I've spent way too much money on eyeliners that promised the world and delivered a smudgy mess by 2 PM. It's frustrating. You spend twenty minutes perfecting a wing or tightlining your waterlines, only to look in the mirror after lunch and realize you look like a tired raccoon. That's usually where the MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner enters the conversation.
Most people think a pencil is just a pencil. It isn't.
MAC launched this specific line to bridge the gap between the precision of a liquid and the blendability of a kohl. It’s a gel-formula pencil, which basically means it glides on like butter but sets like concrete. If you've ever struggled with "drag"—that annoying skipping sensation when a pencil catches on your eyelid skin—you'll notice the difference here immediately. It’s hyper-pigmented. One swipe is usually enough to get the full payoff.
The Science of Why It Actually Stays Put
What makes the MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner different from the old-school Technakohl or the standard Eye Kohl pencils? It’s the "Line-Lock Technology." This isn't just a marketing buzzword; it refers to the way the polymers in the gel structure cross-link as the formula dries. You have about 15 to 30 seconds of "play time." During this window, you can smudge it out with a brush for a smoky effect.
But once it sets? It's done.
It’s rated for 24-hour wear on the lids and 12-hour wear on the waterlines. Honestly, who wears eyeliner for 24 hours? Hopefully nobody, but the point is that it survives the humidity of a subway commute or a particularly emotional wedding. High-definition pigment technology ensures that the colors don't fade into a weird greyish tint halfway through the day. The pigments are triple-milled, which is why the "Incorruptible" white or the "Serial Monogamist" green looks just as vibrant at 9 PM as it did at 9 AM.
Breaking Down the Texture Issues
Some gel pencils feel "waxy." They sit on top of the skin and eventually slide off because your natural oils break down the wax. MAC used a mix of synthetic waxes and silicone-based resins. This creates a film-former. It bonds to the skin.
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You’ll notice it’s a mechanical pencil. You twist it up.
A common complaint with mechanical pencils is that they can't get "sharp." If you want a needle-thin flick, you aren't going to get it straight from the tip of this pencil after the first use. Expert tip: Use a flat definer brush to "pick up" pigment from the pencil tip and then apply that to the eye. It gives you the longevity of the gel with the precision of a brush.
Real Talk: The Waterline Struggle
The waterline is the ultimate test for any liner. It's a wet environment. Most liners vanish within an hour because of your tear film. The MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested, which matters if you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes that turn red at the mere suggestion of makeup.
I’ve found that the darker shades, like "Graphic Content" (an eggplant purple) or "The Last Word" (a teal), hold up remarkably well in the waterline. They don't migrate into the inner corner of the eye as "eye gunk."
- Pro Tip for Waterlining: Dry your waterline with a Q-tip before applying the pencil.
- The Set: Give it a full minute without blinking too hard.
- Layering: Don't layer it over powder; put it on bare skin first.
Color Theory and the 2026 Aesthetic
We are moving away from the "perfect" makeup look. People want grit. They want "lived-in" color. This pencil collection includes some genuinely weird, beautiful shades that you don't see in every drugstore brand. "Permanent Vacation" is a bright yellow gold that looks incredible on deeper skin tones. "Commuter Line" is a slate grey that is much more sophisticated than a harsh black for daytime wear.
The finish isn't just matte. Some have a slight pearlescence.
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There's a misconception that you should always use black. Honestly, black can look a bit dated if it’s too harsh. A deep bronze like "Sick Tat Bro" provides the same definition but feels warmer and more modern. It makes blue and green eyes pop in a way that black just can't.
Comparison: MAC vs. The Competition
People always ask: "Is it better than the Marc Jacobs Highliner (RIP) or the Urban Decay 24/7?"
Well, the Marc Jacobs was the gold standard, but since it's gone, the MAC Colour Excess is the closest spiritual successor. Compared to Urban Decay, the MAC pencil feels a bit "drier" in a good way. The Urban Decay 24/7 pencils are very creamy—almost too creamy—meaning they can sometimes migrate if you have oily lids. The MAC gel formula has a faster "set time," which is better for people who don't want to spend all day checking their reflection.
Dealing with the "Permanent" Nature of the Product
Because this stuff is waterproof and transfer-resistant, you can't just splash some water on your face and expect it to budge. You need an oil-based cleanser.
If you use a regular micellar water, you're going to be scrubbing your delicate eye area, which leads to wrinkles and lost lashes. Use something like the MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover or a solid cleansing balm. The formula is designed to withstand sweat and tears, so it requires a bit of chemical "persuasion" to break those polymer bonds at the end of the night.
Common Mistakes Most People Make
The biggest mistake is twisting the pencil up too high.
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Gel formulas are softer than traditional kohl. If you twist up half an inch of product and press down, it will snap. It’s heartbreaking. You only need the tiniest bit of the tip showing. Also, don't leave the cap off. The very thing that makes it stay on your eyes—the volatile silicones that evaporate to "set" the liner—will evaporate inside the pencil if you leave it uncapped, turning your expensive liner into a literal stick of rock.
Is it worth the price tag?
In 2026, we’re seeing a lot of "dupes" on TikTok and Reels. You can find a $5 gel liner at the drugstore. Some are okay. But the pigment load in the MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner is significantly higher. You use less product to get the same result. When you factor in that you aren't reapplying it three times a day, the cost-per-wear actually balances out.
How to Style It for Different Eye Shapes
If you have hooded eyes, this pencil is a lifesaver. Usually, hooded eyes mean that any liner you put on your lash line immediately transfers to your upper lid the moment you open your eyes. Because this sets so fast, you can apply it, keep your eyes closed for ten seconds, and it stays locked.
For round eyes, try "flicking" the outer corner. Take a small, angled brush and pull the product out toward the temple before it sets. This elongates the eye. Since the formula is so pigmented, you don't need to do a thick line; a thin, dark line right at the base of the lashes is enough to create the illusion of thickness.
Practical Steps for Best Results
If you're ready to try the MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner, start with a "safe" color like "Glide or Die" (carbon black) or "Skip the Waitlist" (golden brown).
First, ensure your eyelids are free of heavy oils or un-set concealer. Swipe the pencil along your upper lash line in short, feathered strokes rather than trying to draw one continuous line. If you want a smoky look, use a dense synthetic brush to smudge the edges immediately. Once you feel that "grip" start to happen, stop touching it.
To maximize the life of the pencil, always listen for the "click" when you put the cap back on. Store it in a cool, dry place—not a steamy bathroom—to keep the formula from drying out prematurely. When you’re ready to take it off, hold a soaked cotton pad with oil-based remover over your closed eye for 30 seconds to dissolve the bonds before wiping. This keeps your lashes intact and your skin happy.