This $3 Eyebrow Pencil Is Proof That Beauty Products Don't Have to Be Expensive to Work Hard
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For the past few years, I've been splurging big time on my eyebrow products. I absolutely love how these items plump up and define my slightly sparse brows, but I've also never been opposed to using more affordable options — as long as they work just as hard.
Well, after giving the popular e.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Brow Pencil ($3) a shot, I knew my pricey pencils and gels weren't unmatched. It's just further proof that some of the best beauty products out there can be found at the drugstore. They don't have to cost a ton of money, either.
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The retractable pencil, which is available in five different shades, features a precise, pointy tip and a creamy pigment that makes drawing on tiny, faux hairs super easy. The formula glides gently over the surface of your skin, so you never feel like you're tugging. The pigment itself is made with grapeseed oil and vitamin E to soften the skin and help support hair growth.
Before the e.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Brow Pencil
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On the other side of the pencil is a spoolie that allows you to brush your eyebrows into the shape you want before filling them in. It also helps to soften and blend any harsh lines you may have drawn on with the pencil. I like to use the spoolie after filling in my brows to brush them up and create that feathered, fluffy look.
After the e.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Brow Pencil
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While the eyebrow pencil pigment is smudge-proof, the brand recommends using a clear brow gel, like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Clear Brow and Lash Mascara ($3), as a final step to lock in the look you've created. My eyebrow hairs quickly fall flat without gel, and I tend to rub my eyes throughout the day, so this is key for me. Note: I snapped the pic above before applying gel to document the pigment payoff.
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What probably makes me the most giddy over this pencil is the fact that it only costs $3 — which means when it comes time to restock, my pricier products could have some competition.