You know how some eyeliners are like that flaky friend who promises to show up on time, but ghosts after lunch? Yeah, me too. That’s why I was cautiously optimistic when I met the Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil in Brown. It claims to stay put, glide like butter, and resist raccoon-eye status even after a 10-hour workday and a spontaneous sad-movie sob session.
So… did it deliver? Grab your coffee (or wine — I won’t judge), and let’s talk liner.
What Is This Thing Anyway?
Quick stats for the curious:
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Type: Twist-up mechanical pencil (no sharpener needed, thank you very much)
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Shade: Brown (goes by Espresso in most stores)
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Claims: Waterproof, smudge-resistant, ophthalmologist-tested
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Skin/Eye Type: Sensitive-eyes approved and contact-lens friendly
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Price Range: Usually under $8, bless the drugstore gods
This is one of those pencils you stash in your bag and hope it’ll work miracles before your 8 AM meeting... while you’re still half-asleep in the Uber.
Packaging Vibes
Not gonna lie — this pencil isn’t winning any packaging awards. It’s basic, functional, and sturdy enough to survive the bottomless pit of my purse. No sharpener needed (hallelujah), but also no smudger tip or fancy grip. It’s literally what it says it is: unstoppable, in a utilitarian “I’ve got a job to do” kinda way.
I wish the twist mechanism was a bit smoother. Mine got a little jammy halfway through. Pro tip: twist gently and don’t overdo it, or the tip might snap faster than my patience in traffic.
Let’s Talk Color: Brown That’s Actually Brown?
So here’s the thing about brown eyeliners — some are too warm, others too ashy. This one? A medium-deep chocolate brown with zero red tones. Think coffee grounds. It’s subtle, soft, and not screaming for attention like a black liner might.
If you love that clean, no-makeup makeup vibe, this is your shade. It defines without overwhelming. But — and this is a big ol’ but — the pigmentation isn’t super intense. I had to layer it twice for a rich look. One swipe gave me more of a “did you even try?” line. Meh.
Texture + Formula
This is where things get interesting. The pencil has a soft waxy feel that glides without tugging. It’s not gel-like, and it’s definitely not liquid. Somewhere in the creamy-in-a-good-way zone.
If your eyelids are on the oilier side (raises hand), it might fade faster than you’d like. But on my dry-ish lids? It stayed put — mostly. No burning, no itching, no drama. Just smooth application, especially along the upper lash line.
Also, it didn’t flake or crumble, which earns it brownie points. I hate it when you blink and suddenly your eyeliner is having an identity crisis.
Waterproof or Wishful Thinking?
Waterproof is a bold claim. I wore this on a day that included a full grocery run, a coffee spill, and accidentally watching the ending of “Up.” Did it stay?
Mostly.
Upper lash line? Solid. Waterline? Meh. It wore off a little too fast. Like, by the time I was halfway through my protein bar, the lower lash line was already looking a bit tired. That said, it didn’t smudge — it just faded. Quietly and politely. No raccoon eyes. No smears. So... small wins.
Application Tips From the Girl Who’s Messed It Up Enough Times
If you want this liner to last all day, here’s how I made it work:
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Start with dry lids. No moisturizer or cream around your eyes — it'll slip faster than your Wi-Fi during a Zoom call.
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Use a primer or a touch of translucent powder before application.
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Layer it. One swipe won’t cut it. Build slowly.
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Tightline instead of waterline for longevity. It hugs the lash roots and stays longer.
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Set it with eyeshadow. A similar-toned powder helps lock it down.
Bonus: If you’re attempting a tiny wing with this pencil... patience, friend. It’s not the sharpest for fine flicks. But if you’re going for soft definition? It’s your gal.
The Good, The Bad, and the Very Wearable
✅ Pros
Budget-friendly
No sharpener needed
Soft brown shade that flatters all skin tones
Comfortable formula for sensitive eyes
Decent wear time on upper lash line
❌ Cons
Not great for waterline wear
Pigmentation could be stronger
Twist-up can get stuck
Not ideal for oily lids without setting
Who Will Love This (and Who Might Not)
You’ll love this if:
✅ You want a soft brown liner that’s easy on the eyes (literally)
✅ You’re into minimal makeup and that “effortlessly polished” thing
✅ You like liner without the drama — both in look and wear
Skip it if:
❌ You need high-impact color in one swipe
❌ Your lids eat makeup like it’s their job
❌ You’re into crisp, sharp cat eyes (this ain’t it)
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. Should You Add to Cart?)
If you’re searching for a brown eyeliner that won’t break the bank and gives you that natural, quietly defined lash line, Maybelline Unstoppable in Brown is a solid contender. It won’t blow your mind. But it will show up for you — most days. Just don’t expect fireworks.
I’ll probably keep a backup in my gym bag or emergency desk drawer. You know, just in case I need to go from “blah” to “put together” with five minutes and no mirror.