I'm the first to admit that I've committed many brow crimes, from over-plucking to "block" eyebrows. I'd like to think my eyebrows are constantly evolving and it's one of the facial features I like to highlight in my everyday makeup look for it to feel complete.

Thankfully, the latest eyebrow makeup trends are leaning towards natural brows, and my future self (and budget) cannot be more thankful. I've been trying different brow pencils, gels, and powders; not all are created equal. So, when I saw e.l.f Cosmetics — a brand I already loved and used frequently — had a simple brow pencil for only $4, I knew I had to try it.

E.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Brow Pencil

What to know

Why I tried the e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil

After years of avoiding waxing, plucking and trying growth serums, I finally got my eyebrows to fill out and no longer look like I'm living in 2003. While I'm happy with the shape of them, they're still a bit light and have some sparseness to them. And I dye my hair, so I try to match my brow color without using chemicals. As a part of my everyday makeup routine, I like to fill in my brows with a pencil and fluff them up. When I came across this $4 product and saw that it was a No.1 bestseller on Amazon, I immediately added it to my cart.

Associate editor Shannon Garlin applying e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil in neutral brown.Courtesy of Shannon Garlin

Why I like the e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil

The color selection and formula are ideal

Aside from the affordability, what first drew me to the pencil was the range of natural shades and the attached spoolie. I also liked that you didn't need to rely on a messy sharpener to use it.

My hair is currently dyed medium brown with a reddish hue; I thought the auburn color would be too red, so I opted for the neutral brown color. I found the formula and color to be buildable, which I liked because I often found that brow pencils or powders apply too thickly, giving you that overdrawn look. Not this one, though. It applies naturally, allowing you to control how much you want to fill in.

The formula and color have a matte finish, and it lasts all day and doesn't smudge. I applied my makeup at 7:30 a.m. before work and my brows stayed defined and shaped until I got home and cleansed my skin.

The spoolie is great for blending

This pencil is all-inclusive with the dual-sided pencil and spoolie, so you really don't need any other makeup tools (unless, like me, you use brow gel for setting). I like using the spoolie before and after applying the pencil. First, I'll comb my eyebrows up, lightly apply the pencil to my desired results, then brush the brows up again until the color looks naturally blended.

What to consider

The only caveat to a pencil designed like this is that you can't sharpen the point. This doesn't bother me because I am just filling in my brows for more definition and not necessarily manipulating the shape. However, if you want to create hairlike strokes and extend your natural brow, it may get a little tricky once the tip becomes duller.

But at only $4, this product has officially become my go-to brow pencil. I can't believe I was spending over $20 on products before this one came into my daily makeup routine.

More brow products to shop

NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue

$9.97

Amazon

What to know

For days when I want a bolder brow, I love using this "brow glue" to fluff them up and hold them in place.

Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse

What to know

I recently became a huge fan of this brow mousse. If you’re short on time, this quickly and naturally fills in your brows.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

What to know

This brow pencil features a triangular tip that allows you to create smaller, hair-like strokes for precision and shading.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Gel

What to know

Reviewers like this brow gel for its lasting formula, and many say they don't have to use a pencil prior, thanks to its pigmented tint.

Why trust Shop TODAY

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.

Shannon Garlin is an associate editor for Shop TODAY. She has covered a wide variety of topics, including the latest in fashion and beauty, product reviews, sales and more.