The Le Métier de Beauté Precision Liquid Eyeliner, which I got in the first LMdB Beauty Vault Box, costs a whopping $42. Dumbfounded? So am I. While in my book, it’s a beautiful liner that beats no other liquid liner in terms of ease of use, I’m not sure if that price tag is warranted.

And so, I was pressed to find out if there is anything else that’s special about this little pen. From the Nordstrom website:

Product Description: “More control than ever before in a liquid liner. This long-wearing, smudge-proof formula contains a unique, soft, quill-tipped applicator for precise control and definition.

How to use: Apply light pressure for a thin line along upper lash line, or apply firm pressure for a thicker, more dramatic look.”

I read through other reviews—this surprisingly got many 5-star raves—and someone said that the quill (or tip, similar to a felt-tip pen with a fine point) was made by Montblanc. That explains a lot. Don’t get me wrong—it’s pretty fantastic. But $42? I don’t know if I can justify that. I love Le Métier de Beauté and I’m happy to pay a premium for a lot of their other products (which, I do), but this takes the cake, I think.

It’s beautiful, easy to use, and while I don’t find it to be smudgeproof (it stays longer over primer or an eyeshadow; it melted off when I wore it by itself on my naked eyelid), it does stay on for quite a bit of time. The color and the width of the line are also easy to build.

But 42 freaking dollars. For a black eyeliner. If it were a special, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle liner or something, maybe I’d consider it. I think I would even get it if it was $30. LOL that’s also crazy, but less crazy than the truth!

Anyway, here are some comparisons with some of my black eyeliners. From L-R: Le Métier de Beauté Precision Liquid Eyeliner (Noir), K-Palette Real Lasting 24H Liquid Liner (Black), Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner (Black), e.l.f. Liquid Eyeliner (Black). The top swatches are attempts at a light, thin line.

For one swipe, the LMdB liner gave the least pigmentation and it feathered into my fine lines. Although, that’s not the case when it’s on the actual eye, just to note. e.l.f. is the darkest, but in my experience, it’s the one with the most dismal staying power. Dolly Wink fades throughout the day, too. My favorite all-around option from the 4 is still K-Palette! Le Métier de Beauté is a close second with a LOT of points docked off for the price. Come on, now. I don’t know, is this the normal RP for eyeliners by luxury brands?

I hope this helps! As much as I love Le Métier de Beauté, I don’t think I’m a convert of their eyeliner. I mean, their Indelible Inks are $28 each. I really think it’s the Montblanc-made (assuming that’s true) quill. Le sigh.

Le Métier de Beauté is cruelty-free.