Maybelline Waterproof Brow Pencil Reviews

Brows have become a significant focus in the beauty world, and many budget-conscious makeup enthusiasts are on the lookout for the best products that are both easy to use and affordable. This review will delve into the experiences with various Maybelline waterproof brow products, focusing on their performance, particularly for those with oily skin or specific brow concerns.

Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Gel: A Waterproof Contender

The Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Gel, found at retailers like CVS and Walmart, is a waterproof option that requires a dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover for complete removal. For individuals with oily skin, many brow products struggle to maintain their hold. Typically, any rub, scratch, or touch can cause products to smudge or rub off entirely. A common issue for some is the makeup bleeding down a small scar on the eyebrow, especially during warmer months when skin can be more oily. The Tattoo Studio Brow Gel, however, is reported to stay in place all day, resisting sweat and oil production without bleeding.

While the product is waterproof, it does come off with a comprehensive waterproof makeup remover. If only soap and water are used, avoiding direct contact with the eyebrows, the product largely remains, but achieving a thorough cleanse of the rest of the face can be challenging without a stronger remover.

Infographic comparing smudge resistance of Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Gel vs. traditional brow products on oily skin.

Ease of Use and Application Challenges

Regarding ease of use, the Tattoo Studio Brow Gel is effective, though finding the best application method is key. For those with very thin eyebrows, like the reviewer, the large wand included in the product may not be suitable for direct application, as it can be difficult to manage on sparse areas. This can lead to a patchy appearance if not applied carefully.

Despite these application challenges, the reviewer enjoys the final look and how well the product holds up on troublesome, oily skin. Although it may take slightly longer to achieve the desired result compared to brow powder, the results with the Tattoo Studio Brow Gel are preferred.

Maybelline Tattoo Brow 36HR Pigment Brow Pencil: A Creamy and Pigmented Option

Shifting focus to another Maybelline brow product, the Maybelline Tattoo Brow 36HR Pigment Brow Pencil is highlighted as a waterproof, easy-to-use, and highly pigmented eyebrow pencil. It is available in six shades and retails for approximately $9. The reviewer tested the shade Medium Brown, which was provided by Maybelline for testing purposes.

This pencil features a long and thick spooley, which is appreciated. It contains 0.73g of product. The texture of the pencil is described as very creamy, more akin to a pomade. It is marketed as being long-lasting, non-fading, and super pigmented.

Close-up photo of the Maybelline Tattoo Brow 36HR Pigment Brow Pencil tip and spooley.

Application and Suitability for Different Brow Types

The pencil is sharpenable, but its creamy and soft nature can make this a bit problematic. The shade Medium Brown is noted as being slightly darker than the reviewer's natural eyebrows, but the undertone matches well. Due to its softness, a very light hand is required when gliding it over the brows, as the pigment is immediately apparent.

The pencil's thick tip is not ideal for creating fine, hair-like strokes. However, it excels at defining the bottom brow line and filling in the entire eyebrow by blending upwards. For those who prefer a more defined and filled-in, blocky brow look with significant pigmentation, this pencil could be an excellent choice. Conversely, for those aiming for a more natural, fluffy brow trend, it might be less suitable.

Wear Test and Longevity

During a wear test lasting 10 hours, the brows maintained their morning appearance. While the gel component showed slight fading and hairs began to shift slightly, the pigment remained intact. The pencil itself did not appear to move, and the color did not fade. The formula is considered long-lasting, and importantly, it does not fade or change color over time, a common issue after extended wear of makeup.

A before-and-after comparison demonstrated a natural-looking brow achieved with the pencil, with no noticeable fading or movement. The overall impression is that the pencil is a high-quality product, but its suitability is personal. For those who prefer using brow pomades and creating more pigmented, structured eyebrows, this pencil is recommended. It can be used for full brow filling or to create an outline before drawing in hairs. Drawing individual hairs can be challenging due to the product's pigmentation and glide, but it is achievable with a very gentle touch.

A potential drawback is the creamy, glidey formula, which may lead to the pencil running out faster and requiring more frequent sharpening. However, the fact that a little product goes a long way might mitigate this issue.

Maybelline Build-A-Brow: A 2-in-1 Solution

Maybelline's Build-A-Brow is presented as a 2-in-1 tool designed to create fuller-looking brows in two simple steps. It combines a precise brow pen with a clear sealing brow gel, promising realistic, fuller brows with up to 24 hours of wear. This waterproof eyebrow makeup is also sweat-resistant and smudge-resistant.

The product aims to deliver brows that look so natural, it's hard to tell they are makeup. The ultra-precision pen is designed to create hair-like strokes that mimic natural brow hairs, while the clear sealing gel locks brows in place with a non-crunchy finish. Build-A-Brow is available in six shades suitable for various brow types and offers up to 24-hour wear. The formula is also vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients.

Diagram illustrating the two steps of using Maybelline Build-A-Brow: pen for strokes and gel for setting.

Application Instructions

Before application, users are advised to shake the pen. The process begins by flicking the pen upwards to create hair-like strokes, filling in sparse areas. After application, the product should be allowed to dry.

Ingredients

The product lists its ingredients for both the pen and the gel components, including various polymers, solvents, and colorants, ensuring transparency for consumers.

Natural Looking Eyebrow Tutorial - Microblade Effect | Shonagh Scott

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