In a world full of countless makeup tricks, I’ve tried just about everything, but recently, one hack really stood out. Ever heard of soap brows? This one piqued my interest because, on the one hand, the beauty world is filled with all sorts of tricks, and very few live up to the hype. Naturally, I tried out soap brows, and the results were surprisingly impressive.
Why Soap?
Soap, it turns out, is not just for cleansing or taking a wash; it’s also a hidden gem for grooming your brows, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional brow gels, hairspray and pomades. Dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner sheds light on the magic ingredient in soap, making it a viable styling tool for our brows. Glycerin, the magic ingredient, works well as a coating on brow hairs, providing a sturdy hold without the stiffness achieved with hairspray. Moreover, the soap brow technique leaves no residue of soap on your little strands, while it excels at shaping and setting them in place all day long.
Now, if you’re like me and have dabbled in various brow products only to be disappointed by their inefficient hold or overly glossy finish (yes, I’m looking at you, hair gel), the humble bar soap might be your new go-to solution. It strikes the perfect balance in a firm hold and natural-looking texture, achieving the coveted lifted brow effect without hassle.
Selena Gomez, Dimma Umeh, Madison Beer, and Adora Umeoji, the newly appointed CEO of Zenith Bank, are some of the leading women embracing this trend. But if you don’t take my word for it, maybe Priscilla Ono, Rihanna’s makeup artist and Fenty Beauty’s global MUA, will convince you. She’s using it to sculpt the brows of Hollywood’s elite with precision and finesse. And while there are now dedicated products like the Makeup Revolution soap styler or Anastasia Beverly Hills brow freeze tailored to the soap brow craze, the undeniable charm and simplicity of the good old brow pencil and brush for achieving flawless brows remains.
How to achieve the trendy arch
Creating soap brows is surprisingly simple. It requires two ingredients: a transparent or translucent glycerin-based soap and a trusty spoolie brush commonly used in makeup application to brush and shape eyebrows or lashes. However, not all soaps are created equal—opt for a clear bar soap like Pears to avoid residue on your brows. With the right tools in hand, the soap brow look requires minimal time and effort. It’s a beauty hack that delivers on its promise of effortless glam.
Step-by-step guide to achieving perfect soap brows
Step 1: Gather your supplies
- Transparent or translucent glycerin-based soap (e.g., Pears)
- Spoolie brush
- Optional: Setting spray or clear brow gel for added hold
Step 2: Prep your brows
- Start with clean, dry brows. Remove any excess oils or makeup residue using a gentle cleanser.
- Should your brows be oily, lightly dust them with translucent powder to ensure better adherence to the soap.
Step 3: Activate the soap
- Wet your spoolie brush with water or setting spray.
- Rub the damp spoolie onto the glycerin soap until it lathers up and becomes hard or sticky, based on your preference.
Step 4: Shape your brows
- Using upward strokes, brush the soap-coated spoolie through your brows, following the natural direction of hair growth. Brush until your brow is coated with the soap and your desired shape is achieved.
- Adjust the angle of the brush to create a more defined arch or fuller look.
Step 5: Set the brows
- Once you’re satisfied with the shape, gently press down your brows with your small finger to ensure the soap sets in place.
- Apply clear brow gel or setting spray onto your brows and lightly comb through with the spoolie for extra hold.
Common problems and solutions
While mastering the soap brow might be a quick and easy hack, it comes with its issues, like flaky brows that just won’t stay. Fortunately, armed with the right solutions, you’ll troubleshoot common problems with finesse.
- Flakiness: If you notice flakiness or residue on your brows after applying the soap, gently brush with a clean spoolie to remove any excess product. You can also lightly mist your brows with water or setting spray to help smooth out any rough patches.
- Brows shape losing form: If your brows tend to lose shape throughout the day, apply a thin layer of clear brow gel over the soap to provide extra hold. You can also touch up any areas that may have become unruly throughout the day by gently reapplying the soap with your spoolie.
Different products for different skin types:
- For oily skin: Opt for a glycerin-based soap with a matte finish like Pears or the Neutrogena Facial Cleansing bar to help control excess oil and prevent your brows from looking greasy throughout the day.
- For dry or sensitive skin, a bar of glycerin soap with moisturising ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil helps hydrate and nourish your skin while styling your brows. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar is an excellent product for dry and sensitive skin. Most importantly, using soaps with added fragrances or harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin is not advisable.
With ever-changing beauty trends, soap brows stand out as a timeless and easy solution for a well-groomed arch of hair. So, the next time you want to elevate your makeup game without splurging on pricey products, remember: all it takes is a soap bar and a lot of confidence to rock the perfect brows.
