# Smokey Eye Liners NYX Professional Makeup Launched the Epic Inky Stix Cream Gel Eyeliners By Grace Mahas | Published 2026-03-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-inky-stix References: [shoppersdrugmart](https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/nyx-professional-makeup-epic-inky-stix-cream-gel-eyeliner/p/IC41?variantCode=800897274801)  The smokey eye is back, and [NYX Professional Makeup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lip-lingerie-lip-stain) is meeting the moment with its Epic Inky Stix Cream Gel Eyeliner. The click-up mechanical liner delivers one-swipe gel color with a waterproof formula that holds for up to 24 hours, no tugging or skipping required. A built-in smudger tip makes blending seamless, whether the goal is a soft, diffused wash or something closer to full-on grunge. Epic Inky Stix comes in six shades spanning classic Noir, Wired White, Cobalt Click, Kinetic Copper, Blush Byte, and more, giving wearers a range that covers understated and dramatic in equal measure. Available now at [Shoppers Drug Mart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/247-ink-liquid-liners), [Walmart Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bigshow-multiuse-eyeshadow-pen), and Amazon Canada for $18 CAD, the liner positions itself as a accessible entry point into bold eye looks without sacrificing the kind of pigment payoff typically reserved for professional-grade products. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 67% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Long-wear Click-up Liners:** The proliferation of mechanical, click-up liners with 24-hour waterproof formulas suggests room for formulations and mechanisms that redefine durability and ease-of-use in everyday makeup. - **Built-in Smudger Tips:** Integration of dual-function applicators like built-in smudgers points to opportunities for multifunctional tools that blend application and finishing in a single device. - **Professional Pigment at Mass Market:** High-pigment, salon-quality color being offered at accessible price points indicates potential for bridging pro performance with mass-market affordability. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Cosmetics Retail:** Widespread distribution through drugstores and e-commerce highlights shifts in retail strategies that could disrupt how premium beauty products reach mainstream consumers. - **Beauty Tech Tools:** Advances in applicator engineering and formulation chemistry reveal possibilities for new tool-product hybrids that change consumer expectations for convenience and results. - **Packaging and Dispensing Systems:** The click-up mechanical format underscores demand for innovative packaging solutions that extend product lifespan, reduce waste, and improve user experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [All-Day Lip Liners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quickliner-for-lips.md) - [Glossy Gel Lip Liners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lipglazer-glossy-lipliner.md) - [Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-tint.md) - [Multipurpose Beauty Crayons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artist-color-crayon.md) - [Pigmented Lip Stains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lip-lingerie-lip-stain.md) - [Lip Liner Shade Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traced-out-pencil-lip-liner.md) - [Long-Wear Stage-Proof Eyeliners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stageproof-eyeliner.md) - [Hybrid Makeup Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bigshow-multiuse-eyeshadow-pen.md) - [Artful Precision Eyeliners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clear-cut-liquid-eyeliner.md)