Smashbox’s Chrome Eyeliners Are a Mermaidcore Dream

Once, when I was in elementary school, I had a dream I was a mermaid. It was… the greatest thing ever.

I’ve obviously been chasing that feeling ever since, and the closest I’ve gotten is hanging by a pool while wearing shimmery, colorful eyeliner. Surprisingly, its a pretty close match… but there’s still a problem. How often do you have the chance for some pool time?

The good news: Smashbox’s new melted metal eyeliners are so mermaid that you might be able to ditch the water part altogether. On July 12, the brand is launching the Metal FX Eyeliners, a set of four molted-metal shades that’ll make all your dreams come true. Keep reading to learn everything about the new liners, including application tips by the brand’s Global Pro Lead Artist, Lori Taylor Davis

The Inspiration

Davis says that Metal FX was born from the desire to blend editorial artistry with real-world wearability. That meant “taking the electrifying sheen of runway looks and translating them into effortless, everyday application.”

“As a makeup artist, I see Metal FX as a natural evolution of Smashbox’s studio roots—where bold pigment and precision meet long-wear innovation,” she says. “The inspiration came from the makeup rooms, makeup trailers, and personal makeup areas which all demand products that not only catch light but hold up under it—think metallic editorial looks that can survive a full day shoot. Metal FX delivers on that promise: studio-tested, artist-approved, and high performance.”

The Formula

The liners are available in four high-impact metal colors: Molten, a warm brown; Medal, a deep gold; Bordeauxx, a twinkly maroon, and Jolt, a bright green. Like every Smashbox product, they were studio-tested to hold up through heat, sweat, and long days darting through the water (they’re waterproof and smudge-proof!) or basking on a rock while brushing your hair with a fork you found (fade-proof, too).

How to Use It

According to Davis, Metal FX is a multitasker’s dream.

“Sure, it’s perfect for a classic wing, but I love playing with it as a metallic shadow base, a pop of light in the inner corner, or even stamped over a matte shadow for a dimensional foil finish,” she says.

An easy trick anyone can make happen is to apply it as a normal liner, then quickly smudge with your finger or a brush before it sets into place.

“It gives you a soft-metal smoky look that’s wearable and modern. Clients love that they can go from simple to statement in a second,” she explains. “You can wear more than one color at a time. The texture allows you to layer the color to create custom colors for true makeup individuality.”

Or plain girl to mergirl? I’ve seen H2O and know how this works. Just add Metal FX.