Maybelline: The Iconic Beauty Brand That Empowers Women

By Your Beauty Plug
March 1, 2024

Maybelline is one of the most popular and trusted cosmetics brands in the world, offering a wide range of makeup products for face, eyes, and lips. Whether you are looking for a flawless foundation, a voluminous mascara, a long-lasting lipstick, or a trendy eyeshadow palette, Maybelline has something for everyone. But how did this brand become so successful and influential? What are some of its best-selling products and what do customers think of them? How can you save money and find dupes for your favorite Maybelline products? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore the history, the products, and the tips and tricks of Maybelline.

Background of the brand

Maybelline was founded in 1915 by Thomas Lyle Williams, a young entrepreneur who was inspired by his sister Mabel. He saw her applying a mixture of petroleum jelly and coal dust to her eyelashes to make them look fuller and darker. He decided to create a similar product and named it Lash-Brow-Ine, combining his sister’s name and the key ingredient, Vaseline. The product was a hit and soon he expanded his line to include eyebrow pencils, eyeshadows, and eyeliners. He also changed the name of the brand to Maybelline, a more catchy and feminine name.

In 1917, Maybelline launched the first cake mascara, which was a solid block of pigment that could be applied with a wet brush. This product revolutionized the beauty industry and became a staple for many women, especially during the flapper era of the 1920s, when dramatic eye makeup was in fashion. Maybelline was also the first cosmetics brand to advertise on radio, reaching a wider audience and increasing its sales.

In the following decades, Maybelline continued to innovate and introduce new products, such as the first automatic eyebrow pencil in 1938, the first waterproof mascara in 1959, the first liquid eyeliner in 1971, and the first clear mascara in 1989. The brand also became famous for its catchy slogan, “Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Maybelline”, which was introduced in 1991 and is still used today. The brand also collaborated with many celebrities and models, such as Lynda Carter, Christy Turlington, Adriana Lima, and Gigi Hadid, to promote its products and image.

In 1996, Maybelline was acquired by L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, and moved its headquarters from Chicago to New York. The brand also expanded its global presence, reaching more than 100 countries and becoming the number one cosmetics brand in the US and the world. Today, Maybelline is still committed to its mission of empowering women through its products, offering quality, variety, and affordability.

Best-selling products

Maybelline has a huge portfolio of products, covering every aspect of makeup, from primer to setting spray. Some of its products have become cult favorites and best-sellers, thanks to their performance, popularity, and reviews. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: This is the most iconic and best-selling mascara in the US, selling one tube every two seconds. It was launched in 1971 and has a recognizable pink and green packaging. It has a classic formula that delivers natural-looking lashes, with length, volume, and definition. It is also available in different shades and variations, such as waterproof, curved brush, and big brush.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: This is the best-selling drugstore foundation in the US, with over 40 shades to suit every skin tone and undertone. It has a lightweight, matte, and natural-looking finish that blurs pores and controls shine. It is also suitable for normal to oily skin types and has a matching concealer, powder, and blush.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick: This is one of the most long-lasting and pigmented liquid lipsticks on the market, lasting up to 16 hours without fading, smudging, or transferring. It has a unique arrow applicator that allows for precise and easy application. It also has a wide range of colors, from nudes to bolds, and different collections, such as City Edition, Coffee Edition, and Pink Edition.
Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Pomade: This is a waterproof and smudge-proof brow product that lasts up to 24 hours. It has a creamy and pigmented formula that glides on smoothly and fills in sparse areas. It also comes with a dual-ended brush that has an angled tip for shaping and a spoolie for blending.
Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: This is a versatile and flattering eyeshadow palette that features 12 rosy and neutral shades, from matte to shimmer. It allows for creating different looks, from soft and romantic to smoky and sultry. It also has a smooth and blendable texture and a decent pigmentation.

Reviews

Maybelline products have received thousands of reviews from customers, bloggers, and influencers, who share their opinions, experiences, and tips. Most of the reviews are positive, praising the quality, performance, and value of the products. However, some of the reviews are negative, criticizing the formula, shade range, or packaging of the products. Here are some examples of reviews for some of the best-selling products:

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: This product has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on over 15,000 reviews. Some of the positive reviews say that the mascara is “a classic”, “easy to apply and remove”, and “gives natural and beautiful lashes”. Some of the negative reviews say that the mascara is “clumpy”, “dry”, and “irritating to the eyes”.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: This product has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Ulta, based on over 4,000 reviews. Some of the positive reviews say that the foundation is “lightweight”, “blends well”, and “matches perfectly”. Some of the negative reviews say that the foundation is “cakey”, “oxidizes”, and “breaks out the skin”.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick: This product has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Target, based on over 2,000 reviews. Some of the positive reviews say that the lipstick is “super pigmented”, “really long-lasting”, and “comfortable to wear”. Some of the negative reviews say that the lipstick is “sticky”, “hard to remove”, and “drying to the lips”.
Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Pomade: This product has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Walgreens, based on over 500 reviews. Some of the positive reviews say that the brow pomade is “easy to use”, “waterproof and smudge-proof”, and “looks natural and full”. Some of the negative reviews say that the brow pomade is “too dark”, “too creamy”, and “too hard to blend”.
Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: This product has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Influenster, based on over 10,000 reviews. Some of the positive reviews say that the eyeshadow palette is “pretty and versatile”, “smooth and blendable”, and “affordable and good quality”. Some of the negative reviews say that the eyeshadow palette is “chalky and patchy”, “lacks pigmentation and staying power”, and “has too much fallout and shimmer”.

Dupes

Maybelline products are already affordable and accessible, but sometimes you may want to find cheaper or more available alternatives, or simply try something new. That’s why we have compiled a list of some of the best dupes for some of the best-selling Maybelline products, based on the similarity of the formula, the color, and the performance. Here are some of the dupes you can try:

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: A dupe for this mascara is the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, which costs $4.99 and has a similar wand, formula, and effect.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: A dupe for this foundation is the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation, which costs $6.49 and has a similar finish, coverage, and shade range.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick: A dupe for this lipstick is the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick, which costs $9.99 and has a similar applicator, formula, and longevity.
Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Pomade: A dupe for this brow pomade is the NYX Professional Makeup Tame & Frame Brow Pomade, which costs $7.50 and has a similar texture, pigmentation, and durability.
Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: A dupe for this eyeshadow palette is the e.l.f. Cosmetics Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette, which costs $10 and has a similar color scheme, quality, and versatility.

Coupon codes and loyalty programs

Coupon codes: You can find various coupon codes for Maybelline products on different websites, such as RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Groupon. These codes can give you discounts, free shipping, free samples, or gifts with purchase. For example, you can use the code MAYBELLINE10 to get 10% off your order on the official Maybelline website.
Loyalty programs: You can also join some loyalty programs that reward you for buying Maybelline products, such as Ulta Rewards, CVS ExtraCare, and Walgreens Balance Rewards. These programs allow you to earn points, cash back, or coupons for every dollar you spend on Maybelline products. You can also get access to exclusive offers, deals, and events.

FAQs

If you have any questions about Maybelline products, you can check out some of these frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers:

Q: Are Maybelline products cruelty-free?
A: Maybelline products are not tested on animals by the brand or its suppliers, except where required by law. However, Maybelline is not certified as cruelty-free by any organization, such as PETA or Leaping Bunny, because it sells its products in countries where animal testing is mandatory, such as China.
Q: Are Maybelline products vegan?
A: Maybelline products are not vegan, as some of them contain animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, carmine, lanolin, or collagen. However, some of the products are vegetarian, meaning they do not contain any animal flesh, but may contain animal by-products, such as honey, milk, or eggs.
Q: How can I find the right shade of Maybelline foundation for my skin tone?
A: Maybelline offers a wide range of shades for its foundations but finding the right one can be tricky. You can use some of these tips to help you find your match:
- Use the Maybelline Foundation Finder tool on the official website, which asks you a few questions about your skin tone, undertone, and preference, and then recommends you the best shade for you.
- Use the Maybelline Virtual Try On feature on the official website or app, which allows you to upload a selfie or use your camera and see how different shades look on you in real time.
- Use the Findation website, which allows you to enter the shades of other foundations you have used and then suggests you the equivalent shades of Maybelline foundations.
- Visit a store that sells Maybelline products and ask for a sample or a swatch of the foundation you are interested in. You can also use a tester and apply a small amount on your jawline or neck and see how it blends with your skin.

Conclusion

Maybelline is a legendary beauty brand that has been around for over a century, offering high-quality, affordable, and diverse makeup products for women of all ages, skin tones, and styles. Whether you are a fan of the classic Great Lash Mascara, the modern SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, or the trendy The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, you can find something that suits your needs and preferences. You can also save money and get rewards by using coupon codes and loyalty programs and find answers to your questions by checking out the FAQs. Maybelline is more than just a cosmetics brand, it is a symbol of empowerment, confidence, and beauty. As the brand says, “Make it happen with Maybelline”.