Learning how to use an eyebrow pencil correctly is crucial—it’s all about finding the right balance. It may seem simple, but it’s easy to overdo it. After all, no one wants to look back at their photos and wonder why their brows were too dark.
Over time, I’ve experimented with the best ways to shape my brows, define each hair, and make sure they complement my face. Since my hair is dark brown, my naturally blonde brows require extra attention. They’ve only grown halfway, so I have to carefully draw the tail by hand. This might not be the easiest task, but I’ve gotten fairly good at it.
Being a beauty editor for six years has certainly helped me refine my skills. I’ve had the chance to work with the best makeup artists in the world and test the latest brow products. So, if you’re looking to master eyebrow pencils, here’s everything I’ve learned.
Before You Begin
Here’s some key advice: Don’t stress about making your brows identical. Eyebrows, just like faces, are not meant to be symmetrical. Embrace the unique shape of your brows and highlight what works for your face.
Preparing Your Brows
To keep my brows in place, I swear by eyebrow gel and a spoolie. However, nothing beats the classic soap method. Recently, soap brows have become quite popular due to the fluffy-brow trend. While newer products are available, some pros still prefer the old-school method. Makeup artist Naoko Scintu, who works with celebrities like Jodie Comer and Priyanka Chopra, says, “I swear by Pears soap, straight from the bar. I just add a little water and brush it into my brows, and it stays perfectly all day.”
Using an Eyebrow Pencil
When applying the eyebrow pencil, it’s important to create individual hair strokes. Instead of drawing across, you should move the pencil’s sharp point upwards in quick, small motions to mimic natural hair. To make your brows look more natural, fill them in at a vertical or 45-degree angle. Never fill them horizontally, as this goes against the natural direction of your brow hairs and can create an artificial look.
Avoiding a “Penciled In” Look
If you’re not aiming for pencil-thin brows like in the ’90s, this tip is for you. Warren Dowdall, Bobbi Brown’s senior pro artist, advises, “If you need to reshape your brows at home, fill them in as usual, then assess which hairs need trimming.” Keep in mind that less is more.
I wish I’d known this advice sooner. I used to tweeze my brows without much thought, often ending up with overly-thin brows. Now you know how to prevent this from happening.
UK Ends Retirement at 67 Historic Shakeup Changes Pension Age and Sparks Nationwide Debate
Top Eyebrow Pencil Picks
Check out some of the best eyebrow pencils to help you achieve flawless brows: These products are tried and tested by professionals, and they’ll help you define your arches just right.
