If you’ve been kickin’ around here with me for awhile, you know 2 very important things about me; I’m a sucker for a good dupe (obvi), and if I had to go a single day without the ABH clear brow gel, there’s a very real possibility I might just lose. my. shit.
Not even being a little bit dramatic. Lost. Gone. Buh-bye!!
I can’t even begin to tell you how many of my favorite products have been discontinued, and I’ve either bought every last one I could possibly find (back stock for YEARS), or combed everything known to man to find a suitable dupe.
Well luckily for all of us, the ABH stuff is here to stay (for the foreseeable future, at least) but just in case, I’ve found probably the closest drugstore dupe possible. Or have I? Did I just give it away? Crap…..just keep reading!
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CLEAR BROW GEL ($22 ulta.com)
Do I even NEED to tell you about this? If you haven’t tried it, I get that – it’s freakin’ EXPENSIVE for a clear brow gel. And you’re probably thinking the same thing I was at first; this is ridiculous. It’s a clear brow gel. Who the hell would spend that kind of money on clear brow gel?!
Guys. GUYS…..
It’s like Gorilla Glue in a tube. Your brows will not move. All day.
“Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel is a lightweight, clear eyebrow gel that works universally to set brow color and hold brow hairs in place for a clean, polished look. The eyebrow gel features a colorless formula that delivers flexible hold without a stiff feel. The precision makeup brush deposits the ideal amount of product for a controlled application. Used alone or as a topcoat to your eyebrow makeup, the clear gel dries without leaving residue behind, giving brows a fuller appearance and a polished finish.”
The only thing I will disagree with is that it IS actually kind of a stiff finish. But I’m good with that. I’ve used many that claimed to have a “flexible hold”, only to find some of my more stubborn little hairs sticking out or up or down or basically anywhere other than where they were supposed to be. So stiff hold? Me likey.
And they’re right; it definitely does not have a weird, white, flaky residue like most brow gels after awhile.
So how does our contender fare against this cult classic? Read on!
NYX CONTROL FREAK EYEBROW GEL ($6 ulta.com)
So initially, I was hesitant.
Over the years, I’d tried many a drugstore clear brow gel, and none of them really ticked all the boxes for me. I always had much better luck with the tinted brow gels (enter L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Tinted Brow Mascara $7.75).
“Out of control brows have you flustered? NYX Professional Makeup’s Control Freak Brow Gel offers a new way to tame unruly brows fast. The clear formula works well over powder or pencil to seal the deal and make a statement with your brows that you will be proud of. The unique non-sticky formula is comfortable to wear all day.”
This is absolutely a formula with a more flexible hold. It’s not as stiff as the ABH, but you can feel it on your brows. Like I said, I like that feeling – reaffirms that they’re still where I put them – not wandering off like wild little children. Also noteworthy, for something with such a flexible hold, it definitely lasts through the day. I had a chiropractor appointment this morning, and came home and mowed my lawn in 80 º weather.
Brows still on.
And like it’s expensive contender, there’s no residue or flakiness by the end of the day. Which I’m grateful for.
So……..?
I think the NYX is a perfectly suited dupe for the Anastasia Brow Gel! Don’t get me wrong, I’ll probably ALWAYS go back to the ABH – I think I have one tube left in my back stock right now – but would I use the NYX in it’s place? Yes. Will I continue to use it in my kit for clients? Absolutely!
Have you guys tried either one? Which is your fave? What do you love/hate? Let me know in the comments!
Facebook : Affordable Gorgeous
Snapchat & Instagram : dlynnsaunders
xoxo,
Affordable Gorgeous 