I mentioned in my recent ‘sneak peek’ post (read more here) that I recently purchased three products from the Benefit brow range.  This post will focus on one of the products: the Goof Proof Brow Pencil.  When I was at the House of Fraser counter, I told the make-up artist that I wanted a product which I could use on my brows for a natural look.  Rachel (who served me) suggested that the Goof Proof Brow Pencil would be a good fit for my needs.  This pencil has quickly become one of my go-tos for quickly and easily filling in my brows. 

The Goof Proof Brow Pencil comes beautifully packaged in a silver and pink box.  The front of the box provides the product information, including name, weight and how to use the product.  It states that the product can be used for ‘easy, fast filling’.  It also states it can be used on ‘uneven/patchy brows’, ‘instantly fills’ and ‘defines [the] tail’.  The top of the box also has the shade number printed on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The back of the box provides further information on the product inside and ‘how to use’ details.  The pencil is marketed as having :’soft, glide-on colour’, ’12 hour waterproof wear’, a ‘twist-up, non-sharpen tip’ and a ‘blending spoolie brush’.  The box also states that the ‘custom goof-proof tip’ has a wide tip which can be used to fill in and a pointed end to help define the brows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pencil itself looks pretty cool, in that comes in bright metallic silver casing with black and pink writing.  It is very light-weight, yet easy to grip and hold when you are filling in your brows.  One end of the product has the lid covering the pencil nib (far left), whilst the other end covers the spoolie brush (far right).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pencil nib is slightly different from a normal pencil in that it doesn’t taper to a sharp point.  The nib is more triangular in shape; it does have a point but it is slightly chunkier all round.  This really adds to the ‘easy, fast filling’ element when using this product.  The pencil has a retractable design, in that you can release more of the pencil by twisting it up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other end of the product stores the brow spoolie brush.  The brush can be used after applying the pencil to brush the product through, even everything out and soften the overall effect.  The end of the pencil also has the shade name noted just where the lid goes on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The box also contains a handy little leaflet that provides some ‘tips and tricks’ for using the pencil.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The left side of the leaflet has the same information as the back of the box, in terms of product features and reasons for using the pencil.  It also has some  information at the bottom advertising the Benefit BrowBar lounge.

The right side of the leaflet gives some tips on how to use the pencil.  Tip 1 suggests that the wide part of the pencil can be used to fill and shape in the brows.  Tip 2 states that the pointed edge can be used to define the outer end of the brow.

The Goof Proof Brow Pencil comes in a choice of 6 shades.  I was matched to Shade 3 by the make-up artist who helped me at House of Fraser.  I’m soooo happy I asked for help with choosing the shade! I would have never thought to have gone for a slightly lighter shade but it turns out that shade 3 is the perfect match for me.  I also asked for a shade match at another counter in Glasgow and the make-up artist matched me to shade 3 as well.  So it was really helpful to see that the advice is consistent across branches.  If you are unsure about what shade to choose, I would recommend getting matched at a counter to make sure you select the right shade.  I would have probably gone for shade 5 as that matched my hair colour.  Glad I didn’t get shade 5 as it would have been way, waaaay too dark for me!!!

One of the real selling points to me of the Benefit brow range is that your shade is consistent across the whole range.  So if you are a shade 3 in one product, you are a shade 3 in all of them.  It makes it so much easier to know which shade to buy, particularly if you want to try out a different product!

The make-up artist at House of Fraser showed me how to fill in my brows and it followed the guidance set out on the leaflet in the box.  I start by stroking the wide part of the pencil across the areas with gaps.  I then use the pointed end to define the outer part of my brows.   I sometimes use the pointed end along the very top of my brows to help create the shape.  I finish by using spoolie brush to brush through my brows.  I really like this step, as it helps to blend everything together and tidies up my brows.

I looooove this product so much! It really has made things so much easier for me in terms of filling in my brows.  Before, I found the prospect of using a brow pencil a little daunting, as I didn’t know how to use them properly and I thought it would be too time-consuming.  I also wanted my brows to look naturally defined and shaped, rather than strongly pencilled on.  This product ticks all of those boxes for me as it is really easy to use, quick and gives a very natural effect.  It seems pretty long-lasting too, as I haven’t had any issues with it wearing off or smudging during the day.

How hard you press the pencil can also influence how strong or soft the colours comes out.  Gentle pressure makes it very soft, whilst more pressure makes the pencil a little stronger.  I haven’t had any issues with the pencil nib snapping at all; it seems pretty sturdy.  I would say, however, that it is still good to avoid pressing it too hard in case it snaps off.  I also only release the amount of pencil I need to use it effectively, rather than twirling up lots of the product.  That helps maintain the stability of the tip and prevents any of it snapping off if too much has been released.

Stockists and Price

The Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil costs £18.50.  It is by no means a cheap product but for me, it is worth every penny.  The shade is a great match for me, it is quick and easy to use and it gives a natural, defined effect to the brows.  I am sure there might be other triangular shaped brow products on the market but for the time being, I am very happy with the Goof Proof Pencil.

The Goof Proof Brow Pencil is available from various retailers, including Boots, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Feel Unique, Look Fantastic and QVC.  It comes in 6 shades, so there is bound to be a shade that fits your brows.  If you aren’t sure of what shade to get, it is worth asking the Benefit make-up artists in store to match you to ensure you select the right shade.

Have you tried the Goof Proof Brow Pencil? What do you think of it? Or do you have other brow products that you like to use? Let me know in the comments section below.