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Smashbox Brow Tech Wax Disciplines All But the Most Unruly Brows

August 11th, 2011 by Karen 56 Comments

I don’t know what I did to lose their support, but at some point over the past few weeks, my brows decided to stage a coup. A chunk of my left brow just didn’t come to work one day, like it decided, “That’s it! Game over.” Now I have a brow bald spot, and I’m really not sure how it happened.

Then a group of longish witch hairs rode into town one night, probably detecting an opportunity to seize power. I call them “Kool and the Gang.” There may be someone, somewhere out there who finds insubordinate, mutinous brows alluring, but I’m not crazy about the look.

I would have reached for my Benefit Instant Brow pencil to restore balance to my brows, but I used the last of it a few weeks ago.

Perfect excuse to visit Sephora to look for something new. 🙂

But where do I start? I wondered, as I browsed for brow solutions in the store, and that’s when I saw the gal with the bangin’ brows…

They were perfectly filled in and sculpted, the hairs all lying nice and neat, so I asked her for her secret. She said she filled them in first with eyeshadow using an angled brush, and then set them with Smashbox Brow Tech Wax ($20).

Eureka!

I’d heard of it before, Brow Tech — a colorless brow wax that comes in a pot. It’s part of Smashbox’s permanent line.

I already had MAC Concrete and the MAC 266 Angled Brush at home, so I grabbed a pot of Brow Tech and hoped for the best.

There’s really not much to it. It’s a soft, colorless wax that dries to a matte finish. To apply, you brush it directly onto your brows with an angled brush. You can wear it alone or on top of a powder or pencil; I tried it both ways.



Being matte, I think it looks natural on my brows, and I like that it doesn’t leave them looking or feeling plastered and stiff, but the 0.049-oz. pot sure seems small for $20, especially when the first three ingredients are petrolatum, wax and mineral oil (not exactly rare ingredients).

Smashbox also sells some slightly larger Brow Tech trios, each with a lighter and a darker powder seated next to a small amount of wax, for $24.

I might be wrong, but I have a feeling that the Brow Tech wax causes the color of my brow powder to fade. It also loses a little steam about half way through the day, which is when I start to see some of those longish hairs jump out of line and get unruly again.

Kool and the Gang and I think that Brow Tech’s just okay. Many women swear by it, though, and your results may vary. In my case, I just think that maybe my misbehaving brows need a little more hold than Brow Tech provides.

PRICE: $20 for a 0.049-oz. pot
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and online at smashbox.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B

The honeymoon’s over…

The lovey dovey kitty who welcomed me home a few days ago has already been replaced by his fussier feline doppelganger. Yup, diva Tabs is back to ignoring me and giving me dirty looks.

No biggie. I knew the honeymoon wouldn’t last. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. This isn’t Smashbox related, but if you’re a New Yorker and an Urban Decay fan, you might want to pop by the Sephora in Times Square next Saturday, August 20 if you can. The store will be hosting a six-hour sneak peek and early sale of the new UD palette, codenamed Book of Shadows, Volume IV, from 1-7 p.m.

The $64 palette doesn’t officially arrive until the holidays, so this would be a good chance to grab it before anyone else.

Smashbox Brow Tech Wax Disciplines All But the Most Unruly Brows / Originally published August 11th, 2011

There are 56 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: smashbox

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Liza says

    August 11th, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    I’ve been skimming through this blog, mainly for the photographs, for a couple months now. This is the first post that actually caught my eye, because, HOLY SHIT you are hilarious. Naming your brows Kool and the Gang? Where have you been all my life? Just wanted to say way to go on being both pretty AND hilarious. Rock on!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:58 am

      Thanks, Liza. 🙂 Have a great Friday!

      Reply
  2. Katie Fritz says

    August 11th, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    Where oh where did you get your necklace in the photo? It’s to die!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:56 am

      Hi Katie,

      I picked it up from lulus.com. Here’s a link: Beaded Necklace.

      Reply
  3. Jan says

    August 11th, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    I love that palette

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:54 am

      Me too! It’s so fun.

      Reply
  4. Jan says

    August 11th, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    I love that palette, especially the shade that shares the name with one of my favorite TV shows, LOST. Also, Sin is a great everyday shade. I need more of that.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 12:58 am

      Hehe, I am a big Lost fan here also. I’d definitely wear that shade with fan-pride! ^__^

      Reply
      • Karen says

        August 12th, 2011 at 8:53 am

        Would you guys believe that I’ve never seen one single episode of that show?

        Reply
  5. Sarah says

    August 11th, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    With those ingredients (petrolatum and mineral oil in particular being known to clog pores), I would worry this would give me eyebrow breakouts. Not cute.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:54 am

      When I saw the list I kind of worried about it too. I didn’t break out, though (thank goodness!).

      Reply
  6. Jenn says

    August 11th, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    Omg. Another UD palette! I still need to check out their 15 anniversary palette. UD cranks these things out like candy!. 🙂
    Jenn recently posted … French Frolic, Macaroons, and Sephora

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:53 am

      The 15-year anniversary palette is a lot of fun! I hope you get to try it soon.

      Reply
    • Melissa says

      August 12th, 2011 at 1:45 pm

      I was just thinking the same thing. I’d better snap up the Anniversary palette before it’s gone and replaced by different ones.
      Melissa recently posted … Mini Essence Haul – First Look

      Reply
  7. Adrienne says

    August 12th, 2011 at 12:04 am

    Since you use benefit’s instant brow, have you ever tried their Brow Zings? They come with brushes, powder, wax, and even travel tweezers. I’m lazy about my brows, and use instant Brow if anything, but my friend has killer perfect eyebrows and she uses the Brow Zings. They also have the Brows a Go-Go kit that also comes with highlighting powder and Eye Bright.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:53 am

      I used their Brow Zings ages ago… it’s been a while, so I might have to revisit. 🙂

      Reply
  8. gio says

    August 12th, 2011 at 12:52 am

    That’s a gorgeous palette, love it!
    gio recently posted … What’s The Difference Between A Cosmetic And A Drug?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:53 am

      Me too!

      Reply
  9. Crystal says

    August 12th, 2011 at 2:48 am

    I have this one little area at the beginning of my right brow that always is so stubborn! Each day I beg it to act right!
    Can’t wait for the new UD palette!
    Crystal recently posted … Covergirl Natureluxe Water Resistant Mousse Mascara

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:52 am

      Haha, that’s what I end up doing too.

      Reply
  10. Sonya says

    August 12th, 2011 at 3:08 am

    Wish I was in NY for the UD palette event! Guess I’ll have to wail until the holidays… :/
    Sonya recently posted … Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Perfume Roll-On – Review + Photos

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:52 am

      Me too! New York always gets the coolest beauty things. 🙂

      Reply
  11. ann says

    August 12th, 2011 at 3:26 am

    You should try Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream on your brows! I also use it to give a sheen to my eyelids (I don’t use eyeshadow though). Also great as a lip balm!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:52 am

      I have some that around… I usually use it for my hands. I’ll have to give it a go on my brows! Thanks for the idea, Ann. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kewt-ified Nails says

    August 12th, 2011 at 3:46 am

    LOL Karen, your posts always make me laugh. I like to let my eyebrows run wild and free, because when I try to tame them they rebel even harder! So I just find it’s easier to work with them than to control them.
    Kewt-ified Nails recently posted … Archives: Zoya Ivanka

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:51 am

      That’s a good strategy! Unfortunately if I let that happen I’d look a hot mess…

      Reply
  13. Chris25 says

    August 12th, 2011 at 5:11 am

    I have Smashbox Brow Tech Wax and it works really well on me. Sorry to hear that it doesn’t work that great on you. 🙁

    Rocky and Jazz give me the “she’s invisible” treatment after they eat their meals. Before, however, it’s all “Mommy’s the best!”.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:51 am

      Haha, Tabs is the same way. He hates me for 90% of the day; when gravy time comes around, though, it’s ALL ABOUT MOM.

      Reply
  14. Kim says

    August 12th, 2011 at 5:16 am

    I’m getting down to the nub on my brow pencil and was thinking about options. I think I’m just too lazy to do anything but a pencil, though. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:50 am

      Yeah… usually I am too, but desperate brow times call for desperate brow measures, I guess! 😀

      Reply
  15. bhumika says

    August 12th, 2011 at 6:01 am

    dat palette luks awesome !!
    bhumika recently posted … LaVaque Tweezers and Crystal Nail File Review, Giveaway

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:49 am

      It sure does!

      Reply
  16. Nina says

    August 12th, 2011 at 6:28 am

    the new UD palette is insane!

    im not sure if i want my eyebrow color to fade … but im so curious about brow tech. i might cave in and buy it.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:49 am

      I know, right? It’s kinda neat that they added the techie stuff.

      Maybe get the Brow Tech from Sephora… that way if you don’t like it you can always return it! Love, LOVE their return policy. 🙂

      Reply
      • Nina says

        August 12th, 2011 at 12:51 pm

        that is true – Sephora has the best-est return policy. 🙂

        i kinda wished i was in NYC on aug 20 … it would be awesome to get the freebies and own this palette in advance!

        Reply
  17. Natasia says

    August 12th, 2011 at 7:00 am

    Thanks for the heads up on the Urban Decay palette! I can’t wait to get mine.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:48 am

      You’re welcome, Natasia!

      Have a great Friday. 🙂

      Reply
  18. amy says

    August 12th, 2011 at 7:02 am

    I agree the brows are very important.. people forget to pay attention to them. I use a Trish McEvoy or Dior brow pencil to draw them or powder eyeshadow to fill them.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:47 am

      Hi Amy,

      I haven’t tried the brow pencil on top of an eyeshadow yet… I’ll have to look into that!

      Reply
  19. Amy says

    August 12th, 2011 at 7:03 am

    I really like the look of the new UD palette. I especially love that they included a squeezy tube version of their eye primer! Do you know any details on the palette yet? Specifically what’s with the USB cable and little speaker box?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:47 am

      Hi Amy,

      The palette includes some tech stuff: a USB cord and an audio cable so you can listen to music while you get ready, and a pre-loaded card with five video tutorials.

      Reply
  20. Vijaya says

    August 12th, 2011 at 7:11 am

    I never spend money on brows stuff. xP
    Vijaya recently posted … Final Fantasy Inspired Look: Selphie

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:43 am

      You might want to try it sometime. Brows can totally switch up your look.

      Reply
  21. Kajal Couture says

    August 12th, 2011 at 8:00 am

    Have you tried Model in a Bottle? I’ve heard that is the best for unruly brows.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 12th, 2011 at 8:42 am

      Nope, not yet! Is it your fave?

      Reply
  22. Nicole R. says

    August 12th, 2011 at 8:59 am

    I tried this a while back and it didn’t seem to work for me either, in fact, every Smashbox product I’ve tried, with the exception of their brushes, has been a disappointment. Karen, have you tried Mally Beauty Eye Opening Brow Fix from QVC? It works great for me and is long wearing, too!

    Reply
  23. Lo says

    August 12th, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I am cracking up over your brow story! I thought I was the only one who had totally normal brows one day and then, BAM, chaos!

    Reply
  24. corinne says

    August 12th, 2011 at 11:31 am

    Have you tried MAC’S Brow Wax penci? It’s the shiiizzzeeeee and doesn’t get ur wax all crusty from your brow powder

    Reply
  25. kiwikiwidragon says

    August 12th, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    I have enough hair on my head for 6 people, but I have 6 eyebrow hairs. Go figure. DH has fabulous brows with tons of tiny compact hairs. Dense and thick and a great arch, but less hair on top. I like Anastasia’s brow gel and Prestige cosmetics dual ended brow thing. It has a tinted side with a gel that has fibers that color and bulk up brows and a clear gel on the other end. I use them at different times but it says they go together. I get plenty of staying power from just the tinted side.

    Reply
  26. DanaJae says

    August 12th, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Have you tired MAC’s Brow Set? It comes in clear for us shadow brow filler ladies and they also come with tints – I have never tried the tints but my brows are constantly trying to party on their own so I have to tame them or I think they would run off my face too! lol

    Reply
  27. Heather says

    August 12th, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Anastasia makes a great chubby wax pencil that works amazingly.

    Reply
  28. KSlone says

    August 12th, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    Smashbox makes their Browtech in a soft pencil form. It has a unique angle for sculpting flawless brows. The dual-ended gem has what I would describe as a liquidier(is that a word???) version of brow tech, with a spoolie wand in it. This formula along with the wand seems to hold mutant hairs down better. Its waterproof to boot! For a neurotic brow perfectionist with a penchant for all things makeup related, to say I am purchasing my third stick is a strong testimony to this product’s fabulosity! I much prefer this to the traditional Brow Tech wax and a pencil/shadow combo!

    Reply
  29. jenn s. says

    August 13th, 2011 at 8:04 am

    I say braid those long suckers and start your own trend, Karen!! 😉

    Reply
  30. Britt vonstrange says

    August 13th, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    Question, I like to draw on really dramatic brows sometimes. I was wondering if brow wax and another product could hide my brows so I don’t have to shave them off. What other product can i use with the was to hide them for a few hours? I go to the Paul Mitchell school and want to learn more about dramatic make up for my school, we get to teach mini classes and this would be something I could teach.

    Reply
    • DanaJae says

      August 15th, 2011 at 6:16 am

      Try a glue stick

      Reply
  31. Siobhan says

    August 14th, 2011 at 11:39 am

    I’ve been trying to grow my eyebrows to a new shape for a while now so have lots of sparse patches where I don’t want them. I massage vaseline into the area every night with an old washed mascara wand and it works a treat, really stimulates the hair to start growing again and for the daytime I swear by browzings 🙂

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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