Kmarts $5 microblading brow pen review: Great Benefit dupe

Remember that time when eyebrow products were just not a thing?

Well they’re now so firmly in our daily make-up repertoire, almost every brand has an array of brow options – even Kmart.

Yes you read that right, the budget superstore’s beauty line has just launched several new eyebrow products, and among them is one I am really excited about.

The OXX Studio Precise Brow Pen creates hair-like strokes that mimic natural brow hairs and is strikingly similar to a recent product released by the brow gurus at Benefit.

However, Benefit’s Brow Microfilling Pen retails for $45 while Kmart’s alternative is just $5 – and has a key-feature I think elevates it above the more expensive version.

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What is a microblading brow pen?

These products are designed to create those brush-like strokes synonymous with microblading just without the pain or expense.

Both pens have three prongs and look like a teeny tiny fork, just with an angular head. They differ in thickness though as well as the space between each hair-faking prong. Kmart’s is noticeably thinner than any other I’ve tried (MCoBeauty also has a similar product, its Tattoo Brow Microblading Ink Pen, $16), and the finer the strokes, the more realistic it looks.

How to use a brow pen

Ordinarily, I like to fill in my brows and then add in some texture using a fine pencil – but I find these pens so quick to use that I often grab one when I’m in a hurry.

To apply, you literally swipe the pen where you want to create the effect and voila – instantly fuller brows.

However, I have found with these pens, both Kmart and Benefit, that after a couple of strokes the ink stops coming out.

Luckily there’s an easy fix. I pop the lid back on and rub the pen between my hands as if I’m warming it up and it gets the product inside flowing again.

Make sure when you’re applying you follow the natural direction of your hair and don’t overlap any strokes otherwise you’ll get a noughts and crosses board effect.

The formula also lasts really well, staying put from morning until I get home in the early evening.

What is the difference in formulas?

It’s not an area I have the expertise to speak on but Benefit’s has a much longer list than Kmart’s four ingredients. Both list water as their main ingredients while Benefit has alcohol in it – definitely not a “no, no” in skin products, but I know some people choose to avoid it.

Would I buy again?

While the sample I was given to test is probably not dark enough for me, I’ve been left really impressed with the overall product – especially given it's a huge $40 cheaper – so I’ll be picking up the dark brown shade when I’m next in store. If you’ve wanted to try out the Benefit version but couldn’t justify the splurge, this is a great way to try out the concept without shelling out.

The downside of microblading pens

While these can be a really great tool, the product doesn’t give the same finish as a pencil and powder. I find my usual method has much more definition and looks more like a naturally full brow that the pen. The pen can also be a bit fiddly to master – so expect to have a few mishaps before you get it right. I found quite a few times I’d end up with a thick line from pushing too hard or not getting the right angle on it.

This column is not advertorial content. Every review is independent, honest and ad free.

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