I've alternated between using liquid and pencil liners in the past, and prefer the smudge pot to both. I didn't give it five stars because I guess I'm still getting used to it (I just bought it yesterday!) So I've leaving room for improvement. What I love is that the pigment is bold and doesn't give that wet look that liquid liner gives, and it doesn't give that dull look that a pencil liner can.

As for ease of use, I think it takes some practice. I bought a thin wedge-shaped brush for $9 at Sephora that worked really well, yet I think I might go get another one that is more of a lip-liner shape....