MAYBELLINE'S EXPERT WEAR SHADOWS IN THEIR STYLISH SMOKES!
Gigi here! I’ve lost my tolerance for Goth and I need a “fix”—rainbows of color! I am a “girly girl,” so please bear with me as fix my pink parasol before I type. Moreover, I tend to concur with Woody Allen’s comment that, “I’m not afraid of dying, but I don’t want to be there when it happens.”
Before I go further, I have forgotten again and again to warn you against a phenomenon, the “Makeup Shock Index” (MSI). It’s worse than the “Dreaded Orange Mask” women create when foundation is too dark or orange for their skintones. When you see magazine photos of celebs bare-faced, they’re proving a point, as I had an encounter with this first-hand. But I learned a lesson and wish to pass it on. However much makeup you use in general with under various circumstances, such as to work or on dates, make it consistent, make it a habit, and do not differentiate.
Do you wear no makeup? Fine, as long as your skin is protected against the sun with SPF so that the Meg Police are not driven to kill you, as it’s both a sin and a felony. We don’t want to go to hell, especially over cosmetics. And neon DOC jumpsuits aren’t particularly flattering, as they add pounds. Do you wear just a little? That works. However, if you’re semi- or all-glam most of the time, this means you in particular.
At twenty-two, I became friends with one of the employees who maintained Price Waterhouse’s library. Abby (name changed to protect the trespasser) was utterly beautiful, but one day I arrived at work very early and stopped to speak to her. It wasn’t Abby. She had become a combination of the “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” Freddie Kruger, Jason, and worse. She must have noted my shock and said that she had had no time to put on any makeup at all that morning.
Who knew what magic Abby had wrought before coming to the office? Her skin tone was terribly uneven and I could have parked trucks in her large pores. I think I saw slits she called eyes. Brows? What brows? Her lips disappeared. She asked, “Gigi, are you okay? Is there something I can do for you?” My first thought was to ask, “Yes, tell me—are you an alien? Where you’ve hidden the real Abby?” Then I nearly swallowed my tongue rather than say, “Yes—run like the wind before anyone else sees you.” That is not arrogance. I struggle with manifold issues, from enlarged pores, “turkey neck,” inherited “frown lines,” and nearly non-existent eyes, but I deal with them. Shock therapy should be reserved for certified mental institutions with padded cells.
What one sole item could have transformed Abby from Godzilla? Maybelline’s “Expert Wear Shadows” in their “Stylish Smokes.” Actually, I’ve never been a fan of their eyeshadows. I’ve purchased their eight-color pans and thrown them away over and over. They lack pigment, and application is akin to boot camp. You become strong—Army strong!
I picked up one quad in this new line recently. Like a Stepford wife, it seemed as if my hand moved by itself to purchase one against my will. Now these rank very high on my list of “must-have’s.” The rest of the display became history and is in my home.
The hues are incredible. The formula is soft and blends like a dream; build as much color as you want. Have a busy day? It stays in place long after you pass out. Maybelline’s coordination is brilliance. The “Natural Smokes” compact has unique tones of brown and a maverick silver-infused chocolate. The directions are simple and show where shadow is to be applied on the compact, a huge help for those of you who are clinging to more boring tones disguised under the name of “neutrals” (pardon me while I yawn). These are subtle shadows with moxie! “Amethyst” is a high-powered posh capable of becoming a “yowsa” quad. Plush purple with a hint of sheen is applied over the lid, with a matte eggplant to contour, an inky-black to line, and an ecru to use on your browbone or just above your pupil for all eyes on you.
Ready to come out of your shell completely? The “Sunlit Bronze” compact is all shimmer, but controllable shimmer, with shades of warm taupe, copper, and chestnut. The cost? Right now, $4.99 at as a Drugstore.com BOGO—yes, you read it here first! Your local drugstore may have a sale taking place as well. You need to purchase them before they come to their senses and realize what they are doing.
I realize you use nothing but brushes, right? Of course I’m right. What to do with the applicators? They can easily serve as weapons to beat away the men who are groveling for your attention, you sexy thing!
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Reviews
I have at times thought about trying the Maybelline expert wear as I am no expert and need all of the help that I can get. I often have trouble with knowing what goes where. So I tend to keep it exceedingly simple. But thanks to your great review Gigi I will give this a go and perhaps not scare anyone with a face of the dead! When I try to do a more smoky eye I tend to look like I have a black eye. But maybe this is just the ticket for this broke, eye shadow novice.BTW-I love the Woody Allen quote!!
nice to hear about this maybelline eyeshadow product that actually works! when i was younger and didn't have much money, i bought drugstore makeup, and that included maybelline. i used to be so frustrated that i bought a beautiful colored eyeshadow but that it would never translate back onto my lids. it's great that a bunch of drugstore makeup now have great pigmentation!
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I do love most of the products they have and I'm totally in love with their "matte" makeup line. I've seen the eyeshadow palette you've been talking about in your review in a magazine. Looks like I have to make a trip to the drugstore....your review rocks!!
Make up your beauty-full mind...www.myspace.com/blackdivaworld
Maybelline has some good products, but all of their expert wear shadows I've tried have kind of sucked.They lack pigmentation and forget about blending. Plus, I always have tons of fall out. Hmm..Maybe they did a reformulation?This product sounds pretty fab. I like that the colors are all wearable. Maybe I'm just trying the wrong products, who knows. I am tempted to check out their Sunlit Bronze compact. That sounds much more up my alley!
brittanyk I totally agree with you! I have a few of them and they never go on right, the color payoff sucks and they are super hard to blend. I love Maybelline mascara though.
I've been meaning to pick these up but lately i've just been wetn wild crazy.. Actually i've been using their sand castle palette as my go to one.. Thanks for reminding me that i have some of these lurking around at the back of my drawer. Th pigmentation is great.. i like emerald smokes the best.
Maybelline was my very first eyeshadow. I never noticed a pigment issue back then but (please forgive me) I had a heavy hand applying things. Not to mention the cool color to have was a whitish silvery color. (middle school kids could be harsh if you didn't have that color) Once I grew out of the sparkly phase of my life I gravitated away from good ole' May. This kit looks like a major help to all of us that suffers from the "what do I do?" smokey eye syndrome, though. Who doesn't love directions? :)
I keep telling myself I don't net more neutral eyeshadows. I have enough and they are usually what I wear to work. But then, I spot really nice looking, pigmented pallets and my "self convincing talk" goes to waist....
Oh Gigi, you never fail to crack me up! You made the makeup-free Abby sound like she looks like Voldemort ! You know, I have seen a vast improvement in drugstore makeup so there's no surprise that that palette would be a hit. Revlon recently came out with a matte collection and I'm very excited about the lipsticks!
We should all listen to Gigi-the woman knows her pallettes. She introduced me to one of my all time Drug Store faves: Revlon Color Stay in (I think) coffee bean. Love it, use at least part of that glorious pallette every time I put on my face. I might be a little like your friend,;) I look pretty different without my war paint on. Great review Gigi-the colors look fantastic!
I actually know someone like Abby, so your story was pretty funny. :P I saw her one day without makeup and I got pretty scared too!I love neutrals! I like to experiment with color but most of the time I stick to my good old boring browns. :)
Okay, I'm going to admit it... I'm a makeup SNOB!!! I just can't help it. Even in high school, I passed up the drug store for the local Clinique counter. I think the main reason was that I liked the social interaction. After high school, I became so close to my Prescriptives MUA that I was actually invited to her wedding. A side effect from my sickness is that I've never tried any of the Maybeline eyeshadow pallets. I have, however, purchased several pallets from Bobbi Brown, UD, MAC, Too Faced, Estee Lauder, boy, the list could go on forever! I love eyeshadow pallets, they're a great way to try out shades that you wouldn't normally wear, but at a fraction of what it would cost to buy each individual one. I love your idea about what to do with the spong tipped aplicators!!! I also hate the blush brushes that come with some of the blushes, unless of course you are going for a single streak of color on your cheeks.
I wasn't always a makeup snob, but I've definitely become more of one lately. I'm much more wary of d/s stuff now, and will only purchase if it has GREAT reviews. I do only use d/s mascara, though, as the difference between that and h/e isn't enough for me. I've heard a lot about these palettes, though, here and on MUA, so maybe I'll give one a shot! I also don't understand why h/e brands include crappy brushes with their products (I'm talking to you Chanel!), they know their customers will likely be using quality brushes they already own!
Poor Abby..applying even just a hint of makeup really enhances your features and can take away that "just woke up and rushed out of the door" look. It's also a great steal for that maybelline pallette, hopefully they don't come to thier senses before i can buy some..I just spent a ton of money at sephora yesterday scooping up ALL the good deals!
Beauty=Pain
I love Maybelline's eye shadows!! I am at work now, so I don't remember the name of the current one I am in LOVE with but it is a dark brown/light brown combo that is PERFECT with my skin tone and blue eyes. I have to admit, I am a makeup counter virgin. I am a cheapskate, I love a deal, and I am plain intimidated by the women who look at me from behind those mysterious counters at Macy's. They don't seem very friendly! Maybe I need a buddy with the know-how on those places...anyway, I couldn't wait till I got home to post that Maybelline's Expert wear shadows are a life saver. I do use nice brushes that a friend gave me for my b-day from the Sephora store down the road.
I've used the mabeline shadows before and I am surprised at their creamyness. Most drugstore shadows and brittle and lack luster :(I also love the colors they come in! One for every occasion!Though.... I usually use the applicators..... Never really thought about buying a brush for those! *hides*
Tan is Love
I never venture outside without at least some makeup on as I'm very pale and would look like an extra from the triller video.I haven't bought any maybelline for ages(thank you not so great lash)and assumed the shadow's would have very little pigment or blendability but it seems I was wrong.Kellie76-the smokey eye too is my nemasis,I always want it to work but I end up looking like the love child between marlyn Manson and a panda-so I'm all for instruction's included.Well Gigi I'm converted-think I'm going to go for the sunlit bronze one.Fatcat-that's hilarious and I thought I was a makeup addict.
PotionPrincess♥
Say no more! After this morning's encounter with the Maybelline Colorsensational line of lip colors, I am primed and ready for more of their luscious goodness. Drugstore.com, here I come! I know that my new best friend Maybelline color consultant Chuck Hezekiah (love that name!) would remind me that intense eyes need muted lips, but I already have those. Bring on these Stylish Smokies. And speaking of the Army, you know what they used to say: "If you Got 'em, Smoke 'Em."
Yes, I have ventured out with no makeup and if I'm in a really crappy mood and want to punish my neighbors I don't put any clothes on either! SPF I would never go without. Ok, so I am a Pilates Instructor. Yes, equipment and mat. However, I am so much more than a core! I do try to remember tinted moisturizer every AM, but sometimes I just do my SPF moisturizer - we teach pilates in dim rooms! Maybelline does a mean mascara, but for me that is where it stops. The pigments in the fresh, unopened pans are so alluring. Then you put the colors on and the romance dies. I also find the drugstore eye shadows crack apart far easier than their upscale cousins. Right now I am loving Laura Geller's baked eye shadows, but have run around behind her back with some Bobbi Brown nudes. I will leave you with that thought!
Haha, another makeup snob here *wink*! The only thing "drugstore" I use is mascara, nail polish and every now and again lipliner. But my main menue consists of MAC, UD, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Smashbox....Stila...the list goes on (and on). The only thing I ever purchase from Maybelline is my foundation and their pressed matifying powder.
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I don't even take the trash out without putting on my makeup! At the very least, foundation to even out my skin because like Abby, I would not be recognizeable without it!
Gigi, I did not realize that we were friends and I worked at the Price Waterhouse's library?! It must have been my past life. lol. Anywho, I will not leave the house (..unless it is on fire!) without my mascara, powder and gloss. Ahh, and yes, I am a self-professed "makeup snob". However, I am so thankful for Gigi, who is showing me the light on these wonderful "diamonds in the drugstore rough". I am currently in love with Cat's "Hello, Gorgeous", but I will check out Maybelline's Expert Wear on my next trip to CVS. The colors look amazing. Thanks Gigi. :)
Oh Gigi - I do so enjoy your reviews. Your comments re MSI are spot on. From my teens onwards, I was never seen without makeup. I would look at women who went to the mall in baggy sweats and no makeup and think 'all you needed was like 5-10 minutes to look decent - how can you go out like that'. Fast forward about 20 years, and here I was at the mall dressed like a shlumpadinka wearing not a lick of make-up (and terrified as I am to admit it) sometimes not even sunscreen *holds up white flag*. After getting run over by life a couple of times I fell into a depression and stopped bothering. The shock on people's faces who knew me before, and ran into me again was palpable. Your reaction to 'Abby' just about sums it up. I think they would have been less horrified if I walked around in a Freddie Kruger mask. The worst was when I caught sight of myself in a mirror, and thought 'who is that sorry creature' before, ahem, recognising myself. Yikes. Learn from my mistakes everyone - you have to practice extreme vigilance, when the going gets tough, the tough should keep wearing on their makeup!!!! I for one never, ever thought I'd be seen downstairs without at least some makeup on, let alone out in public...... I'm now in rehab, and recovering nicely. I even put on a bit of lippie (thanks again Dawn!!!!) when I'm working by myself at home.On to the palette shown - the colours, aside from the more orangey tones look wonderful - especially the green - LOVE it. Oh and as for the brushes - no wonder I don't have suitable men groveling at my door - it's the applicators.....if I kept them for the use you specified, a use for them would naturally present itself, n'est-ce pas? Much love and God Bless.....
Rie
I must admit I look like a creature from the lagoon without makeup...no, actually more like a pancake face - no eyes and lips blend in with the ruddy complexion. It's such a mess. And now I work from home, so I don't HAVE to put on makeup. At first this was great! After years and years of putting on my makeup every day, I was ready for a break! SO I stopped for 3 or 4 months. My poor, poor husband... He would come home to my ruddy pancake face and if that was not bad enough I was in a terrible mood. It took a while, but then I realized that looking a mess was bad for my depression. Seriously. Once I started fixing myself up a bit I really started feeling better, more cheerful. There is something about finding my cheek bones with my bronzer, adding eyeliner and mascara and YES a touch of smoky eye shadow plus a dab of lipstick that lifts my mood.
I like Maybelline shadows, I think the payoff is good as long as you use a good primer and of course, good brushes! I'm not a makeup snob at all, if something works for me, I use it, regardless of how much it cost or what label is on the product!
Gigi - as usual, you have me doubled over with laughter! I haven't used anything except a lipgloss from Maybelline in ages. The gloss is actually pretty good. But anyway if anyone could convince me to give this eye palette a chance it would be you. Funny, I actually was looking casually at these palettes yesterday at Ulta. But since they were Maybelline, I scoffed, sniffed, and walked away. I'll take another look next time I am in their presence.I'm still loving my Tarte Spring Greening palette with their pretty, girly, spring-ish (duh) shades. But sometimes I want to be smokey, smoldery, and mysterious. I gotta try this.
Carole
Great review! You make me want to go out and buy some Maybelline e/s again. My experience with Maybelline eyeshadows have been really hit or miss. Some of the Maybelline e/s I've had are soo pretty, while others have been just downright chalky and unpigmented. Even with the same shade, I've experienced differences in quality between the different batches. I remember having bought and loved this taupy shade in a Maybelline palette, then when I bought the single e/s in that shade, it was unbelievely chalky and didn't show up on me at all. Your review definitely has me wanting to give them another chance though. I must admit that when I first started getting into makeup, I only used those applicators that came with the palettes cuz I honestly didn't know any better. I liek the idea of wielding them as weapons more though :)
I have been looking for some smokey colors that come in one pallet, how exciting!
Thanks for another great review Gigi! I feel like right now any makeup I could put on would instantly be sweated off, and it's killing me not to put on my usual face. For the past four days it has been incredibly humid here and I have been sweating off my tinted moisturizer in the first half hour after application, but I am looking forward to picking up one or more of these pallets for fall. The rich colors make me wish it was cold enough to pull on a nice sweater, jean skirt and my crocodile boots.
Indi
Haha I absolutely love the last line in this post bc I bought these quads a week ago and was wondering what to do with those applicators as well.I bought the amethyst quad mainly for that one purple color. It is absolutely gorgeous. I bought the natural quad too because it was buy one get one free. They're both great quads and make it so easy to create a perfect eyeshadow look! I will admit it takes a little more blending than my nyx or mac eyeshadows but for the price it is worth it. And the colors are gorgeous. Definitely a good buy.
Maybelline eyeshadows have been a staple in my make-up kit . I always go for the trio of browns. They go on easy and last all day, removal is easy.
I have one pallette of maybelline shadows in my array of makeup. It has been hanging around since the mid 1800's if that tells you anything. I don't know why I haven't thrown it away. I guess I keep thinking the product will get better after so long. As you can see I have not been a big fan of their shadows. The pallette's name has rubbed off but it has a light blue, camel brown, shimmery white, and a black satin. I have to put more layers on than I want to so that I can see the color. The consistency is okay. It's just that I have always had to "work" with the shadows to get them to perform to my liking. I don't really have time anymore to have to work with my makeup. Rather, it should work for me.So, I am not sure I will give these a try. I will have to see other ladies on here give their reviews first. Ladies, if you have this product please review it.
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
-Coco Chanel
I go to school without makeup more often than I put it on. I am not a morning person (or a night person for that matter, I guess I'm an afternoon person) so I would rather sleep those extra 15 minutes than get up to put makeup on.I feel like it goes faster when I use palletes though. As much as I love my loose shadows having all the coordinating colours right in front of me without having to dig makes it so much easier!I don't think I have ever purchased a Maybeline eyeshadow, most of mine are Lancome GWP, but I will keep these in mind for the future if they have improved the formula.
I have some of these and they are very creamy and long lasting with great pigmentation. It does seem like their formula has improved. The colors are great too. These are a good investment!
Woah, don't you think you were a bit harsh on poor Abby? I can't believe you would be so shocked to see that someone who usually looks beautiful uses make-up to help her along!Granted, I wouldn't be caught dead without at least some concealer and mascara in public, but honestly I don't think I look *that* different sans make-up.Also, if you partner doesn't tell you you look beautiful in the morning [even though you knew they're lying through their teeth or looking through the perfect haze of love] they're not worthy of your time.
Thanks so much for the heads up on the BOGO! I keep picking these up and putting them down again because I've never had a Maybelline shadow I liked, but they look so pretty!
Hehhe. Thanks for the info! I never really bought them before because ive had their eyeshadows and was never thrilled, I hate chalky, uneven, unpigmented applicability- so often times I just stick to what I know! I always need a few regular eye pallets to have in my bags for those just in case moments! heheheI love the comment about the stupid applicators! I always wonder why oh why! I complain to my husband (who couldn't care less) and wonder what the heck I am going to do with all these stupid spongy applicators! LOL Seriously I am swimming in them... Maybe we could combine all our unused applicators to create a work of art called "frustration of beauty"
wow... look at that... those are all my favorite eye shadow colors!! I fell in love with it when I first saw it :) and it's such a good deal Gigi, your story with Abby is soooo interesting...haha...you make me laugh!!! I do love your recommendation :) Thank you
Shaybear - I hear you. In a perfect world people shouldn't care about whether or not you are wearing makeup. There is a tiny minority of women (I suspect you are in this category) who have reasonable skin etc and can get away with the bare minimum or nothing at all. Then there is the vast majority - where I fit in. I have such dark circles under my eyes, I look like a panda without concealer. My skin is a hot mess - ruddy, uneven - putting on base and concealer alone makes me look half human. Our Gigi wasn't being harsh - she was just telling it like it is - believe me, I wish she had been around to bring me to my senses before I ventured out with not a scrap of anything on. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.....Indi - share the pain of having makeup sweated off moments after application. I have found Revlon Color-stay mixed with some sunscreen or moisturizer to thin it does a good job of staying put. If you know what's good for you stick to the color-stay foundation, and keep far away from their 'long-wearing glosses' (then again, if they are still being sold, I'd be very surprised).
Rie
i like maybeline shadow for the price !!! but the colour are not so wooo ...
I have never been a fan of maybelline eyeshadow-never pigmented enough and too powdery looking (like really cheao brands) but you have persuaded me to try these! (enabler!)i totally agree with the whole thing about make up has to be consistent! i used to wear alot of bronzer and when i realised that i would probably look better without it, i had to kind of wean myself off it using less and less every few days until i didnt use it because i knew if i just stopped using it everyone would be saying "you look pale!", "are you ok? you look ill", "you look tired etc" now i only use a tiny bit occasionly
I don't even get my mail, without having my m/u on. I wouldn't want to scare my neighbors. I haven't tried Mabelline's e/s in a long time. I didn't like it before. I found it hard to apply and it creased very quickly. If the formulation has changed though, I may have to pick up one and see how it goes.Thanks for the review.
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Hmm, maybe I should give these a try again! I had one for years that I used- there was one color that matched the scrubs I had to wear for school- but tossed it out after school ended. The color never showed up half as well as I wanted them to. But, like you, I see them in the store and they call to me, because the colors are just so pretty in the package!
I love Maybelline's eye shadows!
well this looks promising. I haven't worn Maybelline in quite some time because they never seemed to last (read: wear of quickly). And I love the idea of having that many shadows to take on the go and can create a different eye look everyday. And I love the smokey eye even though I am not the greatest at creating it. I may just have to pick this up this weekend.
What a great and fun story. I only had a bad experience with Maybelling palletes- i purchased 6 color palette with mostly lilac and lavender shades and they were not blending well at all, and also they had a "dirty" look on my eyes. Maybe it depends on colors, or maybe Maybelline (no pun intended) did reformulate their eyeshadows? I do love their mascara Lash Stylist though- great applicator!
Seems like a great eyeshadow compact
Love the post and love the descriptions of the color palettes. I hope I do have to use the applicators to fend off suitors :)
Moema....always a Mom first
Well, dear Gigi - you have done it again! Even though I clearly DO NOT NEED any more eyeshadow, and I really am not a fan of Maybelline... you've led me to Target where I picked up this Smokey eyeshadow quad. I have brown eyes, so I got the Emerald something or other. And I hate to admit this but I totally love it! I have never really gotten the smokey eye thing right. I get close sometimes, but not have not really achieved it. But guess what... maybe I'm born with it? I used my new eyeshadow kit and Voila! I have killer smokey eyes. So you've led me into temptation again... but fortunately, it worked out. Love you!
Carole
I admit I did a mental facepalm when I read this review.. thinking how awful I must have looked going into one of my jobs with no mu, hoping that no one noticed all of my flaws like that. Then again I never wore it back then, so my 'glammed up' look was probably more of a shock to most people. Now anytime I leave the house or we have company over, I'm wearing at least some minimal mu-- concealer at the very least, usually some sort of eye enhancement as well. When it takes seconds to sweep something on your lids to instantly open up and brighten up your eyes, then why not? Even grocery shopping gets a bit of e/s, a liner, and some mascara.I must say I really am digging brown and smokey looks lately. I've always been a fan of bright and dramatic colors, but brown seems to be my go-to lately.