Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Review

The Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil is a versatile makeup pencil designed to add definition, color, and precision to different areas of the face. Although it is commonly associated with lip makeup, its range of shades and professional-style formulation makes it useful for creating a variety of makeup looks.

Make Up For Ever is a brand with strong roots in professional artistry, so products from the brand often focus on pigmentation, versatility, and precise application. The Artist Color Pencil follows that approach, offering a pencil format that can be used to define the lips, create graphic details, or add customized color depending on the shade.

In this review, we’ll look at the Artist Color Pencil’s formula, pigmentation, application, wear, shade versatility, comfort, pros and cons, and who may find it worth considering.

What Is the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil?

The Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil is a multi-use makeup pencil designed for precision and definition. Its pencil format makes it easy to create controlled lines, while the range of available shades allows it to be incorporated into different makeup styles.

For lip makeup, the pencil can be used to:

• Outline the lips
• Define the Cupid’s bow
• Shape the lip contour
• Slightly overline the lips
• Fill in the lips
• Create a base for lipstick
• Add dimension beneath gloss
• Combine with other lip colors

Its versatility is one of the most appealing aspects of the product. Instead of being limited to one specific makeup technique, the pencil can be incorporated into both simple everyday looks and more detailed makeup applications.

Formula and Texture

Texture is particularly important in a lip pencil. A pencil that is too hard can tug on the lips, while one that is excessively creamy may be difficult to control.

The Artist Color Pencil is designed to provide a balance between precision and blendability. This makes it useful when you want a clearly defined lip edge but also want the ability to soften the color toward the center.

For outlining, a relatively precise tip allows you to work around areas such as the Cupid’s bow and corners of the mouth. When used over a larger area, the pencil can also be blended to create a softer finish.

As with any lip pencil, the final feel can vary depending on the condition of your lips. Very dry or flaky lips can make almost any pencil appear less even, so preparing the lips beforehand can improve the result.

Pigmentation

Pigmentation is another important consideration when reviewing a color pencil.

The Artist Color Pencil is intended to provide visible color without requiring an excessive number of strokes. This is useful for defining the lips because repeated rubbing can make the application look uneven.

For a more natural appearance, the color can be applied with light strokes and blended. For a stronger lip look, additional layers can be built up.

This buildability gives the pencil flexibility. You can create a relatively subtle outline or use the pencil more extensively as part of a complete lip look.

Shade Selection

One of the strengths of the Artist Color Pencil range is its potential versatility across different makeup styles.

Neutral shades can be useful for everyday makeup, while pink, red, berry, brown, and deeper tones can be incorporated into more defined or dramatic looks.

Nude and Neutral Shades

Neutral shades are particularly practical because they can be paired with numerous lipsticks and glosses.

A nude or brown-toned pencil can work underneath:

• Nude lipstick
• Beige lipstick
• Pink lipstick
• Brown lipstick
• Clear gloss
• Tinted gloss

Pink and Rose Shades

Pink and rose pencils can complement soft everyday lip colors. They are useful when you want definition without creating a strongly contrasted outline.

Red Shades

Red lip liner is especially useful for classic red lipstick. Matching the liner’s undertone with the lipstick can help create a more seamless result.

Berry and Deep Shades

Berry, plum, and deeper shades can be used for evening makeup or statement lips. These colors can also add dimension when applied around the outer part of the lips and blended inward.

Application

The Artist Color Pencil can be applied in several different ways.

For a Defined Lip

Begin by tracing the natural lip line with short, controlled strokes. Define the Cupid’s bow first, then work toward the corners. Repeat the process on the lower lip before connecting the corners.

This method gives you greater control than attempting to draw one continuous line.

For Fuller-Looking Lips

If you want to create the appearance of fuller lips, you can slightly extend the line around the center of the upper and lower lips.

Keep the overlining subtle and return to the natural lip contour near the corners. This helps maintain a more natural appearance.

As an All-Over Lip Color

The pencil can also be used to fill in the lips.

Start with the outline and then use short strokes to cover the remaining lip area. You can wear the pencil alone or layer lipstick or gloss over it.

Using it this way can provide a stronger color base and change the appearance of the product applied on top.

Wear and Longevity

Lip liner can contribute to the longevity of a lip look because it creates an additional layer of color underneath lipstick or gloss.

The Artist Color Pencil can be particularly useful when you want the lip shape to remain defined as the top layer gradually fades.

However, no lip product is completely unaffected by eating, drinking, rubbing, or oily foods. Longevity will also depend on whether the pencil is used alone or underneath another lip product.

For longer wear, fill the lips completely with the pencil before applying lipstick. After eating or drinking, touch up the areas where color has faded rather than necessarily redoing the entire lip.

Comfort

Comfort depends partly on how the pencil is used.

When applied only around the lip perimeter, most of the lips remain covered by the lipstick or gloss applied afterward. When used as an all-over lip color, texture becomes more noticeable.

If your lips are prone to dryness, preparation is helpful. Apply a small amount of lip balm, allow it to absorb, and remove excess before applying the pencil.

This creates a smoother surface without leaving a thick layer that could make the pencil move.

Artist Color Pencil for Different Makeup Looks

The pencil can be adapted to a range of styles.

Everyday Makeup

Choose a neutral or natural shade and use it to softly define the lips before applying a sheer lipstick or gloss.

Soft Glam

Use a slightly deeper nude, rose, or mauve shade and blend it inward before adding lipstick.

Full Glam

A precisely applied liner can help create a clean, defined lip shape underneath a more intense lipstick.

Monochromatic Makeup

Match the lip pencil to the general tone of your blush or eye makeup for a coordinated look.

Pros

• Versatile pencil format
• Useful for precise lip definition
• Can be used to outline or fill the lips
• Suitable for creating different lip shapes
• Available in a variety of color families
• Can be layered with lipstick and gloss
• Useful for both everyday and professional-style makeup
• Can create dimension when combined with lighter lip colors

Cons

• Lip preparation may be necessary for a smoother application
• Some shades may be more versatile than others
• Overlining requires practice
• All-over application may feel different from simply using the pencil as an outline
• Longevity will vary depending on the rest of the lip routine

Is the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Worth It?

The Artist Color Pencil is worth considering if you want a lip pencil that can do more than simply draw an outline.

Its versatility makes it useful for people who regularly experiment with different lip colors and techniques. A single pencil can be used for defining the lips, creating a base, slightly modifying lip shape, or wearing as an independent lip color.

It can also be useful for people who prefer a professional-style approach to makeup because precise application is one of the product’s primary strengths.

However, choosing the right shade is essential. A highly specific color may work beautifully with one lipstick but have limited usefulness with the rest of your makeup collection. A neutral, rose, mauve, or brown shade can often provide greater versatility.

Final Verdict

The Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil is a versatile option for anyone who wants more control over lip definition and color. Its pencil format makes precise application straightforward, while its ability to be layered, blended, or used across the entire lip area gives it flexibility.

It can be used for subtle everyday makeup, polished nude lips, defined red lips, fuller-looking lip techniques, and more dramatic evening looks.

The most important factor when choosing one is the shade. Consider your natural lip color, preferred lipstick shades, skin undertone, and whether you want a seamless matching liner or a darker liner for added dimension.

For makeup users who enjoy experimenting with lip shapes and color combinations, the Artist Color Pencil offers considerably more versatility than a product intended solely for outlining the lips.

Overall, it is best viewed not simply as a lip liner, but as a precision color tool that can become part of many different makeup routines.