Hey everyone! After collecting feedback from tons of users (and trying it myself), I’m FINALLY ready to spill all the tea on the Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen in Soft Brown. If you’ve been eyeing this budget-friendly microblading alternative, keep reading to see if it’s worth adding to your makeup bag!
Quick Facts
- Product: Maybelline New York TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen
- Shade: Soft Brown
- Price Point: Budget-friendly (typically under $10)
- Claims: Creates hair-like strokes for a microbladed look
First Impressions
When you first get this pen, it looks promising! The packaging is sleek, and the multi-pronged tip is definitely different from your typical brow pencil. The Soft Brown shade looks like it would work for a wide range of hair colors from light to medium brown.
The pen has a unique applicator with multiple tiny tips designed to create those fine, hair-like strokes that mimic the look of microblading. Definitely an innovative concept for a drugstore brand!
Application Experience
Okay, so here’s where things get interesting. This pen has a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re used to traditional pencils or powders.
The Good:
- When it works properly, it DOES create realistic hair-like strokes
- You can adjust the angle to get thicker or thinner lines
- The tip allows for precision application
- It feels lightweight in your hand
The Challenges:
- Many users report having to shake the pen vigorously to get product flowing
- It can apply unevenly (first strokes have more product than later ones)
- You might need to wait between applications to get more product to flow
- If you apply too much pressure, you can bend or damage the prongs
Pro Tip: Store the pen vertically with the tip facing DOWN! Multiple users mention this helps keep the ink flowing to the tip. One person even said they store it with their toothbrushes to keep it upright! 🪥
Color Performance
This is where reviews get REALLY mixed. The Soft Brown shade:
- Works beautifully for some users with light to medium brown hair
- Can look darker than expected (some users with dark brown hair preferred the blonde shade)
- Several users report a GREENISH tint developing (more on this major issue below!)
- Appears to have a slight sheen rather than a matte finish
If you have auburn or red-toned hair, quite a few reviewers mentioned wishing there was a more suitable shade option.
The Green Tint Issue
I can’t ignore this because it came up in MULTIPLE reviews. Many users report that the Soft Brown shade can develop a greenish tint, especially:
- After several hours of wear
- When exposed to sweat or water
- When applying heavily
Even Maybelline apparently acknowledged this issue when contacted directly, saying it can happen with moisture exposure. This is definitely something to consider if you live in humid climates or have an active lifestyle.
Staying Power
The longevity is another area with mixed feedback:
For Some Users:
- Lasts all day without smudging or fading
- Stays put through light activity
- Looks fresh from morning to evening
For Others:
- Begins to fade or clump by mid-afternoon
- Easily wipes off even hours after application
- Not waterproof despite some claims (comes off with sweat/water)
The consensus seems to be that it has decent staying power for regular daily wear but isn’t going to survive a pool day or intense workout.
Best For…
After reading through countless reviews, I think this product works best for:
- People with existing brow hairs who need subtle filling in
- Those new to brow products who want something forgiving
- Anyone looking for a natural, hair-like finish rather than a bold, defined brow
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want to try the microbladed look
Not Great For…
This might not be your best bet if you:
- Need something truly waterproof for swimming or heavy workouts
- Have very sparse or no brows (some users with sparse brows loved it, but others found it challenging)
- Want a one-swipe, quick application
- Can’t stand the possibility of a green tint developing
Comparison to Similar Products
Many users came to this product after trying higher-end brow pens and pencils. The consensus is:
- Not quite as precise as some $20+ brow pens
- Better than typical drugstore pencils for creating hair-like strokes
- Less opaque than traditional brow pomades
- More natural-looking than powder products
One user specifically mentioned saving TONS of money by switching from a $24 brow product to this one and getting comparable results!
My Personal Experience & Tips
After trying it myself and reading through hundreds of reviews, here’s what I’ve found works best:
- Storage matters! Keep the pen tip down when not in use
- Start light – You can always add more, but it’s hard to remove excess
- Use short, light strokes rather than pressing hard
- Consider setting with a powder if you notice any shine
- Wait between strokes if the product seems to be drying out
- Test the color on your hand first – it might apply darker than expected
- Consider going a shade lighter than you think you need
The Bottom Line
The Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen in Soft Brown is honestly a mixed bag. For the price (around $9-10), it offers a unique application method and can create really natural-looking brows when it works properly.
PROS:
- Budget-friendly
- Creates realistic hair-like strokes
- Lightweight and portable
- Can look extremely natural
- Many users repurchase again and again
CONS:
- Inconsistent product flow
- Potential green tint development
- Not truly waterproof
- Can dry out quickly
- Limited shade range
Final Verdict: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
This is one of those products that could be your holy grail or a total flop depending on your specific needs, application technique, and even the specific pen you get (batch variation seems common). At its price point, it might be worth trying if you’re curious about the microbladed look but aren’t ready to commit to the real thing.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this! Did you experience the dreaded green tint? Any special tricks to make it last longer? I’d love to hear your experiences! 💕
FAQ Based on User Experiences
Q: Does it really look like microblading? A: When applied correctly, many users say yes! It creates fine, hair-like strokes that look more natural than a traditional pencil.
Q: How long does one pen typically last? A: Most users report 3-4 months with regular use, though some mentioned theirs dried out faster.
Q: Will this work for covering gray eyebrow hairs? A: Yes! Several reviewers specifically mentioned using it to cover gray or white eyebrow hairs with good results.
Q: Is it easy to remove? A: Yes – standard makeup remover, micellar water, or even just soap and water will take it off completely.
Q: Does it transfer or smudge throughout the day? A: Results vary – some say it stays put perfectly while others experienced smudging. Setting with a clear brow gel might help if you have issues with transfer.
Q: What’s with the green tint some people mention? A: This seems to be a chemical reaction that happens with some users, especially when the product interacts with moisture or skin oils. Maybelline has acknowledged this can happen.
Q: Is there a learning curve? A: Yes, most users say it takes 2-3 tries to get the hang of using the multi-pronged tip effectively.
Q: How does it compare to higher-end brow pens? A: Many users find it comparable to products 2-3 times the price, though perhaps not quite as long-lasting.
Have you tried the Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen? Drop your experiences below! 👇
Buy on Amazon: Here
