A cosmetic ink composition comprises a particulate material, a polymeric dispersant having a weight average molecular weight of less than about 20,000 daltons, and a polymeric rheology modifier. The particulate material can have a Particle Size Distribution D50 of about 100 nm to about 2,000 nm. The cosmetic ink composition can undergo controlled syneresis, forming a weak colloidal gel phase and a particle-lean, low viscosity phase, which can be printed without interventions such as agitation, mixing, or re-circulation to homogenize the composition.