Overview

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil is one of those compact tools that earns a permanent spot in a makeup bag simply by doing two things well. ABH has built a strong reputation around brow products, and this highlighting pencil fits neatly into that same philosophy of precise, fuss-free application. One end handles a soft matte finish, the other a subtle shimmer — giving you two distinct effects without carrying two separate items. At a prestige-but-accessible price point, it sits comfortably for anyone who wants quality without committing to a full luxury spend. Compact and lightweight, it travels well and takes up almost no space.

Features & Benefits

The matte Camille side delivers a natural, glare-free highlight that works beautifully along the brow bone or inner corner of the eye — the kind of finish that reads polished in daylight without looking overdone. Flip it around and the Sand Shimmer end adds a soft, light-catching glow to the nose bridge, cupid's bow, or brow arch. The formula itself glides on without dragging, which makes blending with a fingertip quick and straightforward. Both ends are made with natural materials, which matters to buyers increasingly aware of what goes on their skin. Weighing just 0.18 oz, it barely registers in hand, making detailed work easy.

Best For

This ABH highlighting tool is a natural fit for anyone who wants a streamlined morning routine without sacrificing a polished result. If you find loose powders messy or liquid highlighters too intense, the pencil format gives you far more control over placement and intensity. Beginners especially tend to appreciate how forgiving a pencil applicator is compared to a brush-loaded powder. Frequent travelers will value the slim profile — it slips into a carry-on pouch without a second thought. It also appeals to existing ABH fans who like their products to work together cohesively, particularly around the brow and eye area where precision really counts.

User Feedback

Buyers generally respond well to how easy the blending is, with many noting the shimmer side in particular delivers a payoff that looks intentional rather than glittery. On the flip side, some users have flagged that the pencil tip can be fragile and prone to breaking if sharpened too aggressively or dropped. A few reviewers with deeper skin tones found the matte Camille shade less universally flattering, suggesting it reads best on fair to medium complexions. Wear time is decent for dry skin types, though oilier skin may find it fades by midday. Most agree the dual format justifies the cost, though those wanting deep color payoff might want something more intense.

Pros

  • Both matte and shimmer finishes in one pencil means one less item to carry or buy separately.
  • The formula blends out easily with a fingertip, making application fast and mistake-forgiving.
  • At 0.18 oz and under 6 inches long, this highlighting pencil slips into any makeup pouch without bulk.
  • The shimmer side delivers a genuinely pretty, light-catching glow without crossing into glittery territory.
  • Brush-on application gives precise control over exactly where highlight lands, especially around the brow arch.
  • Natural material formulation is a plus for buyers who are mindful about ingredients on their skin.
  • Great choice for beginners who find powder highlighters intimidating or hard to blend cleanly.
  • The matte Camille side is soft enough for daily wear without looking overdone in natural light.
  • ABH brand reliability means consistent formula quality batch to batch, which repeat buyers have noted.
  • Consolidating two highlight finishes into one tool represents solid value for a mid-range prestige item.

Cons

  • The matte shade suits fair to medium skin tones best and may not show up on deeper complexions.
  • Pencil tip can break during sharpening if any pressure is applied, which wastes product quickly.
  • Wear time on oily skin is underwhelming, often fading within a few hours without a primer or setting powder.
  • The shimmer payoff is subtle, which will disappoint anyone expecting bold, high-impact glow.
  • Only one color combination is available, so buyers wanting a shade tailored to their tone have no flexibility.
  • The pencil format means product is lost each time it is sharpened, shortening the overall lifespan.
  • Not well suited as a standalone highlighter for cheekbones or larger facial areas where a brush would be more efficient.
  • Some users report the product can transfer or smudge onto glasses or skin contact points during wear.

Ratings

Our AI rating system analyzed thousands of verified global reviews for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil, actively filtering out incentivized, spam, and bot-generated feedback to surface what real buyers consistently experience. The scores below reflect both the genuine strengths that keep customers coming back and the recurring frustrations that affect satisfaction — nothing is glossed over.

Ease of Application
91%
Buyers consistently praise how intuitively this highlighting pencil applies, particularly those new to highlighting. The pencil tip allows precise placement on the brow bone and inner corner without the guesswork of a brush, and most users find blending with a fingertip takes only a few seconds.
A small number of users note that on very dry or textured skin, the formula can deposit unevenly on the first pass, requiring an extra blend to smooth out. Application over heavy skincare products can also reduce adherence slightly.
Shimmer Payoff
83%
The Sand Shimmer end earns consistent compliments for its soft, wearable glow that looks intentional rather than chunky or glittery. Buyers who use it on the nose bridge and cupid's bow during daytime looks particularly appreciate its restraint.
Those expecting bold, editorial-level shimmer are frequently let down — the payoff is subtle by design, which works for natural looks but falls short for anyone wanting a high-impact finish. A few users wished there were a more intensely pigmented shimmer option available.
Matte Shade Versatility
67%
33%
For fair to medium skin tones, the Camille matte side reads as a genuinely flattering, natural brow highlight that blends cleanly without leaving a stark line. Users in this range consistently describe it as an easy daily-wear shade.
Buyers with medium-deep to deep complexions frequently flag that Camille appears too light or even ashy on their skin, limiting the duo pencil's appeal as a universal product. The absence of additional shade options is a recurring point of frustration in this segment.
Wear Longevity
62%
38%
On normal to dry skin types, the formula holds reasonably well through a standard workday without significant fading or migration. Users who set their makeup with a light powder report noticeably improved staying power throughout the day.
Oily skin is this pencil's clearest weak point — multiple buyers describe the product fading or transferring within two to three hours without a primer or setting powder underneath. In humid climates, wear time drops further, which is a real drawback for buyers in warmer regions.
Blendability
89%
The formula glides out smoothly and responds well to fingertip blending, which buyers single out as one of the most satisfying aspects of using this tool. Even beginners report that mistakes are easy to soften or redirect without pulling at the skin.
If the pencil is applied too heavily in one pass, blending can smear slightly beyond the intended area, which requires a bit of cleanup. The formula also blends differently on freshly moisturized skin versus bare skin, so technique needs a small adjustment depending on prep.
Pencil Durability
58%
42%
When handled carefully and sharpened with a quality cosmetic sharpener, the pencil itself holds up reasonably well for its size and weight. Buyers who treat it gently tend to report minimal product loss over the life of the item.
Tip breakage during sharpening is the most commonly reported frustration across user reviews, with multiple buyers losing a meaningful amount of product in the first few uses. The tip appears especially vulnerable if the pencil is cold or if too much pressure is applied while sharpening.
Compact Portability
93%
At under six inches long and barely 0.18 oz, this ABH highlighting tool is genuinely one of the easiest makeup items to travel with — it fits in a small pouch, a coat pocket, or even a wallet case without any fuss. Frequent flyers and minimalist makeup wearers consistently highlight this as a key reason they repurchase.
The slim profile, while great for portability, can make the pencil feel slightly easy to misplace in a larger makeup bag. A few users also note that because it is so lightweight, it occasionally rolls off counters and gets damaged from the resulting drop.
Value for Money
74%
26%
Most buyers feel the dual-format design justifies the mid-range prestige price point, effectively replacing two separate products in a single purchase. The ABH brand name adds a layer of quality assurance that helps buyers feel confident in the spend.
A minority of users argue the pencil runs down faster than expected given the price, particularly due to sharpening loss, making cost-per-use less favorable over time. Those who want heavier pigment output or more than two finishes may feel underwhelmed by what the price delivers.
Formula Ingredients
78%
22%
The natural material feature resonates strongly with buyers who are selective about what they apply near their eyes and on sensitive facial areas. Several users with skin-conscious routines specifically mention choosing this duo pencil partly because of its cleaner formulation.
The listing does not publish a full ingredient list, which leaves some buyers uncertain about specific allergens or sensitizing components. Those with confirmed ingredient sensitivities have no clear way to verify compatibility without testing directly or contacting the brand.
Brand Reliability
87%
ABH has a well-established track record in the brow and face definition space, and repeat customers frequently cite brand trust as a key factor in their purchase decision. Consistency between product batches is something loyal ABH users specifically mention when reviewing this item.
Some newer buyers feel the brand's reputation sets an expectation of innovation that this particular duo pencil does not fully meet, especially given how similar the concept is to other dual-ended highlighting pencils on the market. A few users expected more shade range given the brand's broader product depth.
Packaging Design
77%
23%
The pencil feels well-constructed in the hand, with a clean, minimal aesthetic consistent with the rest of the ABH lineup. The dual cap design protects both ends during travel, and the overall presentation feels appropriate for a mid-range prestige item.
Several buyers note that the caps can feel slightly loose over time with repeated use, raising minor concerns about product drying out or tips getting damaged in transit. The packaging offers no mirror or built-in sharpener, which some users feel would add practical value at this price.
Skin Type Compatibility
64%
36%
For users with normal, combination-dry, or dry skin, the formula performs well and integrates naturally into a daily routine without requiring extensive prep. The lightweight texture does not feel heavy or greasy on the skin during wear.
Oily skin types face a notably reduced experience, with fading and transfer issues appearing consistently across their reviews. Buyers in this category almost universally recommend using a primer underneath, which adds a step and cost that makes the overall routine less convenient than advertised.

Suitable for:

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil is a genuinely smart pick for anyone who wants a reliable, low-effort highlight without a cluttered makeup bag. It works particularly well for everyday wearers who want a quick brow-bone or inner-corner touch without reaching for multiple products. Beginners benefit from the pencil format, which is far more forgiving and controllable than loose powders or fan brushes. Travelers and minimalists will appreciate that one slim pencil covers both a matte and a shimmer finish, replacing two items with one. It also suits fair to medium skin tones best, where the Camille matte shade reads most naturally. If you already use ABH brow products, this duo pencil slots in neatly as a coordinating step in an existing routine.

Not suitable for:

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil is not the right call for everyone, and it is worth being upfront about that. If you have a deeper skin tone, the matte Camille shade may look ashy or simply too light to register as a natural highlight, which limits its versatility. People who want bold, intense shimmer payoff will likely find the Sand end too subtle for their taste. Those with oily skin should know that wear time can be disappointing, with the formula fading noticeably by midday without a setting powder on top. The pencil tip is also somewhat delicate, so anyone who sharpens aggressively or tends to drop their makeup tools may run into breakage issues. Finally, if you are looking for a product that works independently as a full-face highlighter rather than a precise detail tool, this duo pencil is too targeted in its application for that purpose.

Specifications

  • Brand: Manufactured by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand widely recognized for precision brow and face definition products.
  • Model Number: The official model number for this item is ABH01-19201.
  • ASIN: The Amazon Standard Identification Number for this product is B00GI2ZYLO.
  • UPC: The Universal Product Code is 689304056885.
  • Dimensions: The pencil measures 5.7 x 0.9 x 0.8 inches, making it slim and easy to store in a makeup bag.
  • Weight: The product weighs 0.18 ounces, keeping it exceptionally lightweight for precision handheld use.
  • Item Form: Delivered in a brush-on pencil format with two functional ends for direct skin application.
  • Finish 1: One end provides a matte finish in the shade Camille, suited for brow-bone and inner-corner highlighting.
  • Finish 2: The opposite end delivers a shimmer finish in the shade Sand, designed for nose bridge, cupid's bow, and brow arch.
  • Material Feature: The formula is described as natural, making it a consideration for buyers mindful of ingredient sourcing.
  • Application Style: Both ends apply directly via the pencil tip and blend easily with a fingertip or small brush.
  • Shade Range: Available in the Matte Camille and Sand Shimmer combination; no additional shade variants are listed for this item.
  • Discontinuation: This product is confirmed as not discontinued by the manufacturer as of the most recent listing update.
  • Category Rank: Ranked number 181 in the Eyebrow Color subcategory on Amazon at time of listing.
  • Overall BSR: Holds a Best Sellers Rank of approximately 21,175 within the broader Beauty and Personal Care category on Amazon.
  • Product Benefit: Designed to deliver both matte and shimmer highlighting coverage from a single compact tool, reducing the need for multiple products.

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FAQ

Based on the pencil-style form factor, it requires sharpening rather than a twist-up mechanism. That means you will need a standard cosmetic sharpener on hand, and it is worth being gentle — the tip can be fragile and may break if you apply too much pressure while sharpening.

The matte Camille end is best under the brow bone and at the inner corner of the eye, where a flat finish looks the most natural. The Sand Shimmer end is better suited for the nose bridge, cupid's bow, and the top of the brow arch, where a little light-catching effect reads well.

Yes, the pencil format is actually one of the more approachable ways to learn highlighting. Unlike loose powders or fan brushes, a pencil gives you direct control over where product lands, and any excess is easy to blend out with a fingertip. It is a solid starting point before working up to more complex techniques.

This is a fair concern. The Camille shade is a soft, light neutral that works most naturally on fair to medium complexions. On deeper skin tones, it may appear too light or chalky rather than giving a subtle highlight effect. If you have a medium-deep to deep skin tone, it might be worth checking swatch photos from buyers with a similar complexion before purchasing.

Wear time is decent on normal to dry skin, typically holding up reasonably well through a full day. On oily skin, however, the formula tends to fade or migrate within a few hours. Using a light setting powder over the top can help extend longevity if that is a concern for you.

You can absolutely layer them or use both in the same zone if that suits your look. Some users apply the matte side first as a base and then add a touch of the shimmer on top for a more dimensional effect. There is no strict rule — it comes down to personal preference and the finish you are going for.

It leans toward a soft, diffused glow rather than a chunky glitter finish. Most users describe it as a subtle, light-catching highlight that reads polished rather than sparkly. If you are expecting intense disco-style shimmer, this will likely feel too understated.

Standard dual-ended pencils of this type typically include caps on both ends to protect the tips during storage and travel. It is advisable to keep both caps on when the pencil is in your bag to prevent tip damage and product transfer.

The natural material feature suggests a more skin-conscious formulation, and many users apply the matte end to the inner corner of the eye without reported irritation. That said, individual sensitivities vary, and if you have particularly reactive skin around the eye area, it is always a good idea to do a small patch test first.

For most everyday users, yes. The convenience of having both a matte and a shimmer finish in one slim tool is genuinely practical, especially if you travel or prefer a streamlined kit. Where it might fall short is for someone who wants highly customizable shades or heavier pigment payoff — in that case, individual products with more variety may serve you better.