My love-hate relationship with the Maybelline Fashion Brow Coloring Mascara

The first time I tried the Maybelline Fashion Brow Coloring Mascara (P395) I was completely put off by the weird brush. It's narrow and barely toothless at the base, but then it immediately widens to a rather large ball-shaped tip. Honestly, what? I'm aware mascara wands like this exist but I can see why they'd work on the lashes. But the eyebrows, where we need the precision? Hmmm.

Indeed, most days I don't even want to deal with it. I find the brush tricky to use since the ball tip has to barely graze the brows to avoid mess. Otherwise it just gets on my lids if I'm not careful! It's been many a time when I end up completely losing my arches in a battle with this brush.

What it has going for it though is the excellent color and formula. I've tried so many brow mascaras before but so far there is only one (from MAC) that I can apply straight from the tube. All the other ones I've tried are too red, blonde, or light. They had to be applied on top of some pencil/pen to work! The Maybelline Fashion Brow Mascara in 5 Dark Brown has got its color game on fleek - it matches my currently dark hair but it never appears heavy even when layered.

I'd say Dark Brown is a warm, nutty brown that has a bit of shimmer to it like MAC brow mascaras. The color actually reminds me of the Shu Uemura Brow Ink, which I loved, but for the life of me can't find for a while now. The Maybelline is a pretty good alternative IMHO! It's just a wee amount darker but is in the same color field shall we say as the Shu one I have. 

I also like its highly water-resistant formula that sets completely, refusing to move even after heavy sweating. This stuff really sticks. If you're oily, this is perfect.

Like I said, most days I don't even with the brush. But some days, when I get the angle just right, I get really good brows. It's just a matter of concentrating and not rushing into it too quickly...a tough job if, like me, you need to be able to apply makeup in less than 20 minutes before leaving the house. I usually just chuck this into my tennis bag so I have at least eyebrows before and after playing. It's a pretty convenient product aside from the fussy brush.

So yes it is a love-hate relationship. I probably should just get the product out with a proper brow  brush and apply it like the Shu Uemura Ink, no? It's just extra hassle. If only Maybelline will fix the brush, this will get top marks 5EVR love from me!

Have you tried this? How did you cope with the brush?