Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen

You may remember my obsession with the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Pen. There was just one problem with it; it was drying out so quickly, I was buying a new one every month. At that price point ($21), a product should last longer. A consultant at Sephora steered me toward the Anastasia Brow Pen Long-Wearing Brow Tint ($21), which I am absolutely loving.

I was a little skeptical at first because I was so used to the dried-up Stila pen, I pressed hard to get color out of the pen. That was a big mistake with the Anastasia version. The Universal Light shade (which I use because I’m blonde and fair) came out so dark, my brows looked drawn on. But with a lighter touch,

There are a few things I really like about this pen. The firm, fine pen tip holds really pigmented color, so I found myself naturally using short, quick strokes to apply it, which results in natural-looking brow hairs. Also, this pen feels sturdier in my hand than the Stila pen, which helps me get more precision when applying the color. The color doesn’t drip or run during application. And as the name implies, this tint stays on skin all day without fading (as does the Stila version).

As far as the pigment goes, this is a little warmer than the Stila version, which was more taupe-y. It has more of a reddish undertone, which I didn’t think would work for my cool coloring, but it does. I took photos of swatches on my NW20 skin without flash (left) and with flash (right) so you could see the true hue of the product.

Bottom line: this is an excellent brow product that beautifully defines and fills in sparse spots in my brows. Remember to use a light touch, and you can sculpt full, thick brows that are universally flattering. One more thing:  it’s also a hit with my mom, who has very faint brows (due to thinning and lightening that comes with aging). This fakes fuller arches and transforms her entire face. It makes SUCH a difference on her!

Honestly, I still do love the Stila pen. If you have a beauty budget that allows you to purchase it monthly, I would definitely stick with it. Personally, I need something that lasts a little longer. So far, I’ve been using the Anastasia pen for a month and it’s still going strong. I think it’s a keeper.

Bobbi Brown’s Eyebrow Color Chart

When it comes to makeup, you can trust Bobbi Brown. She’s the authority on beauty, and the looks she creates are always flawless. Seriously, pick up any of her books and you’ll see nothing but perfect, glowing skin and big, gorgeous eyes.

And one thing she definitely knows is brows. Bobbi’s always been a cheerleader for thick, lush, natural brows. And since they’re all the rage right now, she’s using brow products to fatten up sparse brows on models and clients. On her blog, Everything Bobbi, she shows you exactly which colors to use to fill in your brows, according to your haircolor. This is so helpful, I had to share it with you. No more second-guessing! No more harsh brows!

And if you want to rock the platinum-hair-and-dark-brows look like Madonna circa 1991, completely ignore this. Rules are made to be broken. But if you’re constantly coming thisclose to getting amazing brows, but the color always ends up a little bit off, this could be a huge help next time you go to buy a brow product.

Do you fill in your brows? What do you use? Leave a note in the comments, along with your haircolor and the product’s shade name!

Feature image of Hillary Rhoda via FlynetPictures/Zimbio; color chart via Everything Bobbi.

Fall 2012 Trend: Power Brows

The power brow is having a moment. Full, lush brows were spotted on fall runways everywhere, from New York to Milan. Unlike most runway looks, this enduring trend is something that looks good on virtually everyone. A heavier brow frames your face and balances out your features when shaped according to your facial features.

So how do you get these larger-than-life brows? If you’re genetically blessed like the model pictured here at the Alberta Ferretti show and you have naturally thick brows, all you need is something to keep the hairs in place. I swear by MAC Brow Set in Clear ($16), a gel that gives brows a little shine and really holds their shape. Another great pick is MAC Brow Finisher ($15), a clear wax stick that goes on matte for a really natural effect (you don’t get any of the glossiness of brow gel with this product).

Continue reading for more brow tips.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow

Let’s talk about brows (for the thousandth time). If you don’t shape or define yours, you should reconsider; when shaped correctly, they frame your face and bring the illusion of symmetry to your features. If you avoid your brows at all costs because you can’t stand brow products, Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow ($20) may just change your mind.

This long-wearing gel glides effortlessly into brows, where it clings to the hair to give you a look as soft or as bold as you choose. It does not go anywhere. If you’ve ever tried a product from MUFE’s Aqua line, you know these are seriously waterproof. You can spend an afternoon in the sweltering summer sun, walk a mile in humid weather, endure the AC breaking on the hottest day, or log a serious sweat session at the gym, and you won’t have to worry about your brows going south. And it dries to a powder, so you get that soft, powdery effect without the drawbacks of actual powder (smearing, fading, sliding, etc.).

You will probably have to pry my Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color in Light from my cold, dead hands (cause that’s not going a-ny-where once it’s on my brows), but I’m definitely going to give Aqua Brow a try. If you are a fan of brow powders, this could be a nice alternative for you.  Not everyone loves the brow marker (even though I swear it does not look harsh!) — this glides on with a powdery effect, yet has the staying power of a marker.

And it does have one thing on my Stila marker: a little goes a long way. This tube will last you forever — even if you use it every day.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse

I am super obsessed with brows, and any product that can make them look better. And leave it to Tarte (there they go with their awesomeness again) to really it bring it for your brows with their Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse & brow brush ($28).

I am definitely a brow pencil kind of girl (see my favorites here & here). I don’t like brow powder, could never master it, and therefore never used it for more than about 2 consecutive weeks. I have pencil application down to a science, but just could never get on board with powder. But…mousse? That’s a different story. I never tried a brow mousse before, and that’s a shame, because this one absolutely rocks.

Find out why after the break!

A Look Back at 2011 on SugarSocial

2011 was exciting, stressful, and promising at all once. Here are some of the highlights of my year, as seen through my favorite posts of the past 365 days. And can you believe it’s going to be 2012?? Time files when your’e having fun…

I’m officially a toddler — at least in the blogosphere. SugarSocial turned 2 this year, but it’s been anything but a case of the Terrible Twos. In fact, it’s been the best year yet! (Image courtesy theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Pinterest)

I shared countless beauty tips and tricks on Tyra Bank’s TypeF website. (Image via TypeF)

I was kind of obsessed with The Beauty Department, the new website from Lauren Conrad and the team that makes her gorgeous. (Image via The Beauty Department)

Another obsession? Brows. In every way, shape, form, style, and product. The thicker, the better. (Ok, maybe I went a little overboard.) [Image via via beautyeditor.ca]

I got Naked (and it was about time).

Unfortunately, I caved to Kardashian Mania…until Kim divorced Kris Humphries after 72 days, and I, like the rest of the world, got angry about the 3 hours I wasted watching her wedding special! Then the obsession and subsequent coverage tapered off. (Image via khloekardashian.celebuzz.com)

Also, not totally blog-related, but you’ve probably read about it here or seen this little virtual business card in the sidebar…I started a jewelry line. Bird & Branch made its way onto Etsy this year, with pieces lovingly handcrafted by me. Thank you to everyone who’s purchased and worn a B&B piece. You make my days!

And last but certainly not least, thank you for reading. Your clicks, questions, comments, and guest posts make writing this blog so fun. It gives me a creative outlet and a way to share my love of beauty, makeup, style, and all of life’s fun frivolities. So thank you…I couldn’t — and wouldn’t — do it without you! Cheers to an even better and brighter 2012. xoxo

Best Brow Gels

Image credit

For brows that look polished and tidy, you need to keep up with regular grooming (tweezing, trimming, filling in, etc.). And to keep that polished, pulled-together look all day long, you heed a reliable brow gel. This makeup bag essential tames unruly hairs, helps brows keep their shape, and provides a glossy finish. Here are my top picks, broken down by category.

1. Best Overall: MAC Brow Set ($15)
Everything about this brow gel is fabulous, from the clear formula that helps brows stay put to the well-designed skinny brush that allows you to brush through your brows to set the hairs exactly where you want them. This is my favorite gel from any brand.

Image via Billion Dollar Brows

2. Best Celeb-Adored Gel: Billion Dollar Brows Brow Gel ($15)
Celebs and regular gals alike flock to this chic LA salon to have the brow pros shape and style their arches. The salon has a product line that’s garnered an equally standout reputation. Their brow gel is superior, holding brows in place with a shiny, long-lasting finish.

More picks after the break…

Brows-ing The Web

Eyebrows are one of the first things I notice about people (yes, I’m oddly obsessed). Just as a really great pair of brows stands out, so does a truly unflattering pair (think: overplucked, overarched, shapeless). My brow obsession got me thinking about Hollywood’s A-list arches. These celebs nail it, with perfectly-shaped brows that flatter their facial features and make them look effortlessly polished.

Image via NY Daily News

Lauren Conrad: With the help of her makeup artist, Amy Nadine, (and before that, the pros at Billion Dollar Brows), Conrad transformed her overplucked, too-skinny brows into lush, to-die-for arches that provide the perfect frame for her eyes.

Image via Hollywood Reporter

Rachel Weisz: With some of the fullest, shapeliest brows in the biz, Weisz is doing for modern ladies what Brooke Shields did in the ’80s: bringing back the natural yet bold brow look.

Image via khloekardashian.celebuzz.com

Kim Kardashian (and all of the Kardashian sisters): With celeb brow guru Anastasia Soare on hand to make housecalls, Kim of course sports perfect arches.

Image via celebrityscoops.net

Mila Kunis: I recently read an “Allure” article by Heather Muir in which she referred to Mila Kunis as her “brow crush.” (Love that term!) It’s easy to see why…Kunis’s picture-perfect brows are shapely and tidy.

Who do you think has the best brows in Hollywood?

Enhance Your Brows With Billion Dollar Brows Highlighter & Smudge Brush

I’ve written about Billion Dollar Brows before, and how much I adore their products. One product I never considered was their Brow Duo Highlighter ($18). BDB sent me one of these, along with their signature Smudge Brush ($15), and I gave them a few test drives.

Brow Duo Highlighter is a dual-ended pencil has a highlighter at one end, and a concealer stick at the other. The highlighter pencil is a muted, matte golden shade that illuminates all skintones. Just draw it under your browline, then use the Smudge Brush to blend the color into your skin. You can’t tell it’s there–the effect is absolutely natural–but it opens up your entire eye area. It’s like a mini facelift!

Another thing about the brush: it’s amazing. It softens the highlighter into a gentle glow in just a few swipes. This potent combo really does make a huge difference in your everyday brows.

And then toss the pencil in your bag for on-the-go blemish touch-ups throughout the day.

The Sneaky Brow Sabotage

Image credit: Tracy Kahn/Getty Images

Got sparse brows? Trying to grow out a thicker, lusher set? Or just really obsessed with the power brow? If you’ve been trying to let your brows grow in, but aren’t noticing a difference, your skincare regime may be secretly sabotaging your efforts.

Moisturizers and skin creams can clog the hair follicles on the brow line. This stunts new growth, preventing hairs from sprouting up out of the follicle. Keep pores free and clear by avoiding the brow area when slathering on your skin cream. That will allow new hairs to grow and fill in sparse spots.