On trial today are MAC Blacktrack (fluidline), Smashbox Caviar (cream eye liner), and HiP Black (cream eyeliner).
Let’s start with the packaging: MAC has the most detailed bottom label, Smashbox’s is fairly minimalistic, and HiP… well, it’s jar lacks a bottom label entirely, because it’s all on the top! I’m not sure which one I prefer, but I suppose if I had a bunch of the same liner in different shades, the HiP one would be the handiest, as you’d be able to see the colour if it was stored upside-down.
That said, though, you could always use your eyes and read the labels. Just sayin’.
In terms of how luxe the packaging is, I prefer Blacktrack, with its solid, study feel. The threads of the lid never stick, it’s easy to spin the lid on and off, and it has that gorgeous solid-glass weighting. Even the lid feels expensive! HiP comes in second, and Smashbox last – what can I say, I like glass jars! However, for the girl on the go, the Smashbox is substantially lighter, so keep that in mind.
As for standard application, the HiP liner is the “blackest” black. People look at me like I’m nuts when I complain that something black isn’t black enough for me, but hopefully my fellow makeup junkies will understand! Caviar is practically brown in comparsion! The HiP liner has a kohl-like, almost liquid-like finish, the fluidline a matte one, and the Smashbox liner seems to have a… sheen?
L’Oreal’s HiP liner also wins when it comes to creaminess, as I’m sure you can see with the swatch! I used the same brush for all three, and while I tried to pick up the same amount of each, it was definitely hard to do. The “super creamy” Blacktrack seems like a rock beside it.
When it comes to wear, I thought the best trial would be water smudging, so here goes nothing! *spritzes like a madwoman*
With two sturdy rubs of a tissue (can a rub even be sturdy!?) they look like this:
As you can see, the Smashbox liner is practically gone – shame on you, Smashbox! The HiP liner had the most colour retention, but if you compare the photos and swatches closely, I think you’ll find that Blacktrack was actually the one that smudged the least.
Lastly, in USD, MAC Blacktrack comes in at $15/0.1oz, Smashbox Caviar at $22/0.06oz, and HiP at $12/0.16oz. This means that, per 0.1oz, Smashbox’s is the most expensive – at about $37! That’s followed by MAC’s at $15 and HiP’s at $7.50.
The verdict, at last? If you’re buying black, HiP is the way to go! I’ve been raving about this like a madwoman. This stuff is the bomb. (That’s right… I’m from the ’90s, ahd how are you?) It’s the most creamy, the most black, and the most cost-effective! Now get thee to a drugstore, because you can finally find them – even in Canada!
