Let me cut straight to the chase – this little green stick from Maybelline has gained quite a following, and after diving into countless user experiences and trying it myself, I can see why. But is it ACTUALLY worth the hype? Let’s break it down.
What It Claims To Do
This green color corrector stick is designed to neutralize redness on your face before you apply foundation. Green sits opposite red on the color wheel, which means it cancels out redness from rosacea, acne, broken capillaries, or just general facial flushing.
Packaging & First Impressions
The product comes in a lipstick-style tube that’s super simple and straightforward. Nothing fancy here, folks. Just twist and apply. The stick itself is a vivid mint green shade that honestly looks a bit intimidating at first!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Many users reported receiving broken products. The consistency seems somewhat fragile, especially in hot weather. Several people mentioned opening the package to find the stick completely detached from the base or smashed into the cap. Not a great start. 😬
Texture & Application
The texture is… interesting. It’s creamy but slightly thick, which makes it both good and bad:
PROS:
- Very pigmented – a little goes a LONG way
- Creamy enough to blend with your finger
- Doesn’t dry out your skin
- Easy to control application with the stick format
CONS:
- Can feel slightly greasy to some users
- Might be TOO thick for beginners
- Can look cakey if you apply too much
- Doesn’t blend well on dry, flaky skin (which is often where redness occurs!)
The key with this product is application technique. MANY users emphasized that you need to:
- Moisturize first
- Apply with a light hand – just tiny dabs on red areas
- Tap/pat to blend rather than rub or smear
- Apply foundation over the top
If you just draw it on and try to blend, you’ll end up looking like the Wicked Witch of the West! One user literally called it “Shrek face” when over-applied. 🤣
Does It Actually Work?
For most people: YES! The overwhelming consensus is that this green stick does an impressive job neutralizing redness when used correctly. Users with rosacea, broken capillaries, acne redness, and general facial flushing all reported great results.
The difference in effectiveness seems to depend on:
- Skin tone (works best on fair to medium skin)
- Type of redness (better for general redness than deep purple/red marks)
- Application technique
- What you layer over it
It seems to work particularly well for:
- Redness around the nose
- General rosacea flushing
- Post-acne red marks (not active, inflamed acne)
- Under-eye darkness with reddish/purple tones
Staying Power
Most users found this lasted fairly well throughout the day, though not necessarily with “all-day staying power.” A few mentioned needing to touch up if they were especially active or in hot weather. For the price point, the longevity seems reasonable.
Who’s Using It?
Interestingly, this product has fans across demographics:
- Women with rosacea
- Men looking for subtle redness coverage (several mentioned being inspired by Queer Eye!)
- People over 40 who appreciate that it doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Makeup beginners looking for an affordable color corrector
- Even makeup pros who previously used high-end brands
Value & Comparison to Higher-End Products
This is where the Maybelline Green Stick really shines. At around $5, it’s a FRACTION of the price of high-end color correctors. Multiple users mentioned switching from $40-50 products from Sephora, Smashbox, or Clinique and actually preferring this budget option.
Several people mentioned the stick lasts them up to a year with daily use, making it an incredible value.
The Cons (Being Totally Honest)
No product is perfect, and this one definitely has some downsides:
- Quality control issues with broken/melted sticks
- Can look ashy/grayish on darker skin tones
- Requires foundation over the top to look natural
- Can be tricky to blend properly at first
- Not ideal for very dry or flaky skin
- Packaging feels cheap (but hey, it IS cheap)
When It Doesn’t Work
Some users were disappointed, particularly in these scenarios:
- Using it alone without foundation over the top
- Applying too heavily (it will look green!)
- Trying to cover very dark/purple bruising or deep discoloration
- Expecting it to provide coverage (it neutralizes color but doesn’t conceal)
- Having very dry or textured skin where the product catches on flakes
My Final Verdict
For the price, this Maybelline Green Cover Stick is genuinely impressive. It does what it claims to do when used correctly, and outperforms many products 10x its price.
Is it perfect? No. The fragile stick, basic packaging, and potential for application mishaps are definite drawbacks. But once you figure out the right technique, it can be a game-changer for those struggling with facial redness.
Who Should Buy It:
- Anyone with mild to moderate facial redness
- Those on a budget who don’t want to splurge on high-end color correctors
- People with fair to medium skin tones
- Those who already use foundation or BB cream
- Beginners curious about color correction
Who Should Skip It:
- Those with very dark skin (it may leave an ashy cast)
- People looking for a standalone product (without using foundation over it)
- Those with extremely dry or flaky skin
- Anyone needing to cover very dark/purple discoloration
Application Tips From Real Users
Combining the best advice from experienced users:
- Always moisturize first – helps the product glide on smoothly
- Use the TINIEST amount – seriously, dots, not stripes
- Tap/pat to blend rather than rubbing
- Let it set for a moment before applying foundation
- Use a beauty blender or stippling motion when applying foundation over it
- Set with powder for longer wear
- Some users mentioned mixing a tiny bit with their moisturizer for a more subtle effect
Bottom Line
If you struggle with facial redness and want an affordable solution, this $5 wonder is absolutely worth trying. The risk is low, and the potential payoff is high. Just be prepared for some trial and error with application, and maybe order from somewhere with a good return policy in case it arrives broken!
And remember – a little goes a LONG way. Start with less than you think you need, and you’ll avoid the dreaded “Shrek face” syndrome! 💚
Buy on Amazon: Here
