There’s something about a really good brown liner that just brings everything together — a bit softer than black, but still bold enough to define the eyes. I’ve tried a lot, but none have hit quite like the CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Liner in 03 Black Brown.
The first time I used it, I was honestly just rushing out the door. No primer, no shadow — just this liner and a quick curl of my lashes. I expected smudging, fading, at least a little transfer by noon.
But when I looked in the mirror 6 hours later? Still there. Perfectly in place, and somehow still looking fresh.
That’s when I knew this one was different.
It’s the kind of pencil that makes you want to do your eyeliner again — even if you thought you were over pencil liners.
The tip is ultra-fine, so I can tightline or sketch out a subtle wing without even needing a brush. It glides like butter (no tugging at all), but sets quickly enough that it doesn’t move around once I blink. And the color? Chef’s kiss. Not too warm, not too grey — just the right balance of brown and black to suit any makeup look.
What I love most is how casual or elevated it can look. On lazy days, I’ll smudge a tiny bit along my upper lash line and that’s it — my eyes instantly look more awake. On full-glam days, I layer it under liquid liner for a more dimensional effect.
And when I’m doing that clean girl, no-makeup makeup thing? A tightline with this pencil + a clear lash gel = perfect.
It feels like this liner was made for real life — mornings when you’re in a rush, long days when you don’t have time to touch up, nights out when you want your makeup to hold up until the last subway home.
There are a lot of eyeliners out there. But this one actually makes getting ready faster, cleaner, and way more reliable. No sharpener, no fallout, no mess. Just a pencil that delivers every time.
So yeah… I didn’t expect to be this loyal to one eyeliner, but here we are.
CLIO knew what they were doing with this one.