How to Do Your Eyebrows

Have you ever caught yourself in the mirror or taken a selfie after doing your brows and thought “What the heck is going on with those arches?” It’s a more common phenomenon than you might think and that’s because defining your eyebrows is somewhat of an art that takes both practice and skill. And because everybody’s brows concerns are so different– some are too sparse, others too unruly, and others asymmetrical– the types of brow products you use and how you apply them will differ from person to person. Your eyebrows are essentially the frames of your face and will tie your makeup look together, so when done poorly, it can really mess with your overall glam. But, not to worry, Maybelline New York is here with all the pro brow tips and product recommendations you need to achieve enviable arches.
  1. TIP #1: START SIMPLE

    If you’ve never been much of a brow girly and tend to stick to simply brushing hairs up with a spoolie and calling it a day, the easiest first step in scoring your best brows is to incorporate a brow gel. Take out the color guessing and start with a clear formula like Express Brow™ Fast Sculpt™. It tames hairs upon application with its mini sculpting brush and will hold them in place all day. No color-matching or filling-in necessary!
    Express Brow™ Fast Sculpt™
  2. TIP #2: FILL IN STARTING AT THE TAIL

    Sounds weird, but it makes sense to start at the tail of your brow when you think about it– you tend to have the most product on your brush and a heavier hand when you first start applying. So, to avoid the dreaded marker eyebrow look of the past, it’s best to start at the tail end and work your way inward towards your nose. If sparseness is your problem, our Build-a-Brow 2-in-1 Brow Pen is for you. On one end, you get a precise brow pen (choose from 6 sweat-resistant, smudge-resistant, and humidity-proof shades) that allows you to draw the most realistic hairlike strokes– kind of like microblading, but without any permanent ink or needles. And on the other side of the pen is a clear brow gel that allows you to set brow hairs in place sans any crunchy feeling.
    Build-A-Brow
  3. TIP #3: TRY A LAMINATED LOOK

    You’re likely familiar with the trendy brow lamination treatment, but if you’re not, here’s the 411. For those with super unruly brows, having the hairs chemically treated and essentially relaxed, allows them to stay in place, appearing straighter and better groomed. For a much more wallet-friendly price tag and no time spent sitting in a salon, you can achieve a similar look with our Super Lock™ Brow Glue. The nonsticky formula promises to sculpt and style brows in place for up to 24 hours. Plus, it’s flake-, sweat-, and transfer-resistant.
    Super Lock Brow Glue
  4. TIP #4: TRY A TINTED BROW GEL FOR 5-SECOND FULLNESS

    Clear gels are perfect for newbies, but if you feel like maybe you’re ready to advance to the next level of your brow journey, reach for a tinted brow gel like Express Brow™ Fast Sculpt™ Gel Brow Mascara. Offered in six natural brow shades, this all day wear, life-proof formula gives you color and hold in just a few swipes. Pro tip: keep a clean cotton swab on standby– it can be easy to get a little swipe-happy and stray outside the borders of your brows, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to apply with your eyes closed (but that’s not necessarily recommended).
    Express Brow™ Fast Sculpt™
  5. TIP #5: FLUFF UP YOUR BROWS WITH MOUSSE

    A telltale sign that brows have essentially been drawn on is how flat and one-dimensional the color looks. Real hair has texture and doesn’t grow flush onto the skin, so to mimic a natural-looking brow, our Superfluff™ Brow Mousse has an airy, volumizing formula that diffuses onto brow hairs for a soft, full, and fluffy look. Choose from 6 natural shades and start flufffing up those brows.
    Superfluff™
  6. TIP #6: GET A SMOOTH FINISH WITH POWDER

    Hesitant about drawing on fake hairs? We get it, it’s not easy. While you’re still learning to use a precise, fine-tip pen, which calls for deft and precision, using a powder can be a little more forgiving. That’s why we love our Express Brow™ Duo 2-in-1 Pencil. Not only does it have a teardrop-shaped pencil on one end, which is easier to control than a more pointed tip, but the other end has a powder-filled sponge that will help to blend and smooth the pigment into your brows for a softer, fuller look.
    EXPRESS BROW™ DUO
  7. TIP #7: FOR THE MOST DEFINED BROW, USE AN ULTRA SLIM PENCIL

    If you don’t want your filled-in brows to look overfilled in, the key is to have a super light hand with your application, and using a product that won’t allow you to apply too much pigment helps, too. Our Express Brow™ Ultra Slim Defining Pencil is perfect for brows that need minimal filling-in and brows that can benefit from just a few feathery strokes. This smooth pencil glides on like butter, allowing you to target certain spots and define your brows without tugging at the delicate skin around your eyes.
    Express Brow™ Ultra Slim
  8. TIP #8: TRY A MULTI-PRONG APPLICATOR TO SAVE TIME

    Drawing hairlike strokes can be tedious and time-consuming and only takes one foul swipe to delay your whole morning. So rather than having to draw on every individual hair, we created the Tattoo Studio® Brow Tint Pen, which features 4 tips, allowing you to get out the door and start your day on a brighter, better brow-ed note. Simply angle the multi-prong tip across the eyebrow and make quick upward strokes until your brows look fresh and full.
    TATTOO STUDIO® BROW TINT PEN
  9. TIP #9: TRY A POMADE FOR BOLDER BROWS

    If the natural look isn’t for you, there are options for building bolder brows, too, such as the Tattoo Studio® Brow Pomade. The pomade pigment comes in 6 shades and layers easily, so you can build up your coverage as desired. Warning: there is an angled brush involved, but, if you’re a pro at applying eyeliner this way, you’re in the clear. Start with the spoolie end of the brush to comb your hairs up and out– this will allow you to identify any particularly patchy areas. Follow with the angled brush dipped in pomade and add more to your brows as needed.
    Tattoo Studio® Brow Pomade
  10. TIP #10: ENHANCE YOUR SHAPE, DON'T RE-CREATE

    Always follow your natural brow shape rather than trying to recreate someone else's eyebrow look. And remember, your brows are supposed to be sisters, not twins, so if they’re not perfectly identical, don’t stress about it!