First Impressions
I still remember the first time I swiped a Marc Jacobs Highliner across my waterline. It was 2014, and I was backstage at Fashion Week, watching a makeup artist create a smoky eye that seemed to defy gravity. That liner was legendary—pitch black, creamy, and it stayed put through sweat, tears, and champagne-fueled after-parties. So when I heard Marc Jacobs Beauty was relaunching after a two-year hiatus, I felt that familiar flutter of anticipation. Would the new formulas live up to the hype? Or would this be another nostalgia cash grab?
The first product I got my hands on was the new Accomplice Concealer & Foundation Stick. I'm not usually a stick foundation person—I find them drying and cakey on my combination skin. But this one? It's different. The moment I swiped it across my jawline, I felt a velvety slip that was almost balm-like. It blended out with a damp sponge in seconds, leaving a skin-like finish that was neither matte nor dewy—just... skin. I was intrigued.
What struck me immediately was the scent. It's subtle—a faint, clean floral that reminds me of fresh laundry and luxury hotel lobbies. Not cloying, not headache-inducing, just... expensive. The packaging, too, is a masterclass in understated elegance. Sleek white tubes with gold accents, magnetic closures, and a weight that feels substantial in your hand. It's the kind of makeup you want to leave out on your vanity.
The Deep Dive
Let's talk about the product lineup. The relaunch focuses on a curated edit of hero products: the Highliner Gel Eye Crayon (now in 12 shades), the Fineliner Ultra-Skinny Gel Liner, the Accomplice Concealer & Foundation Stick, and the new Lip Crème Lipsticks. There's also a new setting spray and a few brush tools. It's a tight, intentional collection—no filler, no gimmicks.
The Accomplice stick is the star of the show. It's a 2-in-1 concealer and foundation that comes in 24 shades, with a surprisingly inclusive range for a relaunch. The formula is infused with squalane and vitamin E, which explains that hydrating feel. I've been using it for two weeks now, and here's what I've noticed: it works best on normal to dry skin. On my oily T-zone, I need to set it with powder within an hour, or it starts to break down around my nose. But on my cheeks and under-eyes, it's perfection—medium coverage that builds to full without looking mask-like.
The Highliner, meanwhile, is back and better than ever. The original formula was already a cult favorite, but this new version has a slightly creamier texture that glides on without tugging. I tested the shade "Blacquer" (a deep, inky black) on my waterline, and it lasted through a 10-hour workday, a gym session, and a crying fit during a sad movie. No smudging, no flaking. The Fineliner, with its ultra-thin tip, is perfect for tightlining and creating graphic flicks. It's a must-have for anyone who loves precision.
The Lip Crèmes are a pleasant surprise. They're not your typical matte lipstick—they have a satin finish that feels more like a balm. The shade "Slow Burn" (a brick red) is my new go-to for Zoom calls; it makes me look polished without being overdone. However, the shade range is limited—only 8 shades at launch—and I hope they expand soon.
Real Results
After two weeks of consistent use, I can confidently say the Accomplice stick is a game-changer for my under-eye area. I have dark circles that are genetic (thanks, Mom), and most concealers either crease or look dry. This one? It sits beautifully. I apply a thin layer, blend with my ring finger, and it stays put for 6-7 hours without settling into fine lines. On my cheeks, it gives a blurred, filtered look that photographs beautifully. My friend with oily skin tried it and said she needed to powder heavily, but she loved the finish for a night out.
For the Highliner, I did a side-by-side test with my old favorite, the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil. The Marc Jacobs version lasted two hours longer on my waterline and didn't transfer to my lower lash line. The Fineliner, however, is a bit finicky. It's so thin that you need a steady hand, and the formula dries quickly, so you have to work fast. But once it's on, it doesn't budge.
The Lip Crèmes are a mixed bag. The shade "Nude Illusion" (a pale beige) washes me out, but "Berry Bliss" (a deep plum) is stunning on deeper skin tones. The formula is comfortable, but it transfers onto coffee cups and masks. It's not a long-wear lipstick—it's a "I want my lips to feel nice" lipstick.
The Honest Truth
Let's be real: the Marc Jacobs Beauty relaunch is not perfect. The shade range for the Accomplice stick, while decent, is still missing true deep shades. The darkest shade, "Espresso," is a medium-dark brown that won't work for everyone. I hope they add more depth in future drops.
The price point is also a sticking point. The Accomplice stick retails for $42, and the Highliner is $25. For a drugstore alternative, the NYX Epic Wear Liner ($12) performs almost as well, though it doesn't have that same creamy glide. If you're on a budget, you're not missing out on essential makeup—but if you want the luxury experience, it's worth the splurge.
Another issue: the packaging, while beautiful, is not travel-friendly. The Highliner cap is magnetic, and it can pop off in a makeup bag if jostled. I learned this the hard way when I found a black smudge on my favorite silk scarf. Lesson learned.
Who should skip this? If you have extremely oily skin, the Accomplice stick might not be for you. You'll need a heavy-duty setting powder and touch-ups throughout the day. Also, if you prefer full-coverage, matte foundations, this won't be your jam. It's a skin-like finish, not a Instagram-filter finish.
Pro Tips
After experimenting with these products, I've developed a few techniques that make them shine:
1. **For the Accomplice stick:** Apply it to the back of your hand first to warm it up, then use a dense brush to stipple it onto your skin. This gives you more control and prevents that "stick drag" look. For under-eyes, use your ring finger—it's the gentlest touch.
2. **For the Highliner:** If you want a smoky eye, apply it to your lash line and immediately smudge with a small pencil brush before it sets. You have about 15 seconds of playtime. For a graphic liner, use the Fineliner first to map out your shape, then go over it with the Highliner for intensity.
3. **For the Lip Crèmes:** Layer them over a lip liner for longer wear. I use a clear liner to define my lips, then apply the Lip Crème, blot, and reapply. This gives me about 4 hours of wear without feathering.
4. **Product combinations:** The Accomplice stick pairs beautifully with a liquid highlighter—I mix a drop of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter with it for a luminous finish. For a full face, I use the Highliner on my upper lash line, the Fineliner on my waterline, and a Lip Crème as a blush. It gives a monochromatic, editorial look.
Final Verdict
Would I buy the Marc Jacobs Beauty relaunch again? Yes—but selectively. The Highliner is a repurchase for life. The Accomplice stick is a solid addition to my kit, but I'll wait for more shades before committing fully. The Lip Crèmes are nice, but not essential.
This collection is perfect for makeup artists who want reliable, high-performance products for editorial looks, and for beauty enthusiasts who love the "clean girl" aesthetic. It's not for everyone, but it's a strong comeback from a brand that knows what it's doing. If you're a creator looking to review this, focus on the nostalgia angle and the formula improvements—that's what will resonate with your audience.
