I have a confession to make: I never go out in public without eyeliner. For me, it’s not optional. It’s like leaving the house without pants. Or worse… without caffeine.
So when I found myself hovering over a $73 eyeliner on Bluemercury, finger shaking slightly over the “add to cart” button, I had to ask myself the ultimate beauty question: Is there really a difference between a $20–$30 eyeliner and one that costs nearly as much as a fancy dinner?
Naturally, I splurged. For research purposes, of course.
IN THIS POST
Why I Splurged on a Luxury Eyeliner
Shade Choice: Sparkling Black (A First for Me)
What Sisley Claims This Eyeliner Can Do
Wear Test: Long Days, Sweat, and Real Life
The Eye Cream Factor (Older Eyes Know)
Application: No Room for Mistakes
Is Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil Pregnancy-Safe?
Where to Buy the Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil?
Final Verdict: Is the Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Worth $70+?
Why I Splurged on a Luxury Eyeliner
Most of my go-to eyeliners live comfortably in the $20–$30 range. They’re reliable, they show up, they do the job, but they also fade, smudge, or betray me halfway through the day.
Sisley Paris’ Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil promised something more luxurious. Longer wear. Waterproof performance. Eight shades with different finishes. And, frankly, I wanted to see if a high-end eyeliner could survive real life: long days, sweat, eye cream, and the occasional emotional moment.
Shade Choice: Sparkling Black (A First for Me)
Here’s where things got interesting. There was no matte black available at the time, which is normally my ride-or-die, so I went with Sparkling Black.
And let me be clear: I don’t think I’ve ever owned an eyeliner with sparkles in it. Ever.
The sparkle isn’t aggressive, but it is noticeable. Occasionally, I’d catch a little glitter reflection in my lashes or feel a stray sparkle wander into my eye. It’s not terrible… but it’s also not my personal preference. If you love a subtle shimmer, you may enjoy it. If you’re a matte loyalist like me, this could be a small adjustment.
What Sisley Claims This Eyeliner Can Do
According to Sisley, this pencil:
- Withstands rain, humidity, heat, tears, sweat, and oil
- Is very long-lasting
- Comes in 8 shades with multiple effects to intensify the look
Bold claims, especially for someone like me who puts eyeliner through emotional stress and gym sweat.
Wear Test: Long Days, Sweat, and Real Life
Here’s the honest verdict.
Does it last longer than my usual $20–$30 eyeliner? Yes, absolutely.
Does it last all day without any fading? No.
Does it survive a full hour at the gym with real sweating? Also no.
That said, it does outperform most mid-range eyeliners I’ve tried. It wears longer, looks fresher later in the day, and doesn’t immediately break down. I haven’t tested it while swimming yet, so consider that test pending.
Here’s How the Eyeliner Held Up
The Eye Cream Factor (Older Eyes Know)
Now that I’m officially in my “eye cream during the day” era, this is where most eyeliners fail me.
Heavier eye creams mean oils, and oils are eyeliner’s biggest enemy. Too often, liners melt, migrate, and suddenly I’m staring at a raccoon in the mirror by mid-afternoon (if I’m lucky).
The Sisley Phyto-Khol Star holds up better than most in this department. It doesn’t completely defy oil (nothing truly does), but it resists smudging longer than my usual options, which honestly counts for a lot.
Application: No Room for Mistakes
One thing to know before applying: you need to get it right the first time.
This eyeliner sets quickly and does not like to be rubbed out. Fixing mistakes is tricky, but I suspect that’s exactly why it lasts longer than many others. Once it’s on, it’s committed.
Is the Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil Pregnancy-Safe?
This was one of the first questions I asked myself before swiping on a $73+ eyeliner, because pregnancy (or trying to conceive) has a funny way of making you read ingredient lists like legal documents.
After reviewing the full ingredient list, there are no commonly flagged pregnancy-unsafe ingredients in the Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters, which are typically the biggest no-nos during pregnancy.
Most of the formula is made up of silicones, waxes, and mineral pigments, which sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it. Since this is a topical eye product, overall exposure is considered very low.
That said, every pregnancy and every comfort level is different. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, it’s always a good idea to:
- Patch test first (pregnancy skin can be extra sensitive)
- Check with your OB or dermatologist if you prefer medical confirmation
Think of it this way: the eyeliner itself isn’t throwing up red flags, but peace of mind is always the most beautiful thing you can wear.
Where You Can Buy the Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil
If you’re ready to take the plunge and add this eyeliner to your makeup rotation (or your beauty cart), here are a few places you can find it online as your beauty browsing:
- Sisley-Paris official website – The most direct source with full shade options and often free standard shipping.
- Blue Mercury – This luxury beauty retailer carries the Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil online, often with multiple shade options and its signature BlueRewards perks.
- Nordstrom – Carries Sisley Paris eyeliner online, typically with free delivery and returns — perfect if you want to test shades with confidence.
- Amazon – Offers the Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eye Pencil with the convenience of quick shipping and flexible return options.
- Cos Bar – A curated beauty retailer that sometimes stocks this luxury eyeliner, often alongside other premium makeup finds.
Final Verdict: Is the Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Worth $70+?
Here’s where I land.
This eyeliner is definitely better than the $20–$30 liners I usually buy. It lasts longer, holds up better against oil and sweat, and feels undeniably luxe.
But does it last so much longer that I’d repurchase it regularly at $73? I’m on the fence.
If you’re someone who:
- Prioritizes longevity
- Wears eye cream daily
- Wants a high-performance luxury liner
…this could be a winner for you.
For me? I’m glad I tried it. I enjoyed the upgrade. But like many luxury beauty splurges, it made me ask the question:
Was it the eyeliner… or just the thrill of believing it could change everything?
Sources
Sisley-Paris. (2026). Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.sisley-paris.com/en-US/useful-information/
