Listen, I’ve been around the makeup block more times than I can count, and there’s a reason why Maybelline’s Expert Wear Twin Eyebrow and Eyeliner Pencils have stuck around for GENERATIONS. After reading through countless user experiences and combining them with my own expertise, I’m here to give you the unfiltered truth about these iconic little pencils.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & PACKAGING
The Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Pack comes with two identical pencils in a simple, no-frills package. Each pencil is wooden with a color-coded end that matches the shade inside. The Velvet Black shade we’re discussing today is a deep, rich black that’s been a staple in makeup bags since the 1970s (maybe even earlier!).
Nothing fancy here – just straightforward, practical design. Each pencil comes with a cap to protect the tip, and they’re the standard length for makeup pencils. Some users did mention that the pencils seem shorter than they used to be years ago, but you’re still getting a decent amount of product.
APPLICATION & VERSATILITY
What makes these pencils special? Their INCREDIBLE versatility!
🔥 THE LIGHTER TRICK 🔥
Almost every long-term user mentioned this technique: lightly heating the tip with a flame for 2-3 seconds, blowing gently to cool it, then applying. This transforms the pencil into a smooth, super-pigmented liner that glides on like a dream and STAYS PUT all day. It’s basically the OG gel liner hack that predates $25 waterproof formulas!
One reviewer who’s been using these for over 47 years said: “Unlike a lot of new eyeliners & mascara products that disappear after a bit, there is a reason this pencil eyeliner has been around for decades.”
FOR EYEBROWS
These pencils work beautifully for filling in sparse brows. The slightly waxy texture helps the color adhere to skin while also slightly helping to keep brow hairs in place. The color builds gradually, allowing you to create anything from subtle definition to bold, structured brows.
One user who lost her eyebrows due to a medical condition swears these are “the best pencils for people who have no eyebrows.” High praise!
FOR EYELINER
As an eyeliner, these pencils can create various looks:
- Tight line along the lash line for definition
- Smudged for a smoky effect
- Applied to the waterline (many users specifically mention this works well)
- Cat-eye looks (especially with the lighter trick)
The texture is firm enough to create precise lines but can be softened with the lighter trick for bolder application.
COLOR & PIGMENTATION
The Velvet Black shade is interesting – reviews were somewhat mixed on its intensity. Some users described it as “extremely dark” and “jet black” (especially after using the lighter trick), while others found it more subtle, describing it as “not too dark” and even “more brown” than black.
This suggests the color intensity might depend on:
- Application technique (regular vs. heated)
- Pressure applied
- Individual skin tone and contrast
- How freshly sharpened the pencil is
For eyebrows, many found the black intense but workable – “With a light hand, it’s all good.” Several users with dark hair mentioned it worked well for their brows, though some Asian reviewers found it actually too dark for black brows (interesting contrast!).
STAYING POWER & WATERPROOFING
The consensus on staying power:
- With the lighter trick: Excellent longevity, “stays on all day (and night – lol)”
- Regular application: Good but may need touch-ups
Regarding waterproofing, opinions varied:
- “It’ll start to fade off the more you’re in the water”
- “It doesn’t budge, even without a primer or setting powder”
- “Holds up to the southern humidity”
- “It stays on pretty much all day”
- “I think they are water resistant, I try not to rub my eyebrows anyway when they are wet or sweating.”
The most accurate assessment seems to be that these are somewhat water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They’ll hold up to humidity, some light moisture, and everyday activities, but swimming or excessive sweating will likely require touch-ups.
REMOVAL
Despite their decent staying power, users consistently mentioned these pencils remove easily with:
- Regular face wash
- Makeup remover wipes
- Eye makeup remover on a Q-tip (for precise corrections)
This balance of staying on when you want it to but coming off when you don’t is part of what makes these pencils so beloved.
SHARPENING & USABILITY
Here’s where some frustrations emerge. Many users mentioned issues with sharpening:
- “The wood around the crayon would splinter and flake off”
- “One fault is it is not practical because ink stem falls out after it is sharpened”
- “The tip breaks off when sharpening”
- “After I sharpen it, it goes on very thick”
IMPORTANT TIP: Several users discovered that the problem wasn’t the pencil but the sharpener! One reviewer who almost gave up on the pencils after 47 years found that switching to a quality sharpener (specifically mentioning the “Trim Deluxe Lip & Eye Pencil Sharpener”) solved the breaking/splintering issues completely.
LONGEVITY OF PRODUCT
How long do these pencils last? Based on user feedback:
- “Typically one pencil will last 1-2 months” with regular use
- Some found the newer versions seem to break more easily, reducing the useful life
- Most users seem pleased with how long they last, especially considering the price point
VALUE FOR MONEY
At roughly $3 for two pencils, these are an INCREDIBLE value. Numerous users mentioned trying high-end brands (MAC, Sephora, etc.) costing $18+ per pencil, only to return to these affordable classics.
One user summed it up perfectly: “I’ve tried just about every brand and always come back to this original brand.”
WHO THESE PENCILS ARE PERFECT FOR
These pencils are ideal for:
- Makeup veterans who appreciate time-tested products
- Beginners looking for affordable, forgiving products
- People with sparse or missing eyebrows needing reliable fill-in
- Those wanting versatility from a single product
- Anyone who prefers a more natural makeup look (with light application)
- Dramatic makeup lovers (using the lighter trick)
- Budget-conscious makeup users who don’t want to compromise on quality
WHO MIGHT WANT TO LOOK ELSEWHERE
These might not be perfect for:
- Those wanting ultra-precision without having to sharpen
- People seeking truly waterproof, never-budge formulas for extremely long wear
- Those who dislike having to sharpen pencils (several mentioned missing the automatic versions)
- Users wanting very subtle brow definition (as the black can be intense)
THE GENERATIONAL LOYALTY FACTOR
What struck me most was the incredible loyalty these pencils have inspired. Comments like:
- “Been using this product for nearly 50 years”
- “I have used Maybelline eyeliner for a really long time now”
- “I’ve been using this particular eyeliner for about 20 years”
- “I’ve been using these for 20 years as eyeliner”
- “I started using it when I was 16 years old… After 47 years I still use this”
This speaks to a quality and reliability that’s rare in today’s constantly changing beauty market. Many users mentioned introducing their daughters to these pencils, creating a multi-generational fan base.
COMPARISON TO MODERN ALTERNATIVES
Several reviewers noted trying newer, trendier products but returning to these pencils:
- “Over the years I have strayed away to other brands, even pricey ones, but end up going right back”
- “As the eyebrow game have changed over the years, this product has been outgrown. It used to be my full coverage for my eyebrows, now it is more to fill in spots”
While some users found newer products offer benefits for specific purposes (like creating more natural-looking brows), they still kept these pencils in their makeup collection for their reliability and specific uses.
SPECIFIC TIPS FROM LONG-TIME USERS
- The Lighter Technique: Briefly heat the tip with a lighter or match, let cool slightly, then apply for deeper color and better staying power
- For Natural Brows: Use a very light hand and blend with a spoolie
- For Precision: Ensure you have a quality sharpener specifically designed for makeup pencils
- For Waterline Application: The heated tip method works especially well here
- For Corrections: A Q-tip with makeup remover easily fixes mistakes
- For Longevity: Some users mentioned storing these in the refrigerator extends their life
FINAL VERDICT
After decades in the beauty industry, I’ve seen products come and go. The Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Eyebrow and Eyeliner Pencils have remained because they deliver reliable performance at an unbeatable price point.
Are they perfect? No. They require some technique (sharpening properly, possibly using the lighter trick), and they don’t have the innovations of some newer products.
But their versatility, staying power, ease of removal, and incredible value make them a staple worth keeping in any makeup collection – whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro.
PROS:
- Incredibly affordable
- Versatile (brows and eyes)
- Decent staying power (excellent with the lighter trick)
- Easy to remove
- Accessible and widely available
- Time-tested formula
CONS:
- Can break during sharpening (use a quality sharpener!)
- Not fully waterproof
- May be too intense as a brow pencil for some
- Requires sharpening (no mechanical option)
As one reviewer summed it up: “These have been around since I was a little girl. My mother and all of the women used this product in the ’70s. It’s still a great backup plan. Stock up!!”
I’d go further – these aren’t just a great backup; for many makeup looks, they remain an unbeatable first choice.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Sometimes the classics endure for a reason!
Buy on Amazon: Here
