In the beauty industry, finding the perfect eyebrow product can be as challenging as finding a needle in a haystack—especially for those of us with red hair. As someone who has tested countless eyebrow products over the years, I’ve developed a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t. Today, I’m diving deep into the Maybelline New York Brow Define + Fill Duo in Auburn, a product that has garnered significant attention in the redhead community.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline Brow Define + Fill Duo comes in a sleek, dual-ended package that promises convenience and efficiency. At 0.021 oz, it’s compact enough to fit in any makeup bag, yet substantial enough to last through multiple applications. The packaging features Maybelline’s signature style—practical without being overly flashy.
One end houses a traditional pencil for defining, while the other contains a powder with a sponge-tip applicator. This dual-functionality aims to provide a complete brow solution in a single product. However, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, noting that it can be difficult to open. One reviewer mentioned that their product came shrink-wrapped twice with no perforation and had a large sticker with excessive glue that required a sharp knife to remove—resulting in minor cuts and glue residue on the pencil. While this appears to be an isolated incident, it’s worth noting.
The Color: A True Auburn?
For those with auburn or red hair, finding a brow product that complements their unique hair color can be particularly challenging. The Auburn shade of the Brow Define + Fill Duo is designed specifically for this demographic, but does it deliver on its promise?
Based on customer feedback, the Auburn shade generally receives high marks for color accuracy. Many redheads—both natural and dyed—report that this shade matches their hair perfectly. One natural redhead mentioned that her “blondish eyebrows totally disappear in the sunlight,” but this product provides a perfect match that takes “less than a minute to apply.”
Another reviewer who dyed her hair “auburn red several years ago” found that after using this product, “people tell me all the time they can’t tell red isn’t my natural color!” This suggests that the Auburn shade works well for both natural redheads and those who color their hair.
However, not all reviews are uniformly positive regarding the color. Some users feel the Auburn isn’t red enough, describing it as “definitely a light brown” with “not really any tint of red in either side.” Another mentioned it looks “more taupe than anything.” This discrepancy might be attributed to individual hair color variations, as red hair spans a spectrum from strawberry blonde to deep burgundy.
One customer noted they wished for “a darker auburn” as the current shade is “pretty light.” This suggests that while the Auburn shade works well for lighter red tones, those with deeper red hair might find it insufficient for their needs.
Performance and Application
The Pencil End
The pencil end of the Brow Define + Fill Duo is designed for precise shaping and outlining. Customer experiences with this feature vary considerably.
Many users appreciate the pencil’s precision, mentioning that it “allows for precise shaping” and is “easy to use to get a nice defined line.” Some even note that it can be used to “simulate hairs if you have sparse brows.”
However, a significant number of reviewers expressed frustration with the pencil’s texture. Multiple customers described it as “hard,” making it “really difficult to actually apply to skin.” One reviewer mentioned that it “pulls what little brow hair I have out because the pencil is so hard.” Others noted that the pencil breaks easily, with reports of it “breaking off and rolling down my eye and face” during application.
The pencil’s diameter also received mixed reviews. While some appreciate its precision, others feel it’s “too thick” and that “a more natural look could be achieved with a thinner line.” Conversely, one reviewer found it “too narrow” compared to store-bought alternatives that are “more like a thick pencil and goes on more smoothly.”
The Powder End
The powder end with its sponge-tip applicator is perhaps the more unique feature of this product, designed to fill in and set the brows after defining with the pencil.
The powder component generally receives more favorable reviews than the pencil. Many users express satisfaction with its performance, describing it as creating a “matte, natural look” that “evens out the color.” One reviewer mentioned they “only use the filler side” and consider it “a winner.”
The application method—pressing the sponge tip onto the brow to release product—is described by one user as “a pretty ingenious idea.” Another mentioned they “love the brush on the other side that helps to fill it in.”
However, not all experiences with the powder end are positive. Some reviewers claim there’s “no powder” but “just a tiny sponge colored brown” that only serves to “blur the lines you’ve drawn.” Others report receiving products where the powder end was “completely dried out” and gave “absolutely NO color.”
One reviewer explained that “the powder is in the cap w/a spring” and noted they “would run out of pencil on the opposite end before [they] ran out of powder,” suggesting inconsistent product distribution between the two ends.
Longevity and Wear
For any makeup product, staying power is crucial. The Brow Define + Fill Duo receives mixed feedback in this department.
Several reviewers report positive experiences with the product’s wear time. One mentioned they “apply it in the morning and take it off at night. That’s all there is to it,” implying satisfactory all-day wear. Another noted the product “stays on all day even after sweating.”
However, others found the staying power lacking. One user with “almost zero brow hair” stated the product “did not have the staying power that my previous brand had.” The need for touch-ups was mentioned by several reviewers, with one noting they carry extra powder ends in various locations (car, purse) for refreshing their brows on long or hot days.
Regarding product longevity in the package, many users express frustration with how quickly the pencil runs out. Comments like “the pencil section is microscopic and brittle and barely usable and will probably run out in one week” and “I do seem to run out of the crayon faster than the powder” suggest an imbalance in how long each end lasts.
Value for Money
The Brow Define + Fill Duo’s price point has become a contentious issue among long-time users. Multiple reviewers noted a significant price increase in recent years.
Several customers mentioned they had been purchasing this product for “around $5-$6” for years but recently found it priced at “$16-$20.” One user stated, “I’d rather go without than to pay these prices,” while another called the price “shameful,” especially considering “the other colors are still priced under $10.”
Given these price concerns, value assessment largely depends on individual budgets. One reviewer who switched from “a brow pencil from Sephora” found the Maybelline product to be “an expensive habit” comparatively, suggesting it offers good value relative to high-end alternatives despite the recent price increases.
Comparison to Alternatives
Many reviewers position the Brow Define + Fill Duo within their broader experience with eyebrow products, offering valuable comparative insights.
Several users mentioned trying “pomades, powders, sticks and liners” before “always coming back to this little Maybelline miracle.” One compared it favorably to “the new faux ‘microblade’ look pencils,” stating they “are crap compared to this.”
For those seeking alternatives due to price increases, finding comparable products seems challenging. One user mentioned they were “trying to find something I like that’s more affordable,” suggesting limited options in the same category.
The product’s unique dual-ended design appears to be a significant differentiator, with one user noting they “prefer using a brow powder, but it’s very hard to find a good applicator brush,” making this 2-in-1 solution particularly valuable.
Who Is This Product Best For?
Based on customer feedback, the Maybelline Brow Define + Fill Duo in Auburn seems particularly well-suited for:
- Natural redheads with light eyebrows: Many natural redheads with blonde or light eyebrows found this product perfect for adding definition without looking unnatural.
- Those who dye their hair auburn/red: Users who color their hair red reported that this product helps create a cohesive, natural look that convinces others the red is their natural color.
- People with sparse or over-plucked brows: The dual-ended functionality allows for both defining shape and filling in sparse areas.
- Makeup minimalists: Several reviewers mentioned this is the “only brow product” they use, suggesting it works well for those who prefer a streamlined routine.
- Those seeking a natural look: Many reviews emphasized the product’s ability to create natural-looking brows, with numerous mentions of receiving compliments on how natural their brows appear.
The product may be less suitable for:
- Those with very dark red hair: Some users wished for a darker auburn option.
- People who prefer softer, creamier pencils: Multiple reviews mentioned the pencil is harder than they’d prefer.
- Those on a tight budget: With the recent price increases, some long-time users find it difficult to justify the cost.
Tips for Best Application
Combining various reviewer experiences reveals some best practices for using this product:
- Two-step application: Many successful users follow a specific sequence: “I sponge first, then fill in with the pencil end, then I use an eyebrow brush to blend.”
- Use a spoolie brush: Several reviewers recommend having “a spoolie brush to brush the product through your brows, make them look a little more natural.”
- Light application: Given the rich pigmentation, one reviewer suggests “using it lightly” for best results.
- Focus on natural shape: One user mentioned, “I don’t draw beyond my natural shape, I know this is a current style but I don’t like the look,” suggesting the product works well for enhancing natural brows rather than completely redrawing them.
- Selective use: Some users prefer using just one end—typically the powder—finding it sufficient for their needs.
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York Brow Define + Fill Duo in Auburn is a product of contrasts. It inspires loyalty among many users who have used it for years or even decades, yet frustrates others with its hard pencil texture and recent price increases.
Its greatest strength lies in providing a comprehensive brow solution specifically for redheads—a demographic often overlooked in the beauty industry. The Auburn shade, while not perfect for every red hair tone, fills a crucial gap in the market and has created a dedicated following among natural and dyed redheads alike.
The dual-ended design offers versatility and convenience, though the execution of the pencil end leaves something to be desired for many users. The powder end generally receives higher praise and seems to be the standout feature for most satisfied customers.
Quality control appears inconsistent, with some users receiving dried-out products or experiencing issues with packaging, while others have no complaints across multiple purchases.
Price remains a significant concern, with the Auburn shade reportedly costing significantly more than other colors in the same product line—an issue that has alienated some once-loyal customers.
For those willing to work around its flaws and absorb the higher price point, the Maybelline Brow Define + Fill Duo in Auburn offers a unique solution that many redheads find irreplaceable. The numerous comments about receiving compliments on natural-looking brows suggest that when it works, it works exceptionally well.
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Pros:
- Color perfect for many red hair tones
- Dual functionality with pencil and powder
- Creates natural-looking brows
- Easy to use once technique is mastered
- Hard to find alternative for redheads
Cons:
- Pencil often too hard and prone to breaking
- Significant price increases in recent years
- Inconsistent product quality
- Auburn shade more expensive than other colors
- May not work for darker red hair tones
In conclusion, while not without flaws, the Maybelline New York Brow Define + Fill Duo in Auburn remains a staple for many redheads due to its unique color offering and dual-ended functionality. If Maybelline addressed the pencil texture issues and reconsidered their pricing strategy, this product could easily achieve cult status in the redhead beauty community.
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