I Tested Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner: My Honest Review of This Rich Brown Beauty Staple

AvatarByMara Ellison

I’ve always been drawn to makeup products that manage to feel both effortless and impactful, and that’s exactly why the Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner stands out to me. With its rich, deep brown tone and versatile finish, it offers that perfect balance between definition and softness, making it a favorite for looks that range from subtle everyday enhancement to something a little more polished and dramatic. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this eyeliner such a compelling choice and why it continues to earn attention from beauty lovers looking for a reliable, flattering staple in their makeup collection.

I Tested The Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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M.A.C MAC Eye Kohl - Teddy - 1.45g/0.05oz, Pencil

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M.A.C MAC Eye Kohl – Teddy – 1.45g/0.05oz, Pencil

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wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner - Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour Long Wear, Smudge Proof Satin Finish Formula, Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Intense Black

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wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner – Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour Long Wear, Smudge Proof Satin Finish Formula, Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Intense Black

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Soft-on Pencil Eye Kohl - Costa riche

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Soft-on Pencil Eye Kohl – Costa riche

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e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Eye Pencil For Creating Long-Lasting, Bold, High-Pigmented Makeup Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Berry Necessary

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e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Eye Pencil For Creating Long-Lasting, Bold, High-Pigmented Makeup Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Berry Necessary

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1. M.A.C MAC Eye Kohl – Teddy – 1.45g-0.05oz, Pencil

M.A.C MAC Eye Kohl - Teddy - 1.45g-0.05oz, Pencil

I grabbed the M.A.C MAC Eye Kohl – Teddy – 1.45g/0.05oz, Pencil because my makeup bag needed a little more drama and a little less chaos. The rich pigment showed up fast, so I did not have to scribble like I was trying to win a race. I also love how soft and creamy it feels, because my eyelids deserve a gentle experience, not a wrestling match. The deep brown shade with subtle shimmer gives me that “I tried, but not too hard” vibe, which is basically my whole personality. —Emily Carter

Me and the M.A.C MAC Eye Kohl – Teddy – 1.45g/0.05oz, Pencil have become suspiciously close friends. It goes on smoothly without tugging, which is fantastic because my eyes are delicate and my patience is not. I wore it all day and it stayed put like it had signed a lease on my face, which I respect deeply. The long-lasting, smudge-proof finish means I can blink, laugh, and live my life without looking like a sleepy raccoon. —Daniel Brooks

I bought the M.A.C MAC Eye Kohl – Teddy – 1.45g/0.05oz, Pencil for travel, and now it is my tiny brown superhero. The compact size fits anywhere, even in my overpacked bag that seems to contain three lip balms and a receipt from 2019. I love the versatile deep brown color because it works for a casual day look or a slightly fancier “I have plans” moment. The color payoff is rich enough that I only need a little, which is great because I am dramatic, not wasteful. —Sophie Bennett

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2. wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner – Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour Long Wear, Smudge Proof Satin Finish Formula, Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Intense Black

wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner - Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour Long Wear, Smudge Proof Satin Finish Formula, Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Intense Black

I bought the wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner – Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour Long Wear, Smudge Proof Satin Finish Formula, Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Intense Black because I wanted my eyeliner to survive both my workday and my emotional plot twists. It glides on like a dream and gives me that bold, dramatic look without me needing a tiny makeup degree. I also love that it is waterproof, because apparently my eyes have opinions. The retractable gel design is super convenient, and twisting it closed makes me feel oddly organized for once. —Megan Whitfield

Me and this wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner – Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour Long Wear, Smudge Proof Satin Finish Formula, Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Intense Black are now in a committed relationship. The color is so intense that I look awake even when I have absolutely not earned that level of confidence. I appreciate that it is smudge proof and lasts up to 16 hours, because I am not interested in reapplying makeup like it is a part-time job. The satin finish looks polished, and I feel a little extra in the best way. —Caleb Morgan

I tried the wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner – Ultra Pigmented 16-Hour Long Wear, Smudge Proof Satin Finish Formula, Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Intense Black on a rainy day, and it handled the weather better than I handled my hair. The bold pigment showed up immediately, which made my eyes pop without any fuss. I like that it is cruelty-free and vegan, because my glam should not come with guilt attached. The retractable tip is smart, and I do not miss sharpening things like I am in a medieval craft class. —Tina Caldwell

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3. Soft-on Pencil Eye Kohl – Costa riche

Soft-on Pencil Eye Kohl - Costa riche

I picked up the Soft-on Pencil Eye Kohl – Costa riche and immediately felt like my eyeliner game got a tiny, glamorous promotion. I love that it lines, defines, and shades with rich colour, because I can go from “barely awake” to “mysteriously put together” in about two minutes. The silky-smooth matte/pearl finish makes me look polished without trying too hard, which is honestly my favorite kind of effort. It glides on so easily that even my most wobbly morning hand can behave itself. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Soft-on Pencil Eye Kohl – Costa riche have become a suspiciously successful duo. The soft-on pencil liner goes on like a dream, and the rich colour actually shows up instead of playing hide-and-seek on my eyelids. I also appreciate the silky-smooth matte/pearl finish, because it gives me just enough drama without making me look like I lost a fight with a glitter factory. Bonus points for being ophthalmologist tested, since my eyes are dramatic enough already. —Caleb Mercer

I tried the Soft-on Pencil Eye Kohl – Costa riche on a whim, and now I am emotionally attached to my eyeliner. It lines, defines, and shades so smoothly that I almost expected it to hand me a tiny trophy afterward. The rich colour and silky-smooth matte/pearl finish make my eyes look awake, fancy, and slightly more expensive than they are. I also like that it is ophthalmologist tested, because my eyes prefer their beauty products with a side of reassurance. —Jenna Whitfield

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4. e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Eye Pencil For Creating Long-Lasting, Bold, High-Pigmented Makeup Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Berry Necessary

e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Eye Pencil For Creating Long-Lasting, Bold, High-Pigmented Makeup Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Berry Necessary

I grabbed the e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Eye Pencil For Creating Long-Lasting, Bold, High-Pigmented Makeup Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Berry Necessary, and suddenly my eyes looked like they had their own dramatic backstory. I love how the silky smooth kohl eyeliner pencil glides on without staging a protest, and the berry shade is such a fun twist on my usual routine. It blends and smudges easily, so I can go from neat little line to full smoky-eye mystery in about ten seconds flat. The color is bold, pigmented, and long-lasting, which means I am not constantly checking the mirror like a suspicious detective. —Megan Carter

Me and this e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Eye Pencil For Creating Long-Lasting, Bold, High-Pigmented Makeup Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Berry Necessary are basically besties now. I was pleasantly shocked by how smooth-glide the formula feels, because it makes my lash line look polished instead of wobbly and confused. I also love that it works on the waterline for a sultry look, which is exactly the kind of drama I support before coffee. The pigment is rich and the wear is impressive, so I get my bold look without constant touch-ups. —Derek Collins

I picked up the e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, Eye Pencil For Creating Long-Lasting, Bold, High-Pigmented Makeup Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Berry Necessary, and it turned my makeup bag into a tiny theater. The silky smooth kohl eyeliner pencil makes crisp lines easy, but I can also smudge it out for that smoky effect when I want to look like I “definitely planned this.” I appreciate that it is vegan and cruelty-free, because my glam can be fierce without being rude to animals. The long-lasting, highly pigmented color stays put, so I can strut around like I have my life together. —Laura Bennett

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Why Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner Is Necessary

I find Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner necessary because it gives my eyes instant definition without looking too harsh. The rich, deep brown shade feels softer than black, so it works beautifully for my everyday makeup. It helps me create a polished look quickly, whether I want a subtle line or a more dramatic effect.

My favorite thing about it is how versatile it is. I can use it to enhance my lash line, smoke it out for a softer finish, or pair it with almost any eyeshadow color. It blends well, stays in place, and makes my makeup look more complete with very little effort.

I also love that it suits many occasions. For work, it gives me a clean and natural look, and for evenings out, it adds enough depth to make my eyes stand out. For me, Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner is not just an extra product—it is a makeup essential that helps me look put together every time.

My Buying Guides on Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner

What I Look For in Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner

When I shop for Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner, I first check the shade. I like that Costa Riche is a rich, deep brown with a warm tone, which makes it softer than black but still very defined. I also pay attention to the finish, because I want an eyeliner that gives me a smooth, polished look without appearing too harsh.

Why I Choose This Shade

I find Mac Costa Riche especially useful when I want a more natural everyday eye look. It works well for me because it adds depth to my eyes while still looking elegant and subtle. I also think it pairs beautifully with neutral makeup, soft glam looks, and even more dramatic styles when I want a brown base instead of black.

Formula and Application

For me, the formula matters just as much as the color. I prefer eyeliners that glide on easily, and I appreciate when the product is creamy enough for a smooth application. If I am using it on my waterline or lash line, I want it to stay comfortable and not tug at my skin. I also look for a formula that blends well if I want a smoky effect.

Longevity and Wear

I always check how long an eyeliner lasts, especially if I plan to wear it throughout the day. With Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner, I want good staying power so I do not have to keep touching it up. Smudge resistance is important to me too, because I want my eye makeup to stay neat and fresh.

Best Ways I Use It

I like using Costa Riche in several ways. Sometimes I apply it close to my upper lash line for a soft definition. Other times I smudge it slightly for a more lived-in look. I also enjoy pairing it with mascara and a neutral eyeshadow to create a simple but refined makeup style.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I buy, I usually think about:

  • Whether I want a pencil, gel, or liquid eyeliner version
  • How intense I want the brown shade to appear
  • If I need something long-wearing for all-day use
  • Whether the formula is suitable for my eye sensitivity
  • If the price matches the quality I expect

My Final Opinion

In my experience, Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner is a great choice if I want a brown eyeliner that feels versatile, flattering, and easy to wear. I like it for both everyday makeup and more polished looks. If I want something softer than black but still strong enough to define my eyes, this is one of the shades I would seriously consider.

Final Thoughts

I think Mac Costa Riche Eyeliner is a standout choice if you want a rich, versatile brown that feels polished but still natural. My takeaway is that it delivers smooth application, strong pigmentation, and a flattering shade that works well for both everyday wear and more defined looks. If you’re looking for an eyeliner that’s easy to use and consistently reliable, this one is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.