For a long time, I was guilty of many eyebrow sins, from excessive plucking to the dreaded "block" brows. But I like to think my eyebrows are in a constant state of evolution, and highlighting them is a must in my everyday makeup routine. Thankfully, current eyebrow trends favor a more natural look, something my future self (and my wallet) greatly appreciates. I've experimented with various brow products, including pencils, gels, and powders, but not all are created equal. So, when I discovered e.l.f. Cosmetics-a brand I already loved and frequently used-offered a simple brow pencil for just $4, I knew I had to give it a try.
After years of avoiding waxing, plucking, and experimenting with growth serums, I finally managed to achieve fuller eyebrows that don't scream "2003." While I'm happy with their shape, they still lack some color and have sparse areas. Plus, since I dye my hair, I aim to match my brow color without resorting to harsh chemicals. As part of my daily makeup routine, I like to fill in my brows with a pencil and then fluff them up. When I stumbled upon this $4 product and saw it was a bestseller on Amazon, I immediately added it to my shopping cart.
Besides the affordable price, the range of natural shades and the included spoolie were what initially attracted me to this pencil. I also liked that I wouldn't need to deal with a messy sharpener. My hair is currently a medium brown shade with reddish undertones, and I was worried the auburn color would be too red, so I chose the neutral brown shade. I found the formula and color to be buildable, a feature I appreciated because I've often found that brow pencils or powders can be too heavy, resulting in an unnatural, overdrawn look. However, this one applies naturally, allowing you to control the amount of coverage you want.
The formula and color have a matte finish, and it lasts all day without smudging. I applied it before work, and my brows remained defined and shaped until I got home and cleansed my skin.
This pencil is all-inclusive, with a dual-sided pencil and spoolie, so you don't need any other makeup tools (unless you're like me and use brow gel for setting). I like to use the spoolie before and after applying the pencil. First, I comb my eyebrows upwards, lightly apply the pencil to achieve my desired results, and then brush the brows upwards again until the color looks naturally blended.
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The only drawback to a pencil designed like this is that you can't sharpen the point. This doesn't bother me because I'm just filling in my brows for more definition, not necessarily reshaping them. However, if you want to create hairlike strokes and extend your natural brow, it may be a bit difficult once the tip becomes duller. But at just $4, this product has become my go-to brow pencil. I can't believe I used to spend over $20 on brow products before incorporating this into my daily makeup routine.
For days when I want a bolder brow look, I like to use "brow glue" to fluff them up and keep them in place. I've also recently become a fan of brow mousse. If you're short on time, it quickly and naturally fills in your brows. There's also a brow pencil with a triangular tip that allows you to create small, hairlike strokes for precision and shading. And a brow gel known for its long-lasting formula, with many users saying they don't even need to use a pencil beforehand because of its pigmented tint.
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tags: #elf #auburn #eyebrow #pencil #review
