The Ultimate Showdown: MAC Feline Vs Smolder Eyeliner

Dr. Aglae Morar PhD 15 Jul 2025

Are you, perhaps, on the hunt for that perfect black eyeliner, the one that just makes your eyes pop? Well, you're certainly not alone in that quest, you know. For many makeup lovers, finding the right eye pencil can feel like a real mission, especially when you consider all the options out there. Today, we're going to talk about two very popular choices from a well-known brand: MAC Feline and MAC Smolder. These two eyeliners have, for quite some time, been sparking a lot of chatter among people who really love their makeup, and for good reason, too.

Both of these pencils promise to give you a bold, rather dramatic look, which is pretty exciting. Yet, they each have their own distinct feel and how they perform, so it's not always a simple choice. It's like picking between two amazing tools that do similar things but in their own special way. You might be wondering, which one is better for your waterline, or perhaps for creating a striking line on your upper lid? We will get into all of that, certainly.

It's interesting, too, that a brand like MAC offers such a variety of black pencil liners. They really do have different formulas to suit different makeup needs, which is quite thoughtful. So, whether you're aiming for a super intense look or something that blends out easily for a smoky effect, there's likely a MAC kohl pencil that fits the bill. Let's really get into the details of Feline and Smolder, and maybe help you decide which one might be your next favorite eye product, you know?

Understanding MAC Kohl Pencils
MAC Kohl Feline: A Deep, Dark Mystery
MAC Kohl Smolder: The Smoky Eye Staple
MAC Feline vs Smolder: A Direct Comparison
Other Black Liners to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding Your Perfect Match

Understanding MAC Kohl Pencils

MAC eye kohl pencils are, in some respects, quite special. They're known for being soft and, you know, really easy to work with. They can line, define, and even shade your eyes with a rather rich color. These pencils typically have a silky smooth finish, which might be matte or have a slight pearl sheen, depending on the specific shade. It's pretty neat how versatile they are, honestly.

When you're thinking about a good eyeliner, you probably want something that stays put, looks great, and doesn't bother your eyes. MAC has, like, a whole selection of black pencil liners, each with a different formula to meet various makeup purposes. For example, some are made for really precise, skinny lines, a bit like Graphblack, which is great for that. Others, like Blacktrack, make quick work of crisp cat lines and can sail through tightlining your water lines, which is pretty cool.

But today, our main focus is on two particular black kohl pencils that often come up in conversation: Feline and Smolder. They are, essentially, two of the most talked-about black eyeliners from the brand. So, we'll spend some time exploring what makes each of them unique, and what kind of looks they help you create, you know, so you can make a good choice.

MAC Kohl Feline: A Deep, Dark Mystery

MAC Feline Kohl Power Eye Pencil is, in a way, a bit of a legend among makeup enthusiasts. It's often described as a truly rich, deep dark black. When people talk about Feline, they often use words like "intense carbon black shade," which really gives you an idea of its depth. It's, well, it's pretty much the blackest liner some people have ever come across, which is saying something.

The Intensity of Feline

The intensity of Feline is, honestly, what really sets it apart. It's not just black; it's, like, a super black. People say that when used carefully, it can make your eyes just explode out of your face, which is a very vivid way to put it, isn't it? This deep, almost overwhelming black color is what makes it so popular for creating truly dramatic looks, you know, when you want your eyes to be the main focus.

Despite its intense color, Feline has a creamy texture. This creaminess means it's rather easy to smudge, which can be a good thing if you're going for a smoky eye. You do need to work with it, perhaps with brushes or a finger, to get that smudged effect just right. So, it's not necessarily a pencil for drawing those super precise, skinny lines, but it's really good for creating a softer, more diffused look, if that makes sense.

Applying Feline for Impact

For those who love a really strong look, Feline can be used carefully on the upper lashline. Some people even use a liquid liner as a base underneath it, and this seems to really help with the overall effect and how it wears. It's about building up that intensity, you know, to get the most out of this incredibly dark pencil. It's a rather versatile product for adding serious depth to your eye makeup.

Many users have found that Feline is, like, super black and tends to stay put on their waterline all day. This is a pretty big deal for a lot of people, because eyeliners can often smudge or fade from the waterline rather quickly. So, if you're looking for a black pencil that really lasts in that tricky area, Feline might be a very strong contender for you, honestly.

Feline and Its Availability

One thing to keep in mind about MAC Feline Kohl Power is that it's, well, a limited edition product. This means it's not always available for purchase, which can be a bit frustrating if it becomes your favorite. However, it is often repromoted, so it does make appearances again from time to time. So, if you hear it's back, you might want to grab it, you know, because it might not be around forever.

MAC Kohl Smolder: The Smoky Eye Staple

MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder is, like, another iconic choice when it comes to black eyeliners. It's an intense black color, just like Feline, but it has a smooth matte finish. This matte finish gives it a slightly different character compared to Feline's deep, almost creamy look. It's a staple for many, especially those who love a classic smoky eye, you know, because it blends out so nicely.

Smolder's Texture and Finish

Smolder is known for its smooth texture, which makes it, in a way, very easy to work with. It applies without much drag, and its matte finish provides a very true, deep black look without any shine. This makes it, perhaps, a bit more versatile for everyday wear if you prefer a less reflective finish. It's a rather straightforward black, but it really delivers on its promise of intensity.

When it comes to blending, some people actually love Smolder more than Feline because they find it blends more easily. This is a pretty important point if you're often creating smoky eye looks where seamless blending is key. You can really work with it, using brushes or your fingers, to get that soft, diffused edge that makes a smoky eye look so good, you know, without too much fuss.

Smolder on the Waterline

For a long time, many people used Smolder for their waterline. However, some have found that it would smudge down their waterline throughout the day. This can be a bit of a drawback if you're looking for something that stays perfectly put in that area without any transfer. So, while it gives a great intense black on the waterline initially, its staying power there might not be as strong for everyone, you know, as some other options.

Smolder for Other Uses

Beyond the lash line and waterline, Smolder's smooth matte finish makes it useful for other things too. For instance, while Teddy is a dark bronze shade with a bit of a frosty finish, Smolder, with its matte look, has been found suitable by some for filling in eyebrows, especially if you have very dark brows and want a soft, natural-looking fill. It's a rather interesting alternative use for an eye pencil, honestly.

MAC Feline vs Smolder: A Direct Comparison

When it comes to defining your eyes, MAC’s Eye Kohl Smolder and Feline are, in some respects, two iconic choices that often spark a real debate among makeup enthusiasts. Both deliver bold, dramatic looks, but each has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. It's like choosing between two very good friends who are great for different reasons, you know?

For the Waterline and Upper Lid

A big question people ask is, "Which one would you recommend for the waterline and on the upper lid, MAC Kohl Smolder or MAC Kohl Feline Pencil?" Based on user experiences, Feline seems to have a stronger reputation for staying put on the waterline all day. One person said, "When I ran out, I decided to try Feline and it is better by far. It's super black and stays put on my waterline all day." This is a pretty strong endorsement, honestly.

Smolder, on the other hand, has been known to smudge down the waterline for some users, which can be a bit annoying. So, if your main concern is a long-lasting waterline application, Feline might be the more reliable choice. For the upper lid, both can create a strong line, but their textures lead to different outcomes, you know, depending on what you're aiming for.

Ease of Blending and Smudging

Feline is described as being "easy to smudge," which is great for creating that soft, smoky look. You do need to work with it, perhaps with brushes or a finger, to get the desired effect. Smolder, however, is often praised for blending even more easily. One user actually said, "Ok ok, I know everyone raves about Feline by MAC, but I happen to love Smolder more, it blends more easily to me (than Feline)." This suggests that if a super blendable pencil for smoky eyes is your top priority, Smolder might be the winner for you, you know, because it really melts into the skin.

Overall Look and Feel

Feline is the "blackest liner" some people have ever come across, making eyes "explode out of your face." It offers an incredibly intense, almost carbon black. Smolder is also an "intense black color," but with a "smooth matte finish." So, while both are very black, Feline might give you that extra punch of darkness, a bit like a super concentrated pigment. Smolder provides a more traditional, soft matte black, which is also very beautiful in its own right, you know, for a classic look.

Other Black Liners to Consider

It's worth noting that MAC has, like, many different black kohl pencils, so if Feline or Smolder don't quite hit the mark for you, there are other options. For twist-up pencils that easily smudge, you might try Squid or Cat's Meow from the Modern Twist Kajal line. These offer different experiences, so it's always good to explore, you know, what else is out there.

Also, when thinking about eyeliners, it's pretty common to compare brands. Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils retail for about $19, while MAC's Eye Kohls go for about $15. Price can be a factor for some, of course. Some people have tried "every high-end and mid-range eyeliner of every kind" and found that a particular MAC pencil was the "only black pencil eyeliner that doesn't irritate my eyes." This is a rather important point for those with sensitive eyes, you know, as comfort is key.

You can learn more about eye makeup tips on our site, and also find out more about different eyeliner types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people often ask about these eyeliners:

Is MAC Feline still available for purchase?

MAC Feline Kohl Power Eye Pencil is, like, a limited edition product. This means it's not always available right now, but it does get repromoted quite often. So, if you're looking for it, keep an eye out for special collections or re-releases, you know, because it might pop up again.

Which MAC black eyeliner is best for a smoky eye?

For a smoky eye, both MAC Feline and Smolder are, in some respects, good choices because they are easy to smudge. However, many people find that Smolder blends more easily than Feline. So, if you want a really soft, diffused smoky look that's simple to achieve, Smolder might be the slightly better option for you, honestly.

Can MAC Smolder be used on the waterline without smudging?

Some users have found that MAC Smolder can smudge down their waterline throughout the day. While it gives an intense black color, its staying power on the waterline might vary from person to person. If you need something that really stays put on the waterline, Feline has a stronger reputation for that, you know, based on user experiences.

Finding Your Perfect Match

Choosing between MAC Feline and Smolder really comes down to what you're looking for in a black eyeliner. If you want the absolute blackest, most intense shade that stays put on the waterline for a long time, Feline might be your best bet, even if it's a bit harder to find sometimes. It's a powerful tool for making your eyes truly stand out, you know, with that deep, deep color.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth matte finish that blends out super easily for that perfect smoky eye, Smolder is, like, a fantastic choice. It's a reliable staple that many people swear by for its versatility and how simple it is to work with. So, with either purchase, Feline or Smolder, you won't be, well, you won't be making a bad choice at all, you know?

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