Hey there, beauty lovers! I’ve been testing out the Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads in Sunlit Bronze for the past month, and I just HAD to share my thoughts with you all. This little quad has been around for YEARS (some reviewers mentioned using it since the early 2000s!), and there’s a reason it’s still on shelves. Let’s dive into what makes this $7.99 drugstore gem either worth the hype or worth skipping!
First Impressions & Packaging
When I first got my hands on this quad, I was immediately struck by how compact and travel-friendly it is. The clear lid lets you see the colors inside (always a plus!), and it snaps shut securely. BUT – and this is a BIG but – many reviewers (myself included) noticed that the quad often arrives WITHOUT the applicator that’s supposed to be included. Super annoying when you’re expecting it!
The packaging feels pretty standard for drugstore makeup – not luxurious by any means, but functional. I did notice some reviewers mentioned receiving broken products, which suggests the packaging might not always protect the shadows during shipping.
The Color Story: Warm and Versatile
The Sunlit Bronze quad features four complementary shades:
- A shimmery ivory/white highlight shade
- A warm peachy/bronze shimmer
- A deeper copper/bronze shimmer
- A rich brown shimmer for deepening the crease
What’s immediately noticeable is that ALL four shades are shimmery – there’s not a matte transition shade in sight. This was disappointing to several reviewers who were expecting at least one matte shade based on the product images.
The warm coppery tones in this palette are PERFECT for making blue eyes pop (multiple reviewers with blue eyes confirmed this!), but they also work beautifully with green eyes and brown eyes. The warm undertones are flattering on many skin tones, though one reviewer with darker skin noted that the light base shade doesn’t work well as an all-over base for deeper complexions.
Application & Blendability
I found these shadows to be somewhat hit or miss in terms of application. The texture is on the drier side compared to higher-end formulas, which means you might experience some fallout (those shimmer particles can end up under your eyes if you’re not careful!).
The pigmentation is… moderate. These aren’t ultra-pigmented shadows that deliver intense color in one swipe – you’ll need to build them up for impact. Some reviewers mentioned having to apply several layers to get decent color payoff, which tracks with my experience. The copper shade has the best pigmentation of the bunch, while the lightest shade is more sheer.
Blendability is decent but not amazing. I found that using proper eye brushes (NOT the included applicator, even when it does come with one) makes a huge difference. Several long-time users recommended applying over primer or foundation set with translucent powder to help the colors adhere better and blend more smoothly.
Longevity & Wear
This is where things get interesting! Without a base or primer, these shadows tend to fade pretty quickly – about 4 hours before they start disappearing, according to one reviewer (and my testing confirms this). HOWEVER, with a proper base, they can last impressively long!
One dedicated user mentioned that with foundation and translucent powder underneath, these shadows can last “24 hours plus” – even through sleeping! While I didn’t test the 24-hour claim, I can confirm that with primer, these shadows lasted through an 8-hour workday with minimal creasing.
Several dance moms mentioned purchasing this quad for their daughters’ dance competitions, noting that the color holds up well through hours of dancing without needing touch-ups. That’s a pretty solid endorsement for staying power when properly applied!
Shimmer Factor: More Than Expected
Almost EVERY reviewer mentioned the shimmer level in this quad, and many were surprised by just how shimmery these shadows are. The product photos don’t fully convey the shimmer intensity. This is definitely not a subtle, office-appropriate quad if you’re using all four shades as directed.
The shimmer particles are not chunky glitter, but they are noticeable and reflective. If you’re looking for a more matte or satin finish, you’ll be disappointed. One reviewer mentioned buying this specifically for matte shades and was very let down to discover they’re all shimmer finishes.
Value Proposition & Pan Sizes
At around $7.99, this quad is definitely affordable. However, several long-time users pointed out an interesting quirk: the distribution of product across the four pans isn’t ideal. The white/ivory shade (which most people use the least of) is the largest pan, while the more frequently used bronze and copper shades come in smaller pans that run out quickly.
I noticed this too – I’ve barely made a dent in the highlight shade, but I’m already seeing pan on the copper tone I use most often. This uneven pan size is probably my biggest gripe with the product design.
How It Compares to the Previous Formula
A few dedicated users mentioned that Maybelline has tweaked this formula/palette over the years. One reviewer included a detailed comparison of the current version versus one purchased around 2009, noting that while the colors look similar in the pan, the middle two shades swatch differently, and the application instructions have changed.
The older version seems to have been slightly more pigmented according to these comparisons, but the differences aren’t dramatic.
Best Use Cases & Techniques
Based on reviewer experiences and my own testing, this quad works best:
- For casual, everyday looks with a touch of warmth and shimmer
- When used with proper eye brushes (not the included applicator)
- Applied over primer, foundation, or a sticky base
- When the colors are built up in layers rather than expected to deliver full pigment in one swipe
- For those with blue or green eyes looking to make their eye color pop
- As part of a look rather than a complete eye look on its own (many users mentioned pairing with other singles)
One creative use that kept coming up: several reviewers mentioned using just the gold/copper shade under the brow bone or as an inner corner highlight with other eyeshadows. The gold shade was specifically mentioned as pairing beautifully with MAC’s “Expensive Pink” for an eye-popping combination.
Who Should Skip This
You probably won’t love this quad if:
- You prefer highly pigmented, one-swipe shadows
- You’re looking for matte transition shades
- You have a deeper skin tone and need a darker base shade
- You dislike shimmer or glitter
- You want a complete eye look in one palette (this is pretty basic and may need supplementing)
- You don’t want to use primer or a base underneath
Final Thoughts: A Nostalgic Staple with Limitations
After using this quad extensively and reading through dozens of reviews, I’ve come to see it as a nostalgic staple with some notable limitations. For many users, this has been a go-to for YEARS – even a decade or more – which speaks to its reliable, consumer-friendly formula and universally flattering color story.
The warm bronze and copper tones are beautiful, especially for enhancing blue and green eyes, and the price point is certainly right. When applied properly (with primer and good brushes), it can deliver a pretty, shimmer-enhanced look that lasts surprisingly well.
However, the dry texture, moderate pigmentation, all-shimmer finish, and uneven pan sizes hold it back from being a perfect product. It’s a solid drugstore option, but not one that will replace your high-end eyeshadows.
PROS:
- Affordable price point ($7.99)
- Beautiful warm tones that enhance blue and green eyes
- Surprisingly good staying power when applied over primer
- Travel-friendly compact packaging
- Available in drugstores (though sometimes hard to find in person)
- Versatile colors that work for many occasions
CONS:
- Often ships without the promised applicator
- All shades are shimmery (no mattes for transition)
- Requires building up for impact
- Can have fallout during application
- White/ivory shade is the largest pan but least used
- Dry texture compared to higher-end formulas
- Not ideal for deeper skin tones
Would I recommend it? If you’re looking for an affordable, shimmer-heavy warm bronze quad and don’t mind applying primer first, YES! It’s stood the test of time for good reason. But if you’re looking for intense pigmentation or a complete eye look with mattes and shimmers, you might want to look elsewhere.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A solid drugstore staple with some limitations, but impressive longevity in the market for good reason!
Have you tried this Maybelline quad? I’d love to hear YOUR experiences with it in the comments below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
