The simple, strategic power of an enhanced eyebrow to transform the face is unrivaled; if a way to transform one’s appearance with a snap of the fingers (sans surgery, of course) were to ever exist, a well-groomed brow would be it.
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If your reputation for having impeccable brows every day is something you value, but you also don’t necessarily want to squander your life’s savings on the admittedly amazing $30 pencil the Kardashians swear by (you know the one), a solid cadre of drugstore eyebrow pencils, powders, markers, and “sculptors” (definition unclear) is probably gonna be your jam.
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Fortunately, there are some real winners of the budget variety — and these five are tried and true. Go forth for better brow game and more money in the bank.
1. COVERGIRL Bombshell POW-der Brow & Liner
The soft applicator on this powder-based brow enhancer makes application a breeze, since you can deposit as much or as little color as you like depending on whether you want a seriously strong brow or just need to fill in some stray hairs. It's easily blendable with a softer brush or your finger if you get cocky and end up looking like Groucho… and it doubles as an eyeliner, too. Everybody wins. (Walmart, $8)
2. e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit
More involved than a brow pencil but far less fussy (and less time-consuming) than you'd think, this compact features a pigmented wax for shaping alongside a color-coordinated setting powder, which helps to create natural-looking fullness that lasts until you remove it. Bonus points for the multitasking brush—there's an angled side to give brows arch and definition and a softer side for filling them in. (e.l.f., $3)
3. L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Sculptor
When the standard-issue pencil-and-brush combo is not enough, this fully loaded 3-in-1 tool steps in. One: fill in sparse areas and add definition with the precision tip crayon. Two: use the brush on the cap to comb through brows, which creates shape and softens the color. Three: use the clear finishing wax to keep 'em in check, and you're (very, very) good to go. (Drugstore.com, $8)
4. Maybelline Brow Precise Shaping Pencil
If precision is your thing, reach for this reliable brow pencil: It sharpens to a super fine point for utmost control, yielding thin, realistic lines that resemble the tiny brow hairs you're trying to create the illusion of without going overboard. A smooth, waxy texture gives it lasting power and helps to sculpt, but allows for the easy blending of a powder—and the spoolie brush on the opposite end ensures that everything goes exactly as planned. (Ulta, $8,)
5. NYX Eyebrow Marker
Much like a, uh, actual marker, the flexible felt tip enables you to draw smooth, easy strokes in one swoop. Unlike an actual marker, it's totally smear-, smudge-, and waterproof—and a water-based formula gives the ink a sheer, natural finish that can be layered for opacity if you want more, more, more. (NYX Cosmetics, $1)
Originally posted on StyleCaster.com