Hey there, beauty lovers! Today I’m diving deep into the Maybelline New York Brow Precise Shaping Eyebrow Pencil in Deep Brown. After reading TONS of customer feedback and considering my own expertise as a makeup artist, I’m giving you the real deal on this affordable brow pencil that so many of us keep coming back to.
First Impressions & Packaging
The Maybelline Brow Precise comes in that classic Maybelline packaging we all recognize – nothing fancy, but functional. It’s a dual-ended pencil with the color on one end and a spoolie brush on the other (when it doesn’t break off… more on that later!). At just 0.02 oz, it’s definitely on the smaller side compared to some other brands, but the price point usually makes up for that.
Color & Pigmentation
The Deep Brown shade is perfect for those with darker hair and medium to deep skin tones. It has a slightly warm undertone with what some users describe as a bit of a grayish cast when applied. This actually works REALLY well for creating natural-looking brows since most natural brow hairs have varied tones.
The pigmentation is actually quite impressive! You can build it from a light, natural fill to something more defined with just a few strokes. The color payoff is immediate – no need to press hard or go over areas multiple times.
Texture & Application
Okay, here’s where things get interesting! This pencil has a super soft, creamy consistency that glides on like butter. The GOOD news is that it applies smoothly without tugging on your skin or brow hairs. The BAD news? That creaminess comes with some significant drawbacks.
Nearly every review mentions how soft this formula is – and not always in a good way. The pencil tip tends to break easily, crumble during application, and requires frequent sharpening. Many users report having to sharpen it EVERY SINGLE USE, which means you’ll go through this pencil FAST.
Pro tip from many reviewers: Store this pencil somewhere cool! Some even recommend keeping it in the refrigerator to firm it up before use. This seems to help with the consistency issues, especially during hot weather when the pencil becomes even softer.
Staying Power
For a drugstore brow pencil, the staying power is decent but not exceptional. If you have oily skin, you might notice fading throughout the day. Several reviewers mentioned that it tends to wear off in hot weather or during more active days. I’d recommend setting it with a clear brow gel for longer wear.
The formula isn’t advertised as waterproof, so don’t expect it to survive through intense workouts or swimming. For everyday wear in air-conditioned environments, it should hold up reasonably well.
The Brush End
The spoolie brush on the end is actually quite good quality when it stays attached! It’s firm enough to blend out the product and soften harsh lines, giving you that natural, brushed-up brow look that’s so popular right now.
Unfortunately, there are multiple reports of the brush end breaking off completely during the first use. Quality control seems to be hit or miss here – many users have no issues, while others find the brush separates from the pencil entirely.
Sharpening Struggles
This is possibly the biggest complaint across all reviews – the sharpening experience with this pencil is a NIGHTMARE for many users. Because the formula is so soft:
- The pencil tends to break during sharpening
- It wastes a ton of product each time you sharpen
- Even cosmetic sharpeners designed for soft pencils struggle with it
- The wooden casing can splinter or break apart
If you decide to try this pencil, invest in a good quality makeup sharpener and maybe even chill the pencil before sharpening to help minimize waste.
Value for Money
At its typical price point (around $6-8), this pencil offers good value initially. HOWEVER, considering how quickly you’ll go through it due to the constant sharpening and soft formula, the value proposition decreases significantly. Many users reported finishing the pencil in just 3-4 weeks of regular use.
If you catch it on sale, it might be worth grabbing, but at full price, you might want to consider alternatives if longevity is important to you.
Who Would Love This Pencil?
This pencil would be perfect for:
- Beginners who appreciate how easy it is to apply
- People who prefer a softer, more natural brow look
- Those with sparse brows who need to fill in areas (the creaminess helps with coverage)
- Makeup users who don’t mind the extra maintenance of frequent sharpening
- Anyone who stores their makeup in a cool environment
Who Should Skip It?
This probably isn’t your best bet if you:
- Want a long-lasting product that doesn’t require frequent replacement
- Have oily skin or live in hot/humid climates
- Prefer precise, hair-like strokes (the softness makes detailed work challenging)
- Don’t want to deal with sharpening issues
- Need something that stays put all day without touch-ups
Real User Experiences
What really stands out in customer feedback is the DRAMATIC difference in experiences. Some users call this their “FAVORITE eyebrow pencil EVER” and have been loyal to it for years, while others declare it the “worst brow pencil” they’ve ever used.
One dedicated user stores it in her bathroom drawer to keep it cool and mentions she gets complimented on her brows EVERY day. Another mentions keeping it in the refrigerator alongside her Noxzema for the perfect consistency!
Several users who previously used higher-end brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills mentioned they actually prefer this Maybelline option for creating more natural-looking brows compared to the “fleek” Instagram brow trend.
My Professional Take
As a makeup artist, I see the appeal of this product’s creamy formula and natural finish. The softness allows for a more diffused, lived-in brow look that many clients are requesting these days instead of the sharp, ultra-defined brows that dominated trends a few years ago.
That said, the formula issues make it challenging to recommend wholeheartedly for everyday use. The constant sharpening, potential for breakage, and inconsistent quality control are significant drawbacks.
Comparison to Similar Products
In the drugstore category, this pencil offers better color payoff than many competitors, but worse longevity. The Revlon Colorstay pencil is mentioned by several users as having a similar shade range but firmer consistency.
Compared to higher-end options like Anastasia or Benefit, the main difference is longevity and precision. Those pencils typically last much longer and allow for more detailed work, but come at 3-4 times the price.
Final Verdict
Overall, I’d give the Maybelline New York Brow Precise Shaping Eyebrow Pencil in Deep Brown a solid 3.5/5 stars. It delivers good color, natural-looking results, and an affordable price point, but falls short in formula consistency, longevity, and packaging durability.
If you decide to try it, here are my top tips:
- Store it somewhere cool to firm up the formula
- Use a light hand when applying and sharpening
- Set with a clear brow gel for longer wear
- Consider buying multiples when on sale since you’ll go through them quickly
- Have a backup brow product for hot days or special occasions
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with caveats. This is one of those products where the formula’s biggest strength (creaminess) is also its biggest weakness. If you can work with its quirks, it might become your go-to affordable brow option!
Have you tried this pencil? I’d love to hear YOUR experiences with it! 😊
Buy on Amazon: Here
