NOUBA: Rainbow Eye Liner


NOUBA loves vivid colours. But of course, why wouldn't it? The creator of NOUBA was inspired by the Nuba people of Sudan who are skillful face and body painters.

So, the use of the word Rainbow in the name here certainly isn't out of sync. It really does offer a plethora of colours in its range of liquid eyeliners. Some are subdued (black, brown) and some of loud (super hot pink). Some have shimmer/glitter and some are matte.

I got one somewhere in between, a matte blue with a bit of sheen. When it comes to colours on the eyes, I tend to have a thing for blue. I won't pretend that I don't know where this obsession stems from. I blame it purely on having spent too many years using coral+brown+black on my eyes (in Witoxicity-speak: my dull, pre-beauty awakening era).


No. 17 is the number given to this blue. Here's what NOUBA says about the Rainbow Eye Liner:
Interesting combination and incredible variety of colours that allow to characterize and personalize the make up of the eye with a special eye liner. The perfect adhesion of the product, the exact softness of the brush and the great simpleness of application, make of this eye liner a product unique in its line.

The eyeliner costs around €16.90 for 5ml. I'm not able to establish exactly how many colours there are in the Rainbow Eye Liner range (the stores that I've come across don't always have the full range, and there is no indication of it on the website either).

Ingredients
Please click to enlarge.


The Brush
The brush is quite fine, but don't expect to get a super-fine line with it. I do find that it draws on moderately thick. However, if you want to wing it, it's still possible. The black brush handle has a good grip. It feels rubbery (think NARS).


The Eyeliner Liquid
The liquid does take a while to dry on the lid. I tend to have problems with it in the inner corner of the eye due to the way my eyelid folds (inwards). Sometimes, it smudges despite my waiting for it to dry with my eye closed (and not to mention, looking very elegant while at it).

This brings me to my next point. It's not waterproof. So, it will smudge if in contact with dampness or if you have watery eyes. Under normal (dry) circumstances, it does stay put for more than half a day, in my case. At the end of the day, there is a tiny bit of flaking.

My first impression when I got the eyeliner was that the contents seemed dry, just from looking through the packaging (image: notice the crack in the contents). Luckily, I haven't had the experience of pulling out a dry brush so far in the last few weeks I've been using it.


Something trivial: It's not obvious unless you hold the brush to your nose - it smells rather like baby powder.


Just a hint of eyeshadow: NARS Demon Lover
Eyeliner: NOUBA Rainbow Eye Liner No. 17
Mascara: GOSH Wonder Volume Mascara

Last Words
I do think it is pricey for an eyeliner that is not cast-iron lasting (there are less expensive colourful alternatives on the market). Then again, a high-end makeup brand is how NOUBA has chosen to position itself as, however justified or unjustified it is. Personally, I'm still ambivalent about the brand, after having tried its Plumping Gloss Stick lipstick and this eyeliner. That being said though, I think I will always be fascinated by the rainbow colours that so characterises this brand.

I bought this eyeliner from ICI Paris XL. NOUBA is also available in some (larger) Douglas stores.


Further reading:
NOUBA: Plumping Gloss Stick
NOUBA website

19 comments:

Inner Belle said...

this is such a stunning blue and looks amazing on you x

Unknown said...

That is such a beautiful and vibrant colour. Love it! :) Sad that it's not waterproof, I can imagine it running down my face at the end of the day.

Anahita said...

wow what a beautiful vibrant blue that is!

Amanda said...

Oh wow that eyeliner is so pretty and intense!

Anonymous said...

This blue eyeliner looks stunning. I love it! "KTee"xx

Unknown said...

Wahou!!
It's so gorgeous!!
I'm jealous!!

Anonymous said...

Pricey but it's a beautiful color. A real "Eye catcher". Great post, take care Nicole :)

Marisa Álvarez said...

The colour is absolutely amazing, I have to say that I love the deep blue ones. But like you said, it's quite pricey and it's not for an everyday look. I haven't tried Nouba already! Kisses!

Witoxicity said...

@Amina
Thanks, Amina. :)

@London's-beauty
That's right. It's such a pity. I need waterproof! :D

@Madiha
Haha, you can't miss a blue like this. :)

@Amandita
This blue would look great on you. I know you love vibrant colours like this. :)

@KTee
Hey, KTee! I'm pleased you like this. Yay! :)

@rock-or-not
Thanks, but there's no need to be jealous! Go get yourself a blue like this and you can get this look in no time. :)

@Nicole
Thanks, Nicole. Haha, yes, very eyecatching, this one. That's probably the intention of NOUBA anyway. :)

@Naoko
Hi, Naoko! I'm glad you like this blue, but so true - it's not something one would wear everyday. Imagine! :D

sugar sugar said...

this amazingly pigmented and gorgeous on your eyes! :)

Witoxicity said...

@sugar sugar
Thank you! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I LOVE this. That blue. Electric!

Mz More said...

Woa woa woa I am loving this. I have been on a winged blue liner kick all week and this is perfect. Nice and bright. Love it!

gingerSnap said...

Eyecatching color! So intense and pretty on your eyes! luv it!

Shivani said...

This is such a beautiful color. We don't have this brand in North America, but its amazing to see the brands in the other side of the world.

Gail said...

Never knew about where Nouba name came from! Interesting. I always thought Nouba was the sister co. of Nars, or something? hmm. Looks fab but sounds like it isn't the best one out there xx

Witoxicity said...

@The Diva's Polish
Thanks. It's quite a shock of blue on the eyes, isn't it? :D

@Mz. More
Thank you, my dear. Oooh, I can definitely see you rocking this kind of blue! :)

@gingerSnap
Thanks, gingerSnap. This is certainly no wallflower colour. Heh heh!

@Adorable On Your Vanity
And I would say the same of you from my neck of the woods. You have some great brands in Canada too! :)

@Gail
Hi, Gail! I used to think the same too about its possible relation to NARS. The packaging of some of the NOUBA products do bear a striking resemblance to those of NARS. As far as I know, these two brands are not related. NOUBA is not French. It's Italian, founded by a makeup artist by the name of Rosy Armanini. :)

Inge (PolishSis) said...

Thank you sooo much for this review, so many times I stood in the ICI Paris checking out a gorgeous green liner from Noubar and doubted whether I should buy it or not. As I like my make-up to stay on for an entire day, I doubt if I will pay this much money for the eyeliner...but DAMN your eyes look sexy with that bright blue liner!

Witoxicity said...

@PolishSis
Haha, thanks, Inge. You know, I too stood many times oggling at all the colours of NOUBA before finally taking the plunge. The colours are indeed gorgeous and I'm happy with my choices (the lipstick is a dark fuchsia/purplish shade), but the quality is just o-kay. I'm glad this review is of some help. :)