If you have been a regular reader of blogs; devoted watcher of YouTube beauty gurus; or even just a make-up enthusiast of sorts – then you may have heard about the ‘Maybelline Color Tattoo: 24hr Gel Cream Eyeshadow’. Available in 10 different colours, and with a futher 5 that have been released in the ‘Metal’ collection, these are widely agreed to be a uniquely innovative product with a loyal, cult following. Juli from Bunbun Makeup Tips also draws upon this product’s ‘internet fame’ by writing, “When these babies came into the market, everyone from beauty professionals to girls with the slightest interest in makeup were talking about how these cream eyeshadows work like magic.” But are they worthy of this praise and glory?
Maybelline themselves label these ‘tattoos’ as “super saturated”, “long lasting” and claim that they “do not fade” by stating the following on their online outlet:
Dare to wear our longest-lasting shadow. Our ink technology creates super-saturated color. Cream gel smoothes on for vibrant color that does not fade.”
Appearance And Packaging
Having been recognised as a drugstore dupe for MAC’s Paint Pots, these Color Tattoos retail at a healthy price of £4.99 and weigh a generous 4 grams. In comparison, MAC Paint Pots hold 5 grams worth of product; but considering that they also cost a staggering £15.50 on average, we can forgive the 1 gram less that Maybelline have offered us. Juli once again touched upon this particular factor, claiming, “I think the Paint Pots are over-priced and many have said the Maybelline Color Tattoos perform better.” Alongside this, there is also currently a 3 for 2 offer across all Maybelline cosmetics at Boots, so the price you are paying for these is certainly a bargain.
I also rather like the glass container with a tough plastic crew-top; it gives the impression of a luxury product that does not feel cheap. Not only that, but I find these exceedingly travel-friendly. By living an hour away from Belfast, where I study English at Queen’s University, and also by travelling to Dublin where I study Fashion Styling for two days a week – I consider myself a research-worthy candidate of putting these product’s durability to the test. Having said that, they did not disappoint me. And not only that, but I confess that I dropped these on hard tiled-floor on a couple of occasions and my clumsiness did not inflict any damage.
Overall, I have no complaints about the packaging of these products and want to congratulate Maybelline for creating a Kathryn-proof container.
Application
The shades that I own are Endless Purple, Everlasting Navy, Metallic Pomegranate, Turquoise Forever, On and on Bronze, Pink Gold and Gold. All of which can be either applied with your finger tips or a brush; however I would recommend applying them with your fingers as this heats-up the product and allows it to spread more evenly across the eyelid.
When it comes to applying them in this sense, they are very easy to use. They are super-blend-able and can be layered to a desired level of coverage – from a sheer wash of colour, to an opaque base. This leaves a bold and pigmented colour that is true to the colour you see in the pot, which is even and free of fault.
The Results
The pigmentation of the Color Tattoos is undisputable. I like to use these as a base for my eyeshadow, and they have the ability of enhancing or even transforming your shadow colour for a full impact. I also love the wide range of colours that are available in the range.
In terms of how long they actually last on your eyelids; I have also put this to the test. I applied the colour Gold on my lids at 11am, I then went about my daily routing and had gone out for the evening – which I darkened my crease/outer-v for and applied false lashes. As per usual, I removed my face make-up and cleansed before going to bed, leaving my eye make-up on. When I woke up the following morning I found quite a lot of the product still visible on my eyelids, although the eyeshadow was most certainly not looking perfect. Nonetheless, I would say that Maybelline have been true to their word and created a “24 hour” cream eyeshadow.
Just please don’t actually leave your make-up on for 24 hours…
My final verdict? This is most definitely my favourite Maybelline product, and that says a lot. This is a fantastic product that every beauty enthusiast should keep in their kit. If you haven’t already bought one, then do it now. My favourites of the bunch are Pink Gold, On and on Bronze and Gold as I find them the most wearable. But in all honesty, there is not one of these colours that I dislike or wouldn’t wear.
So Maybelline can continue boasting about their Color Tattoos being “vivid” and “long lasting” – because truly, they are living up to this reputation.