In the ever-evolving world of makeup, finding products that stand the test of time is increasingly rare. Yet, CoverGirl’s Perfect Blend Eye Pencil has maintained a loyal following for decades, proving that sometimes, the classics truly are unbeatable. As a beauty expert who has observed countless trends come and go, I’ve seen how this humble pencil has remained a staple in makeup collections across generations.
Today, I’m examining the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil in Black Brown [110], specifically the 0.03 oz (Pack of 3) offering. This review synthesizes both my professional assessment and the collective experience of hundreds of users who have shared their thoughts about this longtime beauty staple.
Product Overview
The CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil is a dual-ended tool featuring a pigmented pencil on one end and a soft blending sponge on the other. It’s designed to create both precise lines and smudged, smoky effects, making it a versatile addition to any makeup collection. The Black Brown shade (110) offers a softer alternative to stark black, providing definition without harshness.
The pencil requires traditional sharpening and comes with protective caps for both ends. At an affordable price point (typically under $5 per pencil when purchased individually), it positions itself as an accessible option for makeup users across all budgets.
First Impressions and Packaging
The CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil comes in simple, recognizable packaging that hasn’t changed significantly over the years. The pencil itself features the brand’s signature white body with color-coded ends indicating the shade. The packaging may not be luxurious, but it’s practical and instantly recognizable to longtime users.
Upon opening, the pencil presents with a clean, precise tip ready for immediate use, while the blending sponge end comes protected with its own cap. The pencil has a comfortable weight and size, making it easy to grip and control during application.
Application Experience
Texture and Pigmentation
The application experience varies significantly between users, highlighting an interesting inconsistency in the product. Many longtime users praise the pencil for its smooth glide and adequate pigmentation:
“It glides on smoothly and doesn’t smudge easily. Also easy to sharpen without splitting the pencil.”
“This eyeliner goes on effortlessly and does not tug on the gentle skin of the eyelids. Great Pigment.”
However, a significant number of reviewers mention issues with dryness and inconsistent texture:
“I tried warming it up and swatching on the back of my hand. You can see it finally worked but I had to push hard and it left red marks from the pressure.”
“As most know there are thousands of eyeliner options out there but I can’t afford to try tons of options to find one that will actually work, hence – why I have stuck to a cheap brand.”
The Black Brown shade delivers a softer alternative to pure black, offering definition that complements most skin tones and eye colors without appearing harsh. The pigmentation is buildable rather than immediately intense, allowing for both subtle daytime looks and more dramatic evening styles.
Ease of Use
The dual-ended design is undoubtedly one of the product’s strongest features. The pencil end allows for precise application, while the sponge tip facilitates easy blending for a smoky effect:
“I like the eyeliner pencil for its ability to draw a defined, precise line while the plush blender tip blurs the line to create a smoky effect.”
“Its blending tip is incredibly helpful when it comes to creating that flawless, smudge-free look.”
The pencil format allows for control during application, making it accessible even for makeup beginners. Many users specifically mentioned how the product is ideal for those new to eyeliner application:
“I’m teaching myself how to use eyeliner and this is by far the easiest method.”
For those used to standard wooden pencils, the familiar format eliminates the learning curve that might come with newer formats like gel pots or liquid liners.
Versatility
An unexpected strength of the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil is its versatility. While marketed primarily as an eyeliner, many users report successfully repurposing it for other makeup applications:
Eyebrow Definition
Remarkably, a significant number of users have found that this eyeliner pencil works exceptionally well as an eyebrow pencil, particularly the Charcoal and Smoky Taupe shades:
“I find this much too dry to use as an eyeliner, BUT: it makes a great charcoal eyebrow pencil! Just dark enough, not at all harsh, and no dreaded brown or red tones. Best eyebrow pencil I’ve found so far!”
“I use it lightly enough to fill in and make my brows a bit more prominent… it’s been the only color I’ve found that matches the color of my brows perfectly and also applies well.”
For those with gray or salt-and-pepper hair, the Charcoal shade has proven particularly valuable:
“It is so difficult to find charcoal eye brown pencils. Charcoal is supposed to be the ideal brown color for women with grey or silver hair.”
Multi-purpose Use
Some users even report using the pencil beyond eyes and brows:
“It’s a multiple of things like brows, eyes, lips. It’s an all-around liner.”
This versatility adds considerable value to an already affordable product.
Longevity and Wear
Staying Power
The wear time of the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil varies dramatically between users, representing perhaps the most divisive aspect of the product. Many loyal customers praise its longevity:
“I set it with either eyeshadow or face powder and it lasts me through a 16-hour day without smudges or reapplying.”
“This eyeliner is so pigmented and will not rub of or smudge throughout the day. I heard someone advise you dry your waterline prior to application and this definitely helps with wearability too.”
However, an equal number of users express frustration with poor staying power:
“I can’t go more than an hour without it completely rubbing off. I tried searching for the same product but waterproof, but Covergirl doesn’t carry one.”
“It’s beautiful when you first put it on. However, it melts in hot weather and makes a mess under my eyes.”
This inconsistency suggests that individual factors such as skin type, climate, and application technique significantly impact performance. Users with oily eyelids or those in humid environments seem to experience reduced wear time, while those with drier skin or who set the product with powder report better results.
Product Longevity
The physical longevity of the product itself also receives mixed reviews. Some users report frustration with quick consumption due to frequent sharpening:
“I often have to resharpen this 4-6 times EACH use. So to get two thin lines, I have to sharpen this roughly a half dozen times. That wastes a TON of product.”
Others mention issues with breakage:
“When it broke the first time, I sharpened it down to where I could access the tip of the color again. But again, upon application, it broke. I attempted this three times.”
These concerns are somewhat balanced by the affordable price point, though they do impact the overall value calculation.
Value Assessment
At approximately $15 for three pencils (about $5 each), the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil positions itself at the lower end of the cosmetics price spectrum. This accessibility has been a key factor in its enduring popularity:
“It’s such great quality and so affordable. It lasts throughout the entire day and doesn’t smudge. I’ll still be using this for years to come!”
“It’s a great price for a high-quality item.”
Even users who encounter performance issues often acknowledge that the price point tempers their expectations:
“Not bad for $3 though.”
The value equation is further enhanced for those who discover multiple uses for the product, effectively replacing several higher-priced specialty items with a single affordable pencil.
Special Considerations
Sensitive Eyes
The product has received positive feedback from users with sensitive eyes, with several specifically mentioning its gentleness:
“Cover Girl Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil is ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes.”
“Love this eyeliner. I’m a man, and I just use it a bit. Very easy to use and comes with a diffuser which is helpful. It doesn’t irritate eyes.”
Shade Selection
While this review focuses on the Black Brown shade, it’s worth noting that users frequently mention other shades in the line. The Charcoal and Smoky Taupe colors receive particular praise for their uniqueness and versatility:
“I was hesitant to order from amazon since the shipping is ridiculous if you’re not a prime member; but I gave it a try anyway…I find this much too dry to use as an eyeliner, BUT: it makes a great charcoal eyebrow pencil! Just dark enough, not at all harsh, and no dreaded brown or red tones.”
“For me, brown-black is the eyeliner with a lighter brown for brows. Wetting the tips a bit makes it glide right on. Smudgeable if you like. I don’t let myself run out of these staples.”
“I use many Cover Girl products and have been using their pencils since day one. I find them all online at Amazon because no retail store carries the color I use, which is ‘Smoky Taupe.'”
Many users express loyalty to specific shades that they find difficult to locate in physical retail locations, highlighting the importance of online availability for maintaining customer relationships.
Availability Concerns
A recurring theme in user feedback is difficulty finding certain shades in physical retail locations:
“I have used this for years but my local stores no longer carry it.”
“It works for me. Hard to find at the store.”
This scarcity has driven many loyal customers to online platforms, where they often purchase multiple pencils at once to ensure continued access to their preferred product.
Comparisons to Alternatives
Several users specifically mention choosing the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil over both higher-end and similarly priced alternatives:
“I tried a more expensive substitution from the local store and it was hard to apply and kept breaking. I am so glad I found this!”
“I love these pencils! They go on smoothly and don’t smudge. They last a long time and sharpen well. I’ve purchased so many eyeliner pencils that break and are worthless both high end and inexpensive these seem to work very well for me.”
“Much better than the Jumbo NYX eyeliner though. That stuff is an actual rip-off piece of junk.”
These comparisons highlight that price point does not always correlate with performance and that the Perfect Blend Pencil occupies a specific niche in the market that alternatives struggle to match.
Long-term User Experience
Perhaps the most compelling endorsement comes from longtime users who have remained loyal to the product for decades:
“This has been my go-to eyeliner for probably a decade now.”
“I’ve been using perfect blend pencils for over 24 years.”
“The only pencil that works perfectly both in and outside the water line. Have used it for 40 years.”
This multigenerational loyalty speaks to the pencil’s consistent performance and enduring appeal in a market saturated with new releases and innovations.
Potential Drawbacks
Inconsistent Quality
The most significant concern emerging from user feedback is inconsistency between pencils:
“I feel this product is counterfeit.”
“As soon i received it i tried it and it just kept breaking and I keep sharpening it and it kept breaking again and again.”
These reports suggest potential quality control issues or the presence of counterfeit products in the marketplace, particularly through online channels.
Non-Waterproof Formula
Many users specifically mention the lack of waterproofing as a limitation:
“Good product color match and apply. It was easy. I just wish it was waterproof.”
“Sooo, not waterproof.”
This concern is particularly relevant for those with watery eyes or who live in humid climates.
Packaging Issues
Some users report receiving damaged or incorrectly packaged products:
“The items description was for a two pack ($9.00) and I only received one.”
“As you see in the picture, I Received the package opened from both ends.”
While likely distribution rather than manufacturing issues, these experiences impact overall customer satisfaction.
Best For
Based on the collective feedback, the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil in Black Brown works best for:
- Makeup beginners seeking an easy-to-use, forgiving formula
- Those on a budget who need versatile, multi-purpose products
- People with sensitive eyes requiring gentle formulations
- Users seeking a softer alternative to black liner for everyday wear
- Those who prefer traditional pencil formats over newer liquid or gel options
- Makeup wearers who enjoy creating smudged, smoky effects
- Individuals with normal to dry skin types
Less Ideal For
The product may not satisfy:
- Those requiring truly waterproof or extremely long-wearing formulas
- People with very oily skin or eyelids
- Users in extremely hot or humid environments
- Those seeking intense, one-stroke pigmentation
- Makeup wearers who dislike frequent sharpening or product waste
Final Assessment
The CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil in Black Brown [110] is a true cosmetics classic that continues to earn devotion from users across generations. Its enduring popularity stems from a winning combination of affordability, versatility, and accessibility. The dual-ended design and buildable formula make it particularly suitable for everyday wear and for those newer to makeup application.
However, inconsistencies in formula and performance suggest that quality control may be an issue, and the non-waterproof formula limits its use in certain conditions. The frequency of sharpening required and concerns about breakage also impact the overall value proposition.
For those seeking an affordable, versatile eye pencil that can create both precise and smudged looks, the CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil remains a worthy contender. Its surprising adaptability for use on brows and beyond further enhances its appeal as a multitasking beauty tool.
With a legacy spanning decades and a loyal customer base willing to seek it out despite limited retail availability, this humble pencil has earned its place in the pantheon of drugstore beauty classics.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Versatile dual-ended design
- Buildable pigmentation
- Gentle formula suitable for sensitive eyes
- Multi-purpose application possibilities
- Comfortable, familiar format
Cons:
- Inconsistent formula quality
- Not waterproof
- Requires frequent sharpening
- Some reports of excessive breakage
- Limited availability in physical retail locations
As one longtime user eloquently summarized: “Can’t go wrong with a classic. As a self-confessed makeup hoarder I just love this liner. It’s what I first learned to use and I use it still.”
In a beauty landscape constantly chasing the next innovation, there’s something refreshingly reliable about products that maintain their place through sheer performance rather than marketing. The CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil is exactly that—a makeup bag staple that continues to deliver what users need most: reliable, affordable, and versatile definition for eyes and beyond.
Buy on Amazon: Here
