Your eyebrows can make a big difference to your overall appearance. Well-groomed brows can frame your face, define your eyes and give you a more polished look, even when you are wearing little or no make-up. Thankfully, achieving neat eyebrows does not always require an expensive salon visit. Here are some simple eyebrow hacks you can try at home.
- Brush your brows before doing anything else
Before filling, shaping or trimming your eyebrows, use a clean spoolie brush to comb the hairs upwards and outwards. This helps you see the natural shape of your brows and makes it easier to identify areas that need attention.
- Use a spoolie to soften brow pencil
If your eyebrow pencil looks too harsh or dark, do not immediately wipe it off. Simply brush through your brows with a spoolie. This will distribute the product more evenly and create a softer, more natural appearance.
- Choose a shade close to your natural brow colour
Using a colour that is too dark can make your eyebrows look heavy and unnatural. Choose a brow pencil or powder that closely matches your natural hair colour. If you have very dark brows, a slightly lighter shade can sometimes create a softer finish.
- Use short, light strokes
Instead of drawing one continuous line across your eyebrows, use small, light strokes that resemble individual hairs. Start from the areas where your brows look sparse and gradually build up the colour. This technique gives a more natural result.
- Clean around your brows
A little concealer around the edges of your eyebrows can instantly make them look more defined. Apply a small amount underneath and above the brow, then blend it carefully into your skin. Avoid using too much product, as this can make the brows look overly outlined.
- Do not over-pluck
It can be tempting to keep removing stray hairs in an attempt to achieve perfectly shaped brows. However, over-plucking can leave your eyebrows looking thin and uneven. Follow your natural brow shape and only remove obvious stray hairs.
- Try brow gel for a quick fix
If you are short on time, a clear or tinted brow gel can be all you need. Brush the hairs upwards and slightly outwards to keep them in place throughout the day. This is particularly useful for creating a neat, effortless look.
- Use a little moisturiser carefully
If your brows appear dry or unruly, a tiny amount of moisturiser can help soften the hairs. Apply it sparingly and avoid getting too much product around the eyes. For everyday grooming, a dedicated brow gel is usually a better option.
- Use a clean toothbrush in an emergency
Do you have no spoolie nearby? A clean, unused soft toothbrush can serve as a temporary alternative. Use it gently to brush your eyebrow hairs into place. Make sure the toothbrush is clean and used only for this purpose.
- Give your brows time to grow
If you have over-plucked your eyebrows, resist the temptation to keep reshaping them. Allow the hairs time to grow back before deciding on a new shape. You can use a brow pencil to fill in sparse areas while you wait.
- Keep your tools clean
Tweezers, spoolies and brow brushes can collect oil, make-up and bacteria. Clean your tools regularly and avoid sharing them with other people. Keeping your beauty tools clean is a simple way to maintain good hygiene.