ESSENCE Stay & Play Gel Eyeliner - 02 But First Espresso - 0.05oz: Vegan, Oil-Free, Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free
$4.99
Color02 But First Espresso
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This eyeliner has garnered praise for its smooth application, long-lasting wear, and vibrant colors, making it a favorite among guests. Many appreciate its ability to stay put throughout the day, even in challenging conditions. However, some guests have expressed concerns about the sharpening mechanism and the longevity of certain shades. Overall, it is a versatile product that can enhance any makeup routine, especially for those seeking reliable performance.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
3.9 out of 5 stars with 149 reviews
easy to apply: 4.13 out of 5
easy to remove: 4.31 out of 5
long lasting: 3.47 out of 5
quality: 3.47 out of 5
value: 3.56 out of 5
61% would recommend
18 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
20 March, 2026
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Best Affordably Eyeliner!
Essence's Stay and Play Gel Eyeliner is EASILY the best affordable eyeliner on the market and possibly one of the best eyeliners, hands-down. The pencil format means the formula is firm enough to not leak or be runny but it also isn't super tacky or crumbly. Oftentimes, pencil eyeliners can get kind of dry (I'm looking at you, Ulta branded eyeliners), which is not the case here. The product can be smudged out for a more smokey look but also "dries" down quickly. This is genuinely my holy grail of affordably eyeliners and my ONLY complaint is that Essence hasn't put out one in every color yet.
1 reply from Customer Service team - 12 days ago
This makes us so happy to hear! We're so glad your loving our Stay & Play Gel Eyeliner and that it has become a staple in your makeup routine! Thank you for sharing the love!💖✨🫶
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
15 March, 2026
- Hair color: Blonde
- Eye color: Green
- Skin tone: Light
- Skin type: Normal
- Skin concern: Dark circles, Aging
(no review title)
I like the color I would prefer the pencil to be finer
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
27 February, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
I liked it
1 out of 5 stars
20 February, 2026
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Weak
I just bought this today, and as soon as it touched my face (no i did not press harshly) the top immediately broke off, and of course wouldn’t go back on. It doesn’t have more inside so the whole thing was just gone and it was just a waste of money.
1 reply from Customer Service team - 1 month ago
Oh no! We're sorry to hear this product has broken. This is not the experience we want you to have! Please contact hello@essencemakeup.com, we'd be happy to help you further.
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
23 January, 2026Verified purchase
- Skin type: Combination
- Skin tone: Light
- Eye color: Brown
- Hair color: Brunette
- Skin concern: Aging
How does it work?
I really like this item but I can’t figure out how to sharpen the pencil or twist it to get more product
5 out of 5 stars
31 December, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Stay & Play Gel Eyeliner
I love this product, but am wondering how do you sharpen it?!?
1 out of 5 stars
22 December, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Chemicals
This makeup product has too many harmful chemicals in it. I won't be using it.
1 reply from Customer Service team - 3 months ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear that the Stay & Play Gel Eyeliner didn't meet your expectations. Please reach out to us at hello@essencemakeup.com with any other questions or concerns!
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
3 December, 2025Verified purchase
(no review title)
this came in used…
5 out of 5 stars
25 November, 2025Verified purchase
(no review title)
I used this for a lip liner and I am so glad I did. It stayed on for hours.
1 out of 5 stars
18 November, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Can't be sharpened!
Bought this a week ago. No way to sharpen It. Absolutely a waste of money!
1 reply from Customer Service team - 5 months ago
Hi there, thanks for your feedback! We are so sorry to hear that you are having difficulty with this product! For this eyeliner, you will have to use a sharpener to access more product. When using the sharpener, we suggest applying slight pressure for best results! https://essencemakeup.com/collections/eyes/products/duo-sharpener if you are still struggling with this product, please reach out to us at hello@essencemakeup.com for more assistance!
5 out of 5 stars
16 November, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Purple eyeliner
Why is this purple eyeliner no longer being produced?
1 out of 5 stars
10 November, 2025
- Skin type: Combination
- Skin tone: Light
(no review title)
It wasn’t sealed.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
22 October, 2025Verified purchase
- Skin tone: Light
- Eye color: Blue
- Hair color: Blonde
- Skin type: Normal
(no review title)
The color is pretty, blends nicely, goes on smoothly.
5 out of 5 stars
7 September, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Finally! A colored eyeliner that actually lasts!
I absolutely love this liner! It glides on like silk and wears like iron. You also get much more product than with retractable liners simply by sharpening the point. Best eyeliner ever!
5 out of 5 stars
30 August, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
The best eyeliner I’ve ever found!!!
Stay n play gel eyeliner is the best n I mean the best and it stays til u take it off I’ve tried them all this by far is number one
2 out of 5 stars
14 July, 2025
originally posted on essence.eu/catrice.eu/inao.eu
How to sharpen
Not a bad eye liner, but how do you sharpen this or lift the gel pencil? Once you use the first point of the pencil, is that it?
2 out of 5 stars
11 June, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
What happened??!
PLEASE BRING BACK THE OLD FORMULA THAT STAYS PUT! This version is drying and doesn't last as long. ALSO BRING BACK THE DARK GREEN!!! 😭😭
1 reply from Customer Service team - 7 months ago
Hi there, thank you for your feedback! We appreciate all customer feedback, and we will take this into consideration for the future!
4 out of 5 stars
22 May, 2025
It Does Sharpen!
The pencil goes on nice and smooth. Is not the longest lasting, but for the price I expect that. It does sharpen, just try it people! Maybe some don’t think so because it’s encased in a plastic type material(?) but it does. Anyway, I’d buy it again overall
3 out of 5 stars
7 May, 2025
originally posted on Cosnova Essence US
Great products line but can not sharpen it
I tried to sharpen it with cosmetic sharpener but it's not working. I bought essence Duo sharpener thought maybe works better no chance
1 reply from Customer Service team - 10 months ago
Hi there, for this product, you may need to apply a little more pressure in order to sharpen it properly! Remain cautious to not press too hard so that the product does not get squished!
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
3 May, 2025Verified purchase
Dont buy
Essence should be ashamed, selling a product that can’t be sharpened or twisted up. I used this three times and can’t use again. Ridiculous.