Physicians Formula Eye Booster Liquid Eyeliner

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner plus Serum (a mouthful, oh-so-typical of PF) was released early 2011 along with a lash serum-only in the same packaging. It has since received quite a bit of blogger buzz (probably because of the rebate program that made it practically free) and positive reviews. As a typical (east) Asian with stubby lashes that pokes straight down (and a "mild" pulling problem), I didn't hesitate picking it up during one of those CVS promotions.

Beside the sleek silver tube, what intrigued me was the fine brush-like applicator (which reminds me of a Pilot speed-doodling brush pen I have and love very much), a feature that has been commonly found in Japanese brands such as Dolly Wink, Koji and Makemania. That's why it didn't surprise me when I looked at the back of its package and found "Made in Japan" printed on the box. The brush of the Eye Booster Liquid liner is rather user-friendly: slightly bouncy to the touch but stiff enough to retains it's shape and create a fine and consistent line with just a bit of pressure.

However, a fine stroke it leaves behind is usually quite runny, not black/intense enough (I will let it slide since half of the liner is lash serum that's meant to get absorbed). When exerted a bigger pressure, the brush leaves behind a more saturated line that's inevitably thicker, something I am not too fond of (on my tiny lid space). On my arm (Reads: It fares much worse on my eyes), the self-proclaimed 24HR and waterproof formula remained intact for a few hours but it was easily rinsed off with water alone.

On a good day and on my less-hooded left eye, a thin (and sheer) Physicians Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner usually last 5-6 hours before it breaks down into tiny pieces. Whenever I try to layer up to get a bolder black, the formula cakes and smudge much more quickly/almost immediately.  Of course, you are most likely to get a better result with this since liner caking/smudging basically happens to me no matter what I use (That's why I swatched a bunch and did bother buying many eyeliner for the years of 2010-2011.)

Even though I like the brush tip applicator, it has a tendency leaving patchy lines (as the liquid doesn't flow out as fluidly), or just doesn't come out at all after a few uses. The patchy problem can be solved by running the liner over the back of hand for a few times (which can be annoying and wasteful).

A before and after showing the liner's last boosting effect. I don't get why they decided to photograph the subject with mascara on, for the second picture only. (Hello, I can see the clumping!) Picture consistency fail aside, I did experience noticeable lash grow with just a few days of usage, especially on my lower lash lines, which is why I had been using it semi-religiously. Instead of using it every day, I went Captain Jack Sparrow and Crayon Shin-chan with it nightly,  for a few weeks until I lost my patience (Fortunately that happened before the bald patch on my brow grew back).

Lastly, the ingredient list of the liner. Overall: Despite how much it sounds like a negative review, I still think it has great formula (I meant the serum instead of the liner) and design mechanism  that will definitely work better on people whose eyes are not as "Asian".  On my eyes, for normal/daytime use, I can still get uses out of it as an ultra-fine liner right along lash line (because it won't matter even it breaks down).