Hey there, fellow makeup enthusiasts! Today I’m diving DEEP into my experience with Maybelline’s TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen in Blonde. If you’re like me—someone who’s constantly on the hunt for the perfect brow product—you know the struggle is REAL, especially for those of us with lighter hair colors.
After compiling feedback from numerous users and testing this product extensively myself, I’ve got ALL the details you need to know before buying. Buckle up, because this is going to be comprehensive!
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen comes in a sleek, portable design that’s easy to throw in your makeup bag. Nothing fancy, but definitely practical. The pen-style applicator promises precision with its unique brush tip that’s designed to create hair-like strokes.
For blondes especially, finding the right shade can be TORTURE. This pen claims to solve that problem with a dedicated “Blonde” shade that’s supposedly perfect for lighter-haired folks.
Application: The Good, The Bad, and The Tricky
The Learning Curve
Let’s be honest—there’s definitely a learning curve with this product. The first time you use it, you might find yourself wondering if you’re doing it right. Many users report that the application technique takes some getting used to.
The pen has a multi-pronged tip designed to create those microbladed-looking strokes, but it doesn’t always work as advertised. One user mentioned: “The angled tip and comb-like applicator is wonderful!” while another complained: “It doesn’t make any rays whatever you do. Just an eyebrow color.”
From my experience, the key is to use VERY light pressure at first. Too much pressure and you’ll end up with blobs rather than fine strokes. Try using the side of the tip for more natural-looking results rather than pressing the entire tip flat against your skin.
Ink Flow Issues
A MAJOR complaint across the board is inconsistent ink flow. Many users report that the pen works great initially but then quickly stops dispensing product:
- “I had to rub it on my hand before applying it to my brows so the color can come through.”
- “The tip like dried out and wasn’t applying any product.”
- “Sometimes a lot of color comes out, sometimes none.”
My tip? Store it upside down between uses to keep the tip saturated. Also, giving it a good shake (with the cap ON!) before application helps. If it starts to dry out during application, taking a brief pause and shaking it again can revive the flow.
Precision and Control
When the pen IS working properly, the level of precision can be impressive. The fine tip allows you to target sparse areas and create defined shapes. However, the inconsistent ink flow means control can be hit or miss.
One user summed it up perfectly: “First use it gushes out when you try to apply it to your eyebrows, so you really don’t feel you control application, thinness or thickness of the brow or even how much you’re applying.”
To avoid disasters, I recommend practicing on your hand first to get a feel for how much product is coming out before moving to your brows.
Color Payoff: The Blonde Shade Dilemma
This is where things get COMPLICATED for the blonde shade specifically!
The Green Tint Issue
Multiple users report that the blonde shade has a noticeable green undertone that becomes more apparent as the day goes on:
- “The blonde tint looks greenish, and the bristles do not create hair-like lines because the tint is too watery.”
- “After wearing all day, the color shifted to an odd blue-green tone.”
- “I ordered the blonde shade and it had such a green tone to it my brows actually looked green.”
This seems to be a consistent issue specifically with the blonde shade. Some users with strawberry blonde or red hair find it works well for them, but those with ash blonde or cooler-toned hair may want to be cautious.
Initial vs. Dried Color
Interestingly, several users noted that when the pen is brand new, the color is actually a bit too dark, but after a few uses it lightens to a more natural shade:
“It’s a bit dark for me when I open a new pen but after a few days it runs perfect.”
This inconsistency can be both good and bad – good if you find the perfect sweet spot, frustrating if you’re looking for reliable color each time.
Staying Power and Longevity
Wear Time
One of the strongest selling points of this product is its staying power. Many users were impressed with how long it lasted:
- “It stays on all day. Even if I am sweaty and wiping my face.”
- “Once it’s on, it lasts forever and looks fabulous. Natural, yet well defined. I still have some on the following morning.”
- “Brows stay on all day, even with sweat.”
However, the reviews are mixed when it comes to really challenging conditions like heavy sweating or outdoor work in summer:
“After yard work in the summer months…I looked in mirror..I had streaks of nothing on my eyebrows!!! Please make a better ‘waterproof’ product!!”
From my testing, I’d say the staying power is GOOD but not quite as “tattoo-like” as the name suggests. It will last through a regular day at the office but might need touching up after a workout or on very hot days.
Product Lifespan
Unfortunately, many users report that the pen dries out QUICKLY:
- “Purchased this a little over a week ago and it is already dried up.”
- “The product has NOT turned my eyebrows green like other reviewers said, but the I think they were using a different color. So I reordered when I was out of the first container. The first time I used the new one it worked great, but it didn’t seem like the pen had any weight….like it was pretty empty.”
- “I am going to go through it in less than a month and I color my eyebrows in 2-3x a week.”
This is a significant downside considering the price point. You might find yourself replacing it more frequently than expected.
The Natural Look Factor
For those seeking a natural appearance, this product receives mixed reviews. When applied correctly (and when the color works with your skin tone), it can create a very natural look:
- “This product is perfect for my blond eyebrows. It fills in missing areas and colors the blond.”
- “I have dark blonde hair. Brows have turned so light with age cannot see without something on them. This take type actually leaves brows looking very natural and even puts hair strokes where sparse.”
- “I’m not going for the ‘Instagram eyebrow’ look, I want to keep it as natural looking as possible and this is perfect for that.”
However, achieving that natural look seems dependent on user technique and getting a “good batch” of the product:
“Mine just looked like I filled in w/a magic marker. I don’t necessarily need a ‘natural’ look. I don’t mind looking like I have some make up on. But I don’t want to look like a costume or tacky. This product def gave a ‘costume’ type look.”
Value for Money
At its price point, the Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen falls in the mid-range for drugstore brow products. Is it worth it?
The quick drying-out issue and inconsistent ink flow make many users question the value:
“As an unsurprising result, the product is gone after just a few applications.”
However, for those who find it works well with their coloring and application technique, the convenience and natural look make it worthwhile:
“I’ve been using this pen for YEARS and it have been my absolute favorite. I have oily skin and had so much trouble finding something that would actually last all day in humid Florida weather, until I tried this!”
Pros and Cons Summary
PROS:
- Great staying power when applied correctly
- Can create a natural look with practice
- Precision tip allows for detailed application
- Good for filling sparse areas
- Works well for some blonde and strawberry blonde hair types
- Portable and convenient packaging
CONS:
- Significant learning curve for application
- Inconsistent ink flow is FRUSTRATING
- Blonde shade can develop a greenish tint
- Dries out quickly (sometimes within weeks)
- Not truly waterproof despite claims
- Multi-pronged tip doesn’t always create hair-like strokes as advertised
- Color can be inconsistent between pens
Best For…
This product seems to work best for:
- People with strawberry blonde or warm blonde hair
- Those with sparse rather than completely missing brows
- Makeup users with a steady hand and patience to master the technique
- Anyone seeking long-lasting wear for regular (non-extreme) daily activities
Not Recommended For…
You might want to skip this if you’re:
- Looking for a foolproof, beginner-friendly brow product
- Have cool-toned or ash blonde hair (due to the green tint issue)
- Need truly waterproof performance for swimming or intense workouts
- Want consistent color every application
- Have completely missing brows that need to be drawn from scratch
Tips for Success
If you decide to try this product, here are my top tips for making it work:
- Store the pen upside down to keep the tip saturated
- Shake well (with cap on!) before each use
- Test on your hand first to control ink flow
- Use LIGHT pressure and short, quick strokes
- Try using the side of the tip rather than pressing it flat for more hair-like strokes
- Keep a cotton swab with makeup remover handy for quick fixes
- Consider using two different pens (one newer, one older) for different parts of your brows as one user suggested
- If it’s too dark initially, use it a few times on a tissue to get to the sweet spot
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York TattooStudio Brow Tint Pen in Blonde is truly a MIXED BAG. While it has devoted fans who swear by it, the inconsistent performance makes it hard to universally recommend.
For those willing to put in the time to master the application and who don’t mind the potential green tint issue, it can be a fantastic option. The staying power and potential for natural-looking results are definite strengths.
However, the quick drying out, unpredictable ink flow, and color inconsistencies are significant drawbacks that can’t be ignored.
On a scale of 1-5, I’d give it a 3/5 stars. It’s not terrible, but it’s not the holy grail of blonde brow products either. For the price point, it’s worth trying—just keep your expectations realistic and be prepared for a learning curve!
Have you tried this product? I’d LOVE to hear about your experience in the comments below! Was your pen generous with product or did it dry out quickly? Did you notice the green tint many users mention?
Until next time, happy brow filling!
Buy on Amazon: Here
