Hey there, makeup lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into one of those under-the-radar makeup gems that deserves way more attention than it gets. I’ve been testing (and honestly, hoarding) Maybelline’s Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Earthly Taupe for MONTHS now, and I’m finally ready to spill all the details!
- Product: Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow, Earthly Taupe (Color: Green-153) Singles
- Size: 0.09 Ounce
- Finish: Matte with subtle dimension (not flat matte, not shimmery)
- Price Point: Budget-friendly (though online prices vary wildly!)
The Hunt for Earthly Taupe
First things first – this shade is becoming REALLY hard to find in stores! So many reviewers mentioned having to hunt this down online after it disappeared from their local makeup aisles. I’ve noticed this trend with several amazing drugstore products… they develop a cult following and then poof – they’re gone from shelves! 😩
When a product gets this kind of loyalty (people buying backups and searching online at marked-up prices), you know it’s something special.
The Color – What Makes It Special?
Earthly Taupe is one of those perfect “your skin but better” shades that’s surprisingly versatile. It’s:
- A neutral beige-taupe that leans slightly warm
- Light enough to brighten the eye area
- Dark enough to define the lid
- NOT shimmery or glittery (which is HARD to find these days!)
The color works especially well for:
- Fair to medium skin tones (appears as a perfect nude)
- Those wanting a natural, no-makeup makeup look
- Mature skin (40+ reviewers particularly love it)
- Professional settings where subtle makeup is preferred
One reviewer perfectly described it as giving “the effect of no eyeshadow, but covers my eyelid redness and veins.” That’s EXACTLY what makes this shade special!
Application & Performance
Texture & Application
The shadow has a smooth, finely-milled texture that applies without patchiness. It’s not powdery or chalky like some budget shadows can be. The pigmentation is medium – buildable without being overwhelming on the first swipe.
Pro tip: Toss the included sponge applicator! Several reviewers (and I totally agree) mentioned using a proper eyeshadow brush makes a huge difference in application quality.
Longevity
With a primer underneath, this shadow truly lasts all day without creasing. Without primer, you might see some fading by afternoon, but it doesn’t completely disappear or settle into lines.
I’ve found it performs BETTER than some high-end shadows in terms of staying power! One reviewer noted they’ve been using it for decades because it “keeps my crayon eyeliner from smearing” – and they’re right! The slightly powdery finish helps grip other products.
Versatility
This is where Earthly Taupe really shines! It works as:
- An all-over lid color
- A transition shade for blending darker colors
- A base to neutralize eyelid discoloration
- A subtle brow bone highlight for deeper skin tones
- A perfect complement to winged liner for a subtle daytime look
Value Proposition
At the original drugstore price (around $3-6), this is an absolute STEAL for the quality. Unfortunately, since it’s becoming harder to find, online prices have skyrocketed (I’ve seen it listed for $15-20 which is RIDICULOUS for a single drugstore shadow).
If you can find it at the original price point, buy extras! Several reviewers mentioned stocking up when they find it at a reasonable price.
Who Should Buy This?
This shadow is PERFECT for:
- Makeup Minimalists – If you want one versatile shadow that works for everyday
- Mature Makeup Wearers – The matte finish doesn’t accentuate texture or fine lines
- Professionals – It’s subtle enough for conservative workplaces
- Makeup Beginners – Foolproof to apply and blend
- Budget-Conscious Beauty Lovers – When found at retail price, the quality-to-price ratio is outstanding
Who Should Skip It?
To be totally honest, this might not be for you if:
- You Love Drama – This is definitely not a statement shadow
- You Have Very Deep Skin – It might appear ashy on deeper complexions
- You Prefer One-and-Done Intensity – This requires building for impact
- You Want Shimmer – The finish is distinctly matte with just the slightest dimension
How I Use It
My favorite way to use Earthly Taupe is as part of a simple everyday look:
- Apply a thin layer of concealer or eye primer
- Sweep Earthly Taupe all over the lid up to the crease
- Add a touch of matte white or cream shade at the inner corner and brow bone
- Tight-line with a dark brown or black liner
- Finish with lots of mascara
The result? Eyes that look brighter, more awake, and subtly enhanced without looking “made up.” It’s my go-to for video calls when I need to look put-together but not overdone.
I’ve also found it makes a fantastic base for more dramatic looks – it creates a smooth canvas and helps other shadows blend seamlessly.
Comparisons to Higher-End Products
Several reviewers mentioned this as a budget-friendly alternative to high-end shadows, with one specifically calling out NARS “All About Eve” duo. Having tried both, I can confirm the texture isn’t quite as luxurious as NARS, but the color and performance are remarkably similar.
Other potential dupes include:
- MAC Brule (though Earthly Taupe is slightly warmer)
- Urban Decay Naked Basics “Naked 2” (Earthly Taupe is a bit lighter)
- Too Faced “Cashmere Bunny” (very similar tone but Earthly Taupe is less pigmented)
The Bottom Line
Maybelline’s Earthly Taupe is one of those rare drugstore products that performs like a high-end item. Its versatility, staying power, and flattering color make it a standout in a sea of trendy, glittery shadows.
The only real downside is Maybelline’s frustrating habit of discontinuing or limiting distribution of their most beloved products. If you can find this at a reasonable price, it’s absolutely worth grabbing – maybe even a backup!
Rating Breakdown:
- Color/Versatility: 5/5
- Texture/Blendability: 4/5
- Longevity: 4.5/5
- Packaging: 3/5 (functional but basic)
- Value: 5/5 (at original retail price)
- Overall: 4.5/5
Have you tried this shadow? I’d love to hear your experiences with it! And if you’ve found a good dupe since it’s becoming harder to find, PLEASE share in the comments! 😊
Quick Application Tips
- Use a fluffy blending brush rather than the included applicator
- For mature skin, apply a thin layer of eye primer first to prevent settling into lines
- This can be applied with a finger for more intense color payoff
- It works beautifully under cream shadows to extend their wear time
- Try it as a subtle contour shade in the crease even when wearing no other shadow
This little single shadow proves you don’t need to spend a fortune or use complicated techniques to look polished and put-together. Sometimes the simplest products are the most effective!
Buy on Amazon: Here
