If you have ever tried Urban Decay’s eyeliner pencils, you’ll know that they are incredible. Soft, creamy and vibrant, yet completely waterproof and smudge-proof. They apply so smoothly and softly, and you can blend them very easily for the first twenty seconds or so. After that though, they set so completely that it’s almost impossible to budge them. I once had swatch tests on the back of my hand for days – through hand-washing and showers!

On March 1st, Urban Decay launch their new 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencils. I have to say that I have been creating some pretty amazing – and easy! – looks with these shadow pencils. They’re basically a much chunkier version of the eye pencil allowing you to use the colour as an all-over shadow rather than just a colour to define the eyes. I have been experimenting with the warmer shades – Wasteland, Rehab, Sin and Midnight Cowboy – and can’t believe just how easy it is to create a sexy, smokey eye. It takes mere seconds!

Although the colour looks dewy and glistening, it is actually dry and completely set. I think that’s because there’s a lovely fine shimmer to the pencils that stops them looking powdery or dry. And I just want to reiterate that once applied, these pencils will not move. I have even washed my hair in the shower and the makeup has survived. I’d say that’s pretty special!

I’m going to do quite a long video showing how I’ve been using these pencils, but I’ll give you a heads-up on a good trick; using a sturdy blending brush. The 24/7 Shadow Blending Brush that Urban Decay are also launching on March 1st is excellent – sturdy, but not prickly. You need to get the colour blended as soon as it’s applied to achieve the best finish, but the brush makes quick and easy work of it!

Look out for my upcoming video – it won’t be long now anyway, but I just couldn’t resist raving about the shadow pencils!

Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencils (£14) and Blending Brush (£10) from lookfantastic.com.