Eyebrows – Tools and Techniques Icon

Eyebrows – Tools and Techniques

Makeup Tools and Techniques for Eyebrows 

When you have little to no brow hair, makeup application offers a versatile and immediate solution for creating natural-looking brows. The process involves using products, such as pencils, pens, powders, and/or stencils, to define the brow shape and mimic the appearance of real hair. These tools and techniques can help restore a sense of normalcy and boost confidence, while allowing you creative freedom for self-expression. 

Tools for Designing Eyebrows with an Eyebrow Pencil, Pen or Powder 

What you’ll need: 

  • Foundation or concealer 
  • Loose powder and sponge or powder puff 
  • A long pencil or long brush to create a visual line for measuring places to mark on brow bone 
  • Eyebrow pencil/pen or eyebrow powder 
  • Eyebrow brush 
  • Eyebrow pencil sharpener – Keep eyebrow pencil sharp! 
  • Q-tips for touch-ups 
  • Setting spray 

Steps for Designing Eyebrows with an Eyebrow Pencil, Pen or Powder 

  1. Apply make-up foundation to the face, including brow bone and eyelid to provide a base. Apply loose translucent powder over makeup foundation on brow bone and eyelid. 
  2. Study your brow bone – your goal is to outline the brow bone. Use eyebrow pencil/pen or powder (your make up tool of choice) to make dots (points) to outline the shape of an eyebrow. The outline of the eyebrow should begin at Point A, directly over the corner of the eye.
    • Take a long pencil and align it (vertically) with the edge of your nose and the inside corner of the eye. Use your tool to make the first dot at Point A. 
    • The highest point of the eyebrow (or arch) is at Point B, directly over the outer edge of the iris. Align a long pencil with the outer edge of the iris. Use your tool to make the 2nd dot at Point B. The dot made at Point B should be higher than Point A. 
    • The eyebrow ends at Point C. Align a long pencil again with the outer edge of your nose and the outside point of the eye. Use your tool to make a third dot at Point C. The third dot should be aligned with the first dot.   
  3. Use eyebrow pencil/pen or powder to connect Points A, B & C to form the shape of an eyebrow with your tool. Make outward strokes. 
  4. Anchor your fist to your cheek bone with the eyebrow pencil/pen or powder in hand. (This helps to give you more control.) 
  5. Starting at Point A, use your tool to make short upward strokes at and slightly above the eyebrow line. (This helps to create the illusion of eyebrow hair.) Make strokes from Point A to Point B straight up. Angle the strokes from Point B to Point C. Add a few wild strokes to make the eyebrow look real. 
  6. Apply a makeup setting spray or a translucent powder to set eyebrows helping to help them last longer. 

Brow Mapping and Makeup Video Tutorial

 

Resource

Step-by-Step Eyebrow Makeup Guide

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Brow Transfers / “Temporary Tattoos” 

Transfer brows are temporary eyebrow “tattoos” or decals that can be applied directly to the skin.  This brow product works best for people with no brow hair whatsoever. When applied over clean, smooth skin (without any hair), higher end brands can last up to a week. They may still work if you have sparse brows but won’t last as long.  

 Here’s how they work: 

  • The brows are printed on a special transfer paper. 
  • You cut out the shape, place it over your brow area, and press it on with a damp cloth. 
  • After a few seconds, peel the backing off, leaving the brow design behind. 
  • They typically last a few days and can be removed with makeup remover, rubbing alcohol or by applying a piece of masking tape and pulling off to remove. 

Transfer brows are available in various shapes, colors, and thicknesses (including dense brows that appear more masculine) — some are very realistic and mimic actual hair strokes, while others are more filled-in. They’re a great, non-permanent option if you need something low-maintenance and waterproof and/or if you don’t want to commit to microblading, nano brows, or tattooing (see below). 

Brow Wigs 

Brow wigs are small, realistic-looking prosthetic eyebrows made with real or synthetic hair that are hand-tied or glued onto a lace or flexible base. They’re designed to mimic natural eyebrows more closely than makeup or tattoos because they are three-dimensional. They are typically found at wig retailers and are applied directly to the brow bone using an adhesive (just like a wig adhesive). If cared for properly, they can last for a long time and be reused.  

Tattoo Brows, Microblading  & Other Semi-Permanent Options

Tattoo Brows 

Tattooed eyebrows may be a good solution for someone who doesn’t want to apply makeup or temporary brow every day. Although they are considered permanent, eyebrow tattoos do fade over time—usually 2 -3 years. Some tattoo inks also begin to change color over time, from black or dark brown to bluish-green. 

Microblading 

Microblading, a type of tattoo, is semi-permanent and lasts around 18 – 24 months but may stay longer with touch-ups. Rather than using a tattoo “gun,” microblading is done with a hand tool with a very fine blade. The technician creates fine, hair-like “cuts” into the brow skin and then deposits the ink into the fine lines superficially, not as deeply as with tattoos. In some people, microblading can cause scarring.

Nano Brows 

Nano brows are similar to microblading, but instead of creating “cuts” into the skin and depositing ink, nano brows use a super-fine mechanical tattooing needle to draw hair-like strokes. This is a newer technique than microblading. Nano brows can last 18–24 months but may require touch-ups by a technician. 

Powder Brows 

Powder brows (sometimes called ombre brows) are also a newer technique that uses a machine to implant pigment in tiny dots, creating a soft, shaded effect that looks like makeup powder or brow pencil. Some people use a combination of powder brows with nano blading or microblading for a hybrid effect that includes hair-like strokes with ombre powder for a polished, made-up look. 

 

Related Links

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FAQs

How long will brow makeup last?

It depends on the tools you use. But there are things you can do to help your makeup stay in place longer. Start with a primer and prepare the brow area by lightly applying along the brow bone. Once it’s dry, use your brow pencil, pen or powder to create your brows. Waterproof makeup might last longer, especially if you’re in a hot climate or you will be exercising. “Set” the makeup with a setting spray or setting powder to help your brows last.

How do you pick the right shade for brow makeup?

If you have scalp hair, use products about the same color as your natural hair color. If your hair is dyed, match it to your roots. If you have little to no scalp hair, choose a shade that matches your skin’s undertone (warmer or cooler). (If you want more dramatic effect, go darker). Test a small area first, or practice using different shades until you find your perfect match.

What are the most common mistakes people make when creating their brows?

Creating brows from scratch can be difficult and challenging. Start by mapping out your brow shape based on your facial features (see diagram above). Keep your brows in proportion with the size of your face and facial features – be careful not to go too big, blocky or long. Practice using light, feathery strokes: you can always add more. Don’t worry if your brows seem uneven – “brows should be sisters, not twins.”

How do you brow map using temporary tattoo brows or transfer brows?

Use the same mapping technique you would use as if you were drawing on your brows. You can use a very light eye pencil to mark the beginning edge and top of the arch. Cut the transfer brows as close as possible, leaving little “white space.” Then place the brow on your brow bone using your pencil marks as guides.

How do you decide if considering microblading, nano brows or powder (ombre) brows?

This is a very personal decision. Although these techniques all provide a semi-permanent option for achieving brows, there are pros and cons to each. Microblading attempts to offer a natural-looking hairstroke effect but can cause scarring and is not ideal for all skin types. Nano brows use a machine to create similar hair-like strokes with less skin trauma, making them better for sensitive, thin, or oily skin, but they may require touch-ups sooner than microblading. Ombre powder brows use a machine to create a soft, makeup-like fill, which is great for those who want a fuller, more defined look and have oily or mature skin, though the results might appear less natural than hair-stroke methods. You might also consider the healing time for each; microblading typically requires the longest healing time, although all techniques require some post-care.

Make sure you research your technician for whichever you choose. Review photos of their work and read reviews. If possible, seek out recommendations from family or friends. Because these techniques break the skin and are semi-permanent, you’ll want to ensure you’re working with someone who has vast experience with positive reviews in the technique.

What would you recommend for a man with no eyebrows?

All the same options available to women are also available to men. If using makeup or transfer brows, men might choose to create a darker, thicker brow. If considering a semi-permanent technique, men should seek out technicians with photos, reviews and experience from others.