A Makeup Artist’s Verdict on the New Maybelline Products Under $35
I am the Content Manager here at Adore Beauty. I have been a makeup artist for over 6 years now and love all things beauty.
Maybelline’s latest launches have landed and they’re basically a roll call of everything we’re LOVING in makeup right now.
Think glowy skin, long-lasting primers, smudge-proof mascara, and lip products that combine staying power with serious shine.
After 13 years as a makeup artist, I’ve learnt that a great first impression is one thing, but how a product actually performs throughout the day is what really matters. So, naturally, I had to put these new arrivals to the test.
From the new Grip & Glow complexion duo to Maybelline officially entering its tubing era, here’s what you need to know about the latest launches.
Best New Maybelline Products
Maybelline’s latest launches have landed and they’re basically a roll call of everything we’re LOVING in makeup right now.
Think glowy skin, long-lasting primers, smudge-proof mascara, and lip products that combine staying power with serious shine.
After 13 years as a makeup artist, I’ve learnt that a great first impression is one thing, but how a product actually performs throughout the day is what really matters. So, naturally, I had to put these new arrivals to the test.
From the new Grip & Glow complexion duo to Maybelline officially entering its tubing era, here’s what you need to know about the latest launches.
Grip & Glow Duo
Ever wondered how to get a glowy base that will actually last? Let me introduce you to the Grip & Glow Duo, Maybelline’s Grippy Serum Primer paired with the Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation.
Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer, $28
The Grippy Primer is essentially skincare-meets-makeup prep. It glides on like a serum before transforming into a grippy base, designed to hold onto makeup for up to 24 hours. It also contains 2% niacinamide and delivers 24-hour hydration, giving you that lit-from-within glow without the dry, tacky feel (or leaving your skin looking like an oil slick).
Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation, $34.99
For those of you that have ever tried the Maybelline FitMe Dewy & Smooth Foundation and loved it, I need to introduce you to what is about to be your new obsession: The Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation. This is a lightweight, sheer-to-medium coverage foundation that leaves skin looking fresh, plumped and naturally radiant.
So, why do the Grippy Primer & Lifter Foundation work so well together?
- Grip without the dryness: The Grippy Primer gives your foundation something to hold onto while keeping skin feeling hydrated.
- Glow that goes the distance: The Lifter Foundation brings a fresh, radiant finish, while the Grippy Primer underneath helps keep your base in place.
- Dual skincare benefits: Both formulas contain 2% niacinamide, with the Lifter Foundation also formulated with hyaluronic acid.
In short, if you love a glowy base but still want your makeup to stay put, the two make a pretty great pairing.
How do I apply the Grip & Glow Duo?
I trialled the Grippy Primer on both myself and my clients, and can confirm it plays very nicely with different skin types. From normal and dry skin through to true oily skin types, it sat beautifully underneath foundation and gave me a great base to work with.
For application, fingertips were my pick. Massage the Grippy Primer into the skin, then give it around 20 seconds to settle. You’ll start to feel that hydrated, slightly tacky texture, which is your cue to go in with foundation.
Now, onto the Lifter Foundation. A little goes a surprisingly long way. The pump is quite generous, so one pump should comfortably cover the entire face for a sheer, skin-like finish. For fuller medium coverage, build with a second pump where needed. For those with a true oily skin type, be sure to dust some setting powder over areas that tend to get shiny throughout the day.
My pick for application was a large buffing brush, which gave me the most airbrushed finish while still maintaining that fresh, natural glow. The formula is super versatile though, so your favourite brush, fingers or a beauty sponge will all do the job depending on your preference.
Tubing Mascara
What are tubing mascaras and why is everyone obsessed with them? Maybelline has officially entered its tubing era with Sky Tubes Mascara.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara, $28.99
Unlike traditional mascara that coats the lashes, tubing formulas form a tiny, flexible tube around each individual lash, almost like a little sleeve. The result? Sky Tubes promises up to 24-hour wear that’s smudge-proof, flake-proof, sweat-proof and even cold-waterproof, yet when you’re ready to take it off, warm water helps each little sleeve seamlessly slide away.
AKA: all of the staying power without having to wage war on your lashes at 10pm. We love to see it. Let’s get to know Sky Tubes a bit better:
Key features of Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara:
- Tubing formula wraps around each lash for extension-like length and separation
- Lightweight, buildable formula lets you layer for your desired level of length & volume
- Enriched with shea butter and castor oil to help keep lashes conditioned
- Tubing Extender brush features pyramid-shaped bristles and a sphere tip to reach even small inner and lower lashes
- Suitable for all lash types and ophthalmologist tested for sensitive eyes
How do I apply and remove Sky Tubes Mascara?
Start at the root of your lashes and work through to ends, using the sphere tip to reach those trickier inner and lower lashes.
For extra length, I applied one coat, waited until it felt slightly tacky, then went back in with a second. If any lashes needed a little extra separation, I turned the brush vertically and used the precision tip to separate and define them individually.
The removal might actually be my favourite part about this product. I can completely understand why the internet has dubbed Sky Tubes one of the easiest mascaras to take off. Simply saturate your lashes with warm water, before gently pressing them between your index finger and your thumb and swipe down. The little tubes slide straight off without the usual rubbing or scrubbing, and I was honestly obsessed with how easy it was.
Maybelline Lip Combo
How do I create a long-lasting, glossy lip combo?
If you love the look of a glossy lip but don’t love having to constantly touch it up throughout the day/night, Maybelline’s latest lip duo might be right up your alley. Together, they’re all about long-lasting colour with the perfect glossy finish.
Maybelline Super Stay Peel Off Lip Liner Lip Stain, $21.99
Peel-off lip products are having a serious moment, and Maybelline’s take gives you the definition of a lip liner with the long-lasting tint of a stain.
Key features of Maybelline Lip Stain:
- Up to 24 hours of transfer-resistant wear that’s designed to be pillow-proof, shower-proof, food-proof and drink-proof
- Buildable colour that can be taken from a subtle lip blush to a bolder stain
- Infused with vitamin E for a comfortable, hydrating feel
- Precision tip for defining the lip line, plus a flat side for filling and blending
- Sets in five minutes before peeling away without tugging
- Can be used just around the lip line, across the entire lip or to create a soft gradient effect
How to apply the Super Stay Peel Off Lip Stain
Step 1: Ensure lips are completely clean and dry.
Step 2: Use the precision applicator to trace along the lip line or apply across the whole lips
Step 3: Leave to dry for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Gently peel off the film to reveal the long-lasting stain underneath.
I found this stain SO easy to use. If you’ve always wanted to try a lip stain but have been a little unsure on where to start, this is the one. The applicator is super forgiving and makes it easy to paint the stain exactly where you want it. I let it sit on my lips for 5 minutes whilst applying finishing touches to my makeup, before wiping away with a cotton round to reveal a beautifully flushed lip that genuinely lasted all day long.
Pro tip: Once you’ve removed the excess, give the stain another 5–10 minutes before going in with your gloss. This gives it a little extra time to really adhere to the lips before you layer anything over the top.
Maybelline Lifter Lip Gel, $19.99
Once your lip stain has done its thing, Lifter Gel is where the shine comes in. The oil-in-gel formula is all about giving lips that bouncy, glass-like finish whilst delivering some serious hydration.
Why you’ll love it:
- Delivers up to 24 hours of hydration
- Oil-in-gel formula gives high shine without feeling greasy
- Creates a highly reflective, mirror-like finish
- Designed to help lips feel softer, smoother and bouncier over time
- Helps minimise the appearance of lip lines and imperfections
- Lightweight, non-greasy and non-sticky
- Click-twist pen makes application quick and mess-free
- Available in eight scented shades
My experience:
Extremely easy to use, and I loved the click-twist applicator. You have complete control over how much product you dispense, so you can keep things subtle or build up the shine depending on the look you’re going for. Despite the high-gloss finish, it’s incredibly lightweight/non-sticky, and left my lips feeling soft and hydrated.
I tried the shade Mintini, which is crystal clear with a fresh mint scent, making it perfect for layering over the Peel Off Lip Liner without changing the colour underneath.
Worn together, you get the staying power and definition of a lip stain underneath with the juicy, glass-like finish of Lifter Gel over the top.
So, which of Maybelline’s new launches should you try first?
This is really hard to answer because I genuinely love all of them! Whether you’re after a glowy base that lasts, a mascara that won’t budge or a lip combo you won’t need to constantly touch up, there’s something here to make your everyday routine that little bit easier.
And possibly the best part? Every product featured in this article comes in at under $35, making high-quality makeup that little bit more accessible. Happy shopping!
