Hey beauty lovers!
So today I’m diving DEEP into these Maybelline New York Expert Wear Twin Brow & Eye Pencils in Dark Brown. I’ve had my hands on the 2-pack (that’s 4 pencils total) for quite a while now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS to share!
First Impressions and Packaging
When I first got these pencils, I wasn’t expecting anything fancy. They come in that classic Maybelline green packaging that’s been around forever. Nothing Instagram-worthy here, just straight-up practical and no-nonsense. Each pack contains two identical pencils, and I got two packs, so four pencils total.
The pencils themselves are your standard wooden pencil design – no twist-up mechanism, no bells and whistles. Just your good old-fashioned sharpenable pencil. Some might call it outdated, but honestly? Sometimes the classics stick around for a reason!
Application Experience
Let’s talk about how these actually perform! The texture is something I’ve found to be pretty consistent across reviews – these glide on easily without dragging your skin along for the ride. The Dark Brown shade I got has a rich pigmentation, though I did notice what one reviewer mentioned about a slight reddish undertone. Whether that’s a pro or con really depends on your coloring!
For brows, I found that these pencils work best with a light hand. Too much pressure and you’ll get that obvious “I drew my eyebrows on” look. But with gentle, feathery strokes? You can build up a really natural-looking brow. The product doesn’t smudge easily once it’s on, which is AMAZING for long days.
As for using it as an eyeliner – it works well for creating a soft, defined line. It’s not going to give you that sharp cat-eye flick (liquid liner is still queen for that!), but for everyday definition along your lash line? Totally does the job.
Longevity and Wear
This is where these pencils really shine for most users! Based on the reviews and my own experience, these babies STAY PUT. Multiple people mentioned using these for decades (literally 40+ years in some cases!), which is a serious testament to their consistency.
One reviewer perfectly captured it: “Años usándolo, no se corre y el color es perfecto.” Translation? Years of using it, it doesn’t run, and the color is perfect. I couldn’t agree more! Once applied, this pencil doesn’t migrate all over your face throughout the day.
The formula seems to have actually improved over time too – one long-time user mentioned “they did something to the formula it lasts longer!” So Maybelline is actually perfecting what was already working well.
Versatility Factor
One of the coolest things about these pencils is how versatile they are. As one reviewer pointed out, “These pencils work as eyeliner, eyebrow color and even lip liner.” I personally haven’t tried the lip liner approach (might be a bit dry for my liking), but it’s cool to know it’s an option in a pinch!
I’ve also discovered these work really well for creating beauty marks for a vintage look. One reviewer mentioned their mom using these pencils for exactly that purpose “for special occasions” – giving yourself “a hot little beauty mark” as a finishing touch. Such a fun throwback use!
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Okay, let’s keep it 100% real. While most feedback is super positive, there ARE some issues worth mentioning:
The Good:
- Long-lasting once applied
- Doesn’t fade throughout the day
- Consistent color payoff
- Affordable price point
- Multi-use product
- Trusted formula that’s stood the test of time
The Bad:
- Some users have major issues with sharpening these! One reviewer complained in ALL CAPS (so you know they’re serious): “WHEN I TRY TO SHARPEN THEM THEY JUST BREAK APART MAKING THEM HARD TO SHARPEN.” I’ve experienced this too – the trick is to keep them in the fridge for 20 minutes before sharpening, but it’s still annoying.
- The Dark Brown does have that reddish undertone that might not work for everyone
- Application can be hit or miss depending on your technique
- The wooden pencil design feels a bit outdated compared to modern twist-up options
Who These Pencils Are Perfect For
Based on the reviews, these pencils seem to be absolute LIFESAVERS for women who’ve experienced thinning or lightening eyebrows with age. One reviewer put it perfectly: “After a certain age, my eyebrows lightened and became thin. If it wasn’t for Maybelline eye brow pencils, I would look like a ghost.”
They’re also great for makeup minimalists who just want one product that works consistently. Several reviewers mentioned these being the ONLY makeup product they use daily, which says a lot about their reliability.
For nostalgic beauty lovers, there’s something special about using the same product your mom or grandmother used. As one reviewer sweetly noted, “This is the same eyebrow pencil my mother used. Sometimes the old ways are best.” Can’t argue with that kind of beauty heritage!
The Sharpening Situation
I need to dedicate a whole section to this because it’s the biggest pain point! Getting these pencils properly sharpened can be FRUSTRATING. The lead breaks easily, which wastes product and your patience.
From my experience and researching tricks from long-time users, here are some tips:
- Keep your pencil in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before sharpening
- Use a high-quality sharpener with a sharp blade
- Sharpen with gentle, short twists rather than continuous pressure
- Don’t push the pencil all the way into the sharpener
Even with these tricks, you’ll probably still experience some breakage. It’s just the nature of the formula, which is soft enough to apply smoothly but sometimes too soft for perfect sharpening.
Value for Money
For around $6-7 per pack (so about $12-14 for the two packs/four pencils), these provide EXCELLENT value. Each pencil lasts several months with regular use, so you’re looking at potentially a year’s supply of brow and eye products for less than $15.
When you compare that to high-end brow products that can run $20-30 for a single pencil, the value is pretty undeniable. Sure, you might get fancier packaging or a built-in spoolie with the expensive brands, but the actual product performance here is solid.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using these pencils consistently for about three months now, and I’ve gotta say, I understand why they have such loyal fans! The Dark Brown shade works well with my medium-brown hair (that’s starting to show some grays, let’s be honest 😅).
I primarily use these for my eyebrows, where they excel at filling in sparse areas without looking fake. The color stays put all day – through workouts, rain, and even naps! I don’t have to worry about ending up with smudged brows halfway through the day.
For eyeliner, I tend to reach for these when I want a softer, more subtle look. They’re not going to give you dramatic definition, but they’re perfect for those “no-makeup makeup” days when you just want a little something to define your eyes.
My biggest frustration? 100% the sharpening issue. I’ve definitely muttered some choice words while watching yet another perfectly good tip crumble in my sharpener.
The Verdict – Would I Repurchase?
ABSOLUTELY YES! Despite the sharpening annoyance, these pencils deliver consistent, long-lasting results at a price point that can’t be beat. I completely understand why so many reviewers mentioned using these for decades – they’re reliable workhorses in a beauty industry that’s constantly pushing the “new and improved.”
As one dedicated user put it: “I was using this item forever..Should never have stopped…but I’m back..will never switch again..thank you Maybelline.” That pretty much sums up the loyalty these simple pencils inspire!
Final Thoughts
In a world of constantly changing beauty trends and endless new product launches, there’s something reassuring about products like these Maybelline pencils that have stood the test of time. They’re not flashy, they don’t have a celebrity endorsement or viral TikTok status, but they WORK.
For anyone looking for an affordable, reliable brow and eyeliner option – especially those dealing with thinning or lightening brows – these pencils are definitely worth trying. Just remember to buy a good quality sharpener to go with them! 😉
And Maybelline, if you’re listening? PLEASE don’t discontinue these! As one reviewer begged: “Been using this eye pencil for ever never fails, hope they never discontinue its a fav.” I think we can all agree on that!
Have you tried these classic pencils? Let me know your experience in the comments!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars) – Only losing a star for the sharpening issues!
Buy on Amazon:Here
