Hey beauty lovers! So I’ve been playing with this Maybelline Shadow Blocks palette in the Park Ave shade for a couple weeks now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. You know how sometimes a product looks super promising but delivers mixed results? That’s exactly what’s happening here.
The Basics
This is a stacked trio of eyeshadows that comes in this cute blocky packaging that’s supposed to make it travel-friendly. The Park Ave edition features three shades:
- A light beige/off-white highlighter for under the brow
- A cinnamon brown with slight shimmer (the middle shade)
- A deeper brown that’s similar to the middle shade
Size-wise, it’s TINY, which means it won’t last forever, but it’s perfect for tossing in your purse.
Let’s Talk About The Good Stuff
First off, the PRICE is right! For three coordinating colors, you’re getting a pretty good deal compared to high-end brands. If you’re on a budget but want something that looks put-together, this is worth considering.
The middle shade is the star of the show – it’s this gorgeous cinnamon brown with a subtle shimmer that looks flattering on pretty much everyone. Several reviewers (including me) find themselves ONLY using this shade because it’s just that good. It creates this perfect everyday eye look without trying too hard.
For those with blue eyes – many reviewers mentioned these colors really make blue eyes POP!
The wear time is actually impressive for a drugstore brand. These shadows stay put for most of the day without major creasing or fading. One reviewer specifically mentioned they “stay on all day” which is always the dream when it comes to eyeshadow.
The unique stacked packaging means each color is in its own little compartment, so there’s minimal mess when you’re applying them. No shadow fallout all over your cheeks!
Now For The Not-So-Great Stuff
Let’s be real – the quality is inconsistent. The biggest issue? PIGMENTATION. Several reviewers mentioned the colors don’t give a saturated finish, especially the darker shades. You have to really build them up to get the color payoff you want. The highlight shade seems to be the most pigmented of the three.
The packaging, while unique, is a bit cumbersome to use. It takes up more space than necessary in your makeup drawer, and there’s no mirror or applicator included.
The top highlighter shade has been described as “chalky” by multiple reviewers, which isn’t a good look for anyone. It can appear flat and unflattering, especially if you have mature skin around your eyes.
And then there’s the bottom shade… honestly, it’s kind of pointless? It’s so similar to the middle shade that it doesn’t create enough contrast for a dimensional look. Many reviewers said they just ignore it completely.
MAJOR Warning: Potential Quality Control Issues
This is a BIG one, folks – several reviewers received their palettes COMPLETELY SHATTERED. Like, more shadow in the packaging and on their counters than in the actual palette. There seems to be an issue with how these are being shipped or manufactured. If you order online, be prepared for this possibility.
Also worth noting – if you have sensitive eyes, the results are mixed. One person mentioned their eyes stung after application, while another with sensitive skin had no issues. The matte shades contain talc (it’s the 3rd ingredient), which some people avoid.
The Application Experience
When they’re not arriving broken, these shadows actually apply pretty smoothly and evenly. The brown shade isn’t super deep, but as mentioned earlier, you can build it up. The shades blend nicely together, which makes creating a quick look really easy.
This palette is PERFECT for those “in a hurry” looks that still look put together. If you’re rushing in the morning but don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed, this could be your new best friend.
Who Should Buy This?
You might love this palette if:
- You want a budget-friendly neutral eye option
- You prefer compact makeup for travel or your purse
- You have blue eyes (seriously, multiple reviewers raved about this combo)
- You want something quick and foolproof for everyday wear
- You mostly just want that gorgeous middle shade (seriously, it’s the MVP)
Maybe skip it if:
- You want intense color payoff
- You’re sensitive to talc
- You prefer palettes with more shade variety
- You need a mirror included for on-the-go application
- You have very mature skin (the chalkiness might be an issue)
Bottom Line
For around $10, the Maybelline Shadow Blocks in Park Ave is a decent little palette with one STANDOUT shade (that middle cinnamon shimmer) that makes it worth considering. It’s not going to replace your high-end shadows, but for everyday wear and travel, it gets the job done.
Just maybe purchase it in-store rather than online to avoid the heartbreak of receiving a shattered mess!
Have you tried these Shadow Blocks? I’d love to hear which shade combo is your favorite!
Quick Stats:
- Price point: Budget-friendly
- Shade range: 3 coordinating neutrals with warm undertones
- Best for: Everyday looks, blue eyes, on-the-go makeup
- Standout feature: The middle cinnamon shimmer shade
- Biggest downside: Inconsistent pigmentation and potential quality control issues
Buy on Amazon: Here
