As a beauty expert with years of experience testing various cosmetic products, I’ve had the opportunity to put Maybelline’s Night Sky eyeshadow through its paces. This budget-friendly single eyeshadow has developed quite a following, and after extensive testing and analyzing customer feedback, I’m ready to share my comprehensive assessment of this popular product.
First Impressions & Packaging
The Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Night Sky comes in a compact clear plastic case that allows you to see the product inside – practical for those with extensive collections. At 0.08 oz, it’s smaller than some might expect, but the size is actually quite standard for single eyeshadows and makes it perfectly portable. The packaging includes a built-in applicator/brush, which many users appreciate for touch-ups on the go, though most serious makeup enthusiasts will likely use their own brushes for application.
The compact design means it fits easily into any makeup bag, with several reviewers specifically mentioning how convenient the size is for carrying around. However, there have been multiple reports of packaging issues during shipping, with some customers receiving broken products. This suggests that the packaging, while functional, may not provide adequate protection during transit.
Color & Pigmentation
Night Sky is marketed as a deep black eyeshadow, and the majority of users confirm it delivers on this promise. Many reviewers specifically sought out a “true black” – not a dark gray or a black with sparkles – and were pleased with the intensity of the pigmentation. The color is consistently described as a deep, matte black, although a few recent purchasers have noted the presence of slight shimmer or sparkles in newer batches, suggesting there may be some inconsistency in the formula.
The pigmentation is frequently praised as impressive, especially considering the affordable price point. Multiple reviewers who wear heavy black eyeshadow regularly mention that the color payoff is comparable to high-end brands they’ve tried, including Urban Decay, MAC, and Two Faced. One enthusiastic user described it as “THE BEST shadow that is an easy-to-apply, black eyeshadow,” while another who wears “AN ABSOLUTE TON of black eyeshadow daily” found it sufficiently pigmented for their needs.
When applied wet (either with water or setting spray), the pigmentation intensifies even further, making it versatile for different makeup looks from subtle to dramatic.
Application & Blendability
The texture of Night Sky receives mixed reviews. Many users find it applies smoothly and blends well, making it forgiving for those who aren’t makeup experts. The powder is described as finely milled with minimal fallout – a significant advantage for a black shadow, which can otherwise create a mess under the eyes.
A few reviewers noted that “a little goes a long way” and that it can be slightly challenging to apply smoothly due to its intense pigmentation. However, this seems to be more of a caution about using a light hand rather than a criticism of the product itself. The majority of users report that it blends well with other shadows, making it suitable for creating smokey eye looks.
The included applicator receives limited praise, with most users preferring their own brushes for application. For those who do use the included brush, they find it adequate for touch-ups but not ideal for precise application.
Versatility & Uses
One of the most impressive aspects of Night Sky is its versatility. Reviewers report using it for multiple purposes:
- As traditional eyeshadow: For smokey eyes or as a base for more elaborate eye looks
- As eyeliner: Many users dampen a small brush and use it to line their eyes, appreciating that it doesn’t need to be as precise as liquid liner
- For eyebrows: Several reviewers mention using it to fill in and define their brows, particularly when mixed with water
- For special effects makeup: Some use it for costume or gothic makeup looks
- For artistic purposes: At least one reviewer mentioned repurposing it for art
This multi-functionality adds significant value to an already affordable product, essentially offering several products in one.
Staying Power & Wear
The longevity of Night Sky appears to depend significantly on whether it’s used with a primer. Without primer, most users report 2-3 hours of solid wear before fading begins. With a primer, however, the consensus is that it lasts “all day” with minimal smudging or fading.
Those who use it as an eyeliner are particularly impressed with its staying power, with one user noting it “stays all day and doesn’t smudge.” Another who specifically switched from liquid eyeliner to this shadow because “eyeshadow doesn’t run” found it fulfilled that expectation.
A few dissatisfied customers report that it fades quickly or leaves a gray cast behind after wearing off. One particularly disappointed reviewer claimed it would “disappear before you’re even finished with your makeup.” However, these negative experiences appear to be outliers, with most users satisfied with the longevity when used properly.
Value for Money
At its price point (typically under $5), Night Sky is consistently praised for offering exceptional value. One regular user mentions that a single compact lasts them several months despite daily heavy use, making it extremely economical. Multiple reviewers compared it favorably to high-end brands costing several times as much.
The combination of intense pigmentation, reasonable staying power, and multi-functionality makes it an excellent value proposition for anyone looking to add a black eyeshadow to their collection without breaking the bank.
Potential Concerns
While most reviews are positive, there are a few recurring issues that potential buyers should be aware of:
- Inconsistent formulation: Some recent purchasers report receiving a version with shimmer rather than the expected matte finish. One reviewer explicitly noted, “When I ordered it last time it was completely matte,” suggesting formula changes over time.
- Fragility during shipping: Multiple customers reported receiving broken products due to inadequate packaging protection. While this is more of a shipping issue than a product quality issue, it’s something to be aware of when ordering online.
- Potential sensitivity: A small number of users reported eye irritation, with one experiencing swelling and itching after about three days of use. Interestingly, one reviewer mentioned having no issues when purchasing the product in stores but experiencing problems with the online version, raising questions about potential counterfeits or storage issues.
- Occasional fallout: While most users praise the minimal fallout, a few noted some powder scatter during application, particularly when using it wet as an eyeliner.
How It Compares to Higher-End Brands
Several reviewers explicitly compared Night Sky to more expensive brands like Urban Decay, MAC, Morphe, and Two Faced. The consensus among these users is that the Maybelline offering holds its own surprisingly well against these premium alternatives, particularly in terms of pigmentation and color payoff.
Where it may fall slightly short is in texture refinement and staying power without primer, but most users feel these minor disadvantages are more than compensated for by the significant price difference.
Who Should Buy This Product?
Based on the collective feedback, Night Sky is particularly well-suited for:
- Budget-conscious makeup enthusiasts looking for quality without the high price tag
- Beginners who want to experiment with dark eye looks without investing in expensive products
- Those who prefer multi-functional products (can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner, and brow filler)
- People who regularly wear black eyeshadow and need something affordable for daily use
- Makeup artists looking for an economical option for their kits
- Those who prefer softer-looking eyeliner rather than sharp liquid lines
It may be less ideal for:
- Those with sensitive eyes (though most users report no irritation)
- People seeking a high-shine or metallic black (as this is primarily matte, despite occasional reports of slight shimmer)
- Those who don’t use eyeshadow primer and need extremely long-lasting wear without it
Tips for Best Use
Based on reviewer experiences, here are some tips to get the most out of Night Sky:
- Use with primer: For maximum longevity, apply over an eyeshadow primer. Several users specifically mentioned e.l.f. brand primer works well with this shadow.
- Try it wet: For intensified pigmentation and precision application as eyeliner, dampen your brush slightly before dipping into the product.
- Use light pressure: Due to the high pigmentation, start with a light touch and build up as needed.
- Tap excess from brush: To minimize any potential fallout, tap your brush gently before applying to the eyelid.
- For brow use: Mix with a tiny amount of water or setting spray to create a pomade-like consistency.
- For smokey eyes: Apply close to the lash line and blend upward with a fluffy brush for a diffused effect.
Final Verdict
Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Night Sky (110S) proves that quality eye makeup doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. Its intense pigmentation, versatility, and overall performance make it a standout product in the drugstore category, earning it a place as a cult favorite among both casual users and makeup enthusiasts.
The occasional issues with packaging fragility and rare reports of formula inconsistency are minor drawbacks that don’t significantly detract from what is otherwise an exceptional value product. For anyone seeking a reliable, intensely black eyeshadow that can pull multiple duties in their makeup routine, Night Sky is difficult to beat, especially at its affordable price point.
In a beauty industry that often equates quality with high prices, this modest single eyeshadow from Maybelline demonstrates that exceptional performance can be accessible to all, regardless of budget. Whether you’re creating a dramatic smokey eye, defining your brows, or simply looking for an alternative to traditional eyeliner, Night Sky deserves a place in your makeup collection.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Pros:
- Intense, true black pigmentation
- Minimal fallout compared to other black shadows
- Versatile (can be used as shadow, liner, or brow product)
- Excellent value for money
- Blends well with other shadows
- Compact, travel-friendly packaging
- Impressive staying power when used with primer
Cons:
- Some inconsistency in formula (matte vs. slight shimmer)
- Packaging may not protect adequately during shipping
- May cause irritation for some sensitive users
- Moderate staying power without primer
Whether you’re a makeup novice looking to experiment with darker eye looks or a seasoned enthusiast seeking an affordable daily staple, Maybelline’s Night Sky eyeshadow offers performance that punches well above its modest price point. In a world of constantly changing beauty trends, this straightforward, effective product has earned its place as a reliable standby in countless makeup collections.
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