MAYBELLINE Define-A-Line Eyeliner, Brownish Black (Pack of 2

The Verdict

If you’ve ever stood in the drugstore aisle staring at a wall of eyeliners, wondering why something this simple has to be this complicated, this Maybelline two-pack is the answer you’ve been looking for. The Define-A-Line pencil has been a quiet workhorse for years, and the brownish black shade is the one that keeps disappearing off shelves — for good reason.

What you actually get

The pack includes two full-size 0.04-ounce pencils in the brownish black shade (the product image shows the classic black barrel with the colored tip band). Each pencil has a traditional wood casing that requires manual sharpening, plus a sponge smudger tip on the opposite end. It’s a no-frills setup — no twist-up mechanism, no gel pot, no brush. Just the pencil and the smudger.

How it performs in the real world

The formula sits in a sweet spot between too-hard and too-soft. It deposits color on the first pass across the lash line without requiring the kind of pressure that makes your eye water. The brownish black shade is the standout feature here — it’s dark enough to define but has a warmth that pure black lacks. On fair skin, it reads as a soft charcoal; on deeper skin tones, it provides definition without looking harsh.

That built-in smudger is more useful than it looks. Run it along a fresh line within 30 seconds and you get a diffused smoky effect that holds for several hours. Use it on the lower lash line for a lived-in, intentional smudge.

What buyers consistently praise

The shade versatility comes up constantly in customer feedback. One reviewer noted, “I’ve been using this for years. The brownish black is perfect — it’s not as stark as black but gives more definition than brown.” Another described it as “the only eyeliner I can use on my waterline without it disappearing in an hour.” Longevity on the waterline, specifically, seems to be the product’s strongest claim — several buyers report 8+ hours of wear there.

Where it falls short

The honesty section: this is not a waterproof formula. If you rub your eyes, sweat heavily, or live somewhere humid, expect some transfer. The smudger sponge also picks up product and can deposit it where you don’t want it if you’re not careful — wipe it clean between uses. And because it’s a traditional pencil, you’ll be sharpening it regularly. The wood casing is standard, but if you’re aggressive with the sharpener, you’ll lose more product to shavings than you’d like.

Who should buy this

• Anyone who wants a softer alternative to black eyeliner that still reads as “dark”
• People who like the option to smudge but don’t want to carry a separate brush
• Waterline users who’ve had trouble with pencils skipping or fading
• Anyone tired of paying premium prices for what is essentially the same formula

Skip it if you need a truly waterproof option for swimming or sweaty workouts — look for a gel or liquid formula instead.

FAQ

Does this pull on the waterline?
No. The creamy consistency glides on smoothly, which is why it’s popular for tightlining. Just make sure the tip is sharpened to a fine point for precision.

How long does one pencil last?
With daily use on both upper and lower lash lines, expect roughly 2-3 months per pencil. The two-pack gives you about six months of coverage.

Is the brownish black warm or cool-toned?
It leans slightly warm, with a subtle espresso undertone. It works well on almost everyone but is especially flattering on green and hazel eyes.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a dependable, everyday eyeliner that’s softer than black but more defined than brown, and you appreciate having a smudger built in. Skip it if you require waterproof performance or prefer twist-up pencils. At a 4.6/5 rating, this is one of the better values in the drugstore eyeliner category — the 2-pack means you won’t be reordering for months.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.