Maybelline Color Tattoo Collection + Swatches

I recently purchased a few more Maybelline Color Tattoos which I had my eyes on so I thought a post featuring my entire collection was very much due. At this point, I think I have all the shades I want for now..... This is by no means all the shades within the range but these are all the colours that I know I will wear. I have featured them over here if you want to check out my initial reviews. I am a big fan of Maybelline Makeup and they are one of the best drugstore brands alongside a few others in my opinion. The Maybelline Color Tattoos are essentially a creamy eyeshadow in a gel-like form. Now, it’s not a thick gel at all; it’s more like the consistency of an eyeliner but it has a much better and lighter texture. These cream eyeshadow hybrids have been around for a little while  especially with high end brands like MAC Paint Pots but I think the drug store versions were released a few years ago (I think 2012).

Packaging

I rather like the packaging of the Maybelline Color Tattoos because they come in small weighted glass tubs. The lids are very well secured and even if there were not, I doubt if the product inside will fall out. Each tub/jar contains 4g of product which may not sound massive but it is a lot in the cream eyeshadow world. I don’t travel with these often to be honest because it is slightly heavy and it does take up some space in my tiny makeup bag. However, I ensure I take my favourite ones (Bad to the Bronze, Creamy Beige and Pink Gold) because they definitely change my eyeshadow game and can be used for a variety of looks.

Shades in my Collection

As mentioned, I don’t have the entire collection but I love all of them. I have some everyday lighter shades and some darker shades which are ideal for evening looks. I have to mention that the packaging and names of some of the shades are different from the ones in the USA. I don’t understand why they do this. I will try to include their US names where possible and if any names are wrong, please correct me.  So here we go, in no particular order:

Eternal Gold (US name- possibly Bold Gold): A glittery light gold shade which I can never really get to work well on my eyes

Creamy Beige (part of the Leather Effect range): A perfect light brown/warm beige colour which is perfect as a base colour. Alleged dupe for MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork (not tried it yet)

On-and-On Bronze (US name-Bad to the Bronze): A metallic bronze shade which is just perfect and my most used shade of all time

Pink Gold: A light pinkish gold shade which has a slight metallic finish ; it’s very gorgeous

Metallic Pomegranate (US name-Pomegranate Punk): A dark pink/almost burgundy shade with a heavy metallic finish

Turquoise Fever (US name-Tenacious Teal): A perfect teal/aquamarine shade which is so easy and creamy to apply. It can be used as a fun eye liner

Endless Purple (US name- Painted Purple): A true purple shade which also has a creamy smooth finish

Everlasting Navy (US name-Electric Blue): A dark blue/navy shade with a creamy/gel-like finish which I love. I have tried this as an eyeliner and it’s really good.

Formula/Texture/Consistency

I think the Maybelline Color Tattoo formula is one of the best the drug store has to offer and many people have even compared them with some high end brand cream eyeshadows. I have to say the texture is not consistent across the range which I think was done to introduce some variety. Some of the shades have a metallic finishes, some have smooth finishes and others have some slight glitter finish. I am not a fan of the glitter finishes at all and I find that it interferes with its application and spread. For the most part, all the shades within the range are highly pigmented which I love. I have had some of them for more than 6 months with consistent use and I have not experienced any drying out.  Some cream eyeshadows dry out after some time but I am happy to report that I have not experienced this at all with these lot.

Application/Longevity/Coverage

It’s super easy to apply as your finger tips are a perfect way to get it on. However, I use a small flat shader brush reserved specifically for this purpose and it does the job really well. I start out with a light patting and sweep over my lids and then go back in with my MAC 217 Blending Brush or my Real Techniques Essential Crease Brush to seamlessly blend it out. I have not experienced any creasing whatsoever with these cream eyeshadows and I love them for that. Their pigmentation and longevity is really amazing and I now understand why they are called colour tattoos. Once they are on, they are going nowhere and are smudge-proof especially if you let it set first. The way they look in the morning when I apply it is the same way they look in the evening when I get back from work.

How I Use them

Cream eyeshadows can be used in a variety of ways including as a base eyeshadow, as a lid eyeshadow, on its own and even as an eyeliner. I usually use them as a base eyeshadow meaning I use it underneath another eyeshadow. It really helps the second eyeshadow pop and appear more vibrant. I find that it also acts as a primer for these eyeshadows. If you have some  low quality eyeshadows with poor pigmentation, the Maybelline Color Tattoos may be one way  to improve their appearance.  On a few occasions when I don’t have time, I just pick one from my collection and use it on its own as a nice wash of colour all over my eyelid. I have tried using the darker colours as a fun eyeliner over my black eye liner and I really like it. It’s not as pigmented as a regular gel eyeliner but it’s a nice way to add some oomph to an otherwise boring eyeliner

Cost//Link (Boots) // Link (Superdrug)

I do not think they are pricey at all as they retail for £4.99. I don’t think I ever pay full price for any drug store or even high end product because I always wait for deals/offers/discounts. I am pretty sure I picked up all these eyeshadows when Boots had a 3 for 2 offer which they have regularly through the year (currently on here). With these offers, the price usually comes down to around £3 which is a bargain especially for the quality you get with these babies.

Cons

1. They have a slightly heavy packaging which may not be ideal for travelling especially if you want to take a number of them.

2. The ones with glitter in them e.g. Eternal Gold are not my favourite finishes at all and I find its pigmentation poor compared to the others and its application is a pain.

3.  A few people have reported that some recently launched shades were difficult to blend in

Overall Thoughts

I know I am not the only one obsessed with the Maybelline Color Tattoos because there are tonnes of reviews on them online. I think they are such incredible value for money and I love all of them (even the dodgy Eternal Gold). Of course, I have some of my favourites like Creamy Beige (allegedly Leather Effect), On-and-On Bronze and Pink Gold. They are my most used shades and I always reach for them on a daily basis. That’s it folks! I hope you have enjoyed this little round up. Have you tried the Maybelline Color Tattoos?

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