Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer Noir

The Verdict

The Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer in Noir isn’t trying to be your all-in-one wonder pencil. It’s laser-focused on one job: delivering the blackest, most reliable kohl line you can buy under $10. And after 225 Amazon ratings averaging 4.5 stars, it’s clear this little pencil has earned its loyal following.

What You Actually Get

The Exaggerate Definer arrives as a full-size 0.04-ounce pencil with a twist-off cap that hides a surprisingly effective built-in sharpener. The pencil itself has a traditional wooden casing — no click-pen mechanism here — so you’ll rely on that cap sharpener to maintain your point. The Noir shade is a deep, matte black with zero shimmer, exactly what you want for tightlining or a classic winged liner.

Performance: The Real Story

The formula strikes that rare balance between creamy and firm. It glides across the lash line without tugging, but it doesn’t melt into a mess the moment it touches skin. I’d describe the texture as a soft kohl that sets to a smudge-resistant finish in about 60 seconds. That short window is your opportunity to blend — after that, it locks in place.

Testing it through a full workday, the liner survived an 8-hour shift, a lunchtime walk in mild humidity, and an afternoon of screen squinting. It didn’t migrate into my crease or leave raccoon eyes. The one caveat: it’s not waterproof. A sweaty gym session or teary-eyed moment will cause minimal fading, though it fades evenly rather than breaking into flakes.

What Buyers Keep Saying

The consensus across Amazon reviews centers on two things: the pigment intensity and the staying power. One reviewer noted, “This is the blackest black I’ve found in a drugstore pencil — it doesn’t look gray or washed out even on my waterline.” Another praised the practical design: “The sharpener in the cap actually works. I’ve bought pencils that claimed this and the sharpener was useless. This one gives a fine point every time.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be direct about the limitations. First, the waterproof claim is generous — this is water-resistant at best. If you need a liner for the pool or a tearful wedding, look elsewhere. Second, the setting time is a double-edged sword. If you’re accustomed to working a smoky eye for several minutes, this pencil will lock in before you finish. Plan your blending quickly or use it strictly for defined lines.

Who Should Buy This

This pencil is ideal for three specific shoppers: the tightlining devotee who wants a precise, long-wearing waterline option; the winged-liner beginner who needs a forgiving glide that doesn’t drag; and the budget-conscious beauty lover who refuses to pay $25 for a kohl pencil when an $8 option performs this well.

Skip it if you demand true waterproof performance, prefer a mechanical pencil you never need to sharpen, or want a formula that stays blendable for extended smoky-eye artistry.

FAQ

Does this pencil work for tightlining (waterline application)? Yes, and it’s one of its strongest uses. The firm-soft texture applies pigment directly to the waterline without skipping, and the built-in sharpener keeps the point precise enough for controlled application.

How long does it actually last before needing to reapply? Most users report 8-10 hours of wear on the lash line with minimal fading. On the waterline, expect closer to 6-8 hours before it begins to soften.

Is this suitable for sensitive eyes? The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and fragrance-free. Many reviewers with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers report no irritation, though as with any eye product, patch test first if you’re prone to reactions.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a high-pigment, smudge-resistant kohl pencil that performs like a premium product at a drugstore price. Skip it if you need waterproof endurance or prefer a self-sharpening mechanical design.

This is one of those rare budget finds that genuinely rivals department-store liners. At 4.6/5, the Exaggerate Eye Definer Noir earns its place in any daily makeup rotation — just keep a tissue handy for unexpected downpours.

Rating: 4.6/5

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.