Mars Vs Maybelline: A 5 Point Full Face Breakdown On A Budget

If the beauty aisle were a bustling high street, Maybelline would be the well‑established department store that's been around for over a century, dependable, recognisable, and always in sync with trends. Mars Cosmetics, on the other hand, would be that intriguing new boutique that everyone's whispering about: unbelievably affordable, unexpectedly impressive, and occasionally a little controversial.

Makeup performs differently on every skin type.
Photo Credit: Maybelline and Mars

Both promise budget‑friendly beauty. Both have cult products. And both have found their own fan bases on Reddit, sometimes fiercely loyal, sometimes brutally honest.

So today, we test them head‑to‑head across a five‑product full‑face checklist: compact, mascara, high‑coverage foundation, liquid lipstick, and setting spray. Let's see who takes the crown in each category, or whether the decision ultimately comes down to you.

Also Read: How To Choose Makeup Based On Lighting Conditions

5 Point Full Face Breakdown On A Budget

1. Compact Powder

Mars: A Surprise Star for Oily Skin Fans?

Mars' powders often come up on Reddit makeup discussions with surprising praise. Several users swear by their translucent powder and compact, calling them unexpectedly good for the price and suitable for setting makeup on a budget. One Redditor even names Mars as their favourite affordable brand for blush, powder and eyeliners, noting, "Mars powder only and brushes" among reliable low-cost picks.

However, concerns have popped up, too, particularly around eye irritation with certain Mars eye products, suggesting mixed quality control across categories.

Maybelline: A Drugstore Staple

Maybelline's powders, especially the Fit Me range, are widely known for finishing power and shade variety. Reddit discussions often highlight consumers trusting Maybelline for “everything”, with powders and base products frequently included in their recommendations.

And according to Maybelline's own budget lineup, the Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder Foundation offers shine control and buildable coverage, classic drugstore reliability at under ₹500.

Outcome: If you're extremely budget‑conscious, Mars gives a shockingly good showing for the price. But for consistency, shade range, and trusted performance, Maybelline is still the safer pick.

2. Mascara

Mars: Great… Until It Isn't?

Mars mascaras have quite polarising reviews on Reddit. Some users find them lengthening and impressive for the price; others report teary, red eyes, a dealbreaker for anyone with sensitivity. Still, Mars fans insist the brand produces 'decent mascara' for beginners or budget users.

Maybelline: The Mascara Institution

Maybelline practically wrote the modern mascara playbook, starting from its original coal‑dust concoction in 1915. Their mascaras, from Great Lash to Lash Sensational, remain beloved staples.

One Redditor claims Maybelline is their trusted affordable brand "for everything", and many makeup communities uphold Maybelline mascaras as some of the most reliable drugstore performers. 

Outcome: Mars may surprise you, but Maybelline will rarely betray you. For sensitive eyes or long days, Maybelline wins comfortably.

3. High-Coverage Foundation

Mars: Shockingly Good Coverage at a Shockingly Low Price

Mars' foundation is one of the brand's most hyped products. Reviewers praise its high coverage and non‑cakey finish, with a media report describing it as 'absolute magic' at an under ₹400 price point.

Shade range is improving, though still limited. And Reddit comments suggest mixed trust due to Mars' manufacturing origins and historical quality concerns, some users recount earlier formulations containing questionable ingredients or irritating components.

For skincare‑sensitive users, ingredient comparisons show Mars foundations contain more comedogenic or potentially irritating components than Maybelline's Fit Me line.

Maybelline: A Global Best‑Seller for a Reason

The Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation appears in countless Reddit recommendations for affordable complexion products. Many praise it for its extensive shade range and suitability for oily to combination skin. Ingredient comparisons show the Fit Me formula has fewer comedogenic components and fewer potential irritants for sensitive skin.

Outcome: For coverage and price alone, Mars is unbeatable. But if you want shade range, predictable performance, and gentler ingredients, Maybelline takes the lead.

4. Liquid Lipstick

Mars: An Underdog with Loyal Fans

Mars lipsticks have a cult following in Indian Reddit communities, with several users preferring them over high‑end options like MAC. One user says plainly: “Mars lipsticks are too good. I prefer them over MAC.”  Their creamy matte formulas are noted for comfort and flattering shades tailored to warm, South Asian skin tones. According to a media report, Mars excels particularly in regional shade matching, creating warmer and terracotta‑leaning tones that complement Indian undertones beautifully.

Maybelline: The Liquid Lip Legend

Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink has Reddit in a chokehold. A viral Reddit thread features users raving that it survives meals, showers, and even all‑nighters. One review claims it “doesn't budge” and remains one of the most reliable long‑wear formulas on the market.

The flip side? Some find it sticky or heavy, although many argue the wear time makes up for it.

Outcome: If you want shades that flatter Indian skintones and feel soft, Mars is the winner. If you demand bulletproof longevity, nothing beats Maybelline SuperStay.

5. Setting Spray

Mars: Surprisingly Effective for ₹200-300

Reddit reviews of Mars' setting sprays are surprisingly positive, despite occasional “bad batch” complaints. One user reports that the Seal the Deal spray made their makeup last “really long” even with oily skin. It's hard to beat that value if you're price‑conscious.

Maybelline: Higher Trust, Higher Price Point

Maybelline's Lasting Fix setting spray is widely recommended in drugstore round‑ups and is part of their best‑under‑$10 collection. While not as trendy as NYX or Elf setting sprays, Maybelline still has a reputation for reliability and fewer safety concerns than some ultra-cheap alternatives.

Outcome: Mars offers shockingly long wear for its price. Maybelline offers reliability, accessibility, and fewer risks.

So, Which Brand Is Better?

Here's the twist: choosing between Mars and Maybelline isn't actually a matter of which brand performs “better”, it's a matter of what matters most to you. If you prioritise ultra‑low prices, bold pigmentation, and shades made for Indian skin tones, Mars is a delightful surprise.

If you value ingredient transparency, consistent quality, wider shade ranges, and long‑established trust, Maybelline remains the safer bet.

Both brands have hits, both have misses, and Reddit proves that beauty wearers have deeply personal experiences, some swear by Mars' lipsticks and powders, others avoid the 
brand due to sensitivity issues; some find Maybelline's formulas Holy Grail‑tier, others criticise them for stickiness or inconsistent performance.

In the end, makeup is personal. Your skin, your budget, your comfort, your preference. Think of this less like a battle and more like a buffet, take what works, leave what doesn't, and enjoy the freedom of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I look for in an everyday compact powder?

Choose a compact with a fine texture, buildable coverage, and a finish suited to your skin type, matte for oily skin, natural for balanced skin.

2. How do I pick a mascara that doesn't smudge?

Look for formulas labelled water‑resistant or smudge‑proof, and wands that match your lash needs, curved for lift, straight for length.

3. What makes a foundation truly high‑coverage?

High‑coverage formulas typically contain more concentrated pigments and silicone‑based ingredients that help smooth skin texture and conceal uneven tone.

4. Why do some liquid lipsticks feel dry?

Long‑wearing liquid formulas often use volatile oils that evaporate quickly, leaving a matte film. This can feel drying if your lips aren't prepped properly.

5. Does setting spray really make makeup last longer?

Yes, setting sprays create a thin film over makeup that reduces transfer, helps powders melt into the skin, and controls shine over long wear.