thebeautyholder

As a follow up to my updated brow routine post earlier this week, I wanted to do a separate one about the products that I use and love. I am starting with pencils.

I explained that I used a mixture of powders and pencils for my brows currently. I previously used a brown gel liner which I will also show (this is pretty popular method with YouTube beauty gurus).

There are loads of pencils on the market specifically for eyebrows. To be honest you can use an eyeliner pencil if you want. I don’t like ones that are too dry as they do not grab the brow hairs. Colours are also important if you want it to look as natural as possible. When my hair was red, it was a struggle to find the right shade to compliment my brows. On occasion I was mixing a red lip pencil into my brow powder to make it a little more authentic.

There are old fashioned styles that you sharpen (yup! like a standard writing pencil), the twist up, retractable ones and more.

♥ Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow (medium brown shade)

This is a dual function product with a small brow comb on one end and a twist top pencil at the other. Make sure to only twist up what you need as it does not retract.  Comes in 4 shades from light blonde to dark blonde. It is not waterproof so if you sweat a fair bit or have oily skin and are prone to wiping the forehead, make sure to seal it place. It says it is smear proof, but I find it does move. This is the case with most of the products. I have dry skin and it is pretty long lasting. I purchased this product in Florida when I was last in town. I have yet to see it in the UK but you never know.

√ Shades to match almost all hair colours- apart from redheads.

√ All in one tool.

√Comb is great if you have thick brow hairs. Just glides through the shorter fine hair.

√ Drug store price (approx $6)

♥ Eyelure Shape and Shade Brow Pencil and Tamer 

This comes in 3 shades and I have all of them. I use them on my clients and myself. Dependant on my hair colour, I use shades 2 and 1 (Medium Brunette to Dark Blonde/ Dark to Medium Brunette). Shade 3 is Medium to Light Blonde. Another all in one product with a spoolie at the end this time and the pencil at the other. I don’t seal this product when I use it and think it is more long lasting that the above. It is my go to brow pencil time and time again. All that is missing is one for redheads. Starting to see a common theme here.

√ Long lasting and resistant

√ 3 suitable shade choices

√ All in one tool

√ Waxy enough to make it stay in place without to much shine

√ Colour does not get lost in hairs

√ Drug store price point approx £5.99 (UK)

♥ NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil

An amazing 8 shades including auburn. I was excited about this shade but it wasn’t an auburn red but more than a really light brown. In any case, they are pretty good products. I am all about value for money so another product with more than one purpose. It has a brush at the end. The pencil is retractable in both directions. My only gripe is that that are a little dry and you have to be a little more heavy handed to make the product work and show up. Beauty Holder, Beauty Tip: Rub the pencil on the back of your hand to warm up and then use an angled brush to apply. You can also soften it with a touch of olive oil.

√ 8 amazing shades

√ Durable

√ Cheaper than drug store £4 beware p&p though

√ Firm brush to tame those hairs

I would probably use this more if when retracted it stayed in place. The point also breaks easily. I find it easier to use this product with a brush.

♥ MAC Eyebrow Pencils (Spiked and Strut)

Moving out of the drug store range to department store. This is a very popular product. Mechanical pencil. 6 shades including Strut- which is super amazing for redheads. Probably the most long wearing without adding anything else to aide it.

√ Self sharpening

√ Great definition

√ Fabulous colour

√ £13 (UK) but a little goes a long way

This does not come with a brush or tool to help finish off your look.

♥ Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz (Brunette)

I purchased the Anastasia No Brows, No Problem Kit at Sephora in New York. It comes with a Brow Enhancing Serum, Brow Wiz Pencil and Clear Brow Gel to seal it all in place. Retailed for $59 and as far as I know was an exclusive. If the price does not put you off, it is a pretty special product. If you have no brows, this product will make you look like you have the most amazing ones. It shapes, defines, colours and makes them come alive. I will be doing a more in-depth review on this with a tutorial soon.

√  3 shades

√ Bolder, more noticeable brows

√ Serum to help grow brows

√ Clear gel to set product and help stay in place

√ Super resistant

Although it may seem crazy to spend this money on your brows, I see it as an investment. I will explain more in the review.

As always, these are products that work for me and on my lovely clients. I have even been known to use a cheap, no name pencil from my local beauty supply store for a quick fix. Try products out to find the best one for you. If you would like a more detailed review on any of the above, please let me know. Let me know what your current brow regime entails.

Coming up: Favourite Brow Products- Powder Edition! 

Just think, I haven’t really started on waxes, brow gels  and all the other products for brows out there.

Hope you enjoy!

TBH! xoxo

p.s. If you want swatches of shades let me know.