What do we want? Budge-proof eyebrows that are sweat-resistant and won’t melt in the heat. When do we want it? Now. While life in South-East Asia’s perennial summer is pretty great, the heat and humidity oft-experienced in this region calls for long-wearing eyebrow products that can Commit.
“Draw the brows and use a translucent powder to set them so that they’ll last longer,” says make-up artist Manisa Tan, who regularly works with the likes of Crazy Rich Asians actress Fiona Xie, Singaporean performer Nathan Hartono, and Aisyah Aziz. Tan then uses a setting spray to help the entire face go the distance. Another tip is to use a transparent eyebrow gel to coat the brows, helping them to stay put.
“Fans of eyebrow powders as opposed to eyebrow pencils can use an eyeshadow primer over clean brows before drawing the eyebrows and setting them with a powder,” says Tan who’s top pick is Esprique’s W Eyebrow Liquid & Powder. “The technology today is so good that some gel and eyebrow pencils today are so water-resistant, they require make-up remover. Even after sweating.”
Be they bushy, perfectly arched, thick or thin: brows that stay steadfast and won’t rub off are a non-negotiable when it comes to accentuating features and instantly framing the face. Whether you’re running a marathon, raving at an outdoor concert or reciting your vows al fresco, wondering if your brows are still on fleek (let alone, still in place) should be the last thing on your mind. Instead of brow pomades that slip and slide off with the balmy heat or scary tattooed brows that turn blue as they fade, these eyebrow products which range from gels to pencils are a godsend to anyone who is over AWOL brows.
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Benefit Ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Colour, $44
When it comes to brows, Benefit has something for everyone. If stay-put eyebrows are what you’re after, reach for Ka-BROW! with its buildable cream-gel formula and in-built brush for ultra-precise, long-wearing eyebrows. It promises 24 hour waterproof wear and offers a fine-feathered microbladed finish – to define, shape, sculpt and fill in brows.
Benefit Singapore’s National Brow Artist, Rochelle Paz says: “Prime and draw your brows as the first step in your make-up routine to avoid mixing your brow products with other make-up which vary in texture and consistency–this may cause your brow products to melt faster.” Paz then sets brows with a brow setting gel such as Benefit’s 24HR Brow Setter for extra staying power.
Benefit Ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Colour, $44; available at BeneFit
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shu uemura Hard Formula h9, $33
Modelled after the Japanese naginata sword—the traditional weapon carried by female warriors belonging to its noble class—the Hard Formula is number one for easy application and long-lasting wear. Consisting of a mix of powders, wax, and semi-solid oil, the cult Hard Formula offers precision with a payoff and finish that ranges from natural or bold finishes. And if you’re wondering how to get this mini objet d’art sharpened, fret not: the helpful people at shu uemura will ensure will be sharp and ready to go when you bring it in store for a refresh.
shu uemura Hard Formula h9, $33; available at shu uemura
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Chantecaille Waterproof Brow Definer, $61
For chic and sophisticated eyebrows that are both waterproof and long-wearing, apply light feathery strokes using the Brow Definer’s triangular tip. The advanced formula combines the benefits of a waterproof brow pencil (don’t worry – it’s an automatic retractable tip with no sharpeners involved), wax and powder to offer fuller, well-groomed brows in a flash.
Chantecaille Waterproof Brow Definer, $61; exclusively available at Takashimaya
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Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow & Pencil Styler, $32
For natural brows with stamina, choose the MVP in a shade closest to your hair colour and enjoy its ultra-fine, super natural retractable brow pencil. Once brows are filled in with this waterproof formula that’s also smudge, fade, and transfer-resistant, use the in-built paddle brush for effortless blending and styling. Importantly, it comes in 14 shades: so there’s something for almost everyone.
Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow & Pencil Styler, $32; available at Sephora
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Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil, $47
Control with payoff is the name of the game for Hourglass’ 1.4mm diameter flat-tip pencil. The double-ended pencil, complete with handy spoolie on the end for blending and grooming, helps you create ultra-natural hair-like strokes and transfer-proof arches.
Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil, $47; available at Sephora
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Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Defining Longwear Eyebrow Pencil, $59
This ultra-natural retractable pencil with tapered tip is about as fool-proof as it gets. We love it for filling in sparse eyebrows, simply angle the tip for soft, au naturel hair-like strokes. Use the spiral brush to groom brows upwards, and apply the waterproof formula consisting of a mélange of pigments, oils and film-forming waxes that will make uneven brows a thing of the past. We’ve found it works best on totally dry, moisturiser-free brows.
“I like to use the flat edge for a natural look,” says Chanel’s Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer, Lucia Pica. “Gently brushing the brows with the brush afterwards will soften the effect so the brows have an intensity without looking over-defined.
Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Defining Longwear Eyebrow Pencil, $59; available at Chanel
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Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil, $53
All about enhancing your natural beauty with brow-true colours, this pencil was designed for effortless definition, shaping and shading, the formula of emollient oils and waxes offer a creamy glide and lasting water, and sweat-resistant wear. We’re talkin’ up to 16 hours of humidity-resistant wear.
If you have oily skin (ergo oily brows), Bobbi Brown Singapore National Artist, Melody Chua recommends dusting a sheer pressed or loosed powder over the drawn brows to help them set and really go the distance.
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil, $53; available at Bobbi Brown
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Marc Jacobs Beauty, Brow Wow Duo, $59; available at Sephora
Brows are the one thing founder and designer Marc Jacobs zooms in on every morning. If you’re looking for soft and full brows that could give baby Brooke Shields a run for her money, this 2-in-1 duo delivers lush, natural-but-better eyebrows in a wink. They may not be as long-wearing as some other formulas, but they do a great job of holding on with a refillable pencil that helps quickly fill and shape spots, and tinted brow gel for all-day hold.
“The formula for our product is really amazing. It’s so easy to build up in areas where I need to get it to the full brow look I want,” says Jacobs.
Marc Jacobs Beauty, Brow Wow Duo, $59; available at Sephora
