Écriture de CHANEL – Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in #20 Brun/Brown (swatches & review)
This has been a year of makeup discoveries for me; first it was bronzers that captured my attention, and now it’s liquid eyeliners. I’ve begun stepping out of my comfort zone when it comes to liners and have come to realize that a well-placed flick above the lash line can either add drama or depth, depending on the thickness, colour and intensity of the product. To that end, my search led me to Écriture de CHANEL’s range of ‘Automatic Liquid Eyeliners’ which were mistakenly, as I later found out, shown on display alongside the latest capsule summer 2012 collection, ‘Les Expressions de CHANEL’. I didn’t mind the error as I did capitalize on the limited edition eyeshadow quads available … to be fully reviewed in an upcoming post. A silver, or deep brown, lining in this particular cloud!
#20 Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in Brun/Brown is like deep & dark molten chocolate. The convenient to hold and use pen format comes with a small primer ring dividing the 2 halves that keeps the liquid contents firmly in the barrel of the pen until you are ready to begin using it; once removed, the next step is to click the ring at the top of the pen until you see the colour begin to run into the brush.
According to the insert, the contents should appear after you’ve primed the pen 2-3 times, but I found I needed more than 20 turns before I noticed anything coming out. Once the small nylon brush became fully saturated with colour, it stayed that way and provided perfectly even coverage, flowing very easily & smoothly.
The brush itself is finely tapered at the end, affording precision control for drawing an exceptionally fine line, and it has the right amount of flexibility and rigidity to ensure your work remains true, not wobbly. The colour can be easily built up for more intensity and while not waterproof, I found that its staying power went way beyond the 8-hour mark, without any fading or flaking, looking as fresh at the end of the day as when it was first applied.
Another plus is that I was able to wear this liner straight up for when I wanted a crisp & well-defined eye, as well as easily blended for increased depth and smokiness in several looks. The fact that it doesn’t dry immediately on contact, affords you some valuable extra time to play with the effect you wish to achieve.
the iconic black & gold-banded CHANEL packaging
the 2 halves of the pen, prior to clicking them together
the brush before receiving colour
the brush, fully saturated with colour
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
Final thoughts: I hesitated between buying this shade or the black version, but in the end I decided that with my colouring, this deep mink brown hue best suited my needs. The intensity of tone can easily be built up to make this colour border on ebony, but I really like how much softer and less harsh brown can appear, meshing easily with the neutral tones I’ve been so into lately. At CDN $36.00/US $34.00, this is a hefty investment in a liquid eyeliner, but the results of the quality speaks volumes and this is a purchase I’m very happy to have made, although something tells me that I’ll be heading back to the CHANEL counter for the black shade …
I’m definitely a fan of liquid liners – particularly with my eye shape I find them the most flattering, and have made an unofficial note to myself that when purchasing eyeliners to opt for liquid over pencil for the most part. I’d have to see this in action on the eye to know for sure if I’d go for it – the brush looks a little large for my taste, though I suspect that it would make it easier to use, which can be a plus for many! In any case, since you’re just getting into it, I think you made a great purchase Eugenia! I can totally see this looking gorgeous with your baby blues
Thanks, Toya! I have used liquid liners over the years, but sporadically at best, and I’ve even gone through my “cake liners” phase (still have a couple of cool limited edition CHANEL eyeliner cake compacts to show!), but I love how clearly defined a line looks in this format. As to the brush, perhaps my photos make it appear large? Either way, it can actually draw the thinnest line imaginable, if that’s the look you prefer – let me know if you check it out!
I’ve been thinking about getting into liquid eyeliners myself Big Sis and doing more cat-eyes to lift up the eyes. I’ve been wearing more neutral eyes too, so I feel I need a little something extra. I will definitely look into this one!
Lil Sis, with your new hair colour, you can definitely pull off some wonderfully dramatic looks, or even as you say – give your eyes a little lift. If you get a chance, do check this beauty out; I think you’ll find it THE perfect shade of dark brown!
Hurray! Liquid liners are wonderful and everyone should have some
I think this dark brown color does suit your coloring beautifully – we need to see an EOTD next time, Eugenia!
Lol…thanks, Larie! I thought of doing an EOTD but finally chickened out!!! I still need a bit more practice, but I’m getting there!
What a gorgeous brown! I’m not a daily eyeliner wearer but this looks like everything I’d want in a liner. Love the shade, the finish, the packaging!
Thanks, Liz! It’s also really goof-proof and so simple to use, that even if anyone has shied away from these types of liners, will find this one so easy! And yes…CHANEL really does have the entire deal, don’t they?!