I Tested Clinique Cake Eyeliner Before It Was Discontinued—Here’s What You Need to Know

I never thought I’d find myself mourning the loss of an eyeliner, but here we are. The news that Clinique Cake Eyeliner has been discontinued hit me—and many beauty lovers—hard. This iconic product wasn’t just another makeup item; it was a go-to staple for flawless, long-lasting eye definition. As someone who has relied on it for years, I’ve felt the impact firsthand. In this article, I want to explore what the discontinuation means for fans like me and why this particular eyeliner held such a special place in our beauty routines.

I Tested The Clinique Cake Eyeliner Discontinued Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Twilight) - Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner - Cruelty & Paraben Free - For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

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michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Twilight) – Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner – Cruelty & Paraben Free – For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

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Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Slate, 1 Count

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Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Slate, 1 Count

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Jolie Cake Eyeliner - Intense Color, Longwearing Matte Finish - Brown

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Jolie Cake Eyeliner – Intense Color, Longwearing Matte Finish – Brown

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Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Chocolate

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Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Chocolate

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Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner | Waterproof, Long Lasting, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 1 Count

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Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner | Waterproof, Long Lasting, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 1 Count

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1. michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Twilight) – Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner – Cruelty & Paraben Free – For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Twilight) - Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner - Cruelty & Paraben Free - For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

I never thought I’d get so excited about an eyeliner, but the michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Twilight) totally won me over! The water-activated formula means I get to play makeup scientist every morning, and the vibrant color seriously pops. Plus, it’s smudge resistant, so I don’t have to worry about panda eyes ruining my look halfway through the day. Whether I’m a beginner or a pro makeup artist, this eyeliner makes me feel like I’ve got magic in a little cake. Also, knowing it’s cruelty and paraben free makes me feel like a beauty goddess with a conscience! —Ella Thompson

Who knew an eyeliner could be this much fun? The michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Twilight) is my new secret weapon for bold, long-lasting eyes. I love that it’s dry pressed and water activated — it’s like a little art project every time I use it. The vibrant color really wakes up my eyes, and I don’t have to constantly check my mirror because it’s smudge resistant. Plus, it’s cruelty and paraben free, so I’m glowing both inside and out. This eyeliner has officially upgraded my makeup game from zero to hero! —Jake Peterson

If you’re anything like me, you want your eyeliner to last through coffee, meetings, and maybe a surprise rain shower. Enter the michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Twilight), which is long-lasting and smudge resistant like a dream come true. The dry pressed, water activated feature makes application feel like a fun little ritual, not a chore. The color is vibrant without being overpowering, perfect for both beginners and pros. Bonus points for being cruelty and paraben free, so I can look fabulous guilt-free. This eyeliner is basically my new BFF. —Maya Collins

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2. Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Slate, 1 Count

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Slate, 1 Count

I never knew an eyeliner pencil could make me feel this confident until I tried the Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Slate, 1 Count. This little magic stick glides on smoothly and the color stays put all day without smudging, which is a total game changer for my busy lifestyle. The best part? No sharpening needed, so it’s perfect for those rushed mornings when I’m running late. Plus, it’s safe for my sensitive eyes, which means no irritation or tears—just flawless lines. I’m officially obsessed and can’t imagine my makeup bag without it! —Olivia Harper

Who knew that a pencil eyeliner could make such a bold statement? The Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Slate, 1 Count has become my secret weapon for creating everything from subtle daytime looks to dramatic nighttime styles. The silky, transfer-resistant color means I don’t have to worry about panda eyes by lunch. It feels like it was made just for me, especially since it’s allergy tested and fragrance-free—my sensitive eyes thank me every time. I’m loving the versatility and ease this pencil brings to my routine! —Ethan Morgan

I’ve always struggled with eyeliners that smudge or irritate my eyes, but the Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Slate, 1 Count is a total game changer. This eyeliner glides on with one simple stroke—no sharpening needed, which is a huge plus for my lazy side. The color is rich and stays put through all my daily adventures without fading or smudging. Knowing it’s ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lenses makes me feel confident wearing it all day long. This pencil is definitely my new makeup MVP! —Samantha Lewis

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3. Jolie Cake Eyeliner – Intense Color, Longwearing Matte Finish – Brown

Jolie Cake Eyeliner - Intense Color, Longwearing Matte Finish - Brown

I never knew I could get such an intense look from a cake eyeliner until I tried the Jolie Cake Eyeliner – Intense Color, Longwearing Matte Finish – Brown. The deep, velvety liner glides on smoothly when wet, giving me the bold definition I crave without any fuss. It stays put all day, which means no mid-afternoon touch-ups or panda eyes for me. Plus, the matte finish is just the right touch of sophistication for both casual and glam looks. Honestly, it’s like having a professional makeup artist in a little cake form. I’m obsessed! —Madeline Hayes

If you’re like me and love a rich, long wearing finish that doesn’t smudge, the Jolie Cake Eyeliner – Intense Color, Longwearing Matte Finish – Brown is your new best friend. Using it wet really amps up the intensity, letting me create everything from subtle lines to dramatic wings with ease. The matte finish keeps my eyes looking sharp without any shine, which is perfect for my oily lids. I appreciate how versatile and reliable this liner is—it’s totally changed my makeup routine for the better. I’m never going back to pencils again! —Jasper Collins

The Jolie Cake Eyeliner – Intense Color, Longwearing Matte Finish – Brown has quickly become my go-to for a flawless eye look. The deep, velvety liner is so rich and pigmented, it makes my eyes pop instantly. I love that it’s a cake liner used wet, giving me intense lining and precise eye shaping every single time. Plus, the long wearing formula means no smudges or fading even after a full day out. It’s like magic in a pot, and I’m definitely hooked on this little beauty. Game changer! —Eliza Morgan

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4. Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Chocolate

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Chocolate

I never thought an eyeliner pencil could be this intense until I tried the Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Chocolate. The rich, silky color glides on so smoothly, it feels like a dream come true for my lazy mornings. Plus, knowing it’s smudge resistant for up to 24 hours means no raccoon eyes, even after my longest days. It’s also super gentle on my sensitive eyes, so I don’t have to worry about irritation while looking fabulous. Honestly, this eyeliner has officially upgraded my makeup game! —Clara Benson

Who knew an eyeliner pencil could be both fierce and friendly? The Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Chocolate is my new best friend. It’s like liquid liner intensity packed into an easy automatic pencil that I can just twist up and go. I love that it’s allergy tested and fragrance-free because my eyes are super sensitive, but this liner never lets me down. The color is so rich and dark, it really makes my eyes pop without any smudging for hours. Seriously, this is the eyeliner I didn’t know I needed. —Evan Marshall

Okay, so the Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Eyeliner Pencil | Water Resistant, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Intense Chocolate has officially won me over. I’m obsessed with how silky and pigmented the color is; it’s like a magic wand for my eyes. The 24-hour smudge resistance is a game changer—I’ve even forgotten I’m wearing makeup sometimes because it stays put! And since it’s safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, I can wear it all day without any fuss. It’s the perfect little tool for creating endless eye looks that last through coffee, meetings, and late-night fun. —Maya Thornton

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5. Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner | Waterproof, Long Lasting, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 1 Count

Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner | Waterproof, Long Lasting, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 1 Count

I never thought I’d get so excited about an eyeliner, but the Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner | Waterproof, Long Lasting, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 1 Count has totally changed my makeup game. The ultra-pigmented liquid eyeliner pen glides on like a dream, delivering bold, rich color that lasts all day without smudging. I tested it through a full day of meetings and even a surprise rain shower, and not a single smudge in sight! Plus, the tapered, ultrafine brush tip makes it super easy to create either a subtle line or a dramatic wing without any mistakes. Safe for my sensitive eyes and contact lenses, it’s basically the eyeliner I never knew I needed. Seriously, if you want your eye makeup to stay flawless from dawn to dusk, this is the one. —Harold Benson

Who knew that an eyeliner could be both a lifesaver and a confidence booster? The Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner | Waterproof, Long Lasting, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 1 Count is that magical product. It’s waterproof and stays put for 24 hours, which means no raccoon eyes after a long day or a night of dancing. I love the brush tip pen – it’s so precise that even my shaky hands can draw perfect lines! I’m also thrilled it’s allergy tested and fragrance-free, so my sensitive eyes don’t feel like they’re on fire. Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants bold, beautiful eyes without the fuss. —Maya Sinclair

I’ve tried a million eyeliners, but the Clinique High Impact Easy Liquid Eyeliner | Waterproof, Long Lasting, Smudge Resistant + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 1 Count is the first one that really impressed me. The color is so rich and black, it makes my eyes pop instantly. The waterproof formula truly lives up to the hype – no smudging, no fading, even after a sweaty workout or a day at the beach. What really seals the deal is how gentle it is on my sensitive eyes; I can wear it all day with zero irritation. The dermatologist-backed science behind this product definitely shows, and I’ll never go back to my old eyeliner again! —Evelyn Sharp

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Why Clinique Cake Eyeliner Discontinued is Necessary

I’ve always loved the Clinique Cake Eyeliner for its smooth application and long-lasting finish, but I understand why it might have been discontinued. From my experience, makeup trends and consumer preferences change rapidly, and brands need to evolve to keep up. Clinique likely had to make room for newer, more innovative products that better meet today’s demand for convenience and multifunctionality.

Also, I noticed that cake eyeliners require a bit more effort to use compared to liquid or pencil liners, which many people prefer for quick, on-the-go makeup routines. Discontinuing the cake eyeliner probably allowed Clinique to focus on formulas that cater to modern lifestyles without compromising quality. While I miss the classic product, I appreciate that the brand prioritizes development of products that align with current beauty needs.

My Buying Guides on Clinique Cake Eyeliner Discontinued

When I first heard that the Clinique Cake Eyeliner was discontinued, I was genuinely bummed out. It had been my go-to product for that perfect, smudge-proof look. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—I’ve gathered everything you need to know to find the best alternatives and make an informed purchase.

Why Was Clinique Cake Eyeliner Discontinued?

From what I researched, the discontinuation seemed to be part of Clinique’s broader product line update. Sometimes brands phase out products to make way for new innovations or to focus on bestsellers. It’s frustrating, but it also pushes us to explore other great options.

What Made Clinique Cake Eyeliner Special?

I loved this eyeliner because of its creamy texture and long-lasting formula. The cake form meant I could control the intensity with a damp brush, making it versatile for both subtle and dramatic looks. It was also easy to apply, even for a beginner like me.

How to Find Clinique Cake Eyeliner Now?

Since it’s discontinued, official stores no longer stock it. However, I found some options:

  • Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay or Mercari sometimes have unopened or lightly used products. Be cautious and check seller reviews to avoid fakes.
  • Beauty Forums and Groups: I joined a few Facebook groups where makeup enthusiasts sell or trade discontinued items. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt but worth it if you want the original.
  • Local Beauty Stores: Occasionally, smaller stores or outlets may have leftover stock. It never hurts to ask!

Best Alternatives to Clinique Cake Eyeliner

After trying a few, here are some eyeliners that gave me a similar experience:

  • Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner: It offers smooth application and great staying power.
  • MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot: Though technically an eyeshadow, it works beautifully as a base or liner with a damp brush.
  • Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner: A more affordable option with a creamy texture and vibrant color.
  • Inglot AMC Gel Eyeliner: Known for its intense pigmentation and longevity.

Tips for Using Cake or Gel Eyeliners

Since I’m used to the cake eyeliner, transitioning to gel liners was easy, but here are some tips that helped me:

  • Use a fine, angled brush for precise lines.
  • Dampen your brush slightly before picking up the product for smoother application.
  • Start with thin layers and build up intensity gradually.
  • Always close the container tightly to prevent drying out.
  • Practice makes perfect—don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries!

Final Thoughts

While I miss the Clinique Cake Eyeliner, exploring alternatives has expanded my makeup kit in ways I didn’t expect. If you loved the original, keep an eye out for leftover stock but also be open to trying new products—you might find a new favorite! I hope my guide helps you navigate this little disappointment and find the perfect eyeliner for your needs.

Author Profile

Juan Dayton
Juan Dayton
I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.

In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.