Beauty Without Fuss

Monday 24 May 2010

Guerlain Kohl Noir - Review and FotD


I cannot tell a lie, I was petrified of using this. It's the stick.  Putting sticks in my eyes to apply my makeup just seems wrong. Pencils are fine, brushes are good, even putting my fingers in my eyes to wear my contact lenses is okay, but using a stick, just to apply eyeliner? Noooo...! I don't mind admitting that I've been ignoring these beautifully packaged eyeliners for a very long time.

They've been popping up on various blogs recently though, and I finally got around to biting the bullet and  trying one out.  I chose the Guerlain Kohl in Noir, which is a rich, slightly sparkling black powder. Kohl is the traditional way of wearing eyeliner, and the stick is actually very handy for being able to apply the powder to both the upper and lower inner waterlines at the same time.  This is how the applicator looks:



Essentially, there are two ways to wear the liner, Eastern (on the inner rims) and Western (on the eyelid itself).  The powder is rich, and pigmented, but it can cause fallout, so I suggest you apply it before the rest of your makeup, in order that you don't ruin your foundation.


To apply it Eastern style, just settle the point of the stylo into the inner corner of your eye (on the waterline) and "swipe" gently towards the outer corner, this instantly lines both the upper and lower waterlines, and makes your eyes look brighter, and your lashes look thicker. It's a look I happen to adore, and this is, I've found, by far the easiest way to do it.  To line your eyes Western-style, you pop the stylo next to your lashes, and "swipe" in exactly the same way, then I like to smudge it out a little with my fingertips:



The powders last well - better than most pencils - but they will need re-applying to take you from day to night, I've found.

So, have I been converted?  Yes, I think I have!  As well as the black (noir), I now also own Mirage (a rich matte brown), Oriental Metal (a glorious metallic taupe) and I've just placed an order for the discontinued "Secret Glow" which is a shimmering white, which I think will be just perfect for opening up and brightening eyes when a smokey look isn't required, I can't wait for it to arrive!

Here's how I tend to wear the kohls, I make the liner the main focus of my eyes, and co-ordinate with a light, bright lipstick (in this case, Guerlain Rouge G in Georgia):


Yeah, no idea what I'm scowling at there.  Guerlain Kohls are available from most major department stores and cost about £20.  Yes, that's very pricey, but you use so little every time, I think they'll last for a very long time.

Do you use kohl?  How'd you wear it?

The Fine Print: I bought this. The others have been acquired via various means up to and including bribery and corruption.  And eBay.  Thank goodness for paypal.
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9 comments

  1. Wow, that looks really good and convenient! I like the convenience, but like you, I'm not too sure about the stick...

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  2. Oooooh... ahhhhhh..... must.... get..... noir.....

    It looks great on you. Smouldering.

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  3. I have a 'kajal'-type stick that my friend brought back from India, and I've been using that for any kind of smoky look since I've had it. Evidence here: http://beakandclaws.tumblr.com/post/515154267/my-friend-priya-if-she-had-updated-her-blog-in I'm not so sure about putting things on my waterline, though - I had a few bouts of conjunctivitis a while back and am a bit obsessive about cleaning things that even just go on my eyelid.

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  4. I have kajal too as I have "eastern" friends who owned exotic-looking tubes of the stuff. I bought mine off Ebay for about £5 I think - so perhaps spending £20 is not necessary! - and I'm a convert, it stays on my waterline so much better than my regular eyeliners ever did! The powder fallout can be annoying though... esp. when I get it on my fingers and end up poking black stuff onto my face. Hassle hassle. I use it for evenings out because it's such a strong dramatic look (for me anyway!).

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  5. I'm really intrigued by these kohls. I'm worried that applying it would send my eyes in to watery overdrive though and I'd end up looking like Alice Cooper! Do you find it moves if your eyes water?

    They do look gorgeous and very tempting.
    Jane x

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  6. Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I wasn't actually able to read through your whole post because the thought of putting that stick anywhere near my eyes makes me feel unbelievably queasy.

    It looks lovely on you though, really brings out the eyes!

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  7. Oooh both the packaging and the final look are so so pretty. I want, I want!

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  8. It looks great on you, very sultry and smouldery :) I would be too scared to use it though, I already poke myself enough with mascara as it is!

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  9. These have such cute packaging and your eyes look amazing with the Eastern lining :)

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