Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m sharing my REAL thoughts on a makeup staple that’s been around FOREVER – the COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil in Black Brown (comes in a 2-pack). I’ve been using this product on and off for years, and there’s a reason it’s still on the market. Let’s dive into whether it’s worth your money or if you should pass!
- Product: COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil, 110 Black Brown
- Size: 0.03 Fl Oz
- Package: 2 Count
- Price Point: Budget-friendly (typically less than $10 for the 2-pack)
First Impressions
The COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner comes in a simple, no-frills package. It’s not trying to be fancy – it’s just trying to do a job. Each pencil features the colored end plus that signature sponge-tip blender, which is actually super useful for creating softer, smokier looks.
The Black Brown shade is PERFECT for those who find black too harsh but still want definition. It complements many eye colors – especially green eyes, as several reviewers mentioned. It’s that ideal middle ground between dramatic and natural.
Application Experience
The Good
- Smooth Application: When it’s working well, this pencil glides on easily without tugging at the delicate eye area
- Blendability: The sponge tip actually works great for smudging and creating a softer line
- Versatility: Works for both upper and lower lash lines, water line, AND many people use it for eyebrows and even as a lip liner!
- Ease of Sharpening: Generally sharpens well without splitting (when you get a good one)
The Not-So-Good
- Inconsistent Quality: Some pencils are amazing while others are DRY and HARD ðŸ˜
- Softness Issues: There’s a real balance problem here. Some find it TOO soft (breaks easily, requires constant resharpening) while others complain it’s too hard (painful to apply)
- Durability Concerns: Some users report internal breakage after dropping it once
Performance & Staying Power
Let’s talk about how this actually wears throughout the day, because that’s what REALLY matters!
Staying Power
The staying power is… complicated. When it works, it stays put decently, especially if you set it with some eyeshadow. But it’s definitely not waterproof or smudge-proof. If you have oily eyelids (like me!), you’ll likely see some transfer to your crease within a few hours.
Some reviewers have been using this for DECADES (one mentioned 40 years!) which says something about its reliability. But the formula may have changed over time, as newer reviews seem more mixed than older ones.
Climate Considerations
A BIG warning: this eyeliner does NOT like heat or humidity. Several reviewers mentioned it “melting” in hot weather and creating raccoon eyes. Not cute! If you live somewhere warm or plan to wear this during summer, be prepared for touch-ups.
Value & Longevity
The price point is definitely a major selling point. Getting two pencils for around $8 is a good deal, especially compared to high-end brands that charge $20+ for a single pencil.
However, there’s a catch. Due to the softness of the formula, many users report going through these pencils REALLY quickly. One reviewer mentioned that she has to sharpen it 4-6 times EACH USE, which wastes a ton of product. Another said one pencil barely makes it a month.
So while the initial price is low, you may end up spending more in the long run than you would on a slightly pricier but more efficient product.
Availability Issues
A recurring theme in the reviews is availability. Many longtime users mention that this product has become increasingly difficult to find in local stores, leading them to Amazon. This could indicate that COVERGIRL might be phasing it out (nooo!), or at least reducing distribution.
Alternative Uses
What I found FASCINATING in the reviews is how many people use this for purposes other than eyeliner:
- Eyebrow Pencil: Many reviewers have been using this as their go-to eyebrow pencil for years
- Lip Liner: Several people mentioned using the Black Brown shade as a lip liner, particularly for darker skin tones as an alternative to MAC Chestnut
- Smoky Eye Base: The smudgeable formula makes it great as a base for smoky eye looks
This versatility definitely adds to the value proposition!
Counterfeit Concerns
A few reviewers mentioned receiving what they believed to be counterfeit products when ordering online. One specifically included a photo comparing what they thought was a fake versus a real pencil. While I can’t verify these claims, it’s something to be aware of when ordering online.
Who Should Buy This?
This Is For You If:
- You want an affordable, everyday eyeliner that’s not too harsh
- You prefer a softer, blendable look rather than a sharp, precise line
- You need a multi-purpose product that can work for brows, eyes, and even lips
- You’re willing to sharpen frequently and don’t mind some potential smudging
- You’ve used this product before and know it works for you
Skip This If:
- You need something that stays put ALL day without touch-ups
- You live in a very hot climate
- You have very oily eyelids
- You want a super precise, thin line that doesn’t require constant resharpening
- You need something that won’t transfer AT ALL
Final Thoughts
The COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner in Black Brown is honestly a bit of a mixed bag. It has a loyal following for good reasons – it’s affordable, comes in a flattering shade, and the blending sponge actually works well. For many people, it’s been a staple for DECADES, which says something about its reliability.
However, there are legitimate concerns about quality consistency, excessive product waste due to frequent sharpening needs, and staying power. I’m also worried about the mentions of counterfeits and the fact that it’s becoming harder to find in stores.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with caveats. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind some maintenance throughout the day, it’s worth trying. The Black Brown shade really is universally flattering, and the blendability makes it user-friendly even for makeup beginners.
But if you need something that will stay put through a long workday, intense workout, or humid weather, you might want to invest in something more resilient.
My Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
Pros:
- Affordable
- Beautiful, versatile Black Brown shade
- Effective blending sponge
- Multiple uses beyond just eyeliner
- Easy to remove
Cons:
- Inconsistent quality between pencils
- Requires frequent resharpening
- Limited staying power, especially in heat or on oily skin
- May be hard to find in stores
Have you tried this COVERGIRL classic? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments! And if you’ve found a similar but more reliable alternative, PLEASE share your recommendations! 💕
Buy on Amazon: Here
