How to Do Eyebrow Makeup: 5 Steps to Perfect Brows

The right eyebrow makeup can transform your client's brows to perfectly flatter their face and even make false eyebrows look more realistic. But mastering the art of eyebrow makeup doesn't have to be daunting.

From how to use eyebrow pencils and powders to gels, we'll guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve impeccable brows every time.

The Basics of Eyebrow Makeup

Eyebrow makeup relies mainly on four fundamental techniques: shaping, defining, filling, and holding. Perfecting these techniques can transform your brow game from amateur to pro, even if you're starting out:

Shaping involves trimming and plucking to create a desired brow shape.
Defining uses makeup to highlight the brow shape and bring it into focus.
Filling covers any sparse areas for a fuller appearance.
Holding secures the look over time, keeping everything in place using different products such as a brow gel or setting products.

Common Eyebrow Makeup Products

Unless you sell your own beauty products, the products you choose to use will largely depend on your client's personal needs, preferred style, existing brow type, and any skin sensitivities.

Brow Pencils

Brow pencils are a staple in any eyebrow regimen. They are best for filling sparse areas and creating a natural, hair-like texture. The thin tip allows for precise application, especially for beginners. Eyebrow pencil application can work magic, enhancing natural brows for a fuller look.

Brow Gel

Brow gel is the finishing touch, the setting spray of the eyebrow world. It's applied to hold the brow hairs in place, ensuring your work of art doesn't smudge or smear. Brow gel usage is straightforward; brush the product upward through the brow hairs, sculpting them into place. Gels come in various shades. Choose one that matches your client's natural hair color.

Brow Powder

Brow powder is like the bridge between pencil and gel. This product is excellent for filling large areas and providing a soft, natural finish. Brow powder vs. pencil is a matter of choice: powder offers a more diffused look, while the pencil adds definition. We suggest using the two in combination.

5 Steps to Perfect Brows

Achieving a stunning eyebrow makeup look is much simpler than it sounds. Learn to fill and define your client's brows for a natural look or apply bold and dramatic eyebrow techniques. Also, consider taking before and after photos that you can use to market your services.

Map Your Brows

Identify where your client's brow begins, arches, and ends. For the start point, trace an imaginary line from the outer edge of their nostril straight up toward their brow. The arch should coincide with the edge of the iris when it looks straight. The endpoint lines up with the corner of their nostril and the outer corner of their eyes.

Select the Right Eyebrow Makeup Tools

A stiff, angled brush and a smudge-proof eyebrow pencil are crucial to nailing those dramatic brows. The pencil's brushed end helps distribute the color evenly across the brows and complements the long-lasting, defined colors.

Identify the Correct Eyebrow Shape & Arch

Getting those bold eyebrows involves recognizing your client's natural brow shape, thickness, and perfect arch. Use an eyebrow pencil to outline their eyebrows. This will serve as a guide for filling and crisp outlining.

Build & Define the Eyebrows

Use an eyebrow pencil to draw hair-like strokes and fill sparse areas for a natural look. Start at the tail and work toward the inner corners to avoid harsh lines. For a more dramatic look, start at the middle of the brows and go outward, increasing the pressure as you draw. This helps the inner eyebrow remain natural-looking while the tail end is boldly defined.

Blend for a Natural Look

Blending is critical in achieving a natural finish once you've filled in your client's eyebrows. Gently brush their brows with a spoolie, diffusing the color for an even look. Powders excel at this step, delivering a soft, diffused, and natural look.

Advanced Eyebrow Makeup Tips

Giving your client's eyebrows that perfect, well-groomed look isn't just about filling and defining. There's much more to consider to perfect the arch and make it look natural.

Shape & tweeze for the perfect arch. Pluck any stray hairs outside your client's brow lines with a tweezer. A sharp, precise tweezer will let you pluck out unwanted hairs accurately, ensuring you don't over-pluck.
Trim to keep your brows looking neat & clean. Brush their eyebrow hairs up with a spoolie and trim any long hairs that stick out. Brushing down the brows and trimming again can help you catch hairs you might've missed.
Use highlighter and concealer to enhance the definition. A dab of concealer a shade lighter than the skin tone around the edges of the brows gives them a sharp, standout appearance. Applying a dash of highlighter under the brow's arch can make the brows look more lifted and eye-catching.

Common Eyebrow Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some of the eyebrow-shaping tips you can use to sidestep everyday blunders.

Avoid over-plucking. Resist the urge to take too much hair off when plucking. You're targeting a natural, not threadbare, look.
Avoid overfilling. Don't try to fill every bare spot visible to the naked eye with eyebrow pencil application. It's crucial to remember that filling techniques are meant to lend a natural look.
Use brow gel in moderation. A gel is excellent for keeping each hair in place, but don't overdo it, which could lead to an overdone, "crispy" look.
Refrain from relying too heavily on a single product. Combining an eyebrow pencil, powder, and gel may be beneficial for filling sparse eyebrows while still looking natural and effortless.
Use gentle strokes. Unless you're going for a more severe, dramatic look, employ gentle, upward strokes that mimic the eyebrow hairs when using a pencil and powder.
Match your brow color as closely as possible. Often, we see brows that are either too dark or too light compared to their natural hair color. When in doubt, choose a hue slightly lighter than the natural color for a subtler, more flattering look.

How to Maintain Eyebrow Makeup Throughout the Day

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned makeup enthusiast, ensuring your eyebrow makeup stays put throughout the day can be challenging. Encourage your clients to commit these tips to memory.

Choose long-lasting eyebrow makeup products. Perfect their application to ensure that the brows stay flawless all day.
Prepare for occasional touch-ups. Having a small angled brush and a mirror handy can save the day. Use the brush with powder to fill gaps and redefine the shape as needed.
Consider clear brow gel. Achieving a solid brow shape only sometimes means color. Clear brow gels are an excellent way to tame unruly, stand-alone hairs.
Take advantage of waterproof eyebrow makeup. Your brows will stay in place even if caught in a sudden downpour or have a particularly sweaty workout.

Suppose your client is looking for really long-lasting results. In that case, consider brow lamination or tinting instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should a beginner approach eyebrow makeup?

As a beginner, start by filling in sparse eyebrows with a high-quality pencil. Gradually add a mix of powder and pencil for optimal results. Practicing touch-up techniques using an angled brush and clear brow gel is also beneficial.

What's the trick to achieving natural-looking eyebrows?

Achieving natural-looking eyebrows relies heavily on excellent blending. Start by filling in the sparse sections, then use a spoolie to brush the color continuously into your brows until it is seamlessly blended.

What are some ways to maintain good-looking eyebrows?

Maintaining good-looking eyebrows requires the right makeup techniques and proper care. Avoid over-plucking your brows, invest in the right products, consider threading, hold the brow's tail, and aim for a believable arch. Also, apply products in a flicking motion and buff out any harsh lines.

What are the steps to precisely do eyebrows?

Start by assessing your eyebrow span and marking your boundaries — beginning, arch, and end. Fill in sparse areas with a mixture of powder and pencil. Blend well using a spoolie. Use a clear brow gel for a final touch-up and to set eyebrows.

How can a pencil be used to give eyebrows a natural appearance?

The trick with a pencil lies in the application and blending. Use light, feathery strokes to fill in the shape of the brows. Blend out the product evenly with a spoolie brush, focusing on evening out harsh lines. This will create a natural appearance.