
How I achieve the perfect brows fast (with just this one product)
Whether it's the brand's signature hoola bronzer (£27.05, Amazon.co.uk) or porefessional primer (£18.99, Amazon.co.uk), many of Benefit's products have become much-loved beauty staples, but perhaps none more so than its brow heroes. From pencils that carve, define and polish, to waxes that sculpt and hold an arch in place, odds are you've had a Benefit eyebrow tool (or three) in your make-up bag at some point.
Founded in 1976 by sisters Jean and Jane Ford (both were successful models and make-up artists at the time), Benefit Cosmetics has always been at the forefront of a pioneering, but playful, approach to beauty.
Take, for example, its hoola bronzer – this was the first shimmer-free matte bronzer on the market when it launched 20 years ago, while the brand's 10-year-old roller lash curling mascara (£24.50, Amazon.co.uk) was inspired by hair rollers, capturing and curling every lash, for a dramatic flutter. Some of the brand's bestsellers can even be traced right back to the Seventies – see the rose-tinted lip and cheek stain, which was originally created for dancers as a nipple tint.
But it's the beauty brand's brow roster for which Benefit is most loved and lauded. From the tinted and clear gel to the precisely brow pencil, the brand is the gold standard for creating salon-quality brows at home.
When I first got into make-up as a young teenager, my mum took me straight to the Benefit counter, and I've been in a committed relationship with the brand's beauty products ever since – chiefly the precisely brow pencil. Helping you create the illusion of fuller brows, the precise tip lets you draw individual hairs while the brush tool buffs the formula, for extra volume.
How I tested
I've been using the precisely pencil for years. From application, the formula and staying power to the finished look, here's why Benefit's precisely brow pencil will always be a cult classic.
Why you can trust us
Daisy Lester is a senior IndyBest writer, she frequently writes about the beauty products worth buying. She has previously reviewed new launches and cult favourites, from Bobbi Brown's Jones Road gel eyeliner to Refy's new skincare range. She has, crucially, assessed Benefit's hero products before, to bring our readers the ones she thinks are worth buying. Sitting at the top of that list is the Benefit precisely my brow pencil, and this is her full, honest review.

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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Can these five viral TikTok fashion gadgets REALLY solve every wardrobe crisis from fabric shaver to stretch belt?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TIKTOK is a goldmine for hacks - and right now, it's overflowing with gadgets that claim to solve every wardrobe crisis. As a fashion assistant, I'm no stranger to quick-fixes. I've always got a safety pin and double-sided tape in my bag - ready to rescue a hem, a neckline, or a stubborn zip. 11 Fashion Assistant Emily Regan puts some TikTok gadgets to the test and rates them out of ten Credit: David Cummings With over a million videos under #fashionhacks, my feed is full of weird and wonderful gizmos promising to make fashion mishaps a thing of the past. But are any of them actually worth your money? Here, I put them to the test to see which really work. Mini Stitch Gun, £15.99, Amazon 11 Mini Stitch Gun, £15.99, Amazon Credit: Supplied 11 Emily says the gadget which holds fabric in place is a game changer for her wardrobe Credit: David Cummings Being petite myself with a fuller bust, finding clothes that fit just right can be a challenge. The Mini Stitch gun first caught my attention on TikTok, where fans of the product hailed it as the 'ultimate fashion hack'. One video of the gun had over 41.5k views. It works by inserting a small, removable plastic stitch to hold fabric in place, perfect for closing button gaps, hiding bra straps, or temporarily hemming jeans. I was impressed by how quick and easy this is to use. This particular kit included helpful step by step picture instructions, five needle replacements and lots of extra fastenings plus a handy travel case. There's no need to apply a lot of pressure, you simply squeeze the trigger and the stitch is in. The stitch is made of plastic so it feels secure and holds all day. Although it was visible close up, it didn't show in photos. Nobody mentioned to me they could see it. This is a game changer for my wardrobe. Rating: 8/10 Impressed customers film themselves using the Philips GCO26 Fabric Shaver which has racked up over 1,000 five-star Amazon reviews Fabric Shaver, £9.99, Phillips 11 Fabric Shaver, £9.99, Phillips Credit: Supplied 11 This fabric shaver is really effective and will remove those dreaded bobbles on jumpers Credit: David Cummings Electric fabric shavers had a big moment a few years ago, and the buzz is back… pun intended. They became popular during Covid-19 as people took more of an interest in extending the lifespan of their clothes. I've only ever tried a super cheap one from the Poundshop, so I decided to give the more pricey £9.99 Phillips version a try. This one in particular was described as 'magic' by one user on TikTok, with another calling it a 'game changer'. One video recommending the model in question has also racked up over 50.3k views. It comes with picture instructions and 2 AA batteries. The cover for inserting batteries slides off without much effort but does stay put during use. Quite a few Tiktok users commented that it's important to remove the plastic cap, with some forgetting to do so and not finding it as effective. But once it's off, it's easy to use. Simply flick the on switch and gently glide the shaver over any bobbles to remove them. It's really effective and better than anything I've used before. Gone are the days of washing a jumper once and being ruined by dreaded bobbles, plus it works on sofas and soft furnishings too. Rating: 10/10 Reusable Plush Roller, £5.99 (for 2), Amazon 11 Reusable Plush Roller, £5.99 (for 2), Amazon Credit: Supplied 11 This sticky roller picks up any unwanted dust, fluff and hair really easily but the quality of the product is a let down Credit: David Cummings In theory, this sticky roller is a brilliant idea, eliminating the need for disposable lint sheets. These ones were £5.99 for two on Amazon but I've seen them for as little as £1 each on Tiktok shop. Sadly the low price is reflected in the product quality. The plastic case broke almost immediately after I took them out of the packaging. That said, it does still do the job. Simply roll the sticky pad over your clothes and it picks up any unwanted dust, fluff and hair really easily. The adhesive pad is super sticky so it really clings to everything. To clear it, you just rinse the pad under water. You are supposed to remove it from the case, but I struggled to do this in fear of breaking it as it's so flimsy. The biggest problem I found was drying it. You can't use a towel or cloth as it's so sticky that it just gathers more dust. While it comes with its frustrations, I do think it's worth having. With a little product development, it could be a useful tool to have around the house. Rating: 5/10 No Sew Jean Button, from £2.50 for 2, Amazon 11 No Sew Jean Button, from £2.50 for 2, Amazon Credit: Supplied 11 These genius removable no-sew buttons will ensure your jeans fit properly around your waist Credit: David Cummings Oversized jeans have been the must have style for a few seasons, and as much as I love the relaxed look, I still want my jeans to fit properly around my waist. I always fall between sizes so shopping for the perfect pair is a real struggle. Thankfully, I (or rather TikTok) has found the perfect solution with these genius removable no-sew buttons. They come screwed together, and whilst it takes a little force to pull both pieces apart (especially with nails - and mine aren't exactly long), that does mean they won't budge once screwed in place. To use, you push the pin through where you want the new button to go, snap the backing piece in from the back to create a new button and a tighter waistband. Plus, they're reusable, so if your size does fluctuate, like mine, you can easily move them without damaging your jeans. They come in gold and silver and there are many designs to choose from. Although slightly fiddly, once you get the hang of it, they're such a smart, budget friendly alternative to buying new jeans. Rating: 8/10 Elastic Stretch Belt, £8.95 for 2, Amazon 11 Elastic Stretch Belt, £8.95 for 2, Amazon Credit: Supplied 11 This elastic stretch belt helped create a clean tuck but was uncomfortable and didn't look nice Credit: David Cummings TikTokers deem this elastic belt to be the best solution for achieving the 'perfect tuck'. If you struggle with tucking and cropping your T-shirts and jumpers, or even if you have a top that's too long and, when tucked in, creates an unflattering bulky look around your waist, this product is designed to eliminate the problem. The adjustable band fixes around your waist, allowing you to securely tuck your top into it. The clasp is easy to use and the two pack includes a black and a white version, which is a plus, as they will work with any outfit. I was skeptical about this one, and personally I don't think it's worth nearly £9. Sure, it helps create a clean tuck, but the elastic was very uncomfortable around my waist after a few hours of wear. I think a regular belt could do the job just as well and would probably look nicer too. Rating: 3/10


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Can these five viral TikTok fashion gadgets REALLY solve every wardrobe crisis from fabric shaver to stretch belt?
TIKTOK is a goldmine for hacks - and right now, it's overflowing with gadgets that claim to solve every wardrobe crisis. As a fashion assistant, I'm no stranger to quick-fixes. I've always got a safety pin and double-sided tape in my bag - ready to rescue a hem, a neckline, or a stubborn zip. 11 With over a million videos under #fashionhacks, my feed is full of weird and wonderful gizmos promising to make fashion mishaps a thing of the past. But are any of them actually worth your money? Here, I put them to the test to see which really work. Mini Stitch Gun, £15.99, Amazon Being petite myself with a fuller bust, finding clothes that fit just right can be a challenge. The Mini Stitch gun first caught my attention on TikTok, where fans of the product hailed it as the 'ultimate fashion hack'. One video of the gun had over 41.5k views. It works by inserting a small, removable plastic stitch to hold fabric in place, perfect for closing button gaps, hiding bra straps, or temporarily hemming jeans. I was impressed by how quick and easy this is to use. This particular kit included helpful step by step picture instructions, five needle replacements and lots of extra fastenings plus a handy travel case. There's no need to apply a lot of pressure, you simply squeeze the trigger and the stitch is in. The stitch is made of plastic so it feels secure and holds all day. Although it was visible close up, it didn't show in photos. Nobody mentioned to me they could see it. This is a game changer for my wardrobe. Rating: 8/10 Impressed customers film themselves using the Philips GCO26 Fabric Shaver which has racked up over 1,000 five-star Amazon reviews Fabric Shaver, £9.99, Phillips 11 11 Electric fabric shavers had a big moment a few years ago, and the buzz is back… pun intended. They became popular during Covid-19 as people took more of an interest in extending the lifespan of their clothes. I've only ever tried a super cheap one from the Poundshop, so I decided to give the more pricey £9.99 Phillips version a try. This one in particular was described as 'magic' by one user on TikTok, with another calling it a 'game changer'. One video recommending the model in question has also racked up over 50.3k views. It comes with picture instructions and 2 AA batteries. The cover for inserting batteries slides off without much effort but does stay put during use. Quite a few Tiktok users commented that it's important to remove the plastic cap, with some forgetting to do so and not finding it as effective. But once it's off, it's easy to use. Simply flick the on switch and gently glide the shaver over any bobbles to remove them. It's really effective and better than anything I've used before. Gone are the days of washing a jumper once and being ruined by dreaded bobbles, plus it works on sofas and soft furnishings too. Rating: 10/10 Reusable Plush Roller, £5.99 (for 2), Amazon 11 In theory, this sticky roller is a brilliant idea, eliminating the need for disposable lint sheets. These ones were £5.99 for two on Amazon but I've seen them for as little as £1 each on Tiktok shop. Sadly the low price is reflected in the product quality. The plastic case broke almost immediately after I took them out of the packaging. That said, it does still do the job. Simply roll the sticky pad over your clothes and it picks up any unwanted dust, fluff and hair really easily. The adhesive pad is super sticky so it really clings to everything. To clear it, you just rinse the pad under water. You are supposed to remove it from the case, but I struggled to do this in fear of breaking it as it's so flimsy. The biggest problem I found was drying it. You can't use a towel or cloth as it's so sticky that it just gathers more dust. While it comes with its frustrations, I do think it's worth having. With a little product development, it could be a useful tool to have around the house. Rating: 5/10 No Sew Jean Button, from £2.50 for 2, Amazon 11 11 Oversized jeans have been the must have style for a few seasons, and as much as I love the relaxed look, I still want my jeans to fit properly around my waist. I always fall between sizes so shopping for the perfect pair is a real struggle. Thankfully, I (or rather TikTok) has found the perfect solution with these genius removable no-sew buttons. They come screwed together, and whilst it takes a little force to pull both pieces apart (especially with nails - and mine aren't exactly long), that does mean they won't budge once screwed in place. To use, you push the pin through where you want the new button to go, snap the backing piece in from the back to create a new button and a tighter waistband. Plus, they're reusable, so if your size does fluctuate, like mine, you can easily move them without damaging your jeans. They come in gold and silver and there are many designs to choose from. Although slightly fiddly, once you get the hang of it, they're such a smart, budget friendly alternative to buying new jeans. Elastic Stretch Belt, £8.95 for 2, Amazon 11 TikTokers deem this elastic belt to be the best solution for achieving the 'perfect tuck'. If you struggle with tucking and cropping your T-shirts and jumpers, or even if you have a top that's too long and, when tucked in, creates an unflattering bulky look around your waist, this product is designed to eliminate the problem. The adjustable band fixes around your waist, allowing you to securely tuck your top into it. The clasp is easy to use and the two pack includes a black and a white version, which is a plus, as they will work with any outfit. I was skeptical about this one, and personally I don't think it's worth nearly £9. Sure, it helps create a clean tuck, but the elastic was very uncomfortable around my waist after a few hours of wear. I think a regular belt could do the job just as well and would probably look nicer too. VERDICT Not every TikTok gadget lived up to the hype, but a few stood out as genuinely smart solutions. I'll definitely be adding a couple of them to my styling kit, as well as my own personal wardrobe. Some of these affordable devices have proven to make a real difference, especially to those who favour convenience without compromising on style. I was especially impressed with the pricing of the products too. These are all budget-friendly alternatives to visiting a tailor or buying brand new products. So if you're navigating fluctuating sizes or want to refresh your favourite jumpers, these trending tools actually prove that most of the time, TikTok hacks do deliver.


The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Aldi shoppers rush to buy ‘beautiful' garden must-have scanning at 50% less than high street brands
ALDI shoppers are racing to buy a "beautiful" garden middle-aisle bargain which is just half the price of other high street brands. The Garden Bright Solar Glass Bird Bath is currently on sale for £17.99. 1 The bargain was spotted by a shopper in the Aldi UK Shoppers Facebook group, who posted a picture of the furniture item. They wrote: "Managed to grab one in my local Aldi, so pleased as almost half the price of other places at £17.99. 3 different designs to choose from." Similar solar glass bird baths are on sale at other UK retailers for more than double the price. For example, B&Q is selling a Taylor and Brown Solar Glass Bird Bath Fountain, with a hand-painted sunflower design, for £39.99. Shoppers hailed Aldi's bird bath as "beautiful", with one replying to the Facebook post: "I want one". Others had already snapped up the item from Aldi's middle-aisle. One fan wrote: "I got the hummingbird one today - I love it, can't wait for it to light up tonight!" However, some shoppers who had purchased the bird bath shared valuable tips on how to care for it and prevent damage. "Don't leave them out over winter," one user said. "If the water freezes they crack. I've had two go on my over the years." Another said: "Mine is fab keep in conservatory no prob." Aldi is selling a 'rechargeable' essential for just $9.99 – shoppers say they'll be 'wearing one all day' this summer The bird bath is made of a glass bowl and metal stand, and features six cool white LED lights. It is 53cm high and 35.5cm in width. It's available in three animal-inspired designs - bee, hummingbird and peacock - while stocks last. On its website, Aldi says: "Make sure the birds have a stylish and safe space included in your garden this summer with this Solar Bird Bath." The product will only be available to buy in stores, however, as Aldi doesn't offer a home delivery service. As well as the bird bath, Aldi is also selling a Solar Blossom Tree for £19.99, featuring 100 LED lights and pink cherry blossom style flowers. You can find your nearest Aldi branch by using the retailer's store locator tool, found via If you want to find out what Aldi Specialbuys are in stores at any time, you can visit: How to save money on your food shop Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year: Odd boxes - plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price. Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30. Sainsbury's also sells £2 "Taste Me, Don't Waste Me" fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash. Food waste apps - food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public. Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio. Too Good to Go's app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount. Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses. Yellow sticker bargains - yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap. But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here. Super cheap bargains - sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they've found on the cheap, including food finds. "Downshift" - you will almost always save money going for a supermarket's own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands. The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as "downshifting" and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop. Save money at Aldi Keeping your eyes peeled for Aldi's Specialbuys is a great way to save money at the retailer. It's also worth keeping an eye out for any red sticker products when you're doing your grocery shopping, which are added to items going out of date or that are slightly damaged. It's best to get to your local store early if you're looking for discounts, as Aldi tends to add the stickers to items in the morning. This also tends to be the best time to get middle-aisle bargains, with shoppers sometimes queuing as early as 4am for some products. You can also look out for Too Good to Go bags, which cost just £3.30 with £10 worth of food approaching its sell-by or use-by date.