Product Smackdown !! Gel Eyeliners. MAC V ELF

So we all love a really good eyeliner!! In my opinion, the liner can make or break a look. So I've decided to run a "Product Smack Down" series. Which just means I will be reviewing and swatching two similar products, one which will be a high end "splurge" product and one which will be a budget "save" product. And we'll see which product comes out on top!

So firstly I am going to be reviewing gel eyeliner. First up is our "Splurge" product which is Mac Blacktrack Fluidline.

MAC BLACKTRACK FLUIDLINE

Now I'll admit...I love this product. I seriously have gone through about 5 of these little pots of love!!

What MAC say:

Ultra-smooth, Fluidline's gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on  "foolproof" with a brush with an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge proof. Lines up in a rich array of color and finishes.

What I say:

 I love this eyeliner, it comes in a little pot that contains 3g of product. The liner itself is very smooth and glides on easily. It does go on very dark but it can be built up to give a very intense black appearance. I find this great when used as a base when doing a smokey eye. Once it dries it will not smudge or flake and the best bit...it's 100% waterproof which means it can be used in the waterline and you don't have to worry about the dreaded panda eyes! 

Pros: 

• Easy to apply
• Very black
•  Waterproof

Cons:

•  Dries out VERY quickly. If you leave the cap off overnight it will dry up! 
• Does not come with a brush.

Price :

 €17 (£14, $15)

Where to buy: 

Brown Thomas for us here in Ireland. Mac is more readily available for people in the UK and U.S as they can order from the website.

The "Save" product is ELF Cream Eyeliner.

What ELF says:

"The cream formula creates smooth lines that are defined and precise. Smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-resistant coverage for all day wear to combat against sweat, tears or rain! Achieve thin or bold lines with ease. Slanted Eyeliner Brush included."

What I say:

This is a really great liner and even better it is only €4 (£3, $3) So what you are getting for €4 is really a very good dupe for Mac Blacktrack!! As a bonus the ELF liner comes with a free slanted brush. This liner has good pigmentation and goes on smooth, it lasts well, typically giving 8 hours . What I will say is this liner is not AS dark as Mac Blacktrack, but it could be layered a couple of times to achieve a really dark line. Also The finish of the liners are quite different, I found the ELF Liner to be more of a matte with less shine...which depending on what you like could be a good thing or a bad thing! I liked the brush but I would prefer to use my Mac 266 brush as it gives a really precise line. 

Pros:

• Great Value for money
• Good colour pay off and smooth texture
• Waterproof
• Comes with a brush
• 4.7g of product which is more than Mac

Cons: 

• None! 

Price:
€4 (£3, $3)

Where to buy:
www.eyeslipsface.co.uk

How they compare...

Swatches...

Left is ELF Right is Mac

Overall: 

I think that these two products definitely compare very well to each other and the price difference is amazing. There is a whopping €13 price difference. ELF really puts it up to Mac on this product. I love both of them equally, I use my Mac Fluidline more because I love the intense black it gives on the waterline but if I ran out of Fluidline I wouldn't hesitate to use the ELF liner!