For years, the quest for the perfect eyeliner has been a never-ending journey for makeup enthusiasts. We demand intense pigment, effortless glide, and most importantly, staying power that lasts through our busy days and nights. Enter the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner, a drugstore offering that boldly claims to deliver tattoo-like longevity. But does it live up to the hype? After putting it to the test, we’re diving deep into whether this eyeliner deserves a permanent spot in your makeup bag.
Close-up of Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner pencil in its packaging, highlighting its sharpenable design.
The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Eyeliner is positioned as the brand’s most long-wearing eyeliner to date. This sharpenable pencil promises an intensely pigmented, waterproof formula that glides on smoothly and withstands smudging and fading for up to 36 hours. Available in a range of shades, we decided to put the claims to the test and see if this affordable eyeliner could truly deliver tattoo-level performance.
Priced accessibly at around 139 Czech Crowns (price may vary), the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner contains 1.3g of product. While the pencil format might require sharpening, many makeup lovers appreciate the precision it offers. The eyeliner pencil is color-matched to the shade inside and comes with a secure cap, ensuring it won’t create a mess in your makeup bag – a practical detail for everyday use.
Image showcasing three shades of Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner pencils: black, silver, and brown, demonstrating the color range.
Within the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner range, you can find up to 9 shades, catering to various preferences. Our testing included three popular shades: 900 Deep Onyx (black), 961 Sparkling Silver (metallic silver), and 910 Bold Brown (brown). The Deep Onyx and Bold Brown shades offer a matte finish, perfect for classic eyeliner looks, while Sparkling Silver adds a metallic shimmer for more creative eye makeup styles. The formula’s versatility across matte and metallic finishes hints at its potential to expand into even more exciting color options in the future.
Having used black eyeliner for years, from early makeup experiments to everyday looks, experience has taught us what makes a truly exceptional liner. The first thing that stands out with the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner is the pigmentation. These pencils deliver intense color payoff in a single swipe. The formula glides effortlessly without any dragging or skipping, making application incredibly smooth and easy. Whether you’re lining your lower lash line, tightlining the upper waterline, or creating graphic eyeliner designs, the Tattoo Studio Eyeliner performs flawlessly with minimal pressure needed.
Close-up shot demonstrating the highly pigmented application of Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner on the skin, showcasing smooth lines and intense color.
But pigmentation is only half the battle; longevity is crucial for an eyeliner that claims “tattoo studio” staying power. The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner truly shines in the longevity department. Even on watery eyes, where eyeliner often struggles to last, this formula demonstrates impressive staying power. While it may not last a full 36 hours on the waterline (very few eyeliners do!), it impressively holds up for around 10 hours, a feat that surpasses many other eye pencils. On the lash line and other less-watery areas, the eyeliner truly lives up to its long-wearing promise, lasting until makeup removal.
Wear Test: Waterline Challenge
Image from a wear test, showing the waterline after 9.5 hours of wear with Maybelline Tattoo Studio Bold Brown Eyeliner, demonstrating its lasting power.
To further test the longevity, a waterline wear test was conducted using the 910 Bold Brown shade. After 9.5 hours of wear, despite watery eyes, the eyeliner was still noticeably present on the waterline. While the pigmentation wasn’t as intense as freshly applied, significant traces of the liner remained, especially closer to the inner corner. This real-world test underscores the impressive staying power of the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner, even in challenging conditions. On the upper lash line, the wear is even more impressive, with minimal to no fading throughout the day.
Versatility in Makeup Looks
Beyond its performance, the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner is also remarkably versatile, lending itself to a variety of makeup looks. To showcase this, several different eye looks were created using the three shades.
Eye makeup look using Maybelline Tattoo Studio Bold Brown Eyeliner for a blended graphic liner, demonstrating its blendability.
The 910 Bold Brown shade was used to create a soft, blended graphic liner look. The creamy formula of the Tattoo Studio Eyeliner allowed for easy blending with a pencil brush and eyeshadow, achieving a sophisticated diffused effect in just minutes. This demonstrates the eyeliner’s ability to be manipulated for softer, more artistic styles.
Eye makeup look featuring Maybelline Tattoo Studio Deep Onyx and Sparkling Silver Eyeliners, showcasing a classic black liner with a metallic inner corner highlight.
For a more classic yet striking look, 900 Deep Onyx and 961 Sparkling Silver were combined. Deep Onyx was used to create a smoked-out black liner on the lower lash line, while Sparkling Silver added a touch of shimmer to the inner corner. This highlights the versatility of the Tattoo Studio Eyeliner for both defining and highlighting the eyes. Setting gel pencil eyeliners with eyeshadow can further enhance their wear time, especially on the lid and lower lash line, providing even more longevity for elaborate looks.
Creative makeup look using Maybelline Tattoo Studio Deep Onyx Eyeliner for graphic lines on the face and lips, demonstrating its use beyond just the eyes.
Pushing the boundaries even further, 900 Deep Onyx was used to create bold graphic lines on the face and even as lip liner. Remarkably, the eyeliner lasted through dinner and drinks, showcasing its truly impressive staying power and versatility beyond typical eyeliner application. This unexpected use further emphasizes the “tattoo” aspect of its longevity.
Final Verdict: Is Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner Worth It?
The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner undeniably deserves the spotlight. It stands out as a top-tier drugstore eyeliner, especially for those seeking long-lasting wear and intense pigmentation. If you struggle with watery eyes or need eyeliner that can withstand long days, this is a must-try. It’s arguably one of the best drugstore eyeliners available, offering exceptional performance at an affordable price point. Save yourself the frustration of eyeliners that smudge and fade – the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner delivers on its promises.
The 900 Deep Onyx shade is a standout black, and the 910 Bold Brown is perfect for softer, everyday definition. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic eye look, the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner is a versatile and reliable choice. Have you tried the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
