In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, Maybelline New York consistently attempts to innovate with new packaging concepts and formulations. Their Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow Palette, specifically the “Broadway & Prince St” trio, represents their attempt to merge convenience with performance in a stackable format. As someone who has spent years evaluating cosmetics across price points, I was intrigued by this unique packaging approach and eager to evaluate whether the product delivers on its promises.
First Impressions: Packaging & Presentation
The most notable aspect of the Shadow Blocks palette is undoubtedly its distinctive stackable design. Each color comes in its own individual compartment that stacks vertically with the others, creating a tower of eyeshadow pans. This design choice immediately differentiates the product from traditional palettes.
A thoughtful detail that several users praised was the color-coordinated outer packaging – each layer’s exterior matches the shadow color inside, eliminating the need to guess which shade you’re reaching for. For makeup enthusiasts with extensive collections, this small consideration can significantly streamline your routine.
At 0.08 oz total (distributed across three shades), the product size has been a point of contention among users. When broken down, each shadow comes to approximately $3-4 per color, which positions it in the mid-range for drugstore pricing. While not the most economical option when considering cost-per-ounce, the innovative packaging does command a slight premium.
The packaging quality itself received mixed feedback. While some appreciated the unique design, others found it “cheap and thin” compared to other drugstore offerings. The attempt to emulate the popular Kaja Beauty stacked format appears to have yielded inconsistent results in terms of durability and premium feel.
Shade Range & Color Story
The Shadow Blocks palette comes in various color stories, with the purple variation being among the most discussed. This particular trio features:
- A shimmery white/pearl highlight shade
- A matte lavender/lilac mid-tone
- A deeper pearlescent or semi-foiled purple
Many users appreciated the thoughtful color distribution – two matte shades balanced with one shimmer/semi-foil option. This ratio addresses a common complaint about drugstore palettes that often overemphasize shimmer finishes at the expense of versatile mattes.
The color coordination between shades was frequently mentioned as a strength, with users noting that the three colors work well together to create a complete eye look. The purple variation, in particular, received praise for making green eyes “pop,” demonstrating Maybelline’s understanding of color theory in their shade curation.
Performance: Pigmentation & Application
The pigmentation of these shadows emerged as perhaps the most polarizing aspect of the product. User experiences varied dramatically:
Positive Experiences:
- “The eyeshadow is easy to use and very pigmented.”
- “Dynamic color! Just what I wanted.”
- “The purple would be so strong. It was easy to blend…”
- “First, I really love the separate compartments for each shadow color, keeps the colors from being mixed in the pan.”
Negative Experiences:
- “This shadow has almost 0 pigment. The description says highly pigmented. Baby powder has more pigment than these shadows.”
- “No matter how many layers, still dull. Not at all the colors pictured.”
- “There is no pigmentation in the other two colors, it’s just the dark pink color that works, a little.”
This stark contrast in experiences suggests significant inconsistency in product quality or formulation. Some of this may be attributed to different expectations based on price point, while some may relate to batch variations or even differences between color stories.
Interestingly, the purple variation – typically the most challenging color family to formulate – received more positive feedback about pigmentation than expected. One reviewer who was “not expecting much” was pleasantly surprised by the color payoff, especially considering purples “normally have a lower quality of color payoff.”
Application & Blendability
For those who found adequate pigmentation, the shadows were generally described as blendable and workable. The trio design appears intentional in its functionality – using the lightest shade as a highlighter, the mid-tone for transition, and the deepest color for definition.
Several users mentioned experiencing fallout during application, which is not uncommon for powder eyeshadows but does require additional care during application. A common recommendation was to use an eye primer to improve both adhesion and longevity.
Longevity & Wear Performance
Wear time reports were similarly variable. Some users reported that the shadows “stay on all day if I use an eye primer” or even “stays in place well, all day long,” while others found the formula “not very long-lasting compared to other shadows.”
This disparity may be partially explained by different skin types, preparation techniques, and environmental factors affecting wear time. The frequent mention of primers suggests that these shadows may perform better with proper base preparation, which is fairly standard for drugstore formulations.
Value Proposition
At approximately $3-4 per shadow when purchased as a set, these shadows occupy a mid-tier price point in the drugstore category. Several reviewers specifically addressed the value question:
- “They are pricey for what you get. Only 3 colors that perform badly.”
- “Granted they are not as big as the single shadows in the drug stores but they are about the size of shadows in palette sets.”
The consensus seems to be that you’re paying partly for the innovative packaging concept, with mixed opinions on whether the actual product quality justifies the price. For those who value the convenience of the stacked format and find shades that work for them, the price may be reasonable, while others felt the performance didn’t warrant the cost.
Comparison to Alternatives
Several reviewers made direct comparisons to other brands and products:
- “Dollar store shadows have way more vibrance.”
- “Eyeshadow pigment from color pop is way way better than this.”
These comparisons suggest that for pure performance-to-price ratio, there may be more cost-effective options available. However, the unique packaging format does offer a point of differentiation that may appeal to collectors or those who prioritize organization and visual appeal.
Potential Sensitivities & Reactions
One concerning note from a reviewer mentioned a “mild burning sensation” when using the product. While this appears to be an isolated incident among the feedback provided, it serves as a reminder that individual sensitivities to cosmetic ingredients vary widely, and patch testing is always advisable, particularly for those with sensitive skin or eyes.
Target Audience & Best Use Cases
Based on the collective feedback, the Maybelline Shadow Blocks seem best suited for:
- Makeup collectors who appreciate innovative packaging concepts
- Casual makeup users seeking subtle, buildable color for everyday looks
- On-the-go application where the stacked format offers convenience
- Those with primer who can maximize the product’s performance potential
Conversely, the product may disappoint:
- Those seeking intense pigmentation without building up layers
- Value-focused shoppers prioritizing pure performance-to-price ratio
- People with sensitive eyes given the one reported reaction
Standout Features
The most consistently praised aspects of the product were:
- The coordinated packaging where outer casing matches the shadow color
- The thoughtful color stories that work well together
- The stackable format that keeps colors separate and organized
Room for Improvement
Areas where Maybelline could enhance the product:
- More consistent pigmentation across shades and batches
- Improved packaging durability
- Reduced fallout during application
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow Palette represents an interesting innovation in drugstore eyeshadow packaging. The stackable format offers genuine convenience and organizational benefits that will appeal to certain makeup enthusiasts.
However, the inconsistent performance reports suggest that quality control or formulation issues may be affecting user experiences. The product appears to perform best when used with proper preparation (primer), appropriate expectations (buildable rather than instant intensity for many shades), and a willingness to work with the formula.
For those intrigued by the concept, the palette may be worth trying, particularly if the color story appeals to you and you typically use eyeshadow primer. Those seeking maximum pigmentation or value might want to explore other options within the drugstore category.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
The Shadow Blocks earns points for innovation and convenience but loses some ground on consistency and value proposition. In the competitive drugstore eyeshadow market, it stands out for its format rather than its formula – whether that tradeoff is worthwhile will depend entirely on your personal makeup priorities.
Consumer Tips
If you decide to try the Maybelline Shadow Blocks:
- Always use an eye primer to maximize pigmentation and longevity
- Consider the purple variation if you’re concerned about pigmentation, as it seems to perform better than expected
- Apply in layers for buildable intensity rather than expecting immediate impact
- Tap off excess before application to minimize fallout
- Patch test if you have sensitive eyes, given the one reported reaction
In a market saturated with palette options, Maybelline’s Shadow Blocks offers something visually and functionally different. While not without flaws, it represents the kind of innovation that keeps the drugstore beauty category interesting and evolving. For collectors and convenience-seekers especially, it may earn a worthy spot in your makeup collection.
Availability & Purchasing Experience
The product is readily available through major retailers and online platforms like Amazon, with several reviewers noting fast shipping times. Some mentioned that the product is occasionally sold out in physical stores, suggesting it maintains a reasonable level of popularity despite mixed reviews.
As with many beauty products, prices may vary between retailers, so comparison shopping is advisable if budget is a primary concern. The convenience of online ordering seems to be a popular option, with multiple reviewers specifically mentioning Amazon as their purchasing channel.
In conclusion, the Maybelline New York Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow Palette offers an interesting case study in the balance between innovation and performance in the competitive beauty market. Its unique format catches the eye, but its formula divides opinion – making it the kind of product that inspires passionate responses from both fans and critics alike.
Buy on Amazon: Here
