OK so I need to tell you about these Maybelline Velvet Black pencils that EVERYONE’S mom used to have! These things have been around FOREVER and there’s a reason why. I finally decided to try them myself after seeing so many people still swearing by them in 2025. Seriously, some reviewers have been using these since the 70s! 😮
Let’s Talk About This Velvet Black Shade
First things first – I grabbed these pencils because they were CHEAP. But I kept using them because they actually WORK.
The Velvet Black color is exactly what you’d expect – it’s a true black that’s not too harsh. It’s not that blue-black or gray-black that some pencils give you. It’s just… BLACK. One reviewer called it “not your typical dark black harsh color” but “more subtle” which is exactly right.
What’s cool is you can do a light application for daytime or press harder for a more dramatic look. Not too hard, not too soft – just right!
What You Actually Get in the Package
When you order these on Amazon, you usually get multiple pencils – often 4 for the price of 1! Several reviewers mentioned this specifically: “Got 4 for the price of one! And who doesn’t like to save.”
They’re just basic wooden pencils with a cap. Nothing fancy AT ALL. No twisting mechanism, no built-in sharpener. Just old-school pencils that need a regular sharpener. Honestly, the packaging is super basic, but who cares when the product works?
The Weird Trick That ACTUALLY Makes These Work Better
OK this is the part that sounds crazy but WORKS. So many reviewers mentioned this exact same thing: you need to HEAT THE TIP!
I’m not kidding. People use a lighter to quickly warm up the tip before applying. One reviewer said: “I use a lighter to quickly warm up the liner then line my eyes. It lasts all day. I never reapply.”
Another person wrote: “Yes it is a pain to have to light the pencil to soften it but it stays on all day and all night. Nothing in my 30 years of wearing make up compares to this one.”
A 61-year-old reviewer shared: “I come from the era that burned the tip a little to make it dark. I have tried others that just glide on perfectly but they made my eyes burn all day, I used them for 2wks but couldn’t take it any longer and went back to these and I love them!”
It sounds weird but it DEFINITELY makes application smoother. I tried it both ways and the heated tip glides on so much better!
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- The firmer texture gives you control for precise application
- Works especially well for those with darker hair
For Eyeliner:
- Many users SWEAR these are the best eyeliners they’ve ever used
- When heated slightly, they glide on smoothly
- They last surprisingly well throughout the day
- Don’t cause irritation like many higher-end products
One passionate user who’s been loyal since high school writes: “I’ve tried a bunch of newer things but this seems to be tried and true.”
The REAL Pros and Cons
What I LOVE:
- LONGEVITY: These pencils last all day with minimal touch-ups
- VERSATILITY: Works as both eyeliner and brow pencil
- GENTLE FORMULA: Many users report fewer allergic reactions compared to fancier brands
- PRICE: You absolutely cannot beat getting multiple pencils for under $10
- CONSISTENCY: The formula hasn’t changed in decades (THANK YOU, Maybelline!)
The Not-So-Great:
- REQUIRES SHARPENING: You’ll need a good sharpener as the lead can break if you’re not careful
- BASIC PACKAGING: Nothing glamorous here – it’s all about function
- APPLICATION LEARNING CURVE: Without the heat trick, some find it doesn’t apply as smoothly
- NOT WATERPROOF: While water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof
- AVAILABILITY: Many users turned to Amazon because they can’t find these in stores anymore
Who Should Buy These?
- Old-school makeup lovers who appreciate tried-and-true products
- Budget-conscious beauty enthusiasts looking for quality without the price tag
- Sensitive-eyed folks who’ve had reactions to other products
- Anyone looking for a versatile pencil for both brows and eyes
- People who prefer a natural look rather than the Instagram-perfect drawn-on appearance
Who Should Skip These?
- If you want a super-precise liquid liner look without any effort
- If you need something truly waterproof for swimming
- If you prefer the convenience of twist-up pencils (no sharpening)
- If you’re looking for the latest trendy makeup innovation
Tips From Decades of Devoted Users
- The Heat Trick: “I warm up a towel next to me when I apply my brows so it can heat up a little bit or running it under warm water really then quickly blow to cool.”
- For All-Day Wear: “I use setting spray after application.
- For Swimming: “I’ve been swimming with it and all I have to do is to make sure it’s not running by rubbing up under my eyes. Then it usually looks fine when I get out from the pool.”
- Find the Right Sharpener: “A little tricky when sharpening but if you find the right sharpener, they work just fine.”
The Emotional Connection
What struck me most about the reviews wasn’t just that people LIKE these pencils – they LOVE them with a passion that’s rare for a beauty product. Some highlights:
- “I have been using this Maybelline velvet black pencil for over 50 years!”
- I know our make up tastes are supposed to change but I have been using this as my eye liner since 1981, I don’t think I will change it up any time soon!
- “My mother, grandmother, aunties, sisters all been using these for decades.”
- “Everything was perfect. I’ve been using this product since my college days. I’m in my 70’s now. Maybelline forever!!!”
This isn’t just makeup – for many women, these pencils represent a consistent thread through their evolving beauty routines and lives.
The Verdict
In a world of constantly changing beauty trends, there’s something deeply reassuring about a product that has remained virtually unchanged for decades. The Maybelline New York Expert Wear Twin Brow & Eye Pencils in Velvet Black aren’t fancy or Instagram-worthy, but they WORK.
Are there more sophisticated options on the market? Sure. Are there pencils that apply more easily without the heating trick? Absolutely. But for many of us, this simple black pencil represents something that goes beyond makeup – it’s reliability, consistency, and a connection to generations of beauty wisdom.
If you’re tired of chasing the latest beauty trend only to be disappointed, maybe it’s time to try what grandma was using all along. As one reviewer perfectly put it: “it’s called ‘Old School’..and it lasts.”
Sometimes the best beauty secrets aren’t secrets at all – they’re just hiding in plain sight at your local drugstore (or these days, on Amazon).
Final Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Not perfect, but pretty darn close for a product that costs less than your morning latte!
Buy on Amazon: Here
