Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m breaking down EVERYTHING about this popular drugstore eyeliner that’s been getting so much attention. I’ve collected feedback from dozens of real users and combined it with my own expertise to give you the FULL picture of what to expect from the Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Long-Lasting Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil in Rose Quartz.
Quick Take
Price point: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable drugstore option)
Color payoff: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Pretty rose gold with shimmer)
Longevity: ⭐⭐⭐ (Mixed reviews – great for some, disappointing for others)
Ease of use: ⭐⭐ (Major issues with sharpening and application)
Eye sensitivity: ⭐⭐ (Multiple reports of irritation)
Let’s Talk About That Color!
First things first – the Rose Quartz shade is GORGEOUS in theory, but there’s a HUGE disconnect between what’s advertised and what you actually get. Based on customer feedback, this is NOT the subtle metallic rose gold/taupe shade shown in product photos. Instead, it’s more of a rose gold base LOADED with silver glitter particles.
Many users were caught off guard by how glittery this pencil is! One reviewer described it as “beyond sparkly” and containing “big fat chunks of glitter” like “actual glitter for a child’s art project.” If you’re looking for a subtle metallic finish, this might not be what you’re expecting.
That said, if you LOVE shimmer and sparkle, you might actually enjoy this! Several reviewers with green eyes mentioned that the shimmer made their eye color pop, and others loved using it as an inner corner highlight to brighten their eyes.
Application: The Good & The Challenging
The Positives:
- Glides on smoothly when it works (gel-like formula)
- Creates a pretty brightening effect when used in the waterline or inner corners
- Can be applied in a thin line for subtle definition
The Challenges:
Several users reported significant application issues:
- Some found it difficult to get color payoff without pressing HARD
- The formula is EXTREMELY soft – the tip breaks easily
- Multiple reports of the pencil being difficult to sharpen (more on that major issue below!)
Staying Power: Does “Tattoo Studio” Deliver?
The “36 Hour Wear” claim gets mixed reviews:
- Some users report it truly stays put ALL day
- One user tested it on their hand and found it remained visible even after multiple hand washings
- Others say it disappears completely from the waterline within 2 hours
My take? Based on the patterns in reviews, this seems to perform better on the eyelid than in the waterline, which is typical for most eyeliners. The waterline is a challenging place for ANY product to last due to moisture and blinking.
THE BIGGEST ISSUE: Sharpening Problems!
This is a MAJOR drawback repeatedly mentioned by customers. Despite being marketed as “sharpenable,” multiple users report that:
- The outer casing appears to be PLASTIC, not wood, making it impossible to sharpen with standard sharpeners
- It doesn’t twist up like a mechanical pencil
- Once the initial point wears down, many found the product essentially unusable
One particularly frustrated customer wrote: “I thought I was going to have a stroke I was so furious!!! Literally got to use this until it needed sharpening then it turned to trash.”
This is a SERIOUS design flaw that significantly reduces the value of the product, regardless of how well it performs initially.
Eye Sensitivity & Reactions
If you have sensitive eyes, proceed with CAUTION. While some reviewers with allergies reported no issues, there were several concerning reports:
- Burning/watering eyes during and after use
- Continued irritation the following day
- Red eyes after application to the waterline
One user who loved the color and staying power still had to give it up because of eye irritation. Another specifically mentioned needing eye drops to relieve discomfort after using it.
Best Uses For This Product
Based on the feedback patterns, this eyeliner works best:
- As an inner corner highlight to brighten eyes
- For adding a touch of shimmer to the upper lash line
- For those who don’t have sensitive eyes
- When you want a budget-friendly option for occasional use
It’s probably NOT ideal for:
- Everyday waterline use (especially for sensitive eyes)
- Those wanting a subtle metallic finish without obvious glitter
- Anyone looking for a long-term product they can sharpen and continue using
Value For Money
At a drugstore price point, Maybelline typically offers great value. However, the sharpening issue significantly reduces this value since you may only be able to use the pencil until the initial point wears down.
Some users keep repurchasing despite this limitation because they love the color and effect, while others feel it’s a “ridiculous waste of money” due to the limited usable product.
How It Compares To Other Eyeliners
When comparing to other options in the same price range:
- The color selection and gel formula are standout features
- The staying power (when it works) rivals more expensive brands
- The sharpening issue is a significant disadvantage compared to twist-up drugstore alternatives
Who Should Buy This?
You might LOVE this eyeliner if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly way to try the rose gold eye trend
- You enjoy glittery, shimmery eye products
- You don’t have sensitive eyes
- You’re okay with potentially limited use before sharpening becomes an issue
Skip this if:
- You have very sensitive eyes
- You want a subtle metallic finish without obvious glitter
- You’re looking for a long-lasting waterline product
- You need something you can sharpen and use completely
Final Thoughts
The Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Eyeliner in Rose Quartz is a product with serious POTENTIAL that’s held back by some significant design flaws. For the price point, it delivers gorgeous color and decent staying power, but the sharpening issue and potential for eye irritation are major considerations.
If you’re willing to accept its limitations, it can be a fun addition to your makeup collection for adding sparkle and brightness to your eyes. Just don’t expect it to become your everyday, reliable eyeliner that lasts for months of use.
Would I recommend it? With reservations. This is definitely a “buyer beware” situation where you need to understand exactly what you’re getting – a pretty, sparkly product with some serious functional limitations.
Have you tried this eyeliner? I’d love to hear YOUR experiences with it!
Buy on Amazon: Here
