Laura Mercier Cake Liner Review: Is It Worth It?

October 9, 2015

Cake Liner is a different way of applying makeup. Some people love it, others do not. There are many forms of cake liner, with pros and cons. This post will look at the Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Liner. Is it worth £21, or should we stick to a liquid form? Check it out here.

Here is how Laura Mercier describes their cake liner on their site:

An easy-to-use cake eyeliner that delivers long-lasting color payoff for flawlessly defined eyes. The powder formula glides across the lash line smoothly and stays all day long without fading.
Formulation Details:
•Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested.
•Appropriate for contact lens wearers.
Laura Mercier

What is Cake Liner?

Think of cake liner as watercolour paint. It is water-activated makeup, and the level of pigment you desire is based on the amount you water you add. Less water – a stronger colour, and vice versa. This is perfect for transitioning from day/night, or with different eyeshadow looks. Not only is it mess-free, but it leaves a matte finish that is not sticky or wet. However, I must add – it may be smudge-free but it is definitely not waterproof. A water-based product means that you will have to say bye-bye when it rains or tears are involved. Although, it does make it easier to wash off!

How To Use Cake Liner:

Wondering how best to apply the Laura Mercier Cake Eye Liner? This is how Laura Mercier say to best apply the product:

To create a tight line, dip the Flat Eye Liner Brush into clean water, then work the Tightline Cake Eye Liner into a thick paste.
Apply the Tightline Cake Eye Liner underneath the root of the upper lash line by wiggling the brush between individual lashes.
Reapply to add intensity.

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I would recommend using the back of your hand to draw a few lines on first to test the consistency of the product before applying. It would have been nice if there was space for this on the compact – but as the product is water-based it is easy to wash off.

Packaging

I LOVE compact makeup! A product like this is perfect for a day/night transformation, winged eyeliner to a smoky eye, the list goes on. The only downside is that it is easy to magically disappear, especially at the bottom of a cosmetic bag.

Mirrors can also cause some issues. If the product is closed while still wet, you will end up with smudges all over the mirror. Not ideal if you are rushing in the morning. Also, this compact doesn’t offer any brushes? I understand that many products do not need an applicator, but this one does. It would be nice to have a mini liner brush in the compact – or a matching one you could purchase alongside the product.

Colour and Consistency

I must say, Laura Mercier has got the colour spot on. As a black shade, it can be difficult to create a colour that is truly opaque. And this shade is. Although it says to use water to “activate” the eyeliner, there is no specification as to how much.

The analogy to watercolour paints is too true. Too much water and there’s black dripping everywhere; not enough and it’s way too dry to work with. For this reason, always keep a kitchen towel or the use of the back of your hand to swatch. You will have to spend time nailing the consistency. The consistency in the packaging is hard, but not as firm as eyeshadow. You may find this easier to handle and worry less about it all cracking when it drops.

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Shades Available (on Space NK):

Longevity

Every ad talking about this product always mentions longevity. In all honesty, too right! This, without fail, will last all day – no issues. The only thing you do have to worry about is the dreaded rain – that will get rid of anything in one swipe.

Final Thoughts

Considering all aspects, this is a great alternative to a typical liquid eyeliner, especially as it cannot leak or damage. A downside to this is that you would need a water supply when applying. However, once applied it looks gorgeous – really filling the lashline and complementing mascara well. It retails at about £21, a tad pricey, but Laura Mercier does equal to good quality. Definitely worth checking out – you will never have to worry about product leakage again.