As I've mentioned in previous reviews I have struggled to find an eyeliner that suits me and my pathetic excuse for eyelids. I've tried pencils, liquids, pens and everything just makes me look panda-esque. Ever the optimist I continued to hunt for an eyeliner that would give my eyes that subtle definition I'm looking for. I've used a few Laura Mercier products in the past and as it's a brand I trust I thought I'd ask the lovely lady on the LM counter whether there was anything she'd recommend and after a quick demonstration I was sold.

On appearance the liner looks more like an eye shadow than a liner, coming in a little compact with a mirror. The sales assistant showed me that the way to get the best use out of the eye liner was to use the "tight line technique" which is wetting a flat bristled brush (which I was also persuaded to buy, but I'm sure a cheaper brush with a completely flat edge would do the job) and running it along the eyelid as close to the lashes as possible. I was really impressed with the result and so bought it hoping I'd be able to keep my hand steady enough to apply it as well as she had.

When I got home I gave it a go and was really surprised how easy it was to apply. Due to the narrow flat brush it was much easier to get closer to the lashes than using other eyeliners. I personally find it easy to dot the brush along my lash line rather than drawing a line in one motion, but that's just my personal preference. The sales assistant recommended applying the liner from midway along my eyelid to the outer corner of my eyes. I thought this might look a bit odd and incomplete but due to the subtlety of the liner it really didn't look peculiar.

The effect is very natural and subtle, exactly what I wanted. The lady who demonstrated the liner on me was wearing it herself but had obviously built it up a lot more, which looked great on her but just wouldn't work on me, but for those who want a more dramatic effect, it is achievable with this liner. She also said you can apply the liner on the eyelid on the under side of the lashes to make your lashes appear longer but I just made a mess when I tried it and so will stick to applying it along the lash line.

I've used this eye liner both prior to eye shadow and after it, and it still shows up nicely whilst remaining natural and subtle. It also lasts all day and doesn't smudge once it's dried which I personally found great. The fact that it doesn't smudge may be a negative point for those who want to create the smouldering eyes look but I consider the smudge-free nature of the liner a major positive.

Like with all Laura Mercier products I have used, this liner is suitable for my sensitive skin and eyes and didn't give any adverse reaction at all.

The liner is available in two colours - black ebony, blue marine and mahogany brown. I use the mahogany brown as it suits my fair complexion but I do think it would be nice if a larger range of colours were available.

It's not the cheapest eye liner in the world, I bought mine from Selfridges for around £18 but it has lasted me ages and it still looks like new, it just doesn't seem to be going down any so it's well worth the splurge. I love it!