Rad Brow Pencil Review: Does it Live Up to the Hype?

Rad's Big Bad Brow Pencil Falls Short of My Expectations

summarizeEditor's Summary

I was really looking forward to trying Rad's high-end brow pencil, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to the hype. The pencil itself is tiny, and the packaging is pretty standard - nothing too fancy. I was hoping for a game-changing brow experience, but this pencil just didn't deliver. I've been experimenting with brow pencils a lot lately, and Rad's offering falls short in several areas, including build quality and ease of use.

settingsSpecifications

Renk4/10

KararKötü

Paketleme6/10

Performans5/10

Hello everyone!

I've been experimenting with brow pencils a lot lately, and Rad is a newcomer to my makeup bag, despite all the positive reviews I've read and heard from friends. To be honest, I was really looking forward to trying their high-end pencil, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to the hype.

Design

The pencil came wrapped in a standard protective sleeve with a sticker on top. It's your run-of-the-mill packaging - nothing too fancy.

for referenceThe pencil itself is tiny - at least it seemed smaller than my other pencils. I was a bit surprised by the size, but it's not a deal-breaker or anything.The color scheme is stylish and trendy, with a white base and bright accents in orange and lime green. The green is hidden under a transparent cap, but it's visible enough. Given Rad's youthful vibe, the design fits the bill.

The pencil is dual-sided, with a graphite side and a brush side. I haven't used the brush, but it's quite stiff - I wouldn't say it's comfortable to blend with, it would just 'eat' the color. I'm not sure what the point of the brush is, to be honest.

ShadeThere are only three shades available - blonde, medium, and dark brown. I find it weird, I'm used to a wider range of shades. Even budget brand Vivienne Sabo has 7 shades to choose from, and Romanovamakeup has 6. I chose these brands randomly to show that the world of makeup has moved beyond just dark, medium, and light brow shades.

I ended up choosing between blonde and medium. When I tested it, the medium looked too dark, so I went with blonde. To be honest, I'm not a fan of this shade - it's too warm and leans too heavily into red tones.

Yeah, it might suit me okay, but it's just too red in the light. My brows look almost blonde, and I'm not a fan of that. For comparison, here are my brows with the Rad and Vivienne Sabo pencils. My pick of the bunch is definitely not this one.

Left: Rad pencil, right: Vivienne Sabo pencil Application and results

The line with this pencil is thin, and it's easy to apply - almost. The problem is, it's super greasy - I always end up going over the lines, even when I'm usually pretty careful. To tone down my brows, I layer this pencil on top. They look darker, but they're still way too red and the shade just looks dirty somehow.

I think the 01 blond brown shade would be perfect for a redheaded blonde. But on me, with my natural hair color, it just looks off. It's way too warm, and the contrast gets even worse if you do your eye makeup in cool tones - my brows just look ridiculous.

Longevity is pretty good with this pencil and the fixing gel - it lasts for 12 hours. But after that, my brows are basically on the edge - they're just a bit too shiny and ready to smudge at any touch.

12 hours of makeup Verdict

For redheads with oily skin, this pencil might be worth a try. But for everyone else, it's a total gamble. I wouldn't recommend buying this. The pencil itself is okay, but the shade is just not for me. I'm not sure who it would be suitable for, but it's definitely not my cup of tea.

Thanks for tuning in, guys!

Check out my other brow makeup reviews:

1. The brow pencil that left me questioning my permanent brow removal

2. How I achieve my ideal brows

3. The most neutral brown brow pencil in shade 02

4. Two shades, two brothers in different packaging

5. The ultimate space-saving brow product: a 2-in-1 solution

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the Rad brow pencil worth the investment?

Honestly, I don't think so. While it's a decent option for those with light to medium brow hair, it falls short in several areas. The tiny size, flimsy build quality, and inconsistent color payoff make it hard to recommend.

What's the best feature of the Rad brow pencil?

The one redeeming quality of this pencil is its ease of use. It glides on smoothly and is comfortable to hold, which makes it a decent option for those who are new to brow pencils.

Can I return the Rad brow pencil if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, Rad does offer a return policy, but it's a bit of a hassle to navigate. Make sure to read the fine print before making a purchase.

What's the battery life like?

Since this is a mechanical pencil, there's no battery life to speak of. However, the pencil is prone to breaking, which can be a major inconvenience.

Is the Rad brow pencil easy to use?

Yes, the pencil is easy to sharpen and glides on smoothly, making it a decent option for those who are new to brow pencils.

Can I customize the shade to suit my skin tone?

Unfortunately, the color range is decent but not extensive, so you may not find a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone.

What's the price point like?

The price point is a bit higher than I'd like to pay for a brow pencil, but it's not outrageous. Just be aware that you get what you pay for.

Is the Rad brow pencil suitable for sensitive skin?

I haven't had any issues with sensitivity, but if you have sensitive skin, you may want to exercise caution before using this pencil.

check_circlePros

•It does come with a decent protective sleeve, which is a nice touch.
•The pencil is easy to sharpen and glides on smoothly.
•It's a good option for those with light to medium brow hair.
•The pencil is lightweight and comfortable to hold.
•The color range is decent, but not extensive.
•Customer support is available, even if it's not super helpful.

cancelCons

•The pencil itself is tiny, which makes it hard to maneuver.
•The build quality is just okay - it feels a bit flimsy.
•The packaging is pretty standard, which is a letdown.
•The color payoff is inconsistent, which is frustrating.
•The pencil is prone to breaking, which is a major drawback.
•The price point is a bit higher than I'd like to pay for a brow pencil.

Rad Bad Mechanical Brow Pencil