Understanding Eyebrow Trends
An eyebrow trend that simply will not die is locking the hairs in place all day, especially in a spiked-up manner. e.l.f. Cosmetics offers two brow products that achieve these ends, and deciding which one to buy can be confusing. This article breaks down the differences between e.l.f. Soap Brow and e.l.f. Brow Lift.
It is clear that when e.l.f. dropped the Brow Lift, they had no plans on releasing the Soap Brow. This is a clear brow pomade designed to give you the soap brow look. Because they keep referencing “soap brow” and “feathery,” it leads one to wonder how the e.l.f. Soap Brow is any different. This is an extreme hold brow gel for achieving soap brows. The Brow Lift is a clear gel that is designed to give you the laminated brows look. Hence why the Brow Lift Applicator has a metal spatula end. Once you sweep the gel into your brows, you are to use the metal spatula to press the hairs down flat. When it comes to the fluffy look, soap is where it is at.
e.l.f. Brow Lift: The Laminated Look
The Brow Lift is described as an extreme, long-lasting hold gel that lifts, tames, and sculpts brows with a clear, glossy finish. It boasts a conditioning formula to nourish brow hairs. The recommended application involves using the Brow Lift Applicator, bending the spoolie at an angle, and brushing the gel through the brows in an upward and outward motion. The final steps include pressing the hairs flat with the metal spatula end.
In practice, the Brow Lift gel has a semi-strong hold without the stiffness or flakiness that can occur with some competitors. It achieves a balance between hold and flexibility, allowing for a natural look. It has been thoughtfully designed to go above and beyond basic brow grooming; it is crafted to enhance the overall brow experience. However, Brow Lift does not fully dry down, giving your brows a shiny look and a tacky, gel-like feel if touched. While it generally keeps brows in place all day, some "oomph" may be lost, meaning it doesn't fully meet the "extreme hold" claim 100%. It has been noted to fall flat in humidity, but it effectively delivers that pressed-down, laminated look.
A pro-tip for using the Brow Lift is to dip the spoolie lightly into the product and then smush the excess into the lid. For application, while the Brow Lift Applicator is recommended, a precision dual-sided eyebrow brush might be preferred by some due to its firmness in grabbing product.
e.l.f. Soap Brow: The Fluffy, Feathered Effect
Soap Brow offers long-wearing firm hold for lifted, tamed, and sculpted brows with a fluffy, clear matte finish. To use, the product is activated with water or setting spray. This product works like any other soap brow product. It dries down to a firm, hard finish that is matte, ensuring brows stay lifted and spiked all day with a fluffy and full look.
When using Soap Brow, it is recommended to spray water or setting spray directly onto the soap, not onto the spoolie. Allowing the soap to dry out before putting the lid on is also advised. Some users prefer to remove the soap from its package for easier access.
Soap Brow distinguishes itself from the competition with its blend of affordability, effectiveness, and quality ingredients. Beyond the manufacturer’s claims, it has a positive effect on wearers by tapping into the trend of natural beauty and self-expression.
Key Differences and Application Tips
The key difference between the two products lies in the end look. Brow Lift is a clear gel designed for a laminated, flat brow appearance, utilizing a metal spatula to press hairs down. Meanwhile, Soap Brow is intended for a fluffy, feathered look, despite being labeled as a brow gel.
When it comes to application, the Brow Lift is applied with its specific applicator, brushing the gel upwards and outwards before pressing down with the spatula. Soap Brow requires activation with water or setting spray, and then brushing through the brows to achieve the desired fluffy style.
After applying either e.l.f. product, many users like to go in with a brow-filling colored product to further define their brows.
Comparing Performance and Claims
While Brow Lift aims for an extreme hold, it may not always meet this claim, especially in humid conditions, and can lose some hold over time. However, it excels at providing the desired laminated look. Soap Brow, on the other hand, delivers on its promise of extreme, long-lasting hold for a fluffy and full brow appearance due to its matte, firm finish.
One Reddit user noted that Brow Lift stays wet for a while, allowing ample time for shaping, but suggested setting with translucent powder if it becomes too tacky. Another user mentioned that e.l.f. products can appear "foggy" during shipment due to temperature changes.
e.l.f. Brow Lift enables users to lock brows in a specific shape and flatten them for a laminated style. Brow lamination is similar to soap brows in that both methods provide sculpted brow hairs that are locked in place.
Ingredient Insights
Beyond the brow products, the provided text also details ingredients commonly found in skincare. Aloe, specifically Aloe barbadensis, is rich in antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, and polysaccharides that hydrate and form a protective barrier. It acts as both a humectant and an emollient, drawing in and trapping moisture. Other beneficial components include folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and Vitamin B12.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that neutralizes metal ions, aiding in product stability. Glycerin, naturally present in skin, is a highly effective humectant that draws moisture into deeper skin layers, improving the skin barrier and offering antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It is typically derived from plants or animals and is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative with germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties, preventing microbial growth. It is often used with Caprylyl Glycol. Water is the most common cosmetic ingredient, essential for life and hydration.
Conclusion on e.l.f. Brow Products
All in all, both e.l.f. Brow Lift and e.l.f. Soap Brow work for their intended purposes and are considered must-haves for achieving trendy brow looks. The choice between them depends entirely on the desired aesthetic. Brow Lift offers a shiny, semi-strong hold with a gel-like texture suitable for a laminated brow look, though its hold might be compromised in humidity. Soap Brow, conversely, dries to a firm, matte finish, delivering extreme, long-lasting hold for a fluffy and full brow appearance. Both products are part of e.l.f.'s commitment to "e.l.f. clean," which goes beyond standard regulations by voluntarily removing a significant number of ingredients, ensuring all products are Vegan and Cruelty-Free.