Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner has generated buzz, but does it live up to the hype? This review dives into the performance of this budget-friendly eyeliner, specifically the Black Pearl shade (#23), examining its packaging, application, color payoff, and longevity. At just five dollars, it boasts an attractive price point, making it a tempting option for those seeking affordable makeup. However, appearances can be deceiving, and this review will uncover whether this eyeliner is a worthwhile purchase or a disappointing addition to your makeup bag.We'll explore whether the "intense" color payoff matches the product's claim, examining its application process and the overall look it delivers. The review will also assess its staying power, determining its suitability for everyday wear versus special occasions. Ultimately, we aim to provide an honest assessment, helping you decide if the Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner is a smart investment, or if you should consider investing in a higher-performing alternative within Almay's range or from a different brand.

Pros And Cons

All May Intense Eye Color Liquid Eyeliner (Black Pearl #23)
  • Extremely affordable ($5)
  • Suitable for everyday, quick errands makeup
  • Not very pigmented
  • Looks grayish/silver instead of black
  • Patchy application
  • Not intense as the name suggests
  • Watered down consistency
  • Fades quickly, not suitable for all-day wear

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Packaging and Initial Impressions

The Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner comes in a sleek, simple package. The bottle contains 0.88 fluid ounces of product, a fairly standard amount for liquid eyeliners. At only five dollars, it's incredibly budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget. The shade I tested was Black Pearl (#23).

Close-up of the Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner packaging, showing the shade name 'Black Pearl'.
Close-up of the Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner packaging, showing the shade name 'Black Pearl'.
Shot of the product bottle highlighting the quantity of product contained inside.
Shot of the product bottle highlighting the quantity of product contained inside.

Pigmentation and Application

Unfortunately, the pigmentation of this eyeliner is a major letdown. While marketed as 'intense,' the color payoff is quite weak; it appears more grayish-silver than a true black. The application is also uneven, resulting in a patchy look. This is contrary to the product's name, suggesting a bolder color payoff than it actually delivers.

A swatch of the eyeliner on the reviewer's hand, showcasing its weak pigmentation and grayish tone.
A swatch of the eyeliner on the reviewer's hand, showcasing its weak pigmentation and grayish tone.
Close-up view highlighting the patchy application of the eyeliner.
Close-up view highlighting the patchy application of the eyeliner.

Longevity and Wear

The longevity of this eyeliner is also disappointing. Even immediately after application, the color looks faded. This fading worsens throughout the day, making it unsuitable for long-lasting wear. I wouldn't recommend using this if you require all-day makeup that maintains its intensity.

The reviewer showing the eyeliner swatch immediately after application, demonstrating its already faded appearance.
The reviewer showing the eyeliner swatch immediately after application, demonstrating its already faded appearance.

Overall Impression and Recommendation

Overall, while I appreciate the affordability of the Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eyeliner, its lack of pigmentation, patchy application, and poor longevity prevent me from giving it a strong recommendation. It's suitable for quick errands where long-lasting makeup isn't crucial. However, for more significant events or all-day wear, I'd suggest opting for a different eyeliner from Almay's line as their other liquid eyeliners are superior. I've had much better experiences with other Almay liquid eyeliners; this one just falls short in terms of intensity and wear. The name is definitely misleading!

The reviewer concluding her thoughts on the product.
The reviewer concluding her thoughts on the product.