Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Master Shape: soft grooming brush adds final definition
Master Hold: exclusive wax technology keeps brows in place
Opthomologist tested - safe for sensitive eyes - Contact lens safe
Application: Fill and define brows using small, light strokes following natural brow shape. Groom brow upward and outward with brush to blend color and set brows.
What it basically is, is a tinted wax pencil. It's a little bit different than a retractable crayon (Maybelline Define-a-Brow or MAC Brows) for instance, as it's less crumbly and less pigmented. It's also the case for a standard brow pencil. Although heavy pigment is awesome for an eyeliner, it's a little less awesome for your brows.
As far as I know, it's available in four shades: Blonde, Auburn, Soft Brown and Deep Brown. This product is so new that it hasn't popped up on the Maybelline website yet, so I'm sure if there are any other additional shades.
(Photo snapped in Walmart last night) From Left to Right: #260 Deep Brown, #255 Soft Brown, #265 Auburn and #250 Blonde.
I picked up Deep Brown, as my hair is a very dark brown with no golden tones.
CONTINUE READING FOR SWATCHES + BEFORE & AFTER!
Deep Brown is dark brown, completely absent of any red or orange tones. It's almost a dark, ash brown and matches my brows perfectly. I swatched it next to a few other brow products above for comparison. It's the most similar to MAC Eyebrows in Spiked, but slightly less golden.
Although the wax does keep my fine hairs in place, I still need a brow gel to maintain the coarse hairs.
I love the final result! I can't say yet how it holds up throughout the day yet, because I'll need to use it a couple more times, but I will update this post within around a week or so with my final verdict. The only thing I'm worried about, is because it's a wax, I'm worried it will make my brows look oily mid-day.. I'm hoping that won't be the case! I'll keep you posted.
I purchased this pencil at Wal-mart for around $6. I'm guessing this product hit some stores early, but won't make it's real debut until the new year.
UPDATE 1/1/12: I've been using this product for my brows every day, and it's been working great. The product stays put all day without causing my brows to look oily. But, I do have a big gripe with this pencil. HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU SHARPEN IT?! I've twisted, turned, pushed it and apparently it's not retractable. The pencil itself is plastic.. so obviously it can't be sharpened? I'll e-mail Maybelline and see if I can find the answer.
UPDATE: Apparently, the proper way to sharpen this pencil is with a standard sharpener. Weird, considering it's plastic, but it sharpens just fine. I used my MAC pencil sharpener and it works well. Granted it doesn't give the cleanest outcome, but it's the only way! Kinda stinks because sharpening it doesn't yield a very pointy tip, so I can't be as precise as I'd like to with the pencil. Still, I like the product and will continue using it.
WOOOOOOOOOOW :) NICE
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I switched from pencils to stencils (with brush) because I was afraid my eyebrows would change shape over time. Mine are not nearly as naturally nice as yours! I have very thin and uneven brows..So stencils make them perfecto!
ReplyDeleteyou have nice brows. Real! I must always use some brow powder!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outcome. Your brows look prim and proper after use. Maybelline has great products.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thegirlieblog.com
This sounds exactly like the benefit instant brow pencil that I use, but for 1/3 of the price AND I bet I can find it at my local CVS. I definitely don't have any problem with the wax from my benefit pencil making my brows look oily at all. Hopefully this product will prove to be the same. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://seewhatlindseyloves.wordpress.com
looks great! I don't usually use a brow pencil but I'm definitely gonna try this one when I can find it in my drugstore.
ReplyDeletehttp://urhappybunnie.blogspot.com
they never have products like this in the uk, i dont know why!
ReplyDeleteI may have to pick this up!
ReplyDeleteI will love to try this one out
ReplyDeleteatomicnony.blogspot.com
I love how affordable this brow pencil is! I will be on the lookout for it. :)
ReplyDeleteI just discovered Define-A-Brow, which I love! I'll definitely be looking out for this.
ReplyDeleteAgain... your brows are just to die for! It's perfection! :)
ReplyDeleteI will have to try this out looks great!
ReplyDeleteOn my shopping list!
ReplyDeletehttp://nyorkeratheart.blogspot.com
I love the end result, but your eyebrows are very nice to begin with! I admire you for not over plucking haha!
ReplyDeleteLove the review.
Anca
http://coralista-xo.blogspot.com/
Well the results are certainly nice. I've actually been terrified of using brow wax lately because i've tried one or two different types and they've broken me out horribly. :(
ReplyDeleteI agree with other commenters, your brows are so perfect! This looks amazing on you! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, it looks good, I am not so into Maybelline but this product looks great!
ReplyDeletei think your brows are to big! doesnt fit you well :(
ReplyDeleteReally natural looking results! A good alternative for me to have as a "backup" for times when I don't have time to purchase Clinique Superfine liner for the brows... And your brows aren't "to" big, haha! They look just perfect to me, and I know a lot of women wish they can have thicker brows! I know I do! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review* Need to get my hands on this!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.shellzdoll.com/
seewhatlindseyloves - Wow! Great to know! :)
ReplyDeleteTiffany - Define-a-brow is amazing. I think it's one of the best brow products the drugstore has to offer!
Coralista - Thank you! I'm guilty of overplucking for years. I'm beyond happy that I was able to grow them in after so long and have full brows again! :)
Eden - Oh no! I have pretty sensitive skin, and haven't had any problems with this one.
Anonymous - They really don't look that thick in person. I think my thicker brows make me look more like myself, if that makes sense. For years I've overplucked and had to work hard every day at filling them in. It's so nice to not worry about them.. you won't believe how happy it's made me! :)
TY everyone for your wonderful comments!
I just bought this myself today and love the deep brown. It is very natural but shows up nicely. Like you, I tried to push, twist and tried to figure out how to sharpen it once it goes down. There are NO instructions on the package. I did try to sharpen it and it actually worked but am still not sure if that's how your are supposed to do it. Thank you for your review and comments:)
ReplyDeleteSooo... I just bought this today and can not for the life of me figure out how to sharpen/ twist this thing. Anybody know?
ReplyDeleteI also can not figure out how to sharpen it. Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteSo, I read somewhere that you are supposed to sharpen the plastic? This sounded a little odd to me, but it stated that this was the only way to sharpen the actual brow pencil part. Hope this helped!
ReplyDeleteI have this product as well. I really love it! It keeps my brows in place and has nice pigmentation to it. However I had the same problem you did, I couldnt figure out how to sharpen it. I went to the Maybelline website and it stated that you have to just sharpen it using their Expert tools dual sharpener. That is probably just a ploy to buy more of their products so I will try the sharpener that I already have. They really should have instructions on it because sharpening plastic is odd.
ReplyDeleteOhmygosh! Thank you for posting how to sharpen it. I was using it every day and ran into the exact same issue. Honestly you're a lifesaver because I was just on the verge of throwing it out. Thanks again
ReplyDeleteGlad I finally found out how to sharpen. I love this new pencil! My bows are sparse and the results are much more natural looking than define a lash or powder. Would have been great if it could have been a twist up product.
ReplyDeletein agreement omg ... i was struggling
DeleteI too am glad to find out how to sharpen. I have been twisting the end forever! thanks
ReplyDeleteMy mom just came up to me and asked how to get the stuff out of the tube. I googled the product name and your blog came up front page. You gave an awesome review of this product and had the answer to my question! You rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I will go sharpen it now. Thought I needed to throw it out or get a new one already. Why don't they note this on their packaging? Was really feeling stupid twisting and turning it. Glad I went to your site and found these comments. Maybe they just want us to go buy again....
ReplyDeleteI was having the same peoblem!
DeleteI'm so glad I found this site! I exchanged my first one because I thought it was defective when I couldn't get it to twist up! When the new one I exchanged it for had the same issue, I "Googled" it and found this website. I can't believe they don't tell you how to sharpen it on the package. Thank you so much! I'll get a sharpener tomorrow! This is the first brow crayon that's actually matched my eyebrow color. Most brown crayons have a red undertone, but this one's just right! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThe first time I used it, I said, finally... Color was nice, little brush was nice. Then after having to come to the site to figure out how to sharpen it, I did. It doesn't sharpen very well, not to a good point at all and will wittle down to nothing in a short time.. so umm probably won't buy it again. It's just as lame as the others out there.
ReplyDeleteThis product is really nice. But I do have agree with everyone else. It is a stupid thing not to make it a twist up pencil. I did twist and turned everything and finally exchanged it to find out the same thing happened. Some one really made a mistake with this. Wonderful but put it in a twist up brush. Didn't even want to sharpen in the sharpener. Someone better go back to the drawing board with this one.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE the Maybelline define-a-brow...in dark brown. Here's the problems...they DISCONTINUED the dark brown color!!! They didn't discontinue the whole define-a-brow line...JUST the dark brown color!! Figures...just my luck! So, one day while perusing the cosmetic aisles at CVS, I found the Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil (quite a name, huh?). Well, at first I was all excited!! Yea (I thought)...they've replaced my define-a-brow with this new dark brown shade brow pencil...price was on target...color looked spot on...herein lies the problem...IT'S NOT RETRACTABLE!!!!! I wish I would have noticed that BEFORE I bought 2 of them. I was just so darn excited to find them that I didn't notice. I tried to sharpen the hard plastic pencil with my cosmetic sharpener and the tip got all messed up. What do they expect would happen when they make a cosmetic pencil (which is soft) and surround it with bullet-proof-like material. Ya think they woudda thought about THAT one!!! I agree with what somebody else said...that Maybelline needs to go back to the drawing board and make this line of brow pencils retractable. Geesh...whoda thunk that in this day and age they wouldn't have thought of that one on their own!!! Needless to say...I took BOTH pencils (yes, even the opened one) back to CVS for a FULL refund! :)
ReplyDeleteNow...it's back to the drawing board for me :) In the meantime, I purchased MAC brow pencils off of the MAC website...much more expensive but comparible to define-a-brow :)
I never would have figured out to use a regular pencil sharpener. But it works...used sharpener that sharpens regular lead pencils, and it worked great. So glad I found out this info because I was going to throw it in the garbage.
ReplyDeleteI like the product, but I don't like the way you have to sharpen it, can't get a point on it. I spent $7 for it and by the time I sharpened it, it was half gone. I might find a different product.
ReplyDeleteTry putting pencil in freezer overnight before sharpening it, it may help to get a finer point :)
DeleteI was so glad I found a product that combines the brow pencil with the small brush!! But what's up when the pencil part is worn down??? Can't believe Maybelline would come out with a product that you can only use for a very short time. Looks like I'll be back looking for another product.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with everyone on this site having trouble with this not being a twist up pencil. I think Maybelline needs to remake the exterior of the pencil. I would have to think twice about purchasing this again, only because of the bad exterior, love the pencil, easy to use on my brows.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found this website! I bought one of these brow liners and figured I had bought a lemon but I really liked how it worked so I bought another one and still couldn't figure out how to make it go up. Now I know. I was feeling completely stupid that I couldn't figure out how to make it retract. Thanks for the info, I will try to sharpen it.
ReplyDeleteLike others, I also love this product but couldn't figure out how to twist it up. Thought you couldn't possibly sharpen plastic. Go figure! Thanks for info!!
ReplyDeleteI was in a hotel, and the pencil needed sharpening.I assumed it would just twist up... I was able to get my brows done, but then I went to the closest Walgreens to see the package,....and found NO INSTRUCTIONS!! I actually took the pencil apart, and pushed the crayon up with the inside of a pen!!!! Wish I had googled this!!! This is the first blonde pencil I have used besides the Clinique super fine brow pencil, that doesn't have red undertones. I have very sparse brows, from years of overplucking, and now they just wont grow in. I LOVE THIS CRAYON!! It really lasts all day too!
ReplyDeleteI agree..love it..but when it comes to sharpening...really......
ReplyDeleteSame problem with sharpening. I was going to toss it, but thought well i could at least use the brush that comes with it, but get another brand of brow penci?
ReplyDeleteWhat a nightmare with the sharpening -- and it's a shame, because it's a great pencil. I'm going to have to look for another brand, though.
ReplyDeleteFinally - something for a red-head!! I was so excited to find Auburn, I bought 2! Hate that it doesn't twist to advance the product :-( does anyone know of other products for red-heads? - Kris
ReplyDeleteLove the colors that are available, but it would be better if it did not need to be sharpened the way it is. It takes too much off of the pencil when you sharpen it like you do.
ReplyDeleteI just spent some time attempting to find someone who would address how this pencil worked. When I first purchased it, a friend and I decided that I must have purchased a broken one and not being one to go through the hassle of returning a product, I pulled the brush/wand off the end and shoved a bobby pin in the bottom. I went through an entire pencil by using bobby pins and never thought once about using a sharpener! I have now purchased another and found that it was no coincidence I purchased TWO broken pencils in a row! I'm a little disappointed in Maybeline for pulling this stunt but rather than wasting, I think I'll continue my bobby pin trick until next make up shopping spree.
ReplyDeleteI'll be darned. It does sharpen!
ReplyDeleteYea! Thank You!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for answering my question regarding how to sharpen it!!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It works well while there is a point, and it LOOKS like it has a screw-out tip. Very deceptive. The packaging doesn't even say it requires an external sharpener. BOO! to Maybelline for this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for figuring out how to sharpen it!!! What a stupid way to package it!
ReplyDeleteI hate it , product not worth the money. Only able to use one
ReplyDeletetime as it does not twist up to give you more. And doesn't really
do that much for the brow. , just a big waste of money ......
I have tried every sharpener in the house and got horrible results. I took the suggestion from someone and took it apart and will use this one. I loved it so much (before the sharpening issue) and will take the unopened one back for a refund.
ReplyDeleteLike someone said it is 2012 and I have to use a sharpener???? Maybe they will reconfigure it...
I too purchased this product and I love it. The one problem I had with it was how do I get it to sharpen? I am thankful for this site with the information about using a sharpener?? I to think it needs to be retractable!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI found this site because I didn't believe the exposed part when new was all the product, but my eye pencil sharpener has zero effect on the dang plastic case. Based on something UT, I pulled the brush end off, cut the exposed tip off, and tried pushing it forward with a bobbypin, but it was too sharp and didn't work. Next I tried a que-tip, and that worked pretty well.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to Maybelline improving the packaging, since I love the product, esp the auburn color. It's the only pencil under $20 I can find in that color.
I must pick this. It really gives a perfect result.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad this is the first review I clicked upon searching google for how to twist or reveal more pencil because the packaging said nothing about it and it would not twist, push, etc. for me either. I just purchased and used it for the first time so I have not needed to "sharpen" it yet, but I think that kind of sucks because I am not a fan of sharpening eye pencils. That was my number one reason for switching to retractable eye liner way back when. I do like the product itselt (I wanted a brow pencil to fill in my thin brows without looking dramatic or "done up") and it's awesome, I just don't know how I will feel once I have to sharpen it for the first time.
ReplyDeleteCan someone help me???
ReplyDeleteI bought this eye brow pencil and I couldn't turn out it! How to use it??
THANKS!
You just have to sharpen it with a pencil or eye pencil sharpener. I know it doesn't seem like it would sharpen because it's plastic, but it's actual a thin plastic-like coating. Good luck!
DeleteVery strange how you sharpen it but it works!
DeleteGreat product, STUPID DESIGN, had I not seen this sight I would never have thought of sharpening plastic!!! DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS PRODUCT until they redesign it. It is very frustrating. I can't believe that they would market this user-unfriendly applicator. Obviously whoever designed it does not wear makeup. Shheeessh.
DeleteI felt so stupid today when I couldn't figure out how to extract more pencil. LOL. Glad I found your site :)
ReplyDeleteI just thought it ran out and threw it away, several in fact. On buying my last one I decided to look it up. I see now that i have to sharpen it! I do like the product.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for posting how to deal with it when it wears down. I don't really like having to sharpen it, but the soft brown color is the BEST brow product i've ever used and at least it sharpens easily. i'd love for them to put it in something like an eyeliner tube where you can just twist it in and out, but oh well.
ReplyDeleteI, too, found this site because I was dumbfounded on how to sharpen it. Twisting it up resulted in nothing, so I put it in my regular for-wood sharpener. The results were less than pretty, and a very dull tip, too. Ok, Maybelline, time to fix this! Or, put a sharper sharpener that will deal with plastic in the packaging!!
ReplyDeleteGreat to read that so many of us tried to twist and turn the darn thing to no avail and no instructions!I even returned my first one for another before checking your review-feel pretty silly now ha ha!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know that I wasn't the only one who couldn't figure out the non-twisty/sharpening thing. Never in my life would I have thought to sharpen the case part.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for another brand due to sharpening issues even though I really like the product. You can also pull off the brush end, pull out the stopper and then put something long and straight inside the tube and push the pencil up. Really a pain but I lose less product than trying to sharpen it. Maybelline - make it a twist up product please!!
ReplyDeletethis product is total bs, and i hope you get some money from maybelline for doing their job!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I'm sooo glad I found your post! I have been going crazy trying to figure out how to sharpen that darn thing. Thank you!!
ReplyDelete