Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner Pencil Review: Intense Black, Long-Lasting, But Irritating?

This review dives deep into the Maybelline Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil, examining its performance, ease of use, and longevity. We explore whether this drugstore favorite lives up to its bold claims of intense color and all-day wear. From its sleek packaging to its application and staying power, we'll leave no detail unexplored. We'll also address a crucial concern: potential eye irritation, specifically when used on the waterline. This honest assessment will help you decide if this eyeliner is the perfect addition to your makeup bag.This in-depth review covers everything from the initial unboxing experience to the challenges faced during use. We’ll discuss the eyeliner’s impressive pigmentation and remarkably long-lasting wear, highlighting its superior performance compared to other drugstore options. However, we also acknowledge a critical drawback – the potential for eye irritation, particularly for contact lens wearers. Ultimately, we’ll offer a balanced perspective, helping you weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase decision.

Pros And Cons

Maybelline Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil (Sleek Onyx)
  • Intense, jet black color
  • Highly pigmented
  • Super creamy and glides on easily
  • Very long-lasting
  • Sets and stays all day
  • Irritates eyes when applied to the waterline
  • Causes dryness and discomfort in the waterline
  • Can transfer to contacts when used in the waterline

Read more: Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner: 5 Best Looks

Packaging and First Impressions

The Maybelline Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil arrived in sleek, minimalist packaging. The black and silver design is simple yet sophisticated, immediately conveying a sense of quality. The pencil itself is a standard size, easy to grip and control during application. I’d been eyeing this product for a while, drawn to its promise of intense color and long-lasting wear.

Pigmentation and Application

This eyeliner is incredibly pigmented. The jet-black color is intensely saturated, providing a bold, dramatic look with a single swipe. The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, making application smooth and precise. Its ease of use is a huge plus, especially for those who might find gel eyeliners challenging to work with.

A swatch of the eyeliner on the arm, showcasing its intensity.
A swatch of the eyeliner on the arm, showcasing its intensity.
Live swatch of the eyeliner being applied on the arm.
Live swatch of the eyeliner being applied on the arm.

Longevity and Water Resistance

The lasting power of this eyeliner is truly impressive. Once set, it stays put throughout the day, resisting smudging and fading. While the 16-hour claim might be a slight exaggeration, it definitely provides exceptionally long wear. The extreme pigmentation and staying power make this a top contender among long-lasting drugstore eyeliners. Removing it requires a good makeup remover, proving its water-resistant nature.

Waterline Application and Irritation

Unfortunately, using this eyeliner in the waterline caused some irritation to my eyes. This reaction might be due to my contact lens use or individual sensitivity, but it's a definite drawback to consider. While it does adhere well to the waterline, the discomfort and potential for makeup transfer to the contacts made it less than ideal for this particular application.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner Pencil offers incredible pigmentation, smooth application, and impressive longevity for its price point. The intense black color is a major plus for creating dramatic eye looks. However, the potential for waterline irritation is a significant drawback, especially for contact lens wearers. While I wouldn't recommend it for waterline application, its performance elsewhere makes it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a long-lasting, bold eyeliner.