• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Behold the Benefits of This Magic Ink: Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Liner

September 14th, 2010 by Karen 40 Comments

Just in case you were wondering, the answer is yes, you may replace the words to the Lil’ Kim/50 Cent joint, Magic Stick, with the name of Benefit’s new liquid liner, Magic Ink ($20).

Magic Ink: The Magic Stick Remix

50 Cent and Benefit's Magic InkI got the Magic Ink
I know if I can hit once, I can hit twice
I hit the baddest chicks
Shorty don’t believe me, then come with me tonight
And I’ll show you maaagic
(What? What?)
Maaagic
(Uh huh, uh huh)
I got the Magic Ink!

For reasons unknown even to me, I’ve taken to singing this while I line my lids with Benefit’s new jet-black liner, and I’m pretty sure it’s driving my cat cray-cray. 🙂

For the record, it’s kinda hard to apply liquid eyeliner, even a smudge-proof one like this, while singing (try it sometime!), but in this case, I think the applicator has something to do with it.

Magic Ink comes with a thin, flexible brush a lot like the brush that comes with NYX Studio Effect Liquid Liner but less firm.

I’m usually partial to pen tip liquid liners because I find them easier to control than liquid liners with brushes, but I don’t hate Magic Ink’s brush, although I think it could stand to be a tad stiffer.

To apply Magic Ink, Benefit recommends a dot and line method they call the “jimmy, jimmy dot.”

benefit magic ink review swatches
love this video that shows how to do the “jimmy, jimmy dot.”

The technique isn’t new, but it’s still a good one, especially if you play for Team Wimpy Lash like me.

It fakes the appearance of a thicker fringe by building a solid base of color at the lash root. Simple, but genius!

I used the jimmy, jimmy dot for these pics. Truth be told, I struggled to draw a smooth line with Magic Ink, trying numerous tricks — removing excess product from the brush beforehand, holding the lash line taut between two fingers, and applying the liner with short, precise strokes. Eventually, I got where I needed to go (a crisp, smooth line), but I wouldn’t call Magic Ink the easiest product in the world to apply.

Next time I’m in a big hurry, I may just reach for the Sonia Kashuk Bent Liner brush, or perhaps a pen tip liner like LORAC Front of the Line Pro, which I can use to swipe and go.

benefit magic ink review

benefit magic ink review


Swatch of Magic Ink on NC35 skin

So does Magic Ink live up to its name? Yeah, I think so — the ink itself, fo’ sho’. It’s good stuff. No smudges all day long (while remaining easy to remove), even when I don’t use an eye primer, and I adore its deep, inky black.

I’d like it even MORE for $16 instead of $20, but if you like thin brush applicators with your liquid liners, and you’re already a Benefit fan, Magic Ink might just wow you with her charms. Available next month at Benefit stores or online now at benefitcosmetics.com. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B/B+

You might like Benefit Magic Ink if…

  • You prefer liquid liners with thin brush applicators to ones with a pen
  • You’re looking for a long-wearing, smudge-free liquid liner that’s a shade of deep, dark black
  • You heart Benefit Cosmetics (and who doesn’t?)

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Behold the Benefits of This Magic Ink: Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Liner / Originally published September 14th, 2010

There are 40 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: benefit

Previous Post: Can You Recommend a Tinted Moisturizer for Dry Skin?
Next Post: Urban Decay 24/7 Jackpot Swatches

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nora says

    September 14th, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    While it looks nice, I’m afraid I don’t really see the appeal when my Maybelline Line Stiletto works just as well. :-/ They’re a bit late to the game with this one, I’d say. Though in their promotional video you linked to, I gotta give props to folks who are bold enough for what looked like a double winged liner approach (wing on top and bottom lashlines!). Maybe one day I’ll be bold enough to try that!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:36 pm

      You can do it! Maybe try it around the house and wear it around just to see how you feel in it. 🙂

      Reply
  2. makeup morsels says

    September 14th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    oooh I love how black that is! but I would most definitely have to use my SK bent liner brush, liquid liner applicators like that give me a lot of trouble.
    makeup morsels recently posted … Miscellaneous Monday Morsels 9-13-10

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:35 pm

      I hear ya! I’m going to give this another go with my brush… hopefully it’ll go faster.

      Reply
  3. Gina says

    September 14th, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Ehhh that line looks a little rough. I assume that’s the liner’s fault, because I’ve read your reviews of liquid liners in the past, and your lines have always been clean an beautiful (and I’ve been envious!). I’ve been using Stila’s Stay All Day liquid liner and it works just fine for me, so I’ll stick to that =]

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:34 pm

      Oh, I haven’t tried that liner from Stila. Does it wear well?

      Reply
  4. Tracy says

    September 14th, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    My problem with this kind of applicator is that it gets all over my lashes and then it interferes with my mascara application. Ugggh. I like the pen tip ones a whole lot better than the brush tips.
    Tracy recently posted … NARS Douceur Blush

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:33 pm

      I hear ya. Which pen tip liners are your faves?

      Reply
  5. meghan says

    September 14th, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    My trick for smoooooooov liquid eyeliner lines is 1. felt tip 2. dragging the brush from the outer corner to the inner corner. That last part makes a HUGE difference, I don’t know why, but the brush always skips when I do inner > outer.
    meghan recently posted … Fear and Blinking in the TARDIS- The Weeping Angels

    Reply
    • Kayann says

      September 14th, 2010 at 6:58 pm

      Really?? I have that same problem! Maybe I’ll try that tomorrow! Thanks!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:33 pm

      I do that one too, Meghan! 🙂 Great tip!

      Reply
  6. Amber says

    September 14th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    Ooh I’m gonna pass on this one. If it’s tricky for you, it’ll be disaster for me! I finally tried a gel liner and I think I’m over liquid…though I did really like the gold & black look you did with the MAC FF liner. 🙂
    Amber recently posted … Eat-a-thon

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:32 pm

      I feel ya. You get a LOT of control with the gel liners. I bet if you found a gold gel liner you could easily dupe the look…

      Which one did you try? MAC Fluidline?

      Reply
      • Amber says

        September 14th, 2010 at 9:11 pm

        I tried L’Oreal HIP gel liner on Nina’s rec. I don’t have anything to compare it to, but it goes on and stays on really well.
        Amber recently posted … Tuesday twirling

        Reply
      • Karen says

        September 15th, 2010 at 8:56 pm

        I’ve heard that’s a good liner. Welcome to the awesome world of gel liners! It’s a beautiful place to reside, LOL!

        Reply
  7. Maria says

    September 14th, 2010 at 6:32 pm

    Do you find that it dries matte or a little shiny? The only issue I have with my L’oreal lineur intense and Maybelline lash stiletto is that is stays too shiny for my liking.
    Maria recently posted … LORAC Private Affair Palette – Review and FotD

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:31 pm

      Hi Maria,

      It’s mostly matte with a little bit of shine.

      Reply
  8. Kayann says

    September 14th, 2010 at 6:55 pm

    I’m still mastering Lorac’s pen liner… Super easier but one eye always seems to look better…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:31 pm

      Same thing happened to me when I first started using liquid liner. I think it happens to most people!

      You know what helps? Taking pictures of yourself. Use your camera phone and take a few snapshots… it’ll help you figure out what you need to do to correct your lines.

      Reply
      • Kayann says

        September 15th, 2010 at 4:47 am

        Thanks! I’ll try that! 🙂

        Reply
      • Karen says

        September 15th, 2010 at 8:55 pm

        You’re welcome!

        You could also try using scotch tape to help guide you with your lines. When you’re done drawing them in, let the liner dry and then remove the tape. It’s very handy for doing the wings at the end.

        Reply
  9. Mary Eleazar says

    September 14th, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    mmmm…blackety black! Just the way I like my liquid liners!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 14th, 2010 at 7:29 pm

      It’s super dark! Love the color. 🙂

      Reply
  10. mill says

    September 15th, 2010 at 3:07 am

    id actually love benefit to do a FELT TIP liner. that would be something. i feel like felt tips are easier to use and are less messy, and noone really uses liquid anymore one they’ve tried felt.
    i like mac’s penultimate but if benefit could give me this kinda colour in a pen, id buy 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 15th, 2010 at 8:53 pm

      I’m right there with you, babe.

      Reply
  11. Ithfifi says

    September 15th, 2010 at 3:18 am

    I love how black that looks! Me and that brush would be in a ‘tears before bedtime’ situation though. I’m currently going through a really weird phase of pure love, Its kind of messy but I love the results. For my liner at the moment I am using Urban Decays eye shadow transforming potion with my favourite black pigment powder… Mmm! Get a perfect consistancy 😀
    Ithfifi recently posted … Time for some positivity! Tagging random people!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 15th, 2010 at 8:53 pm

      Ooh, I’ve always wondered about that stuff! Does it work fairly quickly, or do you have to wait long for it to dry?

      Reply
  12. Katie says

    September 15th, 2010 at 6:27 am

    I struggle with liquid liners. I have been using Urban Decay’s Ink for Eyes cream eyeliner and LOVE it. It gives the look of a gel or liquid but goes on MUCH easier. It comes in several colors, but I like the black.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 15th, 2010 at 8:52 pm

      You’re so lucky those work for you! I had trubs with the staying power.

      Reply
  13. Nina says

    September 15th, 2010 at 6:38 am

    Iono … im a total eyeliner klutz and gel liner is totally the idiot proof as far as im concerned… 🙂

    Its really black though and I like that!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 15th, 2010 at 8:52 pm

      Me too! It’s not easy to find black liquid liners with color this rich.

      Reply
  14. Kim says

    September 15th, 2010 at 7:13 am

    Even though the phrase “jimmy, jimmy dot” is making my day, I still think I’ll be needing a liquid liner with a Sharpie-type tip. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 15th, 2010 at 8:51 pm

      Ha ha! I feel ya.

      Reply
  15. Melissa W. says

    September 15th, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    I love how dark black this is but I know I would never be able to apply it correctly, haha. It is funny but in 8th grade I was the master of liquid liner. I don’t know what happened to me since then but now all my lines look a bit wobbly. I do much better with pen-type applicators too.
    Melissa W. recently posted … Zombieber

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 15th, 2010 at 8:49 pm

      Maybe it’s because we’re getting older? I’ve noticed that I don’t hold my camera as steady as I used to, LOL!

      Reply
  16. Erika says

    September 15th, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    I so had to teach all my friends how to do liquid eyeliner. I think I have it pretty easy because of the shape of my eye but Ive never had a problem with any eyeliner not going on smooth the first time.

    that said the pen type is much easier, if this comes out in that….Ill be working it!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 15th, 2010 at 8:48 pm

      A pen version of this would be awesome… I’d be over that in a hot second!

      And aren’t you sweet for teaching your friends how to work liquid liner, aww!

      Reply
  17. Amee says

    September 16th, 2010 at 2:49 am

    the liner is very much pigmented..jet black.. but applying liquid liner is mess for me.. so i m using maybelline’s gel liner..
    Amee recently posted … Awesome Giveaway by Renee

    Reply
  18. Joey Chong says

    September 18th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    When I first saw the release of this, it didn’t get me excited..
    But after seeing how black the black is..
    Now, I want it so bad =)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

sumo citrus in hand

Saturday Surfing, April 17, 2021

honest beauty happiness lipstick glam on the go coral lips 5

This or That: The High/Low-End Beauty Edition, Part II

disney house of sillage

Disney X House of Sillage

skinfix hand repair cream

Checking In: SkinFix Favorites | A Possible Solution to Crazy Baby Hairs | The Dinner Rage Chronicles, Continued

loreal root cover up costco

Checking In: Beauty Deals at Costco, a Truly Game-Changing Tip to Make Life Less Gross, and Missing My Girl

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2021 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.