Review | Anna Sui Eyebrow Colour Compact in 03 Ash Brown

With a case shaped like a ribbon, the new Anna Sui Eyebrow Colour Compact (S$41) is probably the most eye-catching and unique item of the Anna Sui Autumn 2011 makeup collection.

The burnout design on the exterior adds a touch of whimsy to the case.

The adorable compact notwithstanding, this product is actually very functional, its contents useful in achieving natural-looking brows.

The deep brown (left) has a tinge of berry but neither its richness in the pan nor the berry tone shows up when applied; instead, it imparts a natural definition. The deep bark, olive green and mustard yellow are disconcerting at first glance but they really do serve a purpose: they temper the brown and give a slightly ashy, natural tone to the brows (see the combined swatch on the right).

The range of colours allows you to be a brow artist – you can mix and match them to achieve your desired brow shade. One-tone brows can look flat and drawn on; I like how this palette gives the brows a more three-dimensional appearance.

The angled end of the included applicator – meant for use with the deep brown pan – isn’t as firm as I’d like it to be but it’s good for brow touch-ups on the go. The fluffier end – for the tri-coloured pan – mixes and distributes the shades quite evenly.

I’ve been using this compact almost every day since I received it as a press sample – I really like the definition and natural tone it gives my brows. The colours also wear well on their own, without the need for an eyebrow pencil base which I frequently use with some other brow palettes.