Does The Benefit Brow Contour Pro Live Up To The Hype?

via Giphy

I’ve been obsessed with Benefit’s brow products for years now and their product portfolio has some seriously iconic pieces, like their Hoola bronzer and Benetint blusher. So whatever Benefit Cosmetics release, I’m probably going to try it! When I first saw their new Benefit Brow Contour Pro pencil, $34, I thought it was genius and I was dying to get my hands on it – talk about a major throwback to 2000. When I received it, I thought the packaging was really cute and I couldn’t wait to try it, here’s what I thought:

What it is: A 4-in-1 brow pencil with two shades to define brows, one concealer, and a highlighter. The formula is waterproof and blendable, and the collection also comes with two brow tools for blending.

What it does: Four pencils in one allow you to create a contoured, carved, and highlighted brow with one tool. The lighter brow shade can be used all over the brow, while the deeper shade adds definition to the tale and arch. The concealer shade defines the brow and the highlighter helps lift and add dimension.

What we liked: I think the concept of this pen is really brilliant – no one uses one color when they’re contouring their brows. I also think it’s great that for $34, you’re essentially getting four brow products. The brow pencil formula is very smooth, so it’s easy to apply, but this also makes drawing individual hairs a little trickier at times as the product is distributed so quickly.

What we didn’t like: I really love the idea of this, but I also feel like four shades are a little unnecessary, as I would most likely only ever use the two brow shades as I prefer to use my own makeup for concealing. I didn’t notice a big difference between the concealer and highlighter (it wasn’t very shimmery), and because there are only five shade ranges in the collection, I think fairer skin tones may find most of the concealing shades a little too golden – especially if you have fair skin and dark brows. I also found it a little fidgety to use, and while I was using it, it would pop back in sometimes – just like the pop-it pens you had way back in the day at grade school.

The verdict: I was a little disappointed, as I had such high hopes! I imagined the formula would be like the Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil, but it was definitely a different formula, and the nib wasn’t as fine. I wouldn’t use this on a daily basis, but if you’re on-the-go a lot, then it is quite handy to keep in your bag for touch-ups – although this doesn’t have a spoolie, which I definitely think you need for the ultimate all-in-one brow product. I really love Benefit’s brow products, so I’ll stick with my Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel for now!

Shop the Benefit Brow Collection here.