It’s no secret that black eyeliner is really all you need to evoke a sense of mystery and instant mood—call it The Swoosh of the makeup world. Guerlain's classic Terracotta Ko hl has long provided our lids with a slept-in smolder à la Penélope Cruz, Debbie Harry, Brigitte Bardot, Freida Pinto, et al., but the loose powder formula was, as ITG’s Alessandra explained, “not something I [use] a lot, because it tends to end up places, you know?” It appears Guerlain's been listening.

The French house just released Guerlain Khôl Me Kajal, eschewing the powder formula and vial container (see: Sarah Michelle Gellar's necklace in Cruel Intentions) for a silky crayon encased in a fountain-pen package. Using it feels luxurious and ritualistic, as if you'd swiped it straight off Cleopatra’s vanity. And, best of all, its depth-enhancing effect hasn’t changed a bit, but now there's no stray black dust to worry about. Apply with the precision tip for a controlled, chalky line, or smudge it out with your finger for an easy smoky eye. Then, return the pencil to its upright and locked position in the “inkwell,” until the next time you crave a bit of expensive-feeling danger.

Photos by Elizabeth Brockway.