As a cosmetics expert with years of experience testing and reviewing beauty products across the market spectrum, I’ve developed a keen eye for distinguishing truly exceptional items from merely adequate ones. Today, I’ll be sharing my thorough analysis of the Maybelline New York Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in the shade “Concrete Jungle” (0.01 oz).
Lip liners have evolved from optional extras to essential components in many makeup routines, serving multiple functions from preventing feathering to creating dimension and extending lipstick wear time. Maybelline’s Color Sensational line has garnered significant attention in the beauty community, but does this particular shade and formula live up to expectations? Let’s dive into a comprehensive examination to find out.
Product Specifications
- Brand: Maybelline New York
- Product Line: Color Sensational
- Product Type: Shaping Lip Liner
- Shade: Concrete Jungle
- Net Weight: 0.01 oz (0.28g)
- Format: Wooden pencil with color-matched exterior
- Price Point: Budget-friendly ($5-8 depending on retailer)
Packaging and Presentation
The Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner arrives in the brand’s signature red and white packaging with clear product information. The pencil itself features a color-matched exterior that makes it easy to identify among a collection of lip products – a thoughtful design element for makeup enthusiasts with extensive collections.
The pencil requires traditional sharpening rather than featuring a retractable mechanism. While this might be viewed as less convenient by some, it allows for a precise application tip that can be customized to your preferred sharpness. The cap fits securely, preventing the product from drying out and protecting the tip during transport.
Several users have noted that the product was “wrapped well for shipping,” suggesting that Maybelline takes care to ensure these delicate pencils arrive intact, which is particularly important for online purchases.
Color Analysis: Concrete Jungle
“Concrete Jungle” presents as a fascinating shade that has generated some discussion among users about its true color profile. Based on customer feedback and my own assessment, this shade appears to be a complex grey with subtle purple undertones – not a true neutral grey as some might expect from the online images.
One reviewer specifically noted that the color “looked really cool toned grey on my screen but in person its more of a grey-purple.” This distinction is important for potential buyers seeking a true neutral grey, though the reviewer added that they “like that anyway,” suggesting the purple undertone adds dimension and interest to the shade.
Another user mentioned it’s “perfect when wearing a lavender shade lipstick,” confirming the purple undertones and suggesting an ideal pairing. This indicates that Concrete Jungle works excellently as a complementary liner for cool-toned, purple-leaning lip colors.
The uniqueness of this shade deserves special mention – grey-purple lip liners are relatively uncommon in the drugstore price range, making this a standout option for those looking to experiment with edgier, more editorial makeup looks without a significant investment.
Formula Performance
Texture and Application
The consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive regarding the texture and application experience. Multiple reviewers emphasized that the liner “goes on so smooth,” with one making a flattering comparison to Colourpop’s notoriously soft lip liners: “These are nice feeling. If you’ve ever tried Colourpop’s lip liners, they’re almost as soft as them. Not exact but close.”
This softness translates to an easy, skip-free application that doesn’t tug on the delicate lip area – a crucial quality factor for lip liners. The formula strikes a balanced consistency – soft enough for comfortable application but not so soft that it breaks easily or becomes difficult to control.
Versatility
Interestingly, one reviewer mentioned using Concrete Jungle for drawing eyebrows rather than lining lips: “Though they are lipstick pencils, I get the color ‘concrete jungle’ and use it to draw my eyebrows. Works well and stays all day… doesn’t smear.” This unexpected application speaks to the product’s versatility and formula stability – qualities that add significant value.
This cross-usage potential makes the product particularly appealing for minimalist makeup enthusiasts or travelers looking to maximize the functionality of each product in their collection.
Longevity
Reviews on longevity show some variation. One user specifically mentioned wishing “it lasted a little longer,” although they still considered it repurchase-worthy. Another user who applied it to their eyebrows reported it “stays all day… doesn’t smear.”
This variance likely reflects differences in application (lips versus eyebrows), individual skin chemistry, and usage conditions. Based on the average user experience, the longevity appears to be satisfactory for a drugstore product, though perhaps not exceptional compared to premium brands or long-wear specific formulas.
For maximum longevity, I would recommend:
- Exfoliating lips before application
- Applying to clean, dry lips
- Using the liner to fill in the entire lip as a base before applying lipstick
- Setting with translucent powder for extended wear
Value Assessment
Value perception varies among reviewers. One explicitly stated there’s “not a lot of product for the price” and “wouldn’t recommend” on this basis. At 0.01 oz (0.28g), the quantity is indeed on the smaller side, though this is relatively standard for pencil lip liners across price points.
When evaluating value, it’s important to consider:
- The price-to-quality ratio rather than simply quantity
- Usage efficiency (how much product is actually needed per application)
- Comparable products at similar price points
While the product quantity is limited, the quality and performance described by most users suggest a favorable price-to-quality ratio, particularly given Maybelline’s positioning as an affordable drugstore brand.
Comparative Analysis
Within the drugstore category, Maybelline’s Color Sensational liners appear to compete favorably with other popular options:
- Compared to NYX Slim Lip Pencils: Similar price point but Maybelline seems to offer a smoother application according to those who have tried both
- Compared to L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Liners: Maybelline appears less waxy and more creamy in consistency
- Compared to Colourpop Lip Pencils: Nearly as soft but typically more accessible in physical retail locations
When compared to prestige brands like MAC or Urban Decay, the Maybelline liner may not match their exceptional longevity, but it delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the price.
Unique Applications
The unconventional shade combined with the smooth formula opens up creative usage possibilities:
- Ombré Lip Effects: The grey-purple tone creates an interesting dimension when used to contour the outer edges of plum, mauve, or even nude lipsticks
- Editorial Looks: The unique color works well for artistic, fashion-forward makeup applications
- Alternative Eyebrow Definition: As one reviewer discovered, the shade works surprisingly well for cool-toned eyebrow definition
- Eyeshadow Base: The creamy formula could function as a base to intensify purple-toned eyeshadows
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptionally smooth application
- Unique color with versatile applications
- Good staying power for most users
- Budget-friendly price point
- Versatile enough for alternative uses (eyebrows)
- Secure packaging for shipping
Cons:
- Small product quantity (0.01 oz)
- Requires sharpening (versus retractable options)
- May not deliver all-day wear without touch-ups
- Color may appear different in person than online images suggest
Who Should Consider This Product
The Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in Concrete Jungle would be an excellent choice for:
- Makeup enthusiasts seeking unique, editorial colors on a budget
- Those who favor lavender, plum, or cool-toned lipsticks
- People who prioritize smooth, comfortable application
- Makeup minimalists looking for multipurpose products
- Those experimenting with grey-toned makeup trends
- Individuals with cool undertones seeking complementary lip definition
It might be less suitable for:
- Those seeking an extremely long-wearing formula
- Individuals looking for a true neutral grey without purple undertones
- People who prefer retractable packaging for convenience
Application Tips for Optimal Results
To maximize the performance of this liner:
- For Traditional Lining: Sharpen to a precise point and outline lips slightly outside the natural line for a fuller appearance
- For Full Coverage Base: Fill in the entire lip before applying lipstick to extend wear time
- For Ombré Effect: Apply heavily to the outer corners of the mouth and blend inward
- For Eyebrow Application: Use short, feathery strokes to mimic natural brow hairs
- For Longevity: Apply lip primer before liner, then set with translucent powder
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in Concrete Jungle emerges as a standout product in the drugstore category, offering exceptional smoothness, a unique color story, and impressive versatility.
While it may not deliver professional-grade longevity and comes in a modest quantity, the quality-to-price ratio makes it a worthwhile addition to any makeup collection, particularly for those interested in experimenting with cool-toned, edgier lip looks without significant investment.
With an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on combined user experiences, this product earns my recommendation as a beauty expert—with the caveat that buyers should be aware of the true color being more grey-purple than pure grey, and the modest product quantity.
For those seeking an affordable, smooth-applying lip liner with character and creative potential, Maybelline’s Concrete Jungle delivers impressive performance that exceeds its price point.
Summary
The Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in Concrete Jungle offers:
- A uniquely complex grey-purple shade
- Exceptionally smooth, comfortable application
- Versatile usage possibilities beyond traditional lip lining
- Reliable performance for its price category
- Excellent complement to lavender and cool-toned lip colors
Despite minor limitations in quantity and longevity, this product represents an excellent value in the drugstore lip liner category and deserves consideration by makeup enthusiasts across experience levels.
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