Let’s get straight to it – the Maybelline Brow Tattoo comes in a small tube (smaller than you might expect for the price) with a brush applicator attached to the cap. The packaging is simple and functional, though the text on it is TINY – several reviewers mentioned they could barely read the instructions, and I had the same issue.
The product claims to last up to 3 days, requiring just 20 minutes to set for basic application, or up to 2 hours for maximum longevity. It’s marketed as waterproof and smudge-proof – two claims I was particularly interested in testing.
Application Experience
The Consistency
The formula has an unusual consistency – it’s thick and custard-like, almost goopy. This makes precise application challenging with the included brush. Many reviewers (myself included) found better results using:
- An angled eyebrow brush
- A clean mascara spoolie
- Microapplicators (those little dental-looking sticks)
The product is thick enough that it doesn’t drip or run, which is good, but it also means you need to work quickly before it starts to set.
The Process
Here’s what worked best for me:
- Cleanse the brow area thoroughly – oil or moisturizer will prevent proper adhesion
- Outline the desired shape first (some reviewers used a white pencil for this)
- Fill in with a thick coat of the tint
- Use a Q-tip to immediately clean up any mistakes (it will stain FAST)
- Let it dry completely – I found 30 minutes was the sweet spot for color without making it too dark
- Peel off starting from the tail of the brow (outer edge)
The Peeling
This is where things get interesting! The product is supposed to peel off in one piece, but most reviewers (and my experience) found it comes off in chunks. It doesn’t hurt, but you do need to be gentle to avoid pulling out brow hairs.
Some tips from reviewers that worked for me:
- Use tweezers to grab the edges
- Use a clean spoolie to gently brush away stubborn pieces
- DON’T leave it on overnight (tempting as it is) – some reviewers lost brow hairs this way!
The Results
Color & Appearance
I tested the Dark Brown shade, which applies almost black but dries to a cooler dark brown. On my skin (medium with warm undertones), it looked surprisingly natural once it settled. However, several reviewers with different skin tones noted:
- If you have very fair skin, it can look harsh initially
- As it fades, many reviewers noticed it turning slightly reddish/orange
- Those with black hair often found it wasn’t quite dark enough
The tint seems to stain both skin and hair, with a stronger effect on skin. This makes it perfect for filling sparse areas, but less effective for completely covering gray hairs.
Longevity
Here’s where the “up to 3 days” claim gets interesting. In my testing:
- Day 1: Perfect, defined brows with no need for additional products
- Day 2: Still visible but slightly faded, especially at the inner corners
- Day 3: Significantly faded, with some reddish tones emerging
- By day 4: Mostly gone except for a few stubborn spots
This aligns with most reviewer experiences, though there are some important factors:
- Oily skin types reported faster fading (sometimes within 24 hours)
- How you wash your face matters A LOT – avoid scrubbing the brow area
- Facial oils and oil-based cleansers break it down quickly
- Swimming/sweating can accelerate fading
Despite not lasting the full 3 days for most people, the consensus was that it’s still extremely convenient to have defined brows for even 1-2 days without needing additional makeup.
Water & Sweat Resistance
This is one area where the product genuinely shines! Once set, the tint doesn’t smudge or transfer. Several reviewers specifically mentioned:
- Swimming and not losing their brows
- Working out/sweating without any issues
- No transfer onto pillowcases
However, some reviewers noted that while it doesn’t immediately come off with water, regular face washing does gradually fade it.
Who This Works Best For
Based on hundreds of reviews and my own experience, this product works best for:
- People with sparse or uneven brows who want to fill in gaps
- Those who want to simplify their makeup routine
- Active people who swim/workout and need brows that don’t budge
- Anyone who wants to shape/define their brows without daily application
It’s less ideal for:
- Covering gray eyebrow hairs completely
- People wanting truly long-lasting results (3+ days consistently)
- Those with extremely oily skin
- Anyone looking for a one-time application solution
The Value Proposition
At around $15 per tube, this isn’t the cheapest brow product on the market. Some reviewers mentioned the product drying out quickly once opened, getting only 10-15 applications per tube. Others found ways to extend its life by keeping the cap tightly closed and storing it upright.
When comparing to other options:
- Professional brow tinting: $25-40 every 2-3 weeks
- Microblading: $300-800, lasts 1-2 years
- Daily brow products: $5-25, require daily application
Even with its limitations, many reviewers felt it was a good middle ground between daily makeup and more permanent solutions like microblading.
Creative Uses
Some reviewers found unexpected ways to use this product:
- Creating faux freckles (multiple reviewers loved this application)
- As a long-lasting eyeliner
- To create beauty marks
Tips & Tricks from Reviewers
- For maximum longevity:
- Leave on for the full 2 hours
- Apply at night before bed so it can set overnight
- Avoid oil-based skincare around the brows
- Pat (don’t rub) when cleansing the brow area
- For natural-looking results:
- Use a cotton swab with water to soften the inner corners after peeling
- Apply a lighter hand at the front of the brows
- Choose a shade lighter than you think you need
- For convenience:
- Some reviewers apply a quick 20-minute application daily rather than trying for the full 3-day wear
- Others do a weekly “brow day” with the 2-hour application
Final Verdict
PROS:
- Easy to use once you get the hang of it
- Creates defined, natural-looking brows
- Genuinely waterproof and smudge-proof
- Saves time in daily makeup routine
- Perfect for active lifestyles
- Affordable compared to professional tinting
CONS:
- Doesn’t consistently last the full 3 days as claimed
- Can fade to reddish/orange tones
- Tricky to apply precisely with included brush
- Relatively small amount of product for the price
- Can pull out brow hairs if not removed carefully
Is it worth trying?
If you’re tired of drawing on your brows every day and want something more convenient that still looks natural – YES! Even with its limitations, this product fills a perfect middle ground between daily makeup and more permanent solutions.
Just set your expectations realistically – you’ll likely get 1-2 good days rather than 3, and you might need to experiment with application techniques to find what works for your specific brows and skin type.
For $15, it’s worth trying, especially if you have sparse areas you’re constantly filling in or if you’re active and tired of your brows disappearing halfway through the day!
Buy on Amazon: Here
