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CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Liner Keeps Going and Going…

August 9th, 2009 by Karen 41 Comments

coover-girl-exact-eyelights-review-1

I feel so secret squirrel when I’m browsing beauty aisles at the drugstore, like I’m always just moments away from a huge discovery and the unearthing of some ancient treasure lost to womankind for centuries.

Case in point: CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Eyeliner ($7).

Because it’s from a big brand like CoverGirl, the logical part of me knows I’m totally late to the party. It’s been out for months. Millions of women are well aware of the product, but such is the power of the major budget beauty score!

I’ve been wearing Exact Eyelights all weekend long, and if you don’t throw one in your basket on your next trip to Walgreens, I may have to come over to wherever you are and shake you silly. 🙂

This. Stuff. Rawks.

covergirl-exact-eyelights-review-1

Exact Eyelights Eyeliner twist-up pencils don’t require sharpening and come in four shades, each designed to complement a different eye color:

  • Vibrant Pearl: a deep black for girls with brown eyes
  • Radiant Sapphire: a dark navy for blue eyes
  • Vivid Ruby: a dark reddish brown for green eyes
  • Majestic Jade: a dark green for hazel eyes

Lasts and lasts

CoverGirl claims Exact Eyelights Eyeliner “brightens eyes by 4x.” I didn’t notice particularly brighter eyes, but I like it as a basic liner that stays put for a *very* long time.

I’ve been using the Vibrant Pearl pencil for the past few days, and this puppy stays put like nobody’s bidness.

When I’ve worn it along my lash and water lines, it hasn’t migrated, smudged or disappeared, even after 12 hours of wear. It’s not marketed as waterproof, but it might as well be.

But where’s the pearl?

covergirl-exact-eyelights-review-swatch
Swatch of Vibrant Pearl

I admit the name is a little odd… I’m not sure how they came up with Vibrant Pearl, because I don’t see any shimmer or pearl in it at all, but I really dig the dark, true black (no hints of blue or green).

A few items of note

Exact Eyelights Eyeliner applies smoothly, but it’s not as buttery or slick as the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($16) or MAC Technakohl Liners ($15). I think it skips and tugs a little, but at $7 I can totes forgive that.

I appreciate that CoverGirl tried to make it easier for people to pick a shade to complement their eye color, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from trying any of the other shades, too.

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Eyeliner

Price: $7
Use: An affordable, long-wearing eyeliner available in a nice selection of colors
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

You might like CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Eyeliner if …

  • you want an eyeliner that lasts for hours;
  • you don’t want to spend too much; and/or
  • you have oily eyelids.

500 Days of Summer

I finally made it to the movies last night and I’m so glad I did. I won’t post any spoilers, but if you watch one movie this month, let it be 500 Days of Summer. I just loved it to death! — funny, touching, quirky and a killer soundtrack, to boot (not to mention that young Joseph Gordon-Levitt is smokin’ hot).

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Liner Keeps Going and Going… / Originally published August 9th, 2009

There are 41 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Makeup, Product Reviews

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brenda says

    August 9th, 2009 at 11:52 am

    oooh, that looks pretty black which is a huge plus for me since I hate blacks that look blue or some other colour. I think I might abandon my “no drug store brand ever works” theory to try this one, but only because you said this works!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

      Hi Brenda,

      It’s pretty great liner for the price!

      What department store brands do you usually wear?

      Reply
  2. Michelle (Lipstick Rules) says

    August 9th, 2009 at 11:59 am

    I might have to try this out! thanks Karen!

    BTW, just finished reading the True Blood series on paperback — soooooo good!!
    .-= Michelle (Lipstick Rules)’s last blog post… An award!! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

      Hi Michelle,

      You’re welcome. I hope it works out for ya. 🙂

      You just reminded me — I need to order the next Sookie book from Amazon.

      Will you be watching the show tonight?

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    August 9th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    I’m adding this to my Target list, along with the Sonia Kushak lip pencil/lipgoss. I have tried the Cover Girl Exact Eyelights mascara — and I really liked it (and I have tried every high end brand under the sun!!).

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Michelle,

      I think I might want to try that mascara — I’ve heard good things about it.

      Have you tried any of the Exact Eyelights Shadow Palettes? I think that’s next on my list.

      Reply
  4. Stephie says

    August 9th, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    Hmm. This is definitely something I’ll check out the once the next Covergirl BOGO sale hits. I honestly never look twice at the Covergirl aisle. I haven’t found anything from their line in particular that I really love [i.e Maybelline mineral blush, Sally Hansen eyeliner, Revlon Colorstay foundation] Maybe this will be the first!
    .-= Stephie’s last blog post… Stila Covertible Colors =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

      Hi Stephie,

      I was really surprised by this product. Maybe it’ll be the one to change your mind about the brand, who knows?

      As for the other brands you mention, I haven’t worn Maybelline in years! I might have to try that mineral blush. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rosie says

    August 9th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    grrrr. why did i read this after i came back from target? i guess i’ll have to make a special trip

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Rosie,

      Aww, well, at least while you’re there you’ll probably be able to pick up a few other things… I swear I can never leave that store with just one item. I go in for something like paper towels and leave with a cart full of stuff!

      Reply
  6. Patti says

    August 9th, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    Ohh that’s neat, I might give this a try because I was looking for a cheap but decent black eyeliner-

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Patti,

      It’s a fabulous basic black liner that stays put! I hope you love it. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kailey says

    August 9th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    The whole eyelights collection doesn’t “brighten” at all, but the products are still very good and long lasting 🙂
    The mascara is really nice, even though it doesn’t brighten my eyes more than any other mascara.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:41 pm

      Hi Kailey,

      I will have to try that mascara!

      Have you tried the Shadow Palettes?

      Reply
  8. Karen B says

    August 9th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    Oooh I’d love to try that. I can’t decide on whether to take the one for green or for hazel eyes…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Karen B,

      For you I’d lean towards Majestic Jade. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Marce says

    August 9th, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    Yay for Cover Girl eyeliner! Have you seen their latest mascara ad though? Shocking! Am happy you finally made it to the movies! Last night I stayed in watching Coraline & Magnolia. I hate frogs now. LOL
    .-= Marce’s last blog post… Look – Join The Navy! (Blue) =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

      Hi Marce,

      I haven’t seen their latest mascara ad! What’s going on with it?

      Reply
  10. Catherine says

    August 9th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    Oooh, thanks for the rec! Even the Prestige wp liners smudge on me (a little, esp at the outer corner of my eye) so I might just have to pick this one up. This is fab esp as I’ve been looking for a tightlining pencil lately. =)
    .-= Catherine’s last blog post… Sunscreen Series, For Face: DDF Organic Sun Protection =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

      Hi Catherine,

      You might really like this one. The lil’ point is really good for getting in between the roots of the lashes!

      Reply
  11. Tiffany says

    August 9th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    Oooh, I so want to get one or two of these! Thanks for the review!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

      Hi Tiffany,

      You’re welcome. 🙂 I hope you like it!

      Reply
  12. Kailey says

    August 9th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    I refuse to try the shadow palates lol.
    Cover girl shadows are nawt my thing.
    I try to buy all physicians formula organic stuff (but I do crack and buy covergirl, maybelline, loreal, nuetrogena, and almay when it’s on sale) 🙂
    Go cruelty free organic makeup! 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

      Hi Kailey,

      Physicians Formula is pretty awesome for drugstore. Love their Shimmer Strips. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Anna says

    August 9th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I do need a good long-wearing eyeliner. I can’t afford the Urban Decay’s or MUFE’s eyeliners, I can for $7 for the CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Eyeliner.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 9th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Anna,

      I hope you like these. 🙂 They last a really long time!

      Reply
  14. Isabel says

    August 9th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    I haven’t seen 500 Days of Summer yet but from seeing him in other movies, I must agree that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is quite yummy. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Marisol says

    August 9th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    I’ll have to get it next time I go to Walgreens. I am looking for a waterline liner that will stay and haven’t found one yet.

    I am so glad that you enjoyed the movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is pretty hot and I love Zooey’s character. I already downloaded the soundtrack from iTunes since I enjoyed it so much.

    I also saw Julie & Julia and it was ok. I enjoyed 500 days more but it was still a good flick.
    .-= Marisol’s last blog post… I heart Shu Uemura =-.

    Reply
  16. Linda says

    August 9th, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    After reading your review I went to Target and bought this eyeliner! I’m excited to use it tomorrow!
    .-= Linda’s last blog post… The Fabulous Contest Winners… =-.

    Reply
  17. Luinae says

    August 10th, 2009 at 2:07 am

    I hope it’s better than there exact eyelights mascara- I got the one for green eyes and it was CRAP. Made my eyes look smaller because it was this wierd eggplant colour with sparkle chunks. I’m sticking to Maybelline for mascara.
    BTW, if you live in Canada, Annabelle makes the BEST eyeliners. They are so smooth and creamy and lovely. Seriously, I cannot reccomend them enough.
    .-= Luinae’s last blog post… Basic Beauty Essentials =-.

    Reply
  18. Karen B says

    August 10th, 2009 at 4:59 am

    Thanks, I’ll see if I can get my hands on it here 🙂

    Reply
  19. Adrienne says

    August 10th, 2009 at 8:46 am

    All I need to hear is “no sharpening required, and I’m sold! I hate having to look for my pencil sharpener. I will use my eyeliner, until it is so dull the jagged sides stick out scraping my eye.

    Reply
  20. Glosslizard says

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:13 am

    That sounds great! I am always in the market for a great liner, and $7 is a fantastic price!

    But I just hafta say… I hate it when cosmetics companies try to tell you what color to wear based on your eye color! I know reddish colors bring out the green in my eyes, but they also make me look like I’m having an allergy attack! Just put out colors and I’ll buy the ones that I like! Besides, with this strategy, we’re likely to see more than four colors to choose from (as if there’s only four eye colors in the world)! Ok, rant over (I’m still gonna buy one)! 😉

    Reply
  21. Yaya says

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:58 am

    love this review – i don’t like their exact lights mascara but will def check out the pencils
    .-= Yaya’s last blog post… Essie + J. Crew =-.

    Reply
  22. Nessa says

    August 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am

    Karen,
    You are totally wrong, I have never heard of this! I am going to get this next time I am at a drugstore, they sound amazing! Thanks for the post!
    .-= Nessa’s last blog post… Win All About the Eyes Purely Cosmetics @ Bionic Beauty =-.

    Reply
  23. Lulee says

    August 10th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    hi karen! i like a dark waterline pencil that doesn’t smudge but ive never found anything that quite fits the bill. I used mac’s kohl in smolder and it was dark but smudged like crazy. then now im currently using mac’s powerpoint pencil in engraved and although it doesn’t smudge its not quite dark enough. stila’s onyx smudges, UD’s zero isnt dark enough etc etc. which brings me to this. is there any way u can post of pic of u wearing the eyeliner? thanks!

    Reply
  24. Emma says

    August 11th, 2009 at 11:26 am

    Thanks for this…I might try the one for green eyes! Sounds like a nice plummy shade.

    Oh, and I adored 500 Days of Summer too!

    Reply
  25. Janelle says

    August 11th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Hey Karen!

    This Covergirl product looks similar to my Revlon ColorStay eyeliner, which is my go-to eyeliner as of now. Unfortunately, it sometimes gives me a bit of a racoon eye at the end of the day (even if I’m wearing primer), especially when I apply it in my waterline.

    Have you tried Revlon’s ColorStay eyeliner and, if so, how do the two compare? If not, then does this Covergirl liner stay put in the waterline?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  26. ezzie says

    August 29th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    hey karen, if you blow dry your stubborn/tugging eyeliner for like 3 seconds before application, you instantly get a much smoother, creamier application(:
    and it won’t damage the eyeliner itself unless you blow dry it for like 3 whole minutes. lol.

    Reply
  27. Wendy says

    December 19th, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    I was thinking about getting this for my mom for Christmas, but Now it’s a sealed deal! 🙂 Thank you!

    Reply

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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).

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