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The beauty market may be full of gimmicky goods, but every so often a product comes along and proves itself to be functional, legitimately great, and, in this instance, potentially cost-saving. The Pen Pal is Alleyoop’s clever cosmetic pen that features four different makeup products for the cost of one — and it’s 25% off on Alleyoop’s website right now.
Part of the Pen Pal’s initial appeal is its nostalgic design, reminiscent of those fun pens for the ’90s with several different colored inks in one clickable pen. (Yes, they still make those.)
But instead of neon green and cerulean blue inks, AlleyOop’s Pen Pal has eyeliner, lip liner, a brow pencil and a thin highlighter for adding a touch of brightness to areas like the inner corners of the eyes, beneath the brow bone and on the cupid’s bow.
The space-saving pen comes in three shade combinations with each option offering a neutral color palette suitable for everyday wear. You might be thinking that the brand put all its focus into the fun, pen-like design, however, reviewers attest to Alleyoop’s claims that the colors are pigmented, creamy and apply smoothly without any tugging or product skipping. Each product promises to dry down to a budge-proof finish in just seconds.
“I was blown away by the pigmentation and the smooth application,” one reviewer wrote. Another said they were impressed by the eyeliner’s longevity, even when they accidentally rubbed their eyes.
And if you’re curious about how to sharpen the pen, Alleyoop has thought of that too. Rather than carrying a separate sharpener like you would need for traditional pencil formulas, there’s one already built-in so each shade twists up to reveal a fine point for precise application no matter where you are.
You can imagine how useful this TSA-friendly pen can be for throwing in your purse for touchups throughout the day, popping in your travel bag or even for helping you cut down on excess product bulk.
Take a look at other words of endorsement from Pen Pal purchasers down below or grab one for yourself while it’s still on sale. (Also, in case you’re on the hunt for more multi-tasking makeup products, Alleyoop is skilled at creating space-saving and cost-effective cosmetics like stackable face palettes and nesting makeup brushes.)
Promising Alleyoop reviews:
″My new staple in all my purses! So glad I picked up two! This is a one and done product. I can actually use the black eye liner for my brows since the medium brown brow pencil is a little too light. I’ve also been using both to line my eyes. The lip liner is magnificent and smooth with no tugging. A great product that will have a permanent place in my bag for quick touch ups.” — lorene f.
“My go to makeup tool one item I take everywhere with me. All colors glide smooth and are vivid, I can touch up my lips, brows, and eyes with one tool! When going to sporting events/ concerts and I can only carry a small clutch I love this!” — Courtney B.
“Functional and adorable. Okay, Snapchat made me buy this, and I do not regret it. So far it is handy. I love it for travel. The eyeliner has good longevity, especially if you’re like me and forget you have something on and rub your eyes (oops). I am very happy with this product. I am interested to see how the actual clicker parts hold up to travel and time.” — Caitlyn D.
“This is my favorite product ive tried from this brand! I was blown away by the pigmentation, and the smooth application. The shades are perfect for an everyday, natural makeup look. It’s perfect for traveling, and perfect for beginners out there who are just getting into makeup! Definitely a must-have!” — Na’eemah N.
“This 4-in-1 touchup pen has been such a lifesaver! It is super compact and convenient for on-the-go. I always make sure to have it in my purse before I head out the door. The colors are pigmented, creamy, and glide on the skin easily. Each color is perfect for what I need. I’m obsessed!” — ana
Still on the hunt for reviewer-adored beauty products? Check out these eyeliners that customers with mature skin swear by, previously rounded up by shopping freelancer Zoe Weiner.
An all-around classic, the MAC Colour Excess gel pencil is an ultra-pigmented, long-wear waterproof liner with a precise applicator that's easy to use. The gel-like product easily floats over skin and the smudge-resistant formula keeps your lines sharp and straight.
Promising reviews: “1. Super smooth glide makes this easy to use, even on more delicate, older or crepe-y skin. It does not pull or tug the way some eyeliners will. Note: this equals you going through the product at a faster rate. But I find that you waste other products trying to get hard liners to soften up enough to work well on older eyes... Even if I don't wear mascara, this gives my eyes a very enhancing finish--sort of like mock lashes.” — JanieH (This review has been edited for length.)
"This liner is great for staying put, not pulling on my older skin, and looking fantastic!" — Angela
Creamy and pigmented, this retractable eyeliner is waterproof and will last for the day. It comes in a streamlined package that is easy to put on and will ensure you get the product exactly where you want it and not anywhere you don't.
Promising reviews: "All of ELF's products are great, but this eyeliner is the best I've ever used, and I'm 50 so I have used a lot of eyeliners." — Lara Beth
“Love it. I am an older woman, most pencil liners pull my skin and don't produce a good continuous line. This pencil glides on and STAYS out all day long!!!!” — Kindle Customer
Promising reviews: "I purchased the 20-Espresso color to replace the one I have been using. As a mature woman, black is not for me. The espresso is easily applied and stays in place. It is dark enough without being stark, like the black color. The one it is replacing seemed to last quite a long time, probably 3 months at least. I recommend this product and color whether you are mature or just wanting a change of pace black." — sasaru
"This eyeliner in ANY color should be a staple in your makeup drawer. I was a HUGE sceptic of CHANEL products but I switched because my skin has become more “mature” wow, nothing disappoints, especially the eyeliner, I bought in black, blue, and this rose color. Wow, perfect for summer! I Am olive complexion." — MUST TRY
“I am over 70 so I tried espresso color. Easy to apply and not as stark as pure black. It lasts all day and no smudging. Worth the price for this quality product.” — CCCS
With the glide of a liquid formula with the ease and precision of a stick, this twisting retractable pen is creamy and long-lasting. Heat and humidity-proof, it won't bleed as you're wearing it, giving you definition for hours on end.
Promising review: "The color is soft and rich. It glides on smoothly. I'm 70 years old but it's easy to control the fine tip. The color is beautiful for an older woman. I highly recommend this color and this pencil." — LB
"I have been wearing eyeliner since I was a teenager and I can say with 100% confidence that this is by far the best eyeliner I have ever used. I'm a pencil girl so I can't speak much about liquid. But this goes on really nice and doesn't pull or tear at my aging skin. It lasts all day under normal conditions and has stayed on for hours in the water. Love the bronze color with the tiny sparkles. It's the only liner ibhave purchased in several years now. And the price... FAHGEDABOUDIT! 5 STARS across the board." — Vanessa L. Knight
Bring out that dazzle in your eyes with this olive-hued pencil liner. It's a rich, saturated formula that's silky to put on the skin but, according to reviewers, won't migrate as you wear it. The pencil shape is easy to use, ensuring you're getting the product right where you want it.
Promising reviews: "First, let me say that I have dry mature skin and have changed to only one neutral eye shadow to keep it simple, so the right color eyeliner really makes a difference with my hazel eyes. I just purchased the Forest Green color and I have to say that it does indeed glide on easily. I tightline the liner on my eyes (nothing on the bottom) and it works beautifully--really makes my eyes pop and my lashes look thicker, along with mascara of course. The liner does not cause any problems with my eyes, which seem to be more sensitive now, perhaps allergies are coming back. Seems the reviews like some of the other colors also, so I will be purchasing a couple of others in the future." — PoseyMom
"This is a superb beautiful product. Excellent for the older eye! does not pull, stays on all day, no smudging and retains the colour. Love it. My eye pencil for life. Thank you xx" — Mermaidy
For something new but still familiar, this eyeliner pencil has gel-like formula with a little metallic shimmer. It's made with a special wax blend that’s designed to easily slide over your eyelid so you don't have to pull or fuss and will last for over ten hours of wear.
Promising review: "I am in love with the Julep When Pencil met gel eyeliner pencils. I have used them daily for several years. I added the Golden Olive shimmer to my collection. I am 65 with blonde hair, hazel eyes, and medium skin tone. These are so easy to use on mature eyes. I find they sharpen best if you have the Julep pencil sharpener. They are sweatproof, waterproof and stay on until you take them off. You will need an eye makeup remover for waterproof eye makeup. I use the Julep oil cleanser to remove all my makeup. I love the cleansing oil too. I have very sensitive skin and eyes and both the eye pencil and cleansing oil do not irritate my eyes or skin. I love it and highly recommend." — Design Diva
"The product is so soft and easy to apply to the eyelid. I love the forgiving line that meshes into a shadow. I want to accentuate my eyes but at age 71, I cannot wear make-up that is too dark or harsh. The colors Golden Olive Shimmer and Smokey Taupe Shimmer are perfect colors for my greying hair, hazel eyes, and winter skin. The shimmer is not metallic so it is fine for an older skin. I love these eyeliners and I have bought the sharpener and two more colors. This product has not yet hurt my sensitive eyes and it seems to last all day." — Claudine
Crafted from macadamia seed oil, shea butter and vitamin E, this mineral-based eyeliner has a soft formula that conditions your skin as you wear it. The pencil applicator makes it a breeze to put on and the soft formal won't pull or drag as you apply it.
Promising reviews: "I am middle aged and have been using Jane Iredale products for a few years. This is the first eye liner I have tried in years. It's perfect! Easy to use and beautiful." — Tawney
"Love how easily this fills in my eyebrows. The color is perfect." — Amazon customer
As the brand says, this is essentially a long-wearing gel eyeliner that comes in pencil form. The application top ensures you're getting a straight and direct line and the built-in sponge at the bottom helps you achieve a more smoky look.
Promising reviews: "Perfection for the older eyelid and my favorite eye pencil. I've tried many top brands over the yrs; this one suits my needs the best. It's super pigmented and soft, which I need for an older eyelid." — Snackintire
"I ordered this eyeliner pencil a few months ago. I’m getting older, and applying my normal brown or navy eyeliner above the lashes wasn’t looking so great anymore. I use this as directed, pressing the color into the base of my lashes near the water line. It really is highly pigmented and it stays put all day. It helps define my eyes, as well as helping the look brighter and more awake. Highly recommend!" — TPGreen
Another drug store classic that has earned plenty of praise, the Revlon Colorstay eyeliner has a built-in sharpener and smuger at the bottom to make your life even easier. It's waterproof, creamy, easily drapes over your skin and lasts for up to 24 hours.
Promising review: "I’m old and have crepey skin everywhere including around my eyes. I needed a soft pencil as powder shadows were irritating my eyes. This pencil does the trick. It’s not smudge proof or water resistant, but I don’t care about that." — M
"I originally purchased at Target/Walmart but found a better deal here on Amazon. I wear department store cosmetics, but none of the pencil liners compare to this one - this one really stays and does not smudge. I've recommended it to many of my friends who ask how my liner stays on so nicely. It's easy to apply, and comes off easily with my face wash, but you don't get creases and it doesn't bleed into crows feet. Hope they never stop making this because I tried all the expensive and drug store pencils. Goes on like liner, but is a pencil with a smudger on one end." — GOLDEN GIRL
While the price is a little higher than other options, this thick stick is an eyeshadow, pencil and eyeliner all in one. Reviewers say it’s easy to use and super pigmented.
Promising review: "Flattering On Older Eyes. I am in my late fifties and haven't worn anything on my eye lids for maybe 30 years. I love the smoky eye look and bought a couple of these little gems after watching a Sisley YouTube demonstration. My eye lids are hooded, crinkly and pinkie in colour but these apply SO easily and are very flattering. I now have 5 different colours and cant wait play around with them ever day. My only slight complaint is they are a tiny bit glittery, never the less I really like them." — Oast House
"I am a big fan of Sisley-Paris and use many of their products. I purchased this eyeshadow in 2 colors: Topaz and Havana. These glide smoothly on my mature eyelids and they are very easy to blend. you can build them up for a deeper color and also use them on the waterline with no transfer at all. I am in love with these!!!" — Tali_A