Mastering the art of using an eyebrow pencil may seem simple at first, but it’s easy to overdo it. It’s crucial to get it right so you don’t end up looking back at photos and wondering why no one pointed out that your brows were too dark. With years of experience trying out various brow makeup products and working with top makeup artists, I’ve discovered several tips for perfecting the art of shaping and defining eyebrows, especially if you have naturally lighter brows like I do. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Tips to Prepare Your Eyebrows
Before you dive into using a pencil, it’s essential to prepare your eyebrows for the process. Start by using an eyebrow gel and a spoolie to keep your brows in place. But the trick that works best for me is using a bar of soap. The fluffy-brow trend made soap brows popular, and products specifically designed for this look have hit the market. However, makeup artists like Naoko Scintu swear by using Pears soap straight from the bar. A little water and a spoolie to brush it through, and your brows will stay put all day long.
How to Fill in Your Eyebrows with a Pencil
When filling in your eyebrows, always draw individual hairs by moving the pencil in small, quick motions, aiming for a natural look. The key is to draw up, not across, to mimic the natural growth pattern of your brows. Instead of filling them in horizontally, which looks unnatural, fill them in vertically or at a slight 45-degree angle. This creates a more natural, hair-like texture. Pay attention to how your natural hairs grow, as drawing against that grain will result in fake-looking brows.
How to Avoid Overdone Eyebrows
If you want to steer clear of the overly drawn-on, thin eyebrow trend of the ‘90s, here’s a useful tip. Avoid over-filling or over-shaping your brows, as this will result in unnatural, pencil-like brows. When shaping your brows, first fill them in and then trim any stray hairs that need attention. As Bobbi Brown’s senior pro artist Warren Dowdall advises, less is more when it comes to eyebrow shaping, so always keep it subtle and natural.
Final Thoughts on Perfecting Your Eyebrows
Achieving perfectly shaped eyebrows takes practice, but by following these tips, you can create a natural, professional look. Keep in mind that symmetry is not the goal—eyebrows are sisters, not twins. By focusing on their natural shape and using the right tools, you’ll be able to enhance your brows and highlight your face in the best way possible.
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil | $24 | 4.8/5 | Precision filling |
| NYX Micro Brow Pencil | $10 | 4.5/5 | Budget option |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz | $23 | 4.7/5 | High-end, fine detail |
| Glossier Brow Flick | $18 | 4.6/5 | Natural, feathered look |
