This past weekend, I discovered new Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Crayons in a display at my local CVS. It was buried on a dark lower shelf, but somehow I happened to spot it.
I picked up two shades out of 10, though I don’t think the CVS display had all 10 shades. The shades I saw all looked like shimmers. I was hoping there might be some mattes. The two I took home are Pink Parfait and Grey Crystal.
Here’s how Maybelline describes them:
“Maybelline’s Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon has all day tattoo tenacity and playful color intensity in an easy, glide on crayon.
Benefits:
• High-intensity color keeps eyes looking vibrant all-day long
• Smooth, soft creamy finish
• Playful, intense colors”
I think they’re pretty shades: pastels, metallics and a couple of deeper shades. Shades you’d expect. They are very creamy. I blended with my fingers and had no issues. Pink Parfait is a very pale pink and it’s a little sheerer than I expected it to be. It shows up better over a base or primer. I applied it on top of matte pink Almay Softie Shadow, and it provided a nice shimmer and brightness. Initially, Grey Crystal did well both on its own or with primer. It was more pigmented and opaque than Pink Parfait. But after wearing the Tattoo Crayons for about 7 1/2 hours, I recommend applying them over primer as the two shades I tried tended to fade a bit over time. The swatches below are without primer.
As you’d expect, the crayons are even easier and faster to use than the Color Tattoos in the pots. Although I really like the original Color Tattoos in pots, I found the pots harder to use. The formula for some shades was stiff, and they tended to dry out rather quickly. I think the crayons will have more longevity plus they’ll stay cleaner.
Unlike the Rimmel and NYX crayons, the Maybelline Color Tattoo Crayons have a twist up so hopefully they’ll stay sharp-ish without a need for sharpening.
I think they are nice everyday eye shadows, and perfect to throw into a purse makeup bag.
I also like Rimmel’s eye crayons, and I’d say these are comparable or perhaps even creamier and easier to blend than the Rimmel crayons.
At CVS, Maybelline Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayons were priced at $7.79, and Ulta has them for $6.99 with a buy one, half over another going on now.
Ingredients: C11-12 Isoparaffin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Beheneth-5, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Polyethylene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Paraffin, Isododecane, Cera Microcristallina / Microcrystalline Wax / Cire Microcristalline, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Alumina, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Aloe Barbadensis Extract / Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract. May Contain: Mica, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, CI 77000 / Aluminum Powder, CI 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, CI 77288 / Chromium Oxide Greens, CI 77510 / Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, CI 77510 / Ferric Ferrocyanide, CI 42090 / Blue 1 Lake, CI 75470 / Carmine.
i saw these in the store and was curious as to how they’d compare to other crayons, like the rimmel you mentioned, jordana, or nyx. thanks for giving us a review on the,m.
Elle, I like them so far, but they are both on the light side. I almost picked up one of the darker shades and I wish I had for comparison. But for everyday shadows, I like them!
I was never a huge fan of the pots because they always dried out on me. I may have to give the new stick version a try. Thanks for the review.
I had the same trouble, Leigh. I’m going to pick up one of the darker shades next, but I’d say they’re worth a try…over primer!
These are both such pretty colors! Grey Crystal is definitely a color that I can see wearing a lot! Thanks for the wonderful review!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Makeup Revolution Ultra 32 Eyeshadow Palette in Affirmation | Review & Swatches
I think I’ll put on Grey Crystal to go out and shovel snow today 😉
Color tattoos in Crayons form. That’s amazing.
The Beauty Highlights recently posted…KIKO Cosmetics Precision Eyebrow Pencil in 01 Review & Swatches
The sticks are so much easier to use and cleaner!
Well I know where I am headed after work today…going to pick up a couple of these! I am absolutely in love with the original pot version, but always feel a little gross dipping my finger into the pot, so this seems a bit more hygenic! I am so excited to try these out!
Chelsea Eames recently posted…Lorac 20th Anniversary Alter Ego Lip Collection – Review
I hope you like them, Chelsea. These are definitely easier and cleaner to apply. The two I tried are on the light side so I need to try one of the deeper shades next.
Lovely colors, but this formula creases on oily eyelids. I’ll be passing.
These are nice and creamy so you’re probably right to pass, Rachel.
Oh, awesome that these are in crayons now! I never caught on to the Color Tattoos in the pots.
Tina @ My Highest Self recently posted…New! MUA Professional Brush Cleansing Balm
The sticks are so much quicker and cleaner!
Nice to know there are crayon alternatives to the popular tattoo line!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…MAC RETRO MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK | Oh Lady, High Drama, Back in Vogue, Feels so Grand
Right! So much easier & cleaner than the pot
The Color Tattoos are fabulous, but I must say that this is a little more clean and easier to use! The swatches are gorgeous! <3
Shipra recently posted…Zwivel: DAILY SKIN CARE: COSMETIC SURGEONS SHARE THEIR TIPS
I agree, Shipra! These are pretty shades, but I chose light ones. Next time, I’d gonna try the deeper ones and see how the pigmentation and opacity is.
OOOH I haven’t seen these yet! I agree with you about the pots – after a while they got kind of dry and seemed like such a waste!
Elaine recently posted…NYX Brow Pencil vs Anastasia Brow Wiz
Definitely! I need to toss most of my pots, but I hate doing it. I think ultimately the sticks will be better
They’re twistie-up? Yasssss!
Erika recently posted…Want Softer, Shinier Hair? Get Nutty!
That part was a good surprise!
Grey Crystal is beautiful! I recently got over my doubts about eyeshadow crayons and picked up some MUFE and Laura Mercier.
Renu recently posted…LookFantastic Beauty Box January 2016 Review, Unboxing
Crayons are so easy for weekday looks or any quick looks. But primer is a must!
oh my goodness, I need to hunt these down! Love Maybelline Color Tattoo series, so I bet these will work really well for me too.
I think you’ll like them. I wish I had tried more than two. The pink is somewhat sheer but I like it anyway
These are very pretty. I can see myself using both shades, especially the grey crystal.
Kim recently posted…S’mores Arancini using Success® Jasmine Rice {recipe}
Grey Crystal really is pretty. I think you’d lie it
I love that these are twist up! I’m not such a huge shimmer far but lately I have been loving any metal shimmer shadow so many I am over it? I love how pigmented they are and how easily they apply.
Color Me So Crazy recently posted…Tweezerman has some Goody Goodness for YOUR Nails!
I was hoping there were some matte shades but I didn’t really see any. Maybe they’ll come out with some, I hope. The twist-up was a good surprise!
I swatched the bronze one and loved it (minus the tip breaking off right away). I think these are going to become a favorite among beauty junkies, just like the pot version. The colors you chose are beautiful!
Stacie recently posted…Beauty Tips
I saw the bronze at CVS and if I didn’t have so many bronze shadows I would’ve gone with it. It was a beautiful shade.
Allison, as soon as I saw your Instagram post, I went to Walgreens and purchased a few. I really like these and use them a lot for myself and clients. I am glad they are pencils now 🙂
NORAH recently posted…Morning Pit Stop At Dunkin’ Donuts
Oh, wow! I hope they like them, Norah, and they don’t disappoint!
Ohh, I haven’t seen these yet! I adore eyeshadow pencils so I’m going on the hunt for these!
Julie recently posted…Get soft clean skin with Burt’s Bees
I think they’re great for every day! So quick and clean!
These are pretty, I am curious about the darker shades..You know me and my vampy eye looks hehe
Heather recently posted…Makeup Forever Artist Palette Volume 3-Florals
I almost bought the deep teal blue but went for the grey instead. I’ll be curious if you get that one. I’ll probably go back and get it at some point!
I went to CVS to find these but no luck. I did find a Milani eyeshadow palette that’s new so that thrilled me. Review tomorrow.
MarciaF recently posted…Fashion Flash 1/18/16
I’ve got the Must Have Naturals 01. Looking forward to seeing your review. I haven’t opened mine yet. Sorry you couldn’t find the Maybelline crayons, but I’m sure they’ll turn up soon!
I love Pink Parfait.. soooo pretty!
I think so too, though I wish the pink was a bit more opaque.
I picked these up the other day and ended up putting them back because I wanted to see if anyone did any reviews on them before I purchased them! I’m glad that you did a review!!!! Thank you!
Christine recently posted…Drunk Elephant Skincare Introduction
So, the pink is very pretty but on the sheer side. The grey is more opaque but still a light shade. I hope you find some you like, or maybe they’re not for you. I’m a Color Tattoo fan but they are messy to apply. I’m hoping they’ll come out with some matte shades!
I just bought 3 of these today–can’t wait to try them!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Makeup Wars Beauty Tools!
Curious to hear which shades you bought and how they work for you!
Ohh I love the Color Tattoo in the pots, so I’ll have to try these out!
Lisa Heath recently posted…Polished by KPT Pure Lust Valentine’s Day Box
I think these are easier and cleaner to use than the pots that dried out on me. But I’m hoping they’ll come out with some matte shades. I’d like to see if they’re more opaque than the two light shimmers I picked up
I’m reviewing some of these this week too. I love the grey! I don’t know if we got it here, but I’ll be looking for it.
Bailey recently posted…Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil
Looking forward to reading about your experiences with the Maybelline sticks and seeing your swatches. I had a hard time deciding which two to go with
I can’t wait to try these! I love the Color Tattoos but as you said some of them are very stiff in the pots. A crayon will be so much easier!
Tess Galen recently posted…Winter Hydration Necessities
I like them, Tess. The lighter shades are more like a wash of color than opaque pigmentation but they’re great for everyday!
I really enjoy the maybelline color tattooes in the pot so I think I would enjoy these since they would make using them quite simple. I will add to my wishlist to try at least one of them.
Go for one of the deeper shades rather than the pastels as they are more opaque. I still like ’em.
Oooh, this is exciting news! I love the formula of the Color Tattoos, but I rarely use them because of the pots. I’d much rather use a crayon. Hope I find these soon!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Old Urban Decay with New It Cosmetics
I have a feeling that’s one of the reasons they came out with crayons. Perhaps the pots will be going away. I’m sure the Maybelline Crayons will be showing up near you soon.
I saw a sneak peek on these a few weeks ago and am super excited to try them. I am wondering if they’re phasing out the potted Color Tattoos though because the shades are pretty much the same. These shades are really nice and would be great as a base or for a pop of shimmer. Thanks for the review!
I have a feeling that you’re right, Natalie. My guess is that a lot of women don’t like sticking their fingers in the pots and also that the formula in the pots dries out over time. I like the crayons so far, but the light shades that I chose are a bit sheer on my lids. Like you said, they’re a good base and pop of shimmer, at this point. I’d like to try the deeper shades next, and I hope they’ll be coming out with some mattes soon! I’m a fan of all things cream so I’m hoping the formula will get more opaque over time.
These sound really interesting! I know everyone loves the Color Tattoos but I’ve never tried any. I like the idea of a pencil versus a pot though, I’d be more likely to use it because it’s less messy!
Molly and Stacie
I think a lot of women felt the same way you do, Molly, about the pot vs crayon, and that’s why they launched the crayons.
Ohhh I’ve been wondering about these! Thanks for getting a review up so soon after they were released! The Maybelline Color Tattoos really are great, but you’re right that they dry out quicker than most. I’m excited to try these! I think Pink Parfait is a shade I’d wear a lot.
Sammi the Beauty Buff recently posted…Beauty Buff Favorites of 2015: Skincare
Pink Parfait is very pretty, but it is on the sheer side. I would wear it on top of another shadow and certainly on top of primer or a base. I’m eager to try some more of the deeper shades, and I hope they come out with some mattes soon.
I have to pick a few of these up, I’m digging the fact that they twist up. I usually use my color tattoos as a base shadow but I can’t stand when they dry out on me. You’re right this may end up being more bang for our buck
Kara recently posted…Straight Hair Don’t Care | The Right Way to Flat Iron Your Hair
These too could be used either as a base or on top of other shadows. Primer is definitely a must. I hope they keep tinkering with the formula. I own a lot of the pots, but they definitely dried out, some were stiff right from the beginning. Also these are so much easier and cleaner to use. Curious to see what you think of them!
I love the Color Tattoo eyeshadows so I’ll have to check these out!
The Beauty of Life recently posted…#ManiMonday: Rescue Beauty Lounge Morning Light from the Blogger 3.0 Collection
They are definitely worth checking out. So much cleaner than the pots and they won’t dry out like the pots either!
I enjoyed this review and I definitely want to get that Pink Parfait!! 🙂
Ursula
It’s a very pretty shade, Ursula, but it is rather sheer on. Be sure to apply over primer, base or another shadow 🙂
I love the Maybelline Color Tattoos and I had no idea that they had pencil versions. After seeing your review, I’ll definitely need to be on the lookout for them. Both colors look amazing too. Thanks for sharing Allison. 🙂
Brigette Ramos recently posted…Go Deep Dark or Glam Good with MAC Cosmetics VIVA GLAM Ariana Grande Collection – Photos and Swatches [Video]
Yes, the Maybelline CT crayons are brand new! I enjoyed trying them, but next I’m heading for Walgreens to try the Circa crayons because the pigmentation and opacity look fabulous!
Grey Crystal needs to come and live with me pronto!
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…Guerlain Spring 2016
LOL