Hey everyone! So I’ve been using the Maybelline New York Brow Precise Shaping Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde for a while now, and I thought it was time to share my HONEST thoughts about it. If you’re looking for a straight-to-the-point review without all the marketing fluff, you’re in the right place!
First Impressions
When I first got my hands on this pencil, I was actually expecting something different. I’ve used Maybelline’s Tattoo Brow products before (which are fantastic for long-wear), so I was curious how this one would stack up.
The packaging is pretty standard – nothing fancy, but functional. It’s a dual-ended product with the pencil on one side and a spoolie brush on the other. The blonde shade looks promising in the pencil, though I was a bit concerned it might pull too warm for my cooler-toned blonde hair.
Application Experience
Let’s talk about how this thing actually performs when you use it!
Texture & Application
This pencil is SOFT. And I mean REALLY soft. This is both good and bad news:
The good: It glides on super easily without tugging at your skin or your brow hairs. You don’t need to press hard at all to get color payoff. For those of us with sensitive skin around our brows, this is a major plus!
The not-so-good: Because it’s so soft, it wears down FAST. I found myself sharpening it way more often than my other brow products. Several reviewers mentioned this same issue – you’ll go through this pencil quicker than you might expect. Also, when you do sharpen it, the tip sometimes breaks off immediately when you use it. Frustrating!
Color Payoff
For blondes, finding the right brow color can be a STRUGGLE! This shade is… pretty good, but not perfect. It’s slightly darker than I’d like for a product labeled “blonde,” which means you need a really light hand if you have fair hair and skin.
One reviewer with reddish hair mentioned it worked well for them, so this might be better for strawberry blondes or those with warmer undertones. If you’re a platinum or ash blonde, you might find it pulls a bit too warm.
Precision
Despite being called “Brow Precise,” this pencil doesn’t actually give you super precise lines. Because of its softness, it’s more of a diffused, natural look rather than allowing for detailed hair-like strokes. It’s much more of a crayon feel than a fine-tipped pencil.
If you’re looking to create those super-defined Instagram brows with sharp edges, this probably isn’t your best bet. But if you prefer a softer, more natural look, you might actually prefer this!
Staying Power
Now, this is where opinions REALLY varied in the reviews I collected.
Some users said it lasted all day and night but came off easily when washing their face. Others complained that it wiped off with the slightest touch or even when using the included spoolie brush!
From my experience, the staying power is… okay. Not terrible, but definitely not comparable to Maybelline’s Tattoo Studio products. It tends to fade throughout the day, especially if you:
- Touch your face frequently
- Have oily skin
- Live in a humid climate
- Are active and sweat
I found it looks great for about 4-5 hours before needing a touch-up. For comparison, the Tattoo Studio products last me all day without issues.
The Spoolie Brush
The brush end of the pencil actually gets a lot of praise, even from reviewers who weren’t thrilled with the pencil itself. It does a good job of blending and softening the color for a more natural appearance.
However, there’s a design flaw here – the lidded brush on the far end makes it impossible to sharpen the pencil when you’re about halfway through it. You end up having to waste product because you simply can’t sharpen it properly anymore!
Value for Money
Given how quickly this pencil gets used up (between the soft formula and sharpening issues), it’s not the most economical option out there. Several reviewers mentioned buying multiples because they go through them so fast.
For the price point (typically around $8-10), there are definitely longer-lasting options available. But if you really love the formula and color, you might consider stocking up when they’re on sale.
Who Would Love This Product?
After analyzing all the feedback, I think this pencil is best suited for:
- People with warm-toned blonde to light brown hair
- Those who prefer a softer, more natural brow look
- Anyone who values ease of application over precision
- People with dry to normal skin types (it might not last on oily skin)
- Those who don’t mind frequent sharpening or repurchasing
Who Should Skip It?
This probably isn’t the right choice if you:
- Have very light, cool-toned blonde hair
- Want precise, defined brows with sharp edges
- Need something that lasts ALL day without touch-ups
- Have very oily skin
- Value longevity in your makeup products
Comparisons With Other Products
Several reviewers compared this to other brow products:
- Compared to Maybelline Tattoo Studio products: Less staying power but easier application
- Compared to Bobbi Brown brow pencils: Not as easy to apply evenly
- Compared to Maybelline Define-A-Brow: Less precise
- Compared to “Just for Redheads” brand: Not as good for redheads with blonde brows
- Compared to NYX products: More waxy, less pigmented
The Bottom Line
This is an OKAY brow pencil, but not a standout product in Maybelline’s lineup. It’s convenient, user-friendly, and gives a natural effect – but it’s not long-lasting and gets used up quickly.
The blonde shade works for some but runs a bit dark and warm for others. The brush component is fantastic, but the design makes the product less functional over time.
If you’re looking for something quick and easy for everyday use and don’t mind the shorter lifespan, it might be worth trying. But if you need something more precise or longer-lasting, there are better options out there.
My Personal Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐½
Pros:
- Soft, smooth application
- No tugging or scratching
- Nice spoolie brush for blending
- Good for natural-looking brows
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Wears down SUPER quickly
- Breaks easily when sharpening
- Not truly precise application
- Average staying power
- Design flaw with the brush end
- “Blonde” shade runs a bit dark
Final Thoughts
Beauty is personal, and what works for me might not work for you! From reading through all the reviews, it’s clear that this product has its fans and its critics. Some people absolutely LOVE it and have repurchased multiple times, while others found it frustrating and unusable.
If you’re curious about trying it, I’d say go for it – it’s affordable enough that it won’t be a huge loss if it doesn’t work out for you. But maybe pick up just one to start rather than stocking up until you know how it works with your specific brow needs and skin type.
Have you tried this brow pencil? I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts on it! Drop me a comment below with your experience. 😊
Application Tips If You Do Try It
- Store it in a cool place to prevent it from getting too soft
- Use a light hand, especially with the blonde shade
- Set it with a clear brow gel for longer wear
- Sharpen it when it’s cool (not right after use)
- Consider using a brow primer underneath if you need it to last all day
Happy brow shaping, everyone! Remember, brows are sisters, not twins – so don’t stress about perfect symmetry! ✨
Buy on Amazon: Here
