When considering makeup essentials, eyeliner often takes center stage. While liquid liners offer precision, there are times when a pencil liner provides a more effortless application and a softer definition. This review delves into the specifics of the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner, exploring its performance, formulation, and wearability, especially for those with oily eyelids.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner comes in a classic, sharpenable pencil shape, a departure from twist-up varieties. The transparent plastic cap fits snugly, ensuring the tip is protected and preventing any mess in a makeup bag. The pencil itself is often colored to match the product inside, adding a visual cue to the shade. This design choice is practical, especially for those who appreciate the control offered by a sharpenable pencil.
Formula and Application
Described as a "gel pencil," this eyeliner lives up to its name by applying with the ease of a gel liner. Its formula is creamy yet possesses enough firmness to prevent it from gliding uncontrollably across the skin. This creaminess facilitates a smooth application without any tugging, making it comfortable to use even on the delicate eye area. The easy application is also a significant advantage for smudging out the liner to create softer looks.
The pigmentation of the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner is reported to be good, with the reviewer testing the shade 900 Onyx, a classic black. While the availability of shades in specific regions like Slovenia might vary, the core black shade offers intense color payoff.
Performance on Oily Lids and Waterline
For individuals with oily eyelids, finding an eyeliner that stays put can be a challenge. While using an eyeshadow primer is a common practice, the creamy formula of this gel pencil did exhibit some transfer onto the upper hooded lid. However, its performance on the waterline is where it truly shines.
The eyeliner applies exceptionally well to the waterline and stays in place remarkably. Even when applied to the upper waterline for testing purposes, it remained fixed without fading in intensity. This long-lasting quality is a significant benefit for those who struggle with eyeliners migrating or disappearing throughout the day.
Wear Test and Comparison
To further assess its longevity, a wear test was conducted, comparing the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Onyx with the Avon Mark The Big Gel Paint Pencil in Blackout. Both were applied to the upper waterline, with Maybelline on the right eye and Avon on the left. After a full day, both liners performed well on the waterline. However, the Avon liner showed slightly more transfer onto the upper lid, likely due to its creamier initial consistency compared to the Maybelline pencil.
The Maybelline liner's ability to hold up on the waterline without significant fading or transfer was noted as impressive, especially considering the reviewer's watery eyes. While some pencils struggle to last even a few hours on the waterline, this Maybelline offering proved its mettle. In a wear test specifically for the waterline using the 910 Bold Brown shade, the liner remained visible after 9.5 hours, a feat considered almost impossible with most pencils on watery eyes.
Shade Range and Finishes
The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner is available in multiple shades. The reviewer tested 900 Deep Onyx (black), 961 Sparkling Silver (metallic), and 910 Bold Brown (matte). The matte shades (black and brown) offer a classic finish, while the silver provides a metallic sheen. The potential for expanded shade ranges in more vibrant colors and varied finishes was expressed as a desire for future iterations of this formula.
Application Techniques and Looks
The versatility of this gel pencil allows for various application techniques. It glides on effortlessly, providing full pigment without skipping or budging, making it suitable for drawing graphic lines, tightlining, or simply defining the lower lashline. The ease of application means minimal pressure is required, further enhancing its user-friendliness.
Creating Looks with Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil
To showcase the liners' performance, several eye looks were created:
-
910 Bold Brown: Used to create a graphic outline blended with a dark brown shadow. This look, completed in about 5 minutes, demonstrated the pencil's blendability and ability to be set with eyeshadow for enhanced longevity.
-
900 Deep Onyx + 961 Sparkling Silver: The black pencil was used to smoke out the lower lashline, while the silver was applied to the inner corner. This combination highlighted the liner's ability to be smoked out and layered with other shades.
-
Creative Application with 900 Deep Onyx: The black pencil was also used creatively on the lips and for "black wires" in a more experimental look. This application endured through dinner and hours of drinking, attesting to its remarkable staying power.
A general tip for increasing the wear time of any pencil eyeliner is to set it with an eyeshadow of a similar shade. This technique is particularly effective on the lid and lower lashline, though caution should be exercised to avoid getting eyeshadow into the eyes.
Comparison to Other Gel Liners and Drugstore Finds
The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner is positioned as a modern alternative to traditional gel liners that came in pots. This pencil format offers greater convenience and ease of use. Its performance is comparable to other high-quality drugstore finds, with reviewers often placing it among their favorites. The affordability is also a significant factor, making it an accessible option for many consumers. Compared to more expensive options, like the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Waterproof Liner or MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil, the Maybelline offers competitive performance at a fraction of the price.
Long-Term Wear and Suitability for Oily Lids
The formula is designed for long-lasting wear, with claims of up to 36 hours. While such extreme longevity might be an exaggeration, the eyeliner is undeniably smudge-proof and budge-resistant once set. For oily eyelids, the waterproof, smudge-proof, and sebum-resistant formula is particularly beneficial. It sets quickly to a finish that resists movement, even on lids prone to natural oils. The ability to blend and smudge the liner immediately after application allows for a smokey eye effect, but once dry, it resists further blending, ensuring the look stays in place.
ad smokey eye using only the @maybelline tattoo liner smokey, its so intense 3 #makeup #smokeyeyes
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner is a standout product in the drugstore makeup market. Its exceptional pigmentation, smooth application, and impressive longevity, especially on the waterline, make it a highly recommended option. For those with watery eyes or oily lids seeking a reliable and affordable eyeliner, this pencil is an excellent choice. The reviewer considers it one of the best drugstore eyeliners ever tried, emphasizing its value for money compared to more expensive products that fail to deliver on their promises. The black shade is lauded as the best black owned by the reviewer, and the brown shade offers a softer alternative for subtle enhancement.
The ease of creating various looks, from simple definition to graphic designs, further cements its status as a versatile makeup staple. The potential for Maybelline to expand the shade range with more exciting colors and finishes would undoubtedly be welcomed by consumers who appreciate the core performance of this gel pencil eyeliner.
tags: #eyeliner #maybelline #pencil