Hey beauty lovers! I’ve been testing out the Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Brown 952 for a few weeks now, and I’m FINALLY ready to spill all the details. As someone who’s tried practically every eyeliner on the market (from drugstore to high-end), I was honestly skeptical that a $10 gel liner could deliver on its promises. But let me tell you – this little pot has seriously impressed me!
First Impressions & Packaging
The eyeliner comes in a small glass pot with a separate brush included. The packaging is simple but functional – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. One thing to note right away: THE BRUSH IS SUPPOSED TO BE BENT! I noticed many reviewers thought they received a defective brush, but the angled design is intentional and shown on the packaging. That said, the brush doesn’t have a proper cap (just a plastic piece that doesn’t fully cover it), which is a bit annoying.
Application Experience
Texture
The texture of this gel eyeliner is perfect when fresh – not too wet and not too dry. It has a creamy consistency that glides onto the lid smoothly without tugging or skipping. You can easily control the thickness of your line based on how much product you pick up and which part of the brush you use.
Ease of Use
As someone who’s helped countless makeup beginners, I can confidently say this is one of the most forgiving eyeliners for those still developing their skills. Unlike liquid liners that demand surgeon-like precision, this gel formula gives you a little wiggle room to work with. Made a mistake? No problem! You can quickly clean it up before it sets.
The included brush is actually decent (which is rare for included applicators), but I sometimes prefer using my own angled brush for more control. If you’re new to gel liners, this is WAY easier than liquid liners with those finicky thin brushes that require a perfectly steady hand.
Color Payoff
The Brown 952 shade is a rich, dark coffee brown – not as harsh as black but still provides enough definition. It’s perfect for:
- Daytime looks
- Fair skin tones
- Anyone looking for a more natural vibe
- Mature skin where black can sometimes look too severe
It applies true to color from pot to lid, with no oxidation issues.
Performance – Where This Eyeliner REALLY Shines!
Staying Power
This is where this eyeliner BLOWS AWAY the competition, especially considering the price point. Once this sets (which takes about 30 seconds), it DOES NOT BUDGE. I’ve worn this through:
- 12-hour workdays
- Sweaty workouts
- Teary movie sessions
- Even swimming!
And it stayed exactly where I put it. This is especially impressive for those of us with oily lids or hooded eyes. No raccoon eyes by mid-day!
One reviewer shared an extreme test where they helped load furniture onto a truck in 100-degree Texas heat during a Saharan dust storm (while their eyes were watering), and the liner STILL stayed put! While I haven’t gone to those extremes, my experience confirms this stuff has serious staying power.
Smudge-Resistance
Once set, this liner doesn’t transfer to your upper lids or under your eyes, which is a common issue with many eyeliners. Even on my clients with very oily skin or deep-set eyes, this formula holds up impressively well.
Waterproof Claims
The waterproof claims are legit. This survived swimming in the ocean for one reviewer, and my own tests in the shower confirmed it stands up to water. It’s truly waterproof – not just water-resistant like many products that claim to be waterproof.
The Downside – Nothing’s Perfect
Drying Out
The biggest complaint (and mine too) is that the product tends to dry out in the pot before you use it all up. After about 1-2 months of regular use, you’ll notice the texture becomes thicker and less smooth to apply. You can revive it a bit by stirring it up, but the included brush isn’t sturdy enough for this task.
Removal
The flip side of amazing staying power is that removal requires some effort. You’ll need a good oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm to get this off completely. Regular face wash alone won’t cut it. However, I don’t consider this a negative – I WANT my eyeliner to be stubborn about staying on my eyes!
Brush Issues
While the included brush works fine initially, it’s not the most durable. The bent angle helps with application, but some users find it awkward at first. I recommend having a backup angled eyeliner brush on hand.
Versatility – More Than Just Eyeliner
One of the coolest things about this product is its versatility. I’ve used it for:
- Tight-lining the upper waterline
- Creating precise wings
- Smudging out for a smoky effect (work quickly before it sets!)
- Filling in sparse eyebrows (several reviewers mentioned this hack!)
- Using as an eyeshadow base
Value for Money
At around $10, this eyeliner provides EXCEPTIONAL value. I’ve used high-end gel liners from Bobbi Brown, MAC, and Tarte that cost 2-3 times more but don’t necessarily perform better. The amount of product you get will last 6+ months with regular use, even with some drying out.
Who Should Buy This?
This eyeliner is perfect for:
- Anyone who struggles with eyeliner smudging or disappearing throughout the day
- People with oily eyelids or hooded eyes
- Those looking for a more natural alternative to black liner
- Makeup beginners wanting something more forgiving than liquid liner
- Anyone who wants long-wearing makeup without spending a fortune
- Contact lens wearers and those with sensitive, watery eyes
Who Should Skip It?
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You prefer pencil eyeliners and don’t want to use a brush
- You’re looking for a very light brown shade (this is definitely a deeper brown)
- You want a liner that’s easy to remove with just face wash
Final Thoughts
The Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Brown 952 has earned a permanent spot in my professional kit AND my personal makeup bag. While it’s not without flaws (mainly the drying out issue), its staying power, ease of application, and incredible value make it a winner.
For $10, this performs like a high-end product in most ways that matter. If you’ve been struggling to find an eyeliner that actually stays put all day, STOP LOOKING and grab this one!
I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, with points deducted only for the drying out issue and the lack of a proper brush cap.
Pro Tips For Best Results
- Store the pot upside down to keep the product from drying out as quickly
- If it starts to dry out, add a tiny (TINY!) drop of eye drops or contact solution and mix well
- Set with a matching eyeshadow for even longer wear
- Use an oil-based makeup remover for easy removal
- Clean the brush after each use to prevent buildup
- Apply to clean, oil-free lids or over a primer for maximum longevity
- Work quickly if you want to smudge it for a smoky look – once it sets, it’s not going anywhere!
Have you tried this eyeliner? Let me know your experiences in the comments below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
