Good deep brown with more of an ashy leaning neutral base than red. Not as green based as BB's Espresso e/s, this is closer to a true neutral and not as dark. Does not always apply as smoothly as I'd like, so I have to resharpen and sometimes warm it up with a hairdryer or pass through a flame. Hard enough to hold a crisp point and apply with said fine point without wearing down too fast and requiring me to resharpen. I have the best luck when I layer my products. So either a cake, her caviar or a powder to tightline with (gels always end up too goopy, but work when in a rush), then i'll layer thispencil with a powder and it works for a softer line. Tied neck-and-neck with my Lancome Black Coffee for what I'll reach for. If you are looking for a well pigmented, neutral brown non-waterproof pencil that can hold a point, this is it.

(i) Colour: impressive, deep chocolate.
(ii) Consistency/formula: firm, which aids precision lining.
(iii) Performance: glides on, reasonably long-lasting.
Last word: useful, subtle alternative to black; worthwhile purchase.