Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil

RRP: £14

--What does the promo say?--

"They're crease-proof, they're waterproof, it's the next generation of 24/7 Pencils! These Shadow Pencils deliver incredible color payout, but feel lightweight. The new fat shape allows you to cover large areas more quickly. Use the thin tip as eyeliner, or the side of the tip as a generous swipe of eyeshadow. Luscious drop-dead shades make you feel every inch the creative type, as you blend shimmer, cream and sparkle finishes. Skip the powder shadow brushes and water - Shadow Pencils make it easier than ever to get vibrant eyeshadow looks on the go. Experiment with multiple shades layered together then blend away for an unbelievable effect that sets and stays put. All shades are paraffin, mineral oil, and paraben-free."

--Packaging--

Coming in a wide range of funky shades with equally wacky names (OH how I would love to be the person who named the dark purple shade 'Delinquent'), the pencil you choose is always the same colour as its shade, so that you will make no mistakes when making a mad dash and grab again on your way out the door to do your makeup on the train during your daily commute. The lettering design and silvery lid take you straight back to an 80s disco in the best possible way, and the lid stays on securely too.

--Application--

Sweep all over the eyelid and up to the brow bone for an impossibly bold look, or just draw a thick line to follow your upper lashes, and then blend upwards.

--Appearance--

Of the two colours I was sent to test, one (Delinquent) has large pieces of glitter, while another (Morphine) just delivers a light matte finish with no glitter at all - so whatever look you're going for, there will be something for you. Teals and greys (such as Mercury and Clinic) would be excellent for work, while the wilder Clash and Barracuda are as suitable for the dancefloor as they are for the daytime. Equally, the consistency (see below) means that you can blend to create as subtle or as daring a look as you desire.

--Texture and consistency--

In spite of its initial stiffness, this is surprisingly easy to blend. Equally, its durability means that it will hold quite impressively.

--Longevity--

In other words, "Is it really 24-hour?" While it puts up an impressive fight, the answer is sadly 'no' - although you can sleep in it overnight and have the colour still recognisable the next day (and not because it's smeared all across your face), it does begin to crease (although not to fade) before the end of the day.

--Value for money--

For truly long-lasting colour, you need to aim a tiny bit higher (about £1.50 higher) and go for MAC Pigments instead, which do not crease in the slightest. While the 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencils do glide on easily and offer something for everyone, they do not quite topple MAC and so perhaps need to lower their price a tiny bit more (say to the £12-£13 mark) to reflect this.

perfect partners

Big Fatty Mascara, £15

Eyeshadow Singles, £13

Fun Eyeshadow Palette, £25

Ink For Eyes, £15

24/7 Lip Pencil, £12

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, £13