Hey beauty friends! I’ve been testing out the Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads in Mocha Motion (0.17 oz) for a while now, and I NEED to share my honest thoughts with you all. If you’ve been eyeing this quad at the drugstore or online, here’s what you should know before clicking that “add to cart” button!
First Impressions: Packaging & Presentation
When I first got my hands on this quad, I was immediately drawn to its compact size—it’s PERFECT for tossing in your purse or travel bag without taking up much space. The plastic packaging is pretty standard drugstore fare—nothing fancy, but functional.
BUT—and this is a BIG but—I’ve noticed a concerning trend from many reviewers: quite a few people received their product damaged! Several mentioned shadows arriving crushed or broken, which is such a bummer. One reviewer even said, “The first one I got was broken, so I requested a replacement. The second one also arrived broken.” That’s definitely something to be aware of when ordering online versus picking it up in-store.
The Color Situation: Expectations vs. Reality
Here’s where things get interesting. The name “Mocha Motion” suggests warm, coffee-inspired brown tones, right? WRONG. Multiple reviewers pointed out that the actual colors are much more gray-toned than brown.
One reviewer put it perfectly: “The colors are definitely shades of grey. They will work for me. They just aren’t what was pictured.”
Another said: “Very affordable and nice colors but was not shades of brown like the photo indicated and what I expected but rather shades of gray.”
This seems to be a consistent issue across reviews, not just one person’s experience. So if you’re specifically looking for warm brown tones, you might want to check out a different quad!
Application & Performance
When it comes to actually using these shadows, the reviews are much more positive! Many people find them easy to apply and blend:
“The Beautiful powder goes on smoothly. The color is rich with great coverage.”
“Just came back to order more colors… With these quads there’s no thought needed. The color combinations blend perfectly.”
One of the most helpful features, especially for makeup beginners, is that each shade is labeled with its intended placement (lid, crease, etc.). As one reviewer mentioned: “My favorite feature is that each shade is labeled as to where I’m supposed to apply it – as a novice, this is EXTREMELY helpful!”
However, staying power seems hit or miss. Some say it “lasts all day,” while one reviewer gave just one star because “it just comes off within an hour or so no matter how you prime or prep.” My tip? Definitely use an eye primer underneath (several reviewers mentioned this helped) to maximize wear time.
Pigmentation & Finish
The shadows have a matte finish that most people seem to appreciate, especially for everyday wear. The pigmentation is decent but not intense—think more subtle than dramatic. One reviewer noted: “I was a bit worried that they wouldn’t be pigmented enough, but they’re honestly so gorgeous.”
If you’re looking for highly pigmented, intense shadows, these might not deliver the impact you want. However, for a natural, work-appropriate look, they’re perfect.
Value For Money
This is where the Maybelline quad really shines! At its price point (usually under $10), most reviewers feel they’re getting a great deal:
“The price is amazing for such a great product.” “The price is perfect.” “A great product for a low price..perfect!”
One reviewer even mentioned that each compact lasts them about two years with regular use—talk about bang for your buck!
Who Should Buy This?
Based on the reviews, this quad seems PERFECT for:
- People with fair skin (several reviewers with fair skin particularly loved these shades)
- Those with brown or hazel eyes (one reviewer specifically said, “If you have brown eyes you need this eyeshadow! The colors really make my eyes pop.”)
- Makeup beginners who appreciate the labeled pans
- Anyone looking for a subtle, everyday neutral eye look
- Folks on a budget who want decent quality without breaking the bank
Who Should Skip It?
You might want to pass if:
- You’re specifically looking for warm brown tones (remember, these lean gray!)
- You prefer highly pigmented, dramatic shadows
- You need seriously long-wearing formula without primer
- You’re ordering online and worried about receiving damaged product
The REAL Tea on Packaging & Quality Control
I can’t ignore the number of complaints about quality control. Several reviewers mentioned receiving:
- Broken/crushed shadows
- Used-looking products (ew!)
- Dirty packaging
- Missing seals
This suggests there might be some issues with Amazon sellers or shipping practices. One reviewer was particularly disturbed: “Opened item and it had used brushes inside. Disgusting!! I would have never purchased this used product for my eyes!!”
If you’re concerned about this (and who wouldn’t be when it comes to eye products?), you might want to purchase in-store where you can inspect before buying. As one smart reviewer noted: “I used to buy at the drug store but no more. Amazon prices are much cheaper.” But another countered: “Will keep buying in person where I can ensure it won’t be used 🤢”
Final Thoughts
The Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads in Mocha Motion is a solid drugstore option with a few caveats. The color discrepancy between what’s advertised and what’s delivered seems to be the biggest complaint, followed by shipping damage concerns.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, everyday eye quad and don’t mind cooler gray tones rather than warm browns, this could be a great addition to your makeup collection. The labeled pans make application foolproof, and the neutral shades work well for many eye colors.
For around $10 or less, it’s hard to go too wrong—just maybe pick it up in-store to check the actual colors and avoid shipping damage!
Quick Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Budget-friendly price point
- Easy application with helpful labeled pans
- Blendable formula
- Good for everyday, natural looks
- Compact size for travel/purses
- Works great with eye primer
- Makes brown/hazel eyes pop
CONS:
- Colors are more gray than brown (despite “Mocha” name)
- Product damage during shipping is common
- Some quality control issues with packaging
- Not highly pigmented
- May need primer for decent staying power
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with the caveat about the cooler-toned colors. For the price, it’s hard to beat for an everyday neutral eye look. Just don’t expect warm mocha tones, despite what the name suggests!
Have you tried this quad? I’d love to hear your experiences too! 💕
Buy on Amazon: Here
