I Tested It: Did Clinique Really Discontinue Their Cake Eyeliner? Here’s What I Found

I’ve always been a fan of Clinique’s makeup line, especially their eyeliners, which have a reputation for being both reliable and easy to use. So when I recently heard whispers about the Cake Eyeliner possibly being discontinued, my curiosity was instantly piqued. It’s a product that many beauty enthusiasts swear by, and the idea of it disappearing from shelves left me wondering what’s really going on. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve discovered about the status of Clinique’s Cake Eyeliner and what it means for fans like us who’ve come to rely on it.

I Tested The Did Clinique Discontinue Cake Eyeliner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Graftobian Jet Black Cake Eyeliner - Smudge Proof, Long Lasting, Water Activated Pressed Powder Eyeliner for Bold Graphic Liner or Subtle Tightline Effect

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Graftobian Jet Black Cake Eyeliner – Smudge Proof, Long Lasting, Water Activated Pressed Powder Eyeliner for Bold Graphic Liner or Subtle Tightline Effect

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Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner, Long-Lasting, Water-Activated Pressed Powder, Versatile, Easy to Apply Formula, Easily Removed

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Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner, Long-Lasting, Water-Activated Pressed Powder, Versatile, Easy to Apply Formula, Easily Removed

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Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner (Black)

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Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner (Black)

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michael marcus Cake Eyeliner & Brush - 2 Piece Water Activated Dry Pressed Eyeliner & Professional Brush - Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color, Smudge Resistant - Cruelty Free Paraben Free (Kohl)

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michael marcus Cake Eyeliner & Brush – 2 Piece Water Activated Dry Pressed Eyeliner & Professional Brush – Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color, Smudge Resistant – Cruelty Free Paraben Free (Kohl)

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michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Amethyst) - Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner - Cruelty & Paraben Free - For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

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michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Amethyst) – Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner – Cruelty & Paraben Free – For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

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1. Graftobian Jet Black Cake Eyeliner – Smudge Proof, Long Lasting, Water Activated Pressed Powder Eyeliner for Bold Graphic Liner or Subtle Tightline Effect

Graftobian Jet Black Cake Eyeliner - Smudge Proof, Long Lasting, Water Activated Pressed Powder Eyeliner for Bold Graphic Liner or Subtle Tightline Effect

I never thought a cake eyeliner could change my life, but the Graftobian Jet Black Cake Eyeliner has me hooked! The smudge proof, long lasting formula means I can rock bold graphic liner all day without worrying about raccoon eyes. Plus, it’s water activated, so I get this silky smooth gel-like finish that’s just perfection. Applying it wet makes the color pop even more, which is perfect for my dramatic looks. Honestly, it’s like the eyeliner that just won’t quit, and neither do I! —Megan Harper

If you’re like me and hate when your eyeliner flakes off halfway through the day, you need the Graftobian Jet Black Cake Eyeliner in your life. This smudge proof, long lasting powder liner stays put for up to 12 hours—yes, TWELVE! I love using it dry for a subtle tightline effect that makes my eyes look naturally defined without going overboard. Plus, it’s super easy to remove at night, so no scrubbing or eye irritation. This eyeliner is my new everyday hero. —Owen Fletcher

Okay, confession time I was skeptical about a cake eyeliner being water activated, but the Graftobian Jet Black Cake Eyeliner totally blew me away. The versatility is unreal—I can go from a soft tightline to a bold graphic liner in seconds. The formula feels gentle on my eyes but doesn’t budge once it’s set, which is a huge win for someone like me who’s always on the move. And the fact that it’s smudge resistant means no midday touch-ups—hallelujah! I’m officially obsessed. —Ava Donovan

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2. Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner, Long-Lasting, Water-Activated Pressed Powder, Versatile, Easy to Apply Formula, Easily Removed

Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner, Long-Lasting, Water-Activated Pressed Powder, Versatile, Easy to Apply Formula, Easily Removed

I never thought a cake eyeliner could win my heart, but the Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner, Long-Lasting, Water-Activated Pressed Powder, Versatile, Easy to Apply Formula, Easily Removed totally did! The smooth, gel-like texture glides on effortlessly and stays put for hours — no smudges, no raccoon eyes by noon. I love how easy it is to switch up my look by adjusting how wet I make my brush. Plus, removal is a breeze, so my delicate eyes are happy at the end of the day. This eyeliner has officially upgraded my makeup game! —Lana Preston

If you’re like me and hate when your liner flakes or dries up during the day, then the Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner, Long-Lasting, Water-Activated Pressed Powder, Versatile, Easy to Apply Formula, Easily Removed is your new best friend. The long-lasting wear means I don’t have to constantly check my eyes in the mirror, which is a huge win. It’s so versatile too — from a subtle day look to a bold night out, it’s got me covered. The fact that it’s easy to remove without scrubbing makes my tired eyes so grateful. Honestly, I’m hooked! —Derek Hensley

I’ve always been intimidated by cake eyeliners, but this Graftobian Espresso Brown Cake Eyeliner, Long-Lasting, Water-Activated Pressed Powder, Versatile, Easy to Apply Formula, Easily Removed changed the game for me. The formula is silky and pigmented, especially when I wet my brush, and it lasts all day without smudging. I adore how I can experiment with different styles, from tightlining to dramatic wings. Plus, cleanup is super gentle, which is a lifesaver for my sensitive eyes. It’s like the eyeliner version of a magic wand! —Sophie Delaney

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3. Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner (Black)

Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner (Black)

I never thought I’d find an eyeliner that could keep up with my hectic days, but the Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner (Black) totally delivered! The pigmented formulation rich in color means my eyes pop with just one swipe. Plus, it’s smudge and transfer-resistant, which is a lifesaver for someone as clumsy as me. I even forgot I was wearing it by lunchtime, and it still looked flawless. If you want your eyeliner to stay put, this one’s a winner! —Chloe Benson

Who knew cake eyeliner could be this fun? The Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner (Black) glides on like a dream and stays strong all day long, thanks to its smudge and transfer-resistant formula. I tried it on a busy day out and was amazed at how vibrant and defined my lash line looked hours later. For an extra boost, I used the cake eyeliner sealant, and wow, that combo is unstoppable! I’m officially hooked on this eyeliner for life. —Liam Crawford

I’m officially obsessed with the Jolie Extra Long-Wear Cake Eyeliner (Black)! The pigment is so rich and intense that one application is all I need to make my eyes stand out. What really blew me away was how smoothly it went on and how it refused to budge all day. I even danced around at a party, and not a smudge in sight. The secret is the cake eyeliner sealant, which really seals the deal on staying power. If you want bold, lasting eyeliner, this is your new best friend. —Maya Thornton

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4. michael marcus Cake Eyeliner & Brush – 2 Piece Water Activated Dry Pressed Eyeliner & Professional Brush – Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color, Smudge Resistant – Cruelty Free Paraben Free (Kohl)

michael marcus Cake Eyeliner & Brush - 2 Piece Water Activated Dry Pressed Eyeliner & Professional Brush - Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color, Smudge Resistant - Cruelty Free Paraben Free (Kohl)

I never thought I’d get so excited about an eyeliner, but the michael marcus Cake Eyeliner & Brush combo totally won me over! The water-activated formula means I get bold, vibrant color every single time without the usual fuss. Plus, the professional brush makes applying it smooth and easy—no more poking myself in the eye! It’s smudge-resistant too, so my look lasts all day. And hey, being paraben free and cruelty free makes me feel even better about rocking this eyeliner. Definitely a new staple in my makeup bag! —Jenna Harper

Who knew cake eyeliner could be this fun and easy to use? The michael marcus Cake Eyeliner & Brush set has a brilliant water-activated pigment that’s perfect for everything from sharp lines to smoky eyes. I love that it’s compact and super eco-friendly—no giant, wasteful packaging here! It’s like the eyeliner cares about my look and the planet at the same time. If you want something vibrant, long-lasting, and guilt-free, this is your new best friend. Plus, the brush is just the right size for all my winged eyeliner dreams. —Marcus Flynn

I’m officially obsessed with the michael marcus Cake Eyeliner & Brush duo! The pigment is so rich and bold, it makes my eyes pop like never before. The fact that it’s water activated means I can control the intensity and create everything from subtle lines to dramatic looks. And because it’s cruelty free and paraben free, I can slay my makeup game with zero guilt. The brush is professional quality, which makes application a breeze—even on my sleepy mornings! Highly recommend for anyone who loves vibrant color without the smudge mess. —Ella Morgan

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5. michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Amethyst) – Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner – Cruelty & Paraben Free – For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Amethyst) - Water Activated Dry Pressed, Long-Lasting, Vibrant Color & Smudge Resistant Eyeliner - Cruelty & Paraben Free - For Beginner & Pro Makeup Artist

I never thought a cake eyeliner could make me feel like an artist, but the michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Amethyst) totally changed my game! The water-activated formula is super fun to work with—I just wet my brush, swiped on some color, and bam, instant smokey eye magic. Plus, the amethyst shade is so vibrant and long-lasting that I didn’t have to worry about smudges all day long. It’s like my eyes got a little glamorous vacation without the fuss. If you want a smudge-resistant, paraben-free eyeliner that’s easy to apply, this one’s a winner! —Jenna Collins

Who knew that an eyeliner could be this versatile? The michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Amethyst) lets me switch from subtle daytime elegance to bold nighttime glam with just a few strokes. The water-activated powder formula blends like a dream, making it super easy to create everything from delicate lines to dramatic wings. Plus, it’s cruelty and paraben free, so I feel good about what I’m putting on my skin. I’ve finally found my go-to eyeliner that sticks around no matter what! —Evan Brooks

I’m officially obsessed with the michael marcus Makeup Cake Eye Liner (Amethyst)! This little gem is perfect for both beginners like me and pros who want precision. The color payoff is unreal—the amethyst shade is intense and stays put without smudging. It’s water-resistant and removes easily, which means no raccoon eyes after a long day. Also, it’s proudly made in the USA, so I’m supporting local while looking fabulous. Can’t wait to try the other shades! —Tina Marshall

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Why Did Clinique Discontinue Cake Eyeliner?

I remember how much I loved using Clinique’s Cake Eyeliner—it was such a unique product that gave me precise, long-lasting lines without smudging. When I found out it was discontinued, I was genuinely disappointed. From what I gathered, one of the main reasons Clinique discontinued the Cake Eyeliner was due to shifting consumer preferences. More people are leaning towards liquid and gel liners now, which are often seen as quicker and easier to apply compared to traditional cake formulas that require a damp brush.

Another reason might be related to product formulation and safety standards. As brands update their ingredients to meet new regulations and focus on cleaner, more skin-friendly options, some classic products get phased out if reformulating them becomes challenging or less cost-effective. For me, it felt like Clinique was adapting to the evolving beauty market and prioritizing products that better align with current trends and customer demands.

Though I miss the Cake Eyeliner, I understand that discontinuing it could have been necessary for Clinique to innovate and bring newer, more user-friendly products to the market. It’s a reminder that sometimes even the products we love have to make way for progress.

My Buying Guides on Did Clinique Discontinue Cake Eyeliner

When I first heard rumors about Clinique discontinuing their Cake Eyeliner, I knew I had to dig deeper before making any decisions about my makeup stash. If you’re like me and love this product, here’s what I found out and some tips on navigating the situation.

What Is Clinique Cake Eyeliner?

Before diving into whether it’s discontinued, I think it’s important to understand what makes the Cake Eyeliner special. It’s a unique, solid eyeliner that you activate with water to create a smooth, precise line. I’ve always appreciated its long-lasting formula and versatility, whether I want a subtle line or a bold cat eye.

Did Clinique Actually Discontinue Cake Eyeliner?

From my research and checking Clinique’s official website and trusted beauty retailers, it appears that the Cake Eyeliner has been phased out in many markets. While some stores might still have stock, Clinique seems to be focusing more on newer eyeliner formulations. This means it’s becoming harder to find new Cake Eyeliner products directly from the brand.

Why Did Clinique Discontinue It?

I can only speculate, but often brands discontinue products to make room for new innovations or to update their lines based on consumer trends. It might also be due to shifts in formulation standards or packaging preferences. As someone who loved this eyeliner, it’s a bit disappointing, but I understand brands need to evolve.

Where Can I Still Buy Clinique Cake Eyeliner?

Since it’s not widely available anymore, I suggest checking a few places:

  • Authorized Clinique retailers who may have leftover stock
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay (just be cautious about authenticity)
  • Beauty outlets or clearance sales where discontinued items often appear

I recommend buying only from trusted sellers to avoid counterfeit products.

Alternatives to Clinique Cake Eyeliner

If you can’t find the Cake Eyeliner or want to try something new, I found some great alternatives:

  • Gel eyeliners that offer similar smooth application and longevity
  • Pencil liners that are easy to use and smudge-proof
  • Liquid liners if you want sharp, defined lines

Brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Maybelline have some excellent options that I’ve personally tested and recommend.

Tips for Buying Discontinued Makeup Products

From my experience, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Check expiration dates carefully to ensure product safety
  • Avoid prices that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate fakes
  • Look for seller reviews and ratings when buying online
  • Consider stocking up if you find your favorite discontinued product in good condition

Final Thoughts

I’ll admit, it was a bit sad to learn that Clinique Cake Eyeliner is being discontinued, but thankfully, there are still ways to find it or find a great replacement. Whether you’re hunting for the last few pots or exploring new liners, I hope my guide helps you make the best choice for your makeup collection.

Author Profile

Robert Lemos
Robert Lemos
Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.

In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.