The Eyes Have It: Bobbi Brown Denim Ink Gel Eyeliner and Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

Bobbi Brown gel eyeliners are widely regarded to be the best in the business. They come in a well-edited array of colors, are easy to apply, and last the entire day. While shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale a few weeks ago, while I should have been shopping inside the magical tent, I got distracted by the Bobbi Brown counter and discovered several new liners, including the new Denim Ink. At the same time, I was persuaded by the SA to purchase Bobbi's Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. I haven't looked back since. 

Denim Ink Gel Eyeliner is a gorgeous, shimmery navy that's nearly black. It has a jewel-like richness about it that I positively adore. It's the darkest of navy, but has blue shimmers to lighten things up a bit and give it some dimension, and it's a perfect alternative to your standard black or brown, as it holds neutral even while adding a bit of color to the eye. I'm in love!

Here's a shot in the pan: 

As you can see in this shot, the color almost appears black, but the blue shimmer brings forth the navy undertones beautifully. The shimmer does show on the eyes, but not in an obtrusive way. Rather, it simply adds character to the color, making it come alive on the eyes. I love to wear this as an alternative to black because it's softer but still dramatic. The liner sets fairly quickly to an all-day finish, but is easy to smudge into a smokier look as long as you move fast. 

Here are a couple of swatches: 

Taken in direct sunlight.

I mean, seriously, is this not one of the most beautiful blackened blues you've ever seen?

Taken in light shade.

As you can see, the shimmer is very apparent in bright sunlight, though it doesn't overshadow the beautiful color or look garish on the eye. In light shade, there is still a hint of shimmer, but the color morphs to a deep charcoal blue that is simply stunning. 

As for application, it's a breeze, especially with Bobbi's Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. The brush is not a typical shape for a fine liner...at first, I was hesitant to purchase it because I already have a MAC 209  (fine) and a 210 (ultra fine). Between those two brushes, I figured I pretty much had it under control. However, I've also had issues getting my gel liner into a nice smooth line with both of those brushes, and the SA explained to me that the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush was specifically designed just for gel liners. She assured me that I would notice a huge difference in application. Since I'm a sucker who will believe anything anyone tells me if it's going to make me beautiful, I got the brush. 

Luckily for me, that SA was right! The Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush does an amazing job of applying gel liner. Not too soft and not too firm, it loads product nicely and deposits it in an opaque line across the lid. It requires very little pressure to apply eyeliner with this brush, so it's easier to get a nice, straight line. It's shape also adds immensely to the value of the brush. The slightly full head with tapered bristles, when used on one side provides a medium-thickness line and smudges admirably. Turned a quarter turn, it becomes an extremely fine point, allowing for those ultra-thin lines so many of us like. 

Here are some shots of the brush itself:

Here's the thicker side of the brush. Note the tapered bristles, which make it easy to guide the liner onto the lid. 

This is the thin side of the brush which allows for ultra-fine lining. 

Bottom Line: I'm really enjoying both of these products, and it just reinforces for me how good many of Bobbi Brown's products really are. The Denim Ink is truly one of the loveliest and most adaptable liners I've used, with its long wear, smudgeability, and opaque finish. The Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush is also a multi-tasker, giving you the ability to create any type of line you want, from the thinnest and finest to a thick, bold stroke, from dramatic and clean to smudged and smokey. Both are worth a try!