Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m breaking down EVERYTHING you need to know about Maybelline’s Brow Drama Tinted Gel Mousse in Auburn. As a professional makeup artist who’s worked with countless brow products, I’ve got some REAL thoughts about this one that might surprise you.
I’ve been using this product for over 6 months now, and let me tell you – it’s been a JOURNEY. Is it worth the hype? Is it perfect for redheads? Does that weird ball-tip applicator actually work? Let’s dive in!
The Basics: What You’re Getting
First, let’s talk about what this product actually is:
- Size: 0.23 fluid ounce (pretty standard for brow gels)
- Color: Auburn (which leans more ginger/orange than brown)
- Type: Tinted gel mousse with a unique ball-tip applicator
- Price: Usually around $7-9 depending where you shop
Let’s Talk About That COLOR – Calling All Redheads!
If you’re a redhead or have auburn/reddish hair, finding the right brow product is SUCH a struggle. Most “auburn” products are actually just brown with barely any red tones.
This one is DIFFERENT.
The Auburn shade in this Brow Drama is actually more ginger than auburn. It has strong orange/red undertones rather than the muddy brown that most brands call “auburn.” Based on all the reviews I’ve analyzed, this seems to be THE affordable option for true redheads.
Several users with strawberry blonde, ginger, and dyed red hair mentioned this was their holy grail after years of searching for something that actually matches their hair color!
One reviewer put it perfectly: “Auburn shades tend to be more brown leaning while this color is definitely orange leaning.” If you’re looking for something with TRUE red tones, this is worth trying.
Application & The Controversial Ball Brush
OK, I need to address the elephant in the room – that weird ball-shaped brush! This is probably the most polarizing thing about this product.
Here’s what I’ve found after using it for months:
The ball-tip applicator is definitely UNUSUAL. It’s meant to coat each hair while sculpting your brows, but it has a learning curve. If you have thicker, fuller brows, you might find it works pretty well. But if you have sparse or thin brows, this applicator can be frustrating.
Many users (myself included) initially struggled with the application. The ball shape can make it difficult to be precise, and you might end up with product outside your brow line if you’re not careful.
Tips for making it work:
- Use a light hand
- Wipe excess product off the applicator before applying
- Try backcombing through your brows first to coat, then smooth back down
- Practice, practice, practice!
Some people absolutely HATE this brush. Others have gotten used to it. A few even love it! It really depends on your brow type and patience level.
Formula & Performance
The formula itself is a gel-mousse hybrid that adds both color and volume. Here’s what I’ve found:
The Good:
- Color payoff: It definitely tints your brows, especially noticeable on lighter brow hairs
- Building definition: It does help define brow shape
- Gray coverage: Several users in their 50s+ mention it covers gray brow hairs well
- Natural finish: When applied correctly, it looks natural rather than drawn-on
- Buildable: You can go light for subtle definition or build for more drama
- Easy removal: Comes off easily with makeup remover
The Not-So-Good:
- Staying power: This isn’t waterproof or smudge-proof. Many users note it comes off if you touch your brows or get them wet
- Flaking: Some report flaking after several hours of wear
- Product distribution: The brush doesn’t always pick up product evenly
- Formula consistency: Some tubes seem dry or goopy compared to others
Who Should Buy This?
Based on my experience and analyzing tons of reviews, this product is BEST for:
- Redheads and gingers: If you have red/auburn/strawberry blonde hair and struggle to find brow products that match, this is a top contender
- Those seeking a natural look: If you want definition without the “drawn-on” brow look
- People with gray brows: Many users 50+ love how it covers gray without looking harsh
- Budget-conscious makeup lovers: At under $10, it’s much more affordable than high-end alternatives
- Those with fairly full brows: The formula works best if you already have decent brow hairs to work with
Who Should Skip It?
This might NOT be right for you if:
- You need precise application: The ball-tip makes detailed work challenging
- You have very sparse brows: This works better for enhancing existing brows than creating fullness where there’s little hair
- You need all-day, bulletproof wear: This isn’t the most long-lasting formula
- You prefer traditional applicators: If you’re not willing to adapt to the unique brush
How It Compares To Other Brow Products
Many reviewers compared this to Glossier’s Boy Brow (which costs $16), calling the Maybelline version an “awesome, affordable dupe.”
It’s not as long-lasting as higher-end options like Anastasia Beverly Hills (which several reviewers mentioned switching to despite the higher price point), but for daily casual wear, it holds its own.
The biggest difference is the applicator – most other brands use more traditional spoolie brushes.
The REAL Truth About Longevity & Wear
This isn’t a product that’s going to survive a sweaty workout or rainy day. Multiple reviewers mentioned that it comes off with accidental brow touching or any moisture.
However, for regular daily wear in normal conditions, it lasts reasonably well. Most people report good wear for 6-8 hours before needing touch-ups.
The easy removal is actually a PLUS for some users, especially those who hate scrubbing to remove waterproof products.
Value & Repurchase Rate
Here’s what’s interesting – despite some complaints about the applicator, LOTS of reviewers mentioned buying this product repeatedly. Several mentioned using it for 2-3+ years and being devastated when they couldn’t find it in stores anymore.
The fact that people keep coming back suggests the unique color (especially the Auburn) and natural finish outweigh the applicator issues for many users.
Pro Tips For Application
After analyzing feedback from dozens of users, here are some pro tips:
- Less is more: Wipe excess product off the applicator before applying
- Try different techniques: Some found success using the sides of the brush rather than the ball tip
- Layer with precision products: Some users recommend using this AFTER an eyebrow pencil for best results
- Take it with you: Given its tendency to wear off with touching, keep it in your purse for touch-ups
- For maximum definition: Use a precise pencil for outlining, then fill with this gel
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
Strengths:
- Unique, truly red-toned Auburn shade that’s perfect for redheads
- Natural-looking finish
- Affordable price point
- Easy to remove
- Adds definition without looking “done”
Weaknesses:
- Challenging applicator with learning curve
- Not long-wearing or waterproof
- Inconsistent formula across tubes
- May flake with extended wear
Overall Score: 7/10
This product isn’t perfect, but it fills a major gap in the market – especially for redheads who struggle to find affordable brow products that actually match their hair color.
If you can get past the unusual applicator and don’t need extreme longevity, the Maybelline Brow Drama in Auburn offers natural-looking definition at a great price point.
For many users (especially redheads), this has become a holy grail product despite its flaws – and that says a lot!
Would I Recommend It?
YES – especially to redheads and those with auburn hair who struggle to find matching brow products. Despite its quirks, this fills a need in the market that few other affordable products do.
Just go in with realistic expectations about the applicator and staying power, and you might find yourself joining the group of loyal users who keep coming back to this product year after year!
Have you tried Maybelline’s Brow Drama? I’d love to hear YOUR experience with it!
Buy on Amazon: Here
