back to school beauty essentials: pencils and pens

even as an adult, i can't help but love a new pen or fun-patterned pencil ~ it's such a simple happy-making thing that doesn't cost a lot and is functional. true, i can {and do} keep notes on my iphone, but i still love to write notes by hand.

when it comes to beauty, pencils obviously are fun and highly functional. they can make a face look completely different, adding definition to eyes. everything from creating smoldering, smoky peepers to amazingly colorful looks...

with a range of fabulous colors, Wet ' N Wild Color Icon pencils have been a must-have in my makeup case. they're even better now than when i was a teenager!

other pen and pencil faves:

 L'Oreal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner and Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner; 
Expertwear Brow & Eye Pencil and Lash Stiletto Pen by Maybelline and Sonia Kashuk Eye Definer 

a new fave comes from Butter London. known for their incredible nail lacquers, the new beauty collection includes Wink liner. it boasts a creamy, long-wearing formula. available in 6 shades, the brand was kind enough to send me one in Union Jack Black to try. it glides on smooth, blends and smudges easily {if that's how you choose to rock it}, then stays put all day ~ i never looked like a raccoon ~ this is such a  plus when you don't have time for multiple touch-ups throughout the day!

Laura Mercier kohl eye liners are great, too; especially so when it comes to lining the inside of the eye {my fave shades for this include Stormy Grey, Black Gold and Black Violet}; MAC Penultimate liner is a felt-tip liquid {love!} and NARS new Eye Paint {a brilliant multi-tasker} offers beautiful eye-defining looks.

these are just a select group of products i think are worth mentioning. i could go on and on regarding eye liners, of course {there truly are so many amazing options!}, but i know you have other things to do, LOL! :)


tell me: what are some of your favorite eye liners? do you prefer liquid or pencil? both?