How To Fill In Your Brows + Totally Change Your Face
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Some people won’t leave the house without lipstick or mascara, but I feel naked without my brows. After over-tweezing them in college (DON’T DO IT!), they never fully recovered and remain totally sparse and embarrassing. See above! I can hardly stand to post this pic . . . But it just goes to show how critical a solid brow is to framing your face and balancing your features. Mine run large and dark, making a full brow all the more important. So when I get compliments on my brows I have to laugh. But this also tells me it’s time to share my secrets!
As with all makeup, the brow products and tools you use are key. Especially getting the color right. So many brow fillers run warm, even reddish. I’m partial to powders, which look more natural, blend in more easily with those little hairs, and don’t leave that harsh looking line so many pencils do. Sigma’s Brow Powder Duos (only $14!) come in a range of hues and the two-tone palette means you can adjust the boldness seasonally or depending on your style. I use the Medium shade.
After combing brows in place with a spoolie (down or up depending on their natural direction), use an angled brush—Sigma’s ($16) works beautifully and also comes with a spoolie on the end in the Brow Expert Kit ($49)—to lightly feather the brow powder into any sparse areas. Less is more to start; you can always layer on more powder. Be sure to blend everything in with the spoolie!
Can you see the difference? Amiright?! Already I look more polished and pulled together.
To set the powder and keep brow hairs in place all day, you’ll need a brow gel (clear mascara works great) or this super handy Brow Wax in Sigma’s kit.
That’s it! What do you think? I swear a fuller brow brings out my eyes and gives me more defined cheekbones. And you’ll notice that I have two differently shaped brows—that’s just how they grow naturally—but I’m learning to embrace them. Perfection is boring!
How do you feel about your brows? Any favorite products or tricks? Do tell.
Very subtle and efficient technique. Thanks
I’ve been “growing out my brows” (now that’s a sentence I never thought I’d say) for the last few months and while it has been torture to not pluck at all, it’s finally paying off and they’re starting to fill in again. I use powder to make them look even, but will have to try out wax to set it! Do you have any recommendations on threading places in the Twin Cities? I just need a little clean-up but don’t want them to be overdone after taking so long to “grow them out” haha!
Hi Cal! I hear you! Best brow advice I received is to just leave them alone. You can also try lash growth serum. I DO know the best threading place in town: Blink in the North Loop. Christina is pretty much the only person who I let touch what’s left of mine!
http://www.blinkforbeauty.com
absolutely! I’m a redhead, so my brows are naturally super light. almost non-existent in the summer. several years ago someone suggested that if I got them tinted, they’d give my face more depth and my eyes would pop. I gave it a go and now I’m obsessed. the tint only lasts for about 3 weeks (I fill in with pencil or gel between appointments), but when it does start to fade, the difference is crazy! I feel naked! So yes, I get it. Brows are everything!
For what it’s worth, E, I have ALWAYS admired your impeccable and (to my eye) fabulously full brows. Seriously.