Brow Precise by Maybelline review + thoughts

Last updated on October 25th, 2018

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Today I’m testing yet another drugstore brow pencil. Introducing the Maybelline Brow Precise Brow Pencil!

Drugstore brands have really been pumping out the brow products lately, and I am on a mission to try them all.

Over the last year, I’ve tried so many different brow products, which means I’ve really discovered what I like, and what I don’t like in a brow pencil. Maybe in the past I could have overlooked certain odd aspects, but I’m too far-gone to do that now. These days, I’m all business when it comes to my brows.

Perhaps I am getting more cynical, but I truly feel like I know a good pencil when I see it. So if you’re interested in seeing whether I think the Maybelline Brow Precise is a hit or a pass, click below to keep reading!

Brow Precise Micro Pencil by Maybelline — the Basics

Upon first look, Maybelline obviously took inspiration from the many “skinny” brow pencils out there. But when I investigated more closely, it’s clear that the only similarities between this product and the rest of the pack are it’s skinniness and the fact that it contains a spoolie.

Price & Availability

The Maybelline Brow Precise can be found at most drugstores, assuming they aren’t sold out. I visited several drugstores over several days until I finally got my hands on this one. If you are super impatient, ordering online is the way to go.

The price ranges from $6.94 at Walmart to $7.99 at Ulta. It can also be found on Maybelline’s website for $7.99. The price doesn’t seem to vary too much from store to store, and it seems more reasonable as it is lower than its direct competitors.

I picked up mine on Amazon for $5.64. A good deal if you ask me.

Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Pencil >> Purchase on Amazon

A note on the packaging + some obvious comparisons

On that note, let’s talk about the quantity of product. The Anastasia Brow Wiz, otherwise known as the original skinny pencil, contains 0.003 oz of product. That became somewhat of a standard, as brands such as NYX, Ulta, L’Oréal, and Sephora all created brow pencils containing the same amount of product.

For that reason, I was expecting the Brow Precise to contain 0.003 oz of product too. Well, it doesn’t. The  Maybelline Brow Precise contains only 0.002 oz of product. That’s 1/3 less product than, say the L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer. Suddenly the lower price doesn’t seem like so much of a bargain. I didn’t do the exact math, but I believe the price is comparable when this is factored in.

Also, all of the aforementioned brow pencils are made in either South Korea or Germany. The Maybelline Brow Precise is made in China. You can take what you’d like from that.

Color selection is not fantastic, but it is workable

Like the Define + Fill Duo, Maybelline released the Brow Precise in four shades– Blonde, Auburn, Soft Brown, and Deep Brown. I don’t have any experience with the Blonde and Auburn shades, but I have used both Deep Brown and Soft Brown in the Define + Fill, and now Soft Brown in the Brow Precise.

This version of Soft Brown is nearly identical to my Soft Brown Define + Fill. Therefore, I think I can safely say at the shade range is comparable.

Both Soft Brown and Deep Brown are nice colors, but the tones are rather neutral. If you prefer strictly cool toned, ashy shades, then you probably won’t like the colors offered. With the four shades, most people should be able to select one that works with their skin and hair color, but the question is whether they’ll actually like how it looks. I hope this makes sense. Technically, nobody’s needs are left out, but many people’s preferences are left out. In this sense, only Anastasia Beverly Hills, (and maybe NYX has everyone covered.)

The application is smooth, albeit somewhat cumbersome 

I expected something completely different than what I got with this pencil. These differences made the application process a bit more difficult than other brow pencils I’ve tried.

The texture is on the softer, creamier side

I tend to look for drier, waxier textures in brow pencils. I find that these are easier to control because they don’t deposit too much color all at once. This saves you from looking like a cartoon with heavy, painted-on brows.

The Brow Precise has a pretty soft, creamy texture. While it isn’t too bad, and I was still able to achieve a nice brow look using the pencil, it is “borderline.” If it were any softer, it’d have to be a pass for me.

The soft texture also causes the product to be somewhat “smudgy.” In the photo below, the swatch on the right is how the product looks after a few light swipes on my arm. I applied minimal pressure, but the pigmentation still showed up very well. For the swatch on the left, I applied the product the same way, but then rubbed over it with my finger a few times. As you can see, the color did not stick around. We’ll discuss what this means for lasting power in a bit.

On the plus side, the product glides over the skin beautifully. It feels really nice as you slide it across your face, and there is no dragging or pulling during application.

The spoolie is works well, and is a nice touch

Following the trend, Maybelline included a spoolie with the Brow Precise, this being the first time. I find that it works like a spoolie. I mean, how bad can a spoolie be? However, it is noticeably stiffer than other spoolies I’ve encountered, so it is a bit scratchier on the brows. It’s not a big deal for me, but if you have sensitive skin, it may be something to consider.

This sounds ridiculous, but I appreciate that a clear cap covers the spoolie end, while the pencil end features a brown cap. Constantly pulling off the wrong cap, (such as on the Brow Wiz) drives me nuts. That won’t happen with this one.

How the Brow Precise differs from Maybelline’s Define + Fill Duo

This is Maybelline’s second attempt at a trendy, “micro” brow pencil. I’m sure we all remember last year’s Maybelline Brow Stylist Define + Fill Duo.  (Click the link to see my full review.) While that one was a good attempt, it wasn’t quite skinny enough. Plus, the powder on the opposite end instead of a spoolie threw everybody for a loop.

As mentioned before, the color range is the same. However, the formula on the Define + Fill seems drier and waxier than the new Brow Precise. In this sense, I prefer the Define + Fill, as the pigmentati0n and product distribution is easier to control. On the other hand, the thicker tip makes it more difficult to get a sharp line, especially near the end of your brow.

But really, it comes down to whether you would rather have the spoolie, or the bonus brow powder. What do you think?

Maybelline Brow Stylist Define + Fill Duo >> Purchase on Amazon

The product lasts well on the brows (as long as you don’t touch it.)

I don’t usually have problems with my brows migrating around my face. As long as I don’t disturb the product with water or by touching it, my brows last as long as I need them to. This product is no exception.

I wore it all day with no smudging, fading or flaking

I wore the product alone for about 10 hours during the day, from about 7:30am to 5:30pm. Though I mostly stayed inside, I avoided using my AC, so my apartment got rather warm. I wasn’t heavily sweating, but I could feel myself getting a little dewy. This didn’t cause any issues for me, and my brows looked exactly the same at the end of the day.

My skin is not very oily these days, so I don’t have to worry about my brow product disintegrating due to oils. For those that are especially oily, I recommend setting this product with a powder just to give yourself that extra assurance that it won’t go anywhere, as the already soft texture may be prone to movement.

Would I recommend the Maybelline Brow Precise?

I’ll say this: I don’t dislike the product, and I think it’s a good product for some, but I probably won’t be repurchasing. It’s definitely not a bad product, so I’ll use it up, but there are other products I like better. Namely, the Maybelline Define + Fill Duo.

Although I like the idea of the tiny tip, I find that the Define + Fill’s slightly larger tip is not a huge hinderance, and I actually really like having the brow powder around. In case you were wondering, yes, I choose that over the spoolie.

If you don’t have issues with smudging, you like an included spoolie, and aren’t too picky about colors, then the Maybelline Brow Precise may be for you.

Approach with caution, and let me know how it goes!

That’s all for today!

Related: L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer vs. Anastasia Brow Wiz. Dupe or Dud?

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FTC- This post is not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.