all black eye pencils look alike. Some have weird blue or green undertones or look kind of grayish black or brown.
Not this one. It’s straight-up black, like “black cat on a moonless night at midnight” BLACK. It also has an elegant matte finish that goes with just about anything.
Second, it doesn’t budge, whether on my lash lines or my water lines. Once it’s dry, it’s stays put, and it’s the longest-wearing black pencil liner I’ve ever used.
Like, you know how with some liners when you line your upper lash line they’ll transfer to your lower water line when you blink? With 88 Noir intense, that happens very, very little, and it’ll last 10 hours without any smearing or fading — none of that nonsensical crazy-bidness.
I think that’s the main reason I said “Bye, Felicia!” to MAC Smolder (as a liner). Noir Intense just scoots around less and lasts longer.
I think I’ve probably mentioned this at least a million times before (haha!), but my eyes are super sensitive, and a lot of pencil liners drive ’em nuts. Many long-wearing and/or waterproof products also leave my lash and water lines feeling tight and dry (it’s really bad in winter).
But not Chanel 88 Noir Intense. I can pile this stuff on, and my eyes don’t water or turn bright red like a vampire’s (which has happened before with other liners, and it was so, SO scary).
I wouldn’t go so far as to call it moisturizing, but I can definitely say that it’s one of the most comfortable eyeliners I’ve ever worn.
I love this pencil so much that if I were to lose it on vacation (perish the thought!), I would have to hunt down a Chanel counter. I love 88 Noir Intense more than I loved the picture of Johnny Depp that hung on my bedroom wall in high school, and homegirl — I loved that picture A LOT. You don’t even know.
You can find Chanel 88 Noir Intense online now and at Chanel counters and boutiques in the permanent collection.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
yowzers! if i EVER get to practicing eye liner (or any eye makeup, other than mascara), i would totally spend the money on this quality gem.
people may scoff at the pricey price tags, but they just don’t know/don’t care about quality. 🙂 thanks for sharing, karen!
Hi Camille,
I think you’ll love this! Even if you aren’t into heavy duty lining this would be a great staple to have as an everyday tight lining item. Seriously, I use 88 Noir every single freakin’ day! It’s the best.
What mascara are you using these days? I just started using the Paul & Joe one and it’s amazing. Lots of great curl, lift and volume.
What quad is that in the picture? It’s lovely! I should try this for my next black liner, the colored Stylo Yeuxs I have are great!
Hi Erin,
It’s Kaska Beige, which unfortunately was discontinued a while back.
Which Stylo Yeuxs do you use?
Gurrrl, what is that quad in this pic?! Love!
Hi Lauren,
It’s Kaska Beige. Unfortunately it’s been discontinued, boo!
Boo! Maybe a good thing…I’ve been stocking up on palettes lately before I move to London which is soooo expensive!
That’s quite an amazing claim for it to last that long on the waterline. I’ll have to try some time.
I think I’ll have to get it soon 😀
After reading some your recent posts, I think that you should film a Fab Five on the Chanel products you love the most. 🙂
*some of your recent posts
Oooooh, sounds pretty impressive!
If you really like the intense pure black look on your liners, the sephora collection one is really good. I got it on vacation because I just needed something to last me a few days and I fell in love. It’s super super pigmented, creamy and it doesn’t budge. Also did I mention that it’s like 12 dollars. You should definitely try it!
xx,
India
I’m hollering “KAREN!” at you like Kirk yells “KHAN!”. I was absolutely fine until you mentioned other colors. I just know there will be a $32 brown that I love. Not looking…. not looking… 🙂
That’s a pretty glowing review!
I’ll have to check this out because I brought one a few years ago in brown or maybe a purple but I returned it because it had poor pigmentation and didn’t last. My favorite long waterline lasting black eyeliner is MAC Graphblack technakohl liner.
More than a poster of Jonny Depp? Impossible! Was it the one from 21 Jumpstreet?
The REAL unsung hero is that gorgeous Kaska Beige quad. It’s still my favorite 🙂
I gotta try the Stylo Yeux! Thanks for the recommendation!
You know how I feel on the Stylo Yeux Waterproof. Khaki Précieux is my jam (I’m currently trying a Clinique substitute… It’s a’ight).
One of my first cosmetics friends just started working for Chanel, so I need to go pay her a visit.