Liner to Stay

Eyeliner isn't as simple as it appears. Its function seems basic enough, but when it comes to finding a good one – one that doesn't flake or smear and one that actually stays on – well, that gets complicated. I can say one thing for sure from all my years of eyeliner experience – when you find one you love, which can be a rare, rare thing, hold on to it.

After many a mundane eyeliner too many to count, I am happy to report, there is a collection I can hold on to.

Estée Lauder's new Pure Color Intense Kajal EyeLiners – including limited-edition olive and teal and permanent black, cocoa, plum, and sapphire – do something I rarely find in pencil eyeliners: They go on smooth and moist and stay vibrant all day. In fact, they do such a good job, that I can wear them alone, without a hint of mascara or shadow. They've served me well in recent busy months, when I barely have a moment to glance at myself in the mirror, nevermind apply a whole assortment of products.

This one's a keeper.

Available for $20 each at Estée Lauder counters and esteelauder.com