The idea behind the trend is exactly how it sounds: Instead of using a brow gel, you use a bar of soap to shape and set your brows in place. While the trick has been repopularized by beauty bloggers, it's actually a classic makeup artist and drag queen technique that's been used on photo shoots for years.
Soap is a genius alternative to brow gels and pomades because, as Dr. Zeichner explains it, soap contains a fat known as glycerin that coats the surface of the hairs to keep them in place.
It's exactly what it sounds like: using bar soap instead of eyebrow gel. Silly as it sounds, plenty of makeup artists prefer soap to groom eyebrows due to its stronger hold on hair, simplicity, and affordability.
What type of soap should you use? Ideally, the soap should be glycerin, uncolored, and unscented. “I have used good old Dial and a nice olive oil bar I picked up in France, but my favorite is Pears Glycerin Soap,” says Simkin. You can get a similar bar as cheap as $1 at the drugstore.
The right amount of product is essential in achieving perfect and optimal results. If your eyebrows don't stay in shape, then you're probably using too little product. Style your eyebrows in the desired shape and slowly build up the product by applying multiple layers. Repeat until you have the desired hold.
Leaving soap on your brows can lead to irritation, redness, dry flakey skin, clogged pores, slow hair growth or even hair loss over time. Moreover, ordinary soap often leaves a white residue on brows.
Soap brows can benefit all eyebrow shapes and sizes: whether you're sparse-browed and looking to add volume or you sport thick, coarse arches and need to mold them into shape.
We recommend using brow soap as the first step of your makeup routine before applying any other makeup. Plus, make sure to wait for a minute or two after styling your brows to ensure that the brow soap has dried completely. This will prevent any foundation, powder or other makeup products to get stuck on your brows.
Yes, just the hairspray you use on your head—it works the same way for the hairs on your brow bone as it does for the hair coming out of your scalp.
Since rising to the fashion fore in 2019, the demand for brow lamination has shown no signs of slowing down. A great, long-lasting alternative to soap brows – the at-home technique that uses a humble bar of soap and spoolie to create full, fluffy brow looks – the brow lamination trend is set to continue well into 2023.
The glycerin seals in moisture to create that glossy and fluffy look, while the sugar locks it in place." Next, you'll want to make sure your soap is transparent and goes on clear when applied to your skin and brow hairs. Otherwise, you may see some white residue.
Which One is Better? Brow gel has been a fix for unruly or sparse brows for quite some time, but soap brows is really where it's at for fluffed, precise brows! Those with extra unruly brows may agree that soap brows provide an ultimate hold that brow gel doesn't.
Finally, do you put eyebrow gel on before or after makeup? As eyebrow gel is one of the most versatile makeup products there is, this one is entirely up to you. You can gel the hairs into place before applying makeup and follow up with filling in any sparse areas with a brow pencil.
Ideal for giving thin or lacklustre brows the Cara Delevigne treatment, soap brows can transform even the most over-plucked brow into a perfectly groomed face framer. Unlike previous brow trends, this doesn't rely on the need for a whole host of different brow products.
The soap eyebrow trend is best for those with medium to thick brows who don't need to fill in sparse areas. Those with thin or sparse eyebrows can still achieve the soap brow look with the help of an eyebrow pencil.
How did the name “soap brows” originate? A few years ago, makeup stylists and beauty gurus began to realize that soap can be used as an effective primer to set brows in place in an elongated shape, ultimately creating a fluffy appearance. Hence, the advent of the name soap brows.
“Soap brows are generally safe,” says Dr. Vij. “So, as long as you're not having any irritative side effects or any allergic reactions where you're noticing itching, burning or redness of your skin around the area, then it's reasonable to do it on a regular basis.”
It makes taming bushy brows simple – all you need to do is brush up with a brow gel to set in place. But this look isn't just for those blessed with brows like Cara Delevingne. It also works well for those with slimmer or sparse brows that want to fake a fuller look.