Hey beauty friends! After seeing this little tool EVERYWHERE in makeup bags and hearing mixed reviews, I finally decided to grab the Maybelline New York Expert Tools Brush ‘n Comb to test it myself. I’ve been using it daily for the past 3 months, and wow, do I have thoughts to share!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: SMALL BUT MIGHTY
When this arrived, my initial reaction was: “That’s it?!” The tool is TINY – much smaller than it appears in photos. If you’re expecting something with a long, comfortable handle, prepare for a surprise! It’s compact (perfect for travel), but some users with larger hands might find it awkward to grip.
The all-black design is simple and no-frills. One end features a small comb with plastic teeth, and the other has bristles for brushing. What makes this tool stand out is that it’s molded as a single piece – unlike many similar products where the head attaches to the handle (and inevitably breaks off).
WHAT IT’S SUPPOSED TO DO
This dual-ended tool is designed for:
- Combing through eyebrows to tame and shape them
- Brushing eyebrows to blend in product and create a natural look
- Separating eyelashes after mascara application to remove clumps
- General eyebrow and eyelash grooming
MY DAILY EXPERIENCE
The Brush Side: SOLID PERFORMER!
The brush side has become my go-to for my morning brow routine. The bristles have the perfect firmness – not too soft that they do nothing, but not so stiff they feel scratchy. They do an excellent job at:
- Blending in brow gel or powder for a more natural look
- Taming unruly brows in the morning
- Creating that “brushed up” look that’s so trendy right now
I was impressed by how well the bristles maintained their shape even after daily use. Unlike cheaper alternatives where bristles start bending in weird directions after a week, these have stayed relatively firm.
That said, some users reported bristles falling out after a few months. I haven’t experienced this yet, but it’s something to watch for if you use it aggressively.
The Comb Side: MIXED FEELINGS
The comb side has been… interesting. On one hand, it’s GREAT for:
- Separating clumpy lashes after mascara application
- Getting tiny particles out of eyebrows (like when foundation gets trapped in there)
- Creating definition between brow hairs
However, I do wish the teeth were slightly closer together and maybe a bit thinner for more precise lash separation. The current teeth configuration sometimes pushes wet mascara into clumps rather than separating them. I’ve found it works better if I let my mascara dry a bit first.
SURPRISING ALTERNATIVE USES
Reading through other reviews, I was fascinated to discover people using this tool for things I never would have imagined:
- Pet grooming! Several reviewers use it to clean around their dogs’ or cats’ eyes – especially for breeds prone to eye discharge. Genius!
- Fly tying (for fishing) – One reviewer has used it for over 20 years for cleaning hair and fur when tying fishing flies
- Cleaning mascara buildup from the mascara wand itself
DURABILITY: THE BIG QUESTION
This is where opinions REALLY vary. Some reviewers claim their Maybelline Brush ‘n Comb lasted 10+ YEARS (one person even said 30 years!), while others reported breakage within months.
My theory after reading dozens of reviews: The older versions were more durable. Several long-time users mentioned that their original brush lasted for decades, but their replacement broke faster.
In my 3 months of use, I’ve dropped it multiple times on my bathroom tile, tossed it in my makeup bag daily, and it still looks brand new. The single-piece construction definitely helps with durability compared to two-piece designs.
THE PRICE FACTOR
For under $5, this tool is an absolute STEAL! Even if it only lasts a year (though many last much longer), the value is incredible. Some reviewers mentioned paying 4x as much for similar tools from high-end brands that don’t perform any better.
I’ve seen makeup artists charge $25+ for similar tools that don’t last nearly as long. The price point makes it easy to keep spares around – many reviewers mentioned buying multiples to keep in different locations (purse, bathroom, travel bag, etc.).
THE BIGGEST COMPLAINTS
To be completely fair, there are some consistent negatives across reviews:
- Handle length – Many users wish the handle was 2-2.5 inches longer for better grip and control. This seems to be the #1 complaint.
- Durability concerns – Some reported the plastic head breaking off or teeth snapping after about a year of use.
- All-black design – A few mentioned the black color makes it hard to see hairs when trimming brows.
- Tooth spacing – Some felt the comb teeth were too widely spaced for effective eyelash separation.
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS?
This tool is PERFECT for:
- Anyone who needs a basic, reliable brow and lash groomer
- Travelers (the compact size is a huge plus for travel)
- People who don’t want to spend $20+ on a fancy branded version
- Those with unruly brows who need daily taming
- Pet owners dealing with eye discharge in their furry friends
- Anyone who applies mascara regularly and battles clumping
It’s probably NOT ideal for:
- Those with very large hands who need a longer handle
- Professionals who need specialized, precision tools
- People who want something that looks luxurious on their vanity
MY HACKS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF IT
After 3 months of daily use, I’ve discovered a few tricks:
- For stubborn mascara clumps, wiggle the comb side through lashes from root to tip while the mascara is still slightly wet (but not completely fresh).
- Clean it regularly! I rinse mine with warm water and mild soap once a week. This prevents buildup and keeps the bristles working effectively.
- For the perfect feathered brow look, apply a clear brow gel first, then use the brush side to push hairs upward and outward.
- Keep it in a small pouch or compartment in your makeup bag so it doesn’t get lost (it’s easy to misplace due to its size!).
THE VERDICT: A MAKEUP BAG ESSENTIAL
Despite its flaws, the Maybelline New York Expert Tools Brush ‘n Comb has earned a permanent spot in my daily routine. It’s not perfect – I do wish the handle was longer and the comb teeth were closer together – but for the price, it’s an exceptional value.
What I love most is its versatility. From brow grooming to lash separation to (apparently) pet care, this little tool tackles multiple jobs competently. The single-piece construction gives it an edge in durability over similar products.
Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY! Just buy a couple extras while you’re at it – not necessarily because they’ll break quickly, but because they’re so useful you’ll want one everywhere you do your makeup!
TIPS FOR BUYING
If you decide to grab one (or several), here’s my advice:
- Buy directly from a reputable seller to avoid counterfeits
- Consider purchasing multiples – they’re inexpensive and incredibly handy
- Don’t be alarmed by the small size when it arrives – it’s designed to be compact
- If you have large hands, be prepared for a shorter handle than you might prefer
Overall, this humble little tool has surprised me with its effectiveness. Sometimes the classics stick around for a reason – and the Maybelline Brush ‘n Comb has clearly earned its place as a beauty staple!
Have you tried this tool? I’d love to hear YOUR experiences with it! 💄✨
Buy on Amazon: Here
