Our beauty habits and preferences changed significantly over the past couple of years. Skincare took centre stage over makeup and there was a collective “less show, more glow” sentiment when it came to putting our best faces forward, with “natural” beauty looks and skincare/makeup hybrids catapulting in popularity.
But some interesting makeup hacks and must-haves also cropped up and are set to continue in 2022…
Brow soap
All the extra screen time meant we were privy to some of the most exciting new trends to emerge from TikTok and Instagram, and one of the most notable – and wearable – are ‘soap brows’.
So, what exactly are soap brows, I hear you ask. It’s a simple yet genius brow-shaping technique in which you brush your brows with soap and a spoolie in an upward motion. The soap coats each hair individually, making your brows look fuller, more defined and, of course, right on trend.
Glycerin, a natural by-product of the soap-making process, is the key element to soap brows. It makes your brows look shiny and healthy and holds each hair in place.
The beauty of soap brows is that you don’t need to use a special brow soap* – your trusty regular glycerin-based soap will work just as well. Just make sure you use a clear soap; otherwise your eyebrows may look chalky or washed out.
All you have to do is slightly dampen the soap bar and rub it with a spoolie. Once you have enough product, brush your brows upward so the hair is straight and defined. Repeat the upward brushes a few times so that your eyebrows take shape and stay put.
This is one beauty hack we’re adding to our books!
*If your brows are on the fairer side, or sparse, a tinted brow gel or pomade may be more suitable.
Makeup setting spray
With all this mask-wearing, the importance of a good setting spray has become increasingly evident. A quality setting product, like Urban Decay’s All Nighter or Mac’s Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray helps prevent your makeup from moving, creasing, melting or ending up all over your mask throughout the day.
Setting sprays typically contain polymers (plastic-like molecules) dissolved in a solvent, usually alongside oil-absorbing ingredients such as kaolin clay or skin conditioning ingredients such as aloe vera. When applied, they act like a thin barrier that help to prevent makeup from being affected by outside factors.
Different ingredients can also mean different effects. Some polymers leave a dewy finish, while others give a matte appearance.
To apply, spray your face in an X then T formation, holding the bottle about six inches away from your face. Leave the product to dry and your makeup fate is sealed – at least until the end of the day!
