Defining and shaping your eyebrows can elevate your entire face, framing your eyes and enhancing your natural features. However, achieving the perfect brow look can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to using an eyebrow pencil. With the right technique and a little practice, you can master the art of shaping and filling in your brows with an eyebrow pencil, revealing a more polished and defined look.
Before you start, it’s crucial to select the right eyebrow pencil shade. Choose a color that closely matches your natural brow hair color to achieve a natural-looking finish. Once you have the perfect shade, begin by brushing your brows upward using a spoolie brush to remove any tangles or stray hairs. This will help you see the natural shape of your brows and identify any areas that need filling in.
Start by outlining the lower arch of your brows using short, feathery strokes. Follow the natural curve of your brow, gently pressing down on the pencil to create a defined line. Once the lower arch is established, move to the upper arch and follow the same technique to outline the shape. Connect the two arches by filling in the center of your brow with light, upward strokes. This will create a natural-looking fullness and define the overall shape of your brows.
The Art of Eyebrow Penciling
Eyebrow pencils are a versatile tool that can be used to create a variety of looks, from natural to dramatic. With a little practice, anyone can learn to master the art of eyebrow penciling. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
**Choose the right pencil:**
The first step is to choose the right eyebrow pencil. There are a variety of different pencils available, each with its own unique texture and finish. For a natural look, choose a pencil that is the same color as your eyebrows. For a more dramatic look, choose a pencil that is a shade or two darker. You may also want to consider the shape of the pencil. A thin pencil will give you more precision, while a thicker pencil will create a bolder line.
**Start with a light hand:**
When you’re first starting out, it’s important to start with a light hand. This will help you avoid creating harsh lines or overdoing it. Gradually increase the pressure as needed to achieve the desired look.
**Follow the natural shape of your brows:**
When filling in your eyebrows, it’s important to follow the natural shape of your brows. This will help you avoid creating an unnatural look. To find the natural shape of your brows, simply brush them up and follow the line of your brow bone.
**Use short, feathery strokes:**
When filling in your eyebrows, use short, feathery strokes. This will help you create a natural look and avoid creating harsh lines. To create feathery strokes, hold the pencil at a slight angle and gently drag it along the brow bone.
Selecting the Ideal Eyebrow Pencil
Choosing the perfect eyebrow pencil is crucial to achieve precise and natural-looking brows. Here are key factors to consider:
Formula:
- Powder-based pencils: Provide a soft, diffused finish, ideal for sparse or light-colored brows.
- Cream-based pencils: Create bolder lines and are suitable for filling in gaps or shaping thicker brows.
- Gel-based pencils: Offer long-lasting, smudge-proof coverage, making them ideal for oily skin or humid climates.
- Waterproof pencils: Essential for preventing smudging or fading due to sweat, water, or rain.
Tip Shape:
- Angled tips: Allow for precise and controlled application, perfect for creating hair-like strokes.
- Round tips: Create thicker, more defined lines, suitable for shaping and filling in brows.
- Spoolie brush-tipped pencils: Include a built-in brush to blend and groom brows after application.
Shade:
Choose a shade that closely matches your natural brow color to create a natural and cohesive look. Consider these tips:
| Hair Color | Suitable Eyebrow Pencil Shade |
|---|---|
| Blonde | Blond, taupe, or ash brown |
| Brunette | Dark brown, chocolate brown, or gray |
| Black | Black, charcoal, or deep gray |
| Redhead | Auburn, copper, or warm brown |
Shaping the Ideal Arch
Creating the perfect eyebrow arch can elevate your entire look, bringing balance and definition to your face. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the ideal arch:
- Determine Your Face Shape: Different face shapes suit different eyebrow shapes. For example, round faces often look best with arched eyebrows, while square faces complement straight eyebrows.
- Locate Three Key Points: Mark three points on your brow bone:
- Start Point: Align a pencil vertically from the inner corner of your eye to the brow bone.
- Arch Point: Move the pencil diagonally from the outer edge of your iris to the brow bone.
- End Point: Position the pencil at a 45-degree angle from the outer corner of your eye to the brow bone.
- Draw the Shape: Use an eyebrow pencil to draw a soft line connecting the three points. Start at the start point and follow the natural curve of your brow bone. At the arch point, create a gentle curve to lift the brow. Continue the line to the end point, keeping it slightly higher than the start point.
- Fill and Define: Fill in the brow shape you’ve created with short, hair-like strokes using an eyebrow pencil. Use a lighter shade at the start point and gradually darken the color towards the end point to create depth and dimension.
- Groom and Blend: Use a spoolie brush to groom the brows and blend the pencil lines. Brush the hairs upwards and outwards, following the direction of your natural brow growth.
Filling in the Gaps
Now that you have your eyebrows shaped, you can begin to fill in any gaps or sparse areas. To do this, use an eyebrow pencil in a shade that matches your natural brow color. Start by lightly outlining the shape of your eyebrows, then fill in the gaps with short, feathery strokes. Be sure to follow the natural direction of your hair growth, and avoid drawing on harsh lines.
4. Blend and Brush
Once you have filled in the gaps, use a spoolie brush to blend the pencil into your natural eyebrows. This will help to create a more natural look. You can also use a clear brow gel to set your eyebrows in place and keep them looking polished all day long.
| Items | Function |
|---|---|
| Eyebrow Pencil | Fill in gaps and sparse areas |
| Spoolie Brush | Blend the pencil into natural eyebrows |
| Clear Brow Gel | Set eyebrows in place and keep them looking polished |
Smudging and Blending Techniques
Smudging and blending are essential techniques for creating natural-looking eyebrows with a pencil. Follow these steps to achieve a flawless finish:
Smudging
Hold the pencil at a 45-degree angle and gently drag it along the skin in the direction of hair growth. This will create a soft, diffused base for your brows.
Blending
Use a spoolie brush or a clean cotton swab to blend the pencil strokes. Start from the inner corner and work your way outward. This will soften the lines and distribute the color evenly, creating a more natural look.
Creating Hair-Like Strokes
For a more defined look, use short, feather-like strokes to mimic the appearance of individual hairs. Hold the pencil parallel to the skin and gently tap it to create tiny lines.
Filling in Sparse Areas
If you have sparse eyebrows, you can use the pencil to fill in the gaps. Start by drawing small dots in the desired areas. Then, use the smudging and blending techniques to distribute the color and create a cohesive look.
Choosing the Right Color
The key to achieving a natural-looking finish is choosing a pencil shade that closely matches your natural hair color. If you have dark hair, opt for a dark brown or black pencil. For lighter hair, choose a blonde or light brown shade.
| Hair Color | Pencil Shade |
|---|---|
| Black | Dark Brown or Black |
| Brown | Brown or Dark Brown |
| Blonde | Taupe or Blonde |
| Red | Auburn or Red-Brown |
The Finishing Touches
Once you have filled in your brows, you can add the finishing touches to complete your look. Here are a few tips:
6. Blend and Set
To make your brows look more natural, use a spoolie brush to blend the pencil strokes. This will help to soften the lines and give your brows a more polished look. You can also use a clear brow gel to set your brows in place and keep them from smudging.
Here are the steps for blending and setting your brows:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use a spoolie brush to brush your brows in the direction of hair growth. |
| 2 | Apply a small amount of clear brow gel to the spoolie brush. |
| 3 | Brush the brow gel through your brows to set them in place. |
Natural-Looking Eyebrows with a Pencil
Basics
Before grabbing a pencil, ensure your brows are clean and free of oil or makeup. Use a spoolie brush to comb through them, removing any tangles or stray hairs.
Choosing the Right Pencil
Select a pencil that matches your natural brow color or is one shade lighter. Avoid pencils that are too dark or too hard, as they can create harsh lines and look unnatural.
Outlining Your Brows
Using light, feathery strokes, outline the shape of your brows. Start at the inner corner and follow the natural arch, ending at the outer edge. Avoid drawing straight lines or sharp angles.
Filling In the Gaps
Once your brows are outlined, begin filling in any sparse areas. Use short, gentle strokes to mimic the direction of your natural brow hairs. Focus on adding color to the areas where there are visible gaps or missing hairs.
Blending
To create a natural-looking finish, use a brow brush or spoolie to blend the pencil strokes. Brush over the brows in the direction of hair growth to soften any harsh lines and distribute the color evenly.
Highlighting and Defining
Highlight the brow bone using a light-colored eyeshadow or brow highlighter. This will create an illusion of lift and prevent the brows from looking too flat. For a more defined look, use a brow gel or wax to hold the brows in place and enhance their shape.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply a small amount of brow primer to hold brows in place. |
| 2 | Outline desired brow shape with brow pencil in light strokes. |
| 3 | Use longer strokes within outline to fill in sparse areas. |
| 4 | Brush through brows with spoolie to distribute color. |
| 5 | Highlight brow bone for lift and shape. |
| 6 | Apply brow gel or wax for definition and hold. |
| 7 | Maintain Natural Appearance
|
Enhancing Eye Shape
Eyebrow shape can significantly alter facial appearance and accentuate specific eye shapes.
Almond Eyes
Slightly arched brows flatter almond eyes, creating balance and definition.
Round Eyes
Angular brows with a defined arch help elongate and lift round eyes, providing a more open appearance.
Hooded Eyes
Thin, slightly arched brows help create the illusion of a more lifted eye shape.
Upturned Eyes
Flatter brows with a slight tail help balance the upward slant of upturned eyes, creating symmetry.
Downturned Eyes
Arched brows with an exaggerated tail counteract the downturned appearance of eyes, creating a more uplifted effect.
Wide-set Eyes
Extend brows inward towards the bridge of the nose to create the illusion of closer-set eyes.
Close-set Eyes
Extend brows outward to visually widen the space between the eyes.
Guidelines for Choosing Eyebrow Pencil Color
| Hair Color | Eyebrow Pencil Color |
|---|---|
| Lightblonde | Taupe |
| Blonde | Light brown |
| Brown | Medium brown |
| Dark Brown | Dark brown or black-brown |
| Black | Black or black-brown |
Step-by-Step Guide to Penciling Eyebrows
1. Determine Your Eyebrow Shape
Identify your natural eyebrow shape or choose a desired one. This will guide the penciling process.
2. Choose the Right Pencil
Select a pencil that matches your eyebrow color or is slightly darker for definition. A soft, creamy pencil will blend easily.
3. Brush Your Eyebrows
Use a spoolie or eyebrow brush to brush your eyebrows upward and outward to remove tangles and shape them.
4. Outline the Upper Arch
Start at the inner corner of your eyebrow and lightly draw a line along the upper arch, following the natural shape.
5. Fill in the Base
Use short, feathery strokes to fill in the area between the upper arch and the brow bone, creating a smooth transition.
6. Define the Lower Line
Draw a straight line along the lower edge of your eyebrow, starting from the inner corner and extending to the outer edge.
7. Color the Inner Corner
Lightly shade the inner corner of your eyebrow to add depth and avoid a harsh contrast.
8. Blend and Soften
Use a spoolie or brush to blend the pencil strokes, creating a natural, soft look.
9. Fill in Sparse Areas and Enhance Volume
| Technique | Effect |
| Draw individual hairs | Adds realistic detail and volume |
| Use a powder brow | Creates a soft, diffused look |
| Apply brow gel | Holds brows in place and adds volume |
Tips for Filling in Eyebrows with Pencil
10. Troubleshooting Common Eyebrow Penciling Issues
Issue | Cause | Solution
—|—|—
Smudging | Pencil is too soft or oily | Use a harder, matte pencil or set brows with a clear gel.
Patchiness | Pencil is not pigmented enough | Use a creamier pencil or apply multiple layers.
Unnatural appearance | Pencil is too dark or harsh | Use a lighter shade or blend pencil strokes.
Disappearing color | Brows are too oily or have been wiped away | Use a primer or setting powder before applying pencil, or avoid touching brows throughout the day.
Discrepancy between brows | One brow is higher or thicker than the other | Measure brows before filling in and start with the smaller brow.
Difficulty creating precise lines | Pencil tip is too thick or rounded | Sharpen pencil frequently and use short, feathery strokes.
Eyebrows look painted on | Pencil is applied too heavily | Use a light touch and blend pencil strokes.
Brow hairs look stiff or unnatural | Pencil is applied against the grain | Apply pencil in the same direction as brow hair growth.
Irritation or allergic reaction | Pencil contains ingredients that irritate skin | Patch test pencil on a small area of skin before using or switch to a hypoallergenic formula.
Color fades quickly | Pencil is not waterproof or smudge-proof | Use a waterproof or smudge-proof pencil, or set brows with a sealant.
How To Do My Eyebrows With Pencil
Eyebrows frame the face and can make a big difference in your overall appearance. If you’re not happy with the shape or thickness of your eyebrows, you can use a pencil to fill them in and create a more defined look.
Here are a few tips on how to do your eyebrows with a pencil:
- Start by brushing your eyebrows up with a spoolie brush. This will help to remove any stray hairs and make it easier to see the shape of your brows.
- Use a light, feathery touch to apply the pencil to your brows. Start at the inner corner of your brow and work your way outwards, following the natural shape of your brow.
- If you want to create a more defined look, you can use a darker shade of pencil or apply the pencil more heavily.
- Blend the pencil with a spoolie brush to create a more natural look.
- Set your eyebrows with a clear brow gel to keep them in place all day.
People also ask
What is the best way to shape my eyebrows?
The best way to shape your eyebrows depends on your face shape. If you have a round face, you’ll want to create a more angular shape to balance out your features. If you have a square face, you’ll want to create a softer shape to soften your angles. And if you have an oval face, you can pretty much get away with any shape.
How often should I fill in my eyebrows?
How often you need to fill in your eyebrows depends on how quickly your hair grows. If you have sparse brows, you may need to fill them in every day. If you have thicker brows, you may only need to fill them in once a week or so.
What is the best pencil for filling in my eyebrows?
The best pencil for filling in your eyebrows is one that is a shade or two darker than your natural brow color. You’ll also want to choose a pencil that has a soft, creamy formula that will blend easily.
