Laura Mercier Smoky Eyeliner & Sephora Pro #24 Smoky Liner Brushes

When it comes to smoking out eyeliner I often prefer small smudge brushes (such as Paula Dorf or Louise Young LY16). It's not that they're necessarily better than pointy brushes, not at all, actually. It's more about the way I hold the brush and a less poky feel when using a tool with a wider edge. But sometimes I do reach for the precision smoky liner brushes, such as the one from Laura Mercier and Sephora Platinum Pro #24. It's usually when I want to use an eye shadow as a liner under the lower lashes, going for a diffused yet directional application.

Laura Mercier Smoky Eyeliner and Sephora Pro #24 Smoky Liner are not identical: the Laura Mercier is pointier, thinner and a little more flexible. Still, I consider them almost interchangeable, unless I have a very specific task at hand, such as applying the eye shadow wet (better with Laura Mercier) or really smoking and diffusing under the lash line (usually Sephora #24).

Both Laura Mercier and Sephora Smoky liner are made of synthetic hair, they're soft, never hurt or irritate delicate skin and clean up easily. They can also be used for concealing small blemishes or for any other detailed work.

Bottom Line: not frequent fliers but still very useful in a brush collection.

Laura Mercier Smoky Eyeliner ($29) and Sephora Pro #24 Smoky Liner ($18) brushes are both to be found at Sephora; the Laura Maercier brush ia also available at the counters and from lauramercier.com.