Even the savviest among us can have difficulty executing a smoky eye. Yes, there are tutorials and maybe even a boss that can help figure out how to perfectly blend the dark shadow into your eyelids without putting on, or wiping off, too much product. And there are facilitating tools— a Q-tip with some moisturizer or a brush specifically aimed at shading—but at the end of the day, many of us still find ourselves too befuddled to dabble in the dark (eyeshadow) arts. Simply put: it's messy. Well, Maybelline's Master Smoky Longwearing Shadow-Pencil is the closest thing to idiot-proof we’ve found (we’ve tested and can vouch) for the smokily-challenged.

Available in six shades (ranging from neutrals to purple, green, and blue), the dual-sided pencil has a soft, creamy, and blendable crayon on one end and a rounded sponge tip on the other. You probably already know what to do: after a few strokes of the soft liner along your top and bottom lashes, use the sponge to blend out the color to the desired level of strength (smokeshow status or subtle eye-opening effect). Oh, and it's $6.99...but can you really put a price on instant drama?

Photos by Elizabeth Brockway.