There is definitely a learning curve with this product as others have eluded to. And yes, I would also very highly recommend that you purchase Stila's brush as you're just not going to get as good of results without it. Now, all that said, this is one product that is DEFINITELY worth a little bit of effort to learn how best to apply it. I have been using eyeliners for quite sometime and this is the best I've ever come across. I do have fair skin, but do use the black color very successfully (top lid only). I love how the product glides on and doesn't pull at the eyelid. I love how it stays put all day long (I do use a base underneath it). I love how it comes off easily at night. I have not had problems with the product drying out, as others have mentioned, even though it's cold and dry here in New England (winter time). This is my favorite new product of 2008.

Okay, 1st - you have to purchase the #28 brush or you won't be able to apply this correctly. I'm not good with the pointed end of the brush, so my method is to lightly tap the rounded end of the brush into the product, tap on the back of my hand, tightly close the lid, lightly apply the product in a straight thin line across my top lash line. I haven't tried applying along my bottom lash line and probably won't unless I have extra time to remove and reapply if it doesn't look right. 2nd - if you can get one of the smudge pots as a sample in a set, go for it. I purchased the Gift of Glow from the Stila website and it came with the pot (brown color, which is a very pretty color). Turns out that I love it. Only thing - I do have sensitive skin and it does dry my lids out, so I can't use it everyday. Overall, a great product, but apply quick. If you try to do a thin line and mess up, you'll end up having to make a thicker line. Oh, and if you do tap a little on the back of your hand, you can use that to continue applying to your lid versus opening and re-closing the pot.

It is difficult to apply (not smudgy in a good way), it doesn't last as long as I want it to (I have oily skin), and the color looks ridiculous on fair-skinned people.

I love this eyeliner, it does dries very quickly, but it's great. It has a great texture and has a great color concentration. I would highly recommend it for everyone.

I was convinced I could never wear eyeliner, though I tried constantly to find a brand that wouldn't wind up under my eyes by the end of the day. I also tend to rub my eyes. After someone in the cosmetic industry told me that she used this brand and swore on it, I gave it one last shot--having been eyeliner-naked for years. Unbelievable! Once it's on, it's there for the day, whether you rub your eyes, workout and sweat, or it rains. Trust me, I've tried EVERY brand, regardless of price... nothing compares to this.

This is one of the BEST eyeliners on the market! I never believed I could do a smoky eye and NOT end up with a BLACK EYE by the end of the night - but you CAN with this eyeliner! You can get a precise line, or smudge to get a softer line, or a beautiful smoky eye. Once it dries it isn't going anywhere until you take it off. Brilliant! It also doesn't dry the skin on your eyes or irritate. HINTS: 1. Use the stila brush that is recommended with this product (#28). Line with one side, smudge with the other. It works the best! 2. Keep the lid on TIGHT to keep it from drying out. 3. Work quickly as it dries fast.

Great eyeliner that stays on all day, really easy to apply and if you want you can smudge it and it looks great. I have this in black and bronze both of which are great colors. I like this so much more then cream eyeliners made by MAC, Clinique, Bobbie brown, and urban decay.

I love that it goes on and stays put - you can easily do dramatic eyes and the makeup doesn't smudge down below the eyes. It's very easy to use, and I've never been one to use make up brushes beyond what comes with my eyeshadows and blushes. It doesn't get 5 because you do have to be almost right the first time because it does dry pretty quickly, and you have to make sure you screw the lid on tightly or it will dry out fast.

I agree with a previous reviewer - it dries too quickly and won't smudge. I've been just using the black to line my top lids so it's not completely useless to me. I have to remember to work fast! This just didn't do what it said it would do.

Stila's smudge pot was very messy to use. Once it's on, it does not smudge. It dries very quickly, leaving a shiny glop of color on the eyelid. I have tried many brands of eye liner and none of them have been as hard to work with as this.