There is a lot of buzz surrounding the elf Brow Lift vs. Anastasia Brow Freeze because they are visually same, and their product descriptions show they are designed to reach the same conclusion. I am putting these products to the test side-by-side, and you will surprised by the results!
Brow Lift Claims, Directions
First, I want to set things straight about the elf formula. It is supposed to be crystal clear, just like ABH. When I first got my elf pot, it was cloudy white. As months passed, it went clear. Now that is has been open for a year, it has gone very milky white. I believe mine has expired, which is why I pulled an extra photo below so that you can see the normal, clear look.
The Brow Lift is an extreme, long-lasting hold gel that lifts, tames, and sculpts. The finish is clear and universally glossy, with a mess-free application. You get .31 oz or 8.8 grams of product, which is slightly more than ABH at $6. I also compare the elf Soap Brow vs. Brow Lift if a gel formula is not your cup of tea.
elf offers a Brow Lift Applicator, which is virtually the same as the one that ABH offers, and achieves the same result. Please note, I do not have the ABH version. Anyway, for elf, you will want to bend the spoolie at an angle. Then, dip the spoolie into the product, wipe off the excess into the lid, and brush it through your brow hairs in an upward and outward motion. The final steps are to flatten your hair down with the metal spatula end. You may fill in any sparse areas with a colored brow filler of your choice.
Anastasia Brow Freeze Claims, Directions
This is a universal, clear wax that is designed to provide long-lasting, extreme hold to lock your brows in place for a lifted, feathered look. It will help you to tame unruly, coarse brows with a mess-free application that is never stiff or flakey. You get .28 oz or 8 grams of product, which is slightly less than elf, even though it costs more at $23.
Since I do not have the the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Applicator, I use the double-ended spoolie and angled brush that came in a gift set, and it works just fine. You can even substitute the elf tool in. The instructions are virtually the same as elf’s. You are to pick the product up with the spoolie, wipe the excess in the lid, then work the product back and forth into your brows as it sets. Finally, use the metal spatula end to lay the hairs down flat, and fill-in with a tint of your choice.
Review
Now it is time for my review.
Brow Lift does not fully dry down. It gives your brows a shiny look and has a tacky, gel-like feel to the touch. For the most part, it will keep your brows up and in place all day, but you will loose a bit of oomph, so it does not fully meet the extreme hold claim 100%. I have worn it in humidity, and it falls flat. But, it really does give that pressed down, laminated look. Even when wiping the excess off into the lid, or using less, it still will not fully dry down.
ABH Brow Freeze does fully dry down, with a matte finish that does not feel crunchy or stiff. It will hold your brows in place for as long as you wear your makeup. I have not yet had the chance to test it in humidity. This product does make a fluffy claim, which might sound weird since you are “laminating” and pressing the hairs flat. Once you go in to add tint, a powder, pencil, gel, etc., your brows do get a fluffy look. It does help to work the spoolie back and forth. But, this product is pure perfection! While I love following my Pears soap brows tutorial, this product is my new favorite because there is no water / an extra step that is needed.
Below is a table that compares the main details:
| elf Brow Lift vs. Anastasia Brow Freeze Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brow Lift | Brow Freeze | |
| Texture | Gel/wax | Gel/wax |
| Finish | Naturally glossy | Matte |
| Application | Use directly from the pot with the Brow Lift Applicator | Use directly from the pot with the Brow Freeze Applicator |
| Look | Lifted and sculpted withe extreme hold | Lifted and fluffy with extreme hold |
You can see in the below pictures that ABH really lifts and spikes the brows, while elf has less hold. I can definitely state that ABH works better, and elf failed to make a solid copy. I proclaim it is not a brow freeze Anastasia Beverly Hills dupe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Anastasia Brow Freeze last?
Anastasia Brow Freeze will last for as long as you wear your makeup. If you wear makeup for the average of eight to 12 hours, you will have no issues.
What does Anastasia Brow Freeze do?
Anastasia Brow Freeze is a clear gel that locks your brow hairs into place for a sculpted, yet feathered look. Most people prefer to spike them up, and then fill them in with some sort of tint.
What’s in elf Brow Lift?
The elf Brow lift contains the following ingredients: Ceteareth-30, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Edta-2na.
Shop The Brow Products
IABH is the clear winner. Yes, I know it costs much more, and the pot holds slightly less product, but I cannot ignore the fact that it meets its claims perfectly. elf does not dry down to provide the extreme hold that it claims. I would rather spend my money on a product that gets the job done 100%. What is your favorite type of brow product for hold? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
