I had been using Sephora's brown pencil until I tried this. The Black Brown color is much more faithful to my hair color (very dark) than my old pencil. Moreover the pencil used to cake a little between the hairs was less easy to work and the brush was not adequate and took up all kinds of dust - whereas this stick does not cake at all the texture is really smooth and gives a natural effect ! And the brush is simple but adequate. ^^ I am really glad I got this inexpensive little fellow and I'm sure I will be buying it again and again ! Or maybe try another color if I decide to dye my hair ;)