First Look: Birchbox's new Arrow brow gel and cooling mist
Activewear makeup may sound outrageous to those vehemently opposed to wearing makeup at the gym. But the lines between athleisure and straight leisure and just every-day clothing continue to blur, and the trend of blending them all together shows no signs of stopping.
Is it really a bad thing? Are busy people ready to stop going to the grocery store after spin? Or running to yoga and CVS between classes? Probably not.
Birchbox, the subscription beauty box company that's expanded into a full-fledged beauty retailer with brick and mortar stores in Washington, D.C., and New York, is betting its active customers are looking for products that can keep up. In January the company launched its second makeup and skincare line, Arrow, with three products intended to be lightweight and long-lasting.
The second round of products will go on sale tomorrow, with a third coming later year. We got a first look at the new additions and had a chance to review the whole line, just in time for summer.
Hydrate Soothing Facial Mist
Need a pick-me-up after an intense barre class or a particularly hot commute? The cooling mist is refreshing, if a tad sticky, after a long day. Spritz a few times over your face and neck before leaving the locker room or after a humid ride on public transit. It’s a nice partner for the aluminum-free deodorant which is not super strong but has a great citrus smell, and fits nicely in a purse or gym bag. It's paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan and alcohol-free, and costs $12.
Sculpt Tinted Brow Gel
One of the best parts of the natural makeup trend is the emphasis on full, natural eyebrows. Though the fuller they are, the more they take on a life of their own. Arrow’s brow gel has a very light tint with staying power. If you anticipate sweating a lot during a day on the beach or relaxing on the lake, but want everything to stay in place, a few swipes will keep brows on fleek. It's paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan, and costs $16.
The lip balm and cooling cheek tint released in January, however, are still the stars of the Arrow collection. The balm looks sheer but quickly adjusts to the pH of the wearer, providing a good dose of natural color without feeling like lipstick. The cheek tint, available in Berry Flush and Pink Punch, is also light but a good amount of color. Perhaps not necessary when already flushed post-workout, but it’s nice when running errands or for a day of activities when the goal is to look healthy and glowing without a full face of makeup.
The brow gel and face mist will go on sale Tuesday, June 14. The waitlist is available for signup now. The third release, including a skin tint and mascara, will launch in August.