Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into the Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads in Velvet Crush. This little compact has been in my makeup collection for months now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. Let’s get real about whether this drugstore quad is worth your cash!
First Impressions & Packaging
When my Velvet Crush quad arrived, I was immediately struck by how compact and travel-friendly it is. Perfect for tossing in your makeup bag! The packaging is simple plastic – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. However, I noticed some inconsistencies in packaging quality. Some reviewers (myself included) received products where the compact seal was peeling or the packaging looked a bit rough around the edges.
A heads-up: One customer mentioned receiving the palette with one of the shadow pans placed upside down! Thankfully they could flip it back, but it shows some quality control issues.
The Colors & Pigmentation
The Velvet Crush quad features a pretty combination of colors that are SPECIFICALLY designed to enhance blue and green eyes. The palette includes:
- Light shimmer shade (for highlighting)
- Mid-tone transition shade
- Deeper accent color
- Dark shade (can be used as liner)
One thing I immediately noticed – and many reviewers agree – is that the colors apply MUCH lighter than they appear in the pan. For some, this is perfect for creating a subtle, office-appropriate look. For others looking for intense pigmentation… you might be disappointed.
The shadows have a shimmery finish – definitely NOT matte. As one 41-year-old reviewer mentioned, the shimmer is subtle enough that it doesn’t accentuate fine lines around the eyes. It’s more of a gentle sheen than a glittery mess, making it appropriate for mature skin too.
Application & Blendability
Let’s talk about those included applicators – honestly, TOSS THEM OUT! Multiple reviewers mentioned how subpar these are, and I agree 100%. You’ll want to invest in proper eye brushes to get the most out of this palette.
The shadows don’t pick up very easily on brushes (several reviewers noted this frustration), so you’ll need to build up the color for your desired intensity. This can be good for beginners who are afraid of going overboard, but annoying if you’re in a hurry.
On the positive side, these shadows blend quite nicely once you get them on your lid. They don’t cake up, which is a huge plus for any eyeshadow formula.
Color Discrepancies
Here’s something IMPORTANT to note: Several reviewers mentioned receiving palettes with colors different from what was shown in product photos! One older customer specifically mentioned ordering the Velvet Crush but receiving an entirely frosted version, while the advertised palette showed more matte options. If you’re choosing this palette specifically for the color story shown online, be prepared for possible variations.
Staying Power
The longevity is pretty decent for a drugstore eyeshadow. One reviewer mentioned it stays on the whole day, which is impressive considering the price point. I didn’t notice significant creasing or fading throughout my 8-hour workday.
Enhancing Eye Color
This is where the Velvet Crush quad TRULY SHINES! Multiple reviewers with blue or green eyes mentioned how beautifully this palette enhances their natural eye color. One reviewer pairs it with dark mascara and calls it “a dream!!” for making blue eyes pop. Another mentioned using the dark blue shade as a liner for a softer alternative to black.
Value & Availability
Several reviewers mentioned difficulty finding this specific palette in stores – making Amazon a go-to option. The price point is excellent for what you get, with one reviewer being so impressed they purchased three more as backups “just in case Maybelline decides to drop this combination.”
Potential Quality Issues
I need to mention some concerning feedback: A few customers reported receiving what appeared to be USED products! One specifically mentioned the “compact seal peeling and broken, applicator used and shadows streaked from use.” If you order online, check your product carefully upon arrival.
Another reviewer mentioned a waxy crayon smell upon opening, leading them to wonder if they received a counterfeit product. The colors also weren’t vibrant in their palette, reinforcing their suspicion.
Who This Palette Is Perfect For:
- Anyone with blue or green eyes looking for complementary shadows
- Makeup beginners who prefer buildable, forgiving formulas
- Those who appreciate subtle shimmer (not glittery) finishes
- Makeup users who prefer lighter, more natural eye looks
- People who need a compact, travel-friendly option
Who Should Skip It:
- Those seeking highly pigmented, intense color payoff
- Anyone preferring matte finishes exclusively
- People looking for unique or unconventional colors
- Those who need shadows that are easy to pick up on brushes
The Bottom Line
For under $10, the Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads in Velvet Crush offers good value, especially if you have blue or green eyes that you want to enhance. The shimmery (but not overly glittery) formula is flattering on various skin types, including mature skin.
The biggest drawbacks are inconsistent quality control, potentially misleading color representation online, and the need to build up the color for impact. Throw away those included applicators and use your own brushes!
I’d rate this palette a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a reliable drugstore option that does what it promises for those seeking subtle eye enhancement, but it won’t compete with high-end shadows for pigmentation or luxury experience.
Have you tried the Velvet Crush quad? I’d love to know your thoughts and how it worked for YOUR eye color! 💕
Buy on Amazon: Here
