How to Get Perfectly Shaped Eyebrows
Shaping your own eyebrows can be a liberating experience. For those who’ve never ventured beyond traditional salon visits, the prospect of DIY brow maintenance may seem daunting. However, with the right guidance, anyone can learn how to shape their eyebrows like a pro. I, for one, have always been hesitant about salon treatments after witnessing friends’ over-plucked brows in high school.
The temporary solution would leave them with sparse, awkwardly shaped brows that seemed to age them prematurely. In reality, thick and full eyebrows are the key to maintaining a youthful appearance. Unfortunately, excessive plucking or waxing can have long-term consequences, leaving your natural brow growth stunted.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Shape Eyebrows for Beginners
When it comes to maintaining my eyebrows, I prefer to take a DIY approach to avoid any potential disasters. By trimming, shaping, and plucking my brows at home, I’ve found that the results are just as good, if not better, than visiting a professional. Of course, this approach requires some skill and caution, but with these step-by-step instructions, you can learn how to trim your eyebrows like a pro right from the comfort of your own home.
Step one: Brush eyebrows upward
To achieve a perfectly defined shape, start by using an eyebrow brush to gently sweep your brows upwards. This simple yet effective technique helps to lift and define the natural shape of your eyebrows.
Step two: Trim eyebrows with scissors
To achieve a tidier appearance, consider trimming the tops of your eyebrows using a scissor. You don’t need a specific beauty tool to get the job done; any pair will suffice. However, if you prefer precision and ease of use, investing in specialized beauty scissors designed for this task can be a worthwhile consideration.
Step three: Find where your eyebrows should start and pluck them accordingly
When it comes to defining your eyebrow shape, a crucial first step is determining the correct starting point. I’m all for embracing natural beauty, so avoid the urge to over-pluck! When beginning your brow plucking journey, start with a conservative approach – you can always adjust as needed later. To find where your eyebrows should start, try this simple trick: place a pencil brush at the edge of your nose’s nostril and draw an imaginary line straight up.
This will give you a guideline for your natural brow shape. In my case, I prefer a slightly fuller eyebrow look, so mine extend beyond this starting point – but feel free to customize yours to suit your personal style.
Step four: Find where your eyebrows should be arched and pluck eyebrows as needed
While step four can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to plucking your eyebrows, there’s no need to stress if this is your first time. Simply move on to step five and worry about arch perfection later.
In fact, it’s all too common for women to overpluck, resulting in uneven and excessively thin brows. If you do want to attempt an arch, use the eyebrow pencil to draw a line from the edge of your nose through your pupil – this is where the natural arch should sit.
When it comes to actual plucking, start with just a few hairs (five or six at most) and focus on removing only those that lie underneath your brow. Avoid plucking any hairs above the eyebrow as you work.
Step five: Pluck under the eyebrows to create thinner brows at the ends
To achieve a more youthful appearance, it’s crucial to master step five: strategically removing stray hairs from the ends of your eyebrows. The key is to maintain their natural length, rather than trying to tame them completely. Simply pluck 3-5 hairs under each eyebrow tip, being mindful not to overdo it. By doing so, you’ll preserve the youthful effect that longer brows provide.
Step six: Step away! Don’t pluck anymore
As you near the end of the initial shaping process, pause and reassess your progress. Take a step back from the mirror and evaluate how your eyebrows are looking. If necessary, stop the shaping process right now and consider postponing further adjustments until later. It’s essential to avoid over-plucking, which can lead to unintended consequences.
Common Mistakes When Shaping Eyebrows at Home (and How to Avoid Them!)
When it comes to shaping or plucking their own eyebrows, many women make two common mistakes. The first and most critical error is over-plucking. It’s essential to exercise restraint and avoid removing too much hair at once. Instead, take it slow, pluck a few hairs, and then stop to reassess the area. You can always go back for more if needed. The second mistake many women make is plucking too close to the top of their eyebrows.
This can lead to unevenness and alter the natural shape of your brows. To achieve the best results, focus on plucking under your eyebrows only, leaving the area above untouched.
Supplies Needed to Trim and Shape Eyebrows for Beginners at Home
To trim your eyebrows at home, you don’t need much beyond the basics. A good pair of scissors and tweezers are all you really require. In my experience, the Revlon brand offers excellent tweezers that are well worth the investment – I’ve found cheaper alternatives for under $3 to be subpar. Additionally, using an eyebrow pencil can be a great way to enhance your natural shape.
The Laura Mercier eyebrow pencil, in particular, features a soft brush on the end that’s perfect for gently brushing your eyebrow hairs upwards, much like an eyebrow brush. I prefer this approach and find it produces more precise results than traditional brushes.
Should I Use an Eyebrow Pencil?
While it’s not necessary to use an eyebrow pencil on everyone, those with blonde or light-colored eyebrows may find it essential for defining their brows. For instance, my sister has blonde eyebrows that are barely noticeable without a little help from an eyebrow pencil. On the other hand, individuals with darker brow colors like brown may choose to use an eyebrow pencil to accentuate their facial features if they want to create a more dramatic look.
I personally only use an eyebrow pencil to fill in the inner corners of my brows near the nose, and find that it makes a big difference when I’m getting ready for a night out or heading to work. When it comes to choosing an eyebrow pencil, I’m a fan of the Laura Mercier fair blonde shade. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I’ve found that other options can look unnatural if they’re too dark.
The right eyebrow pencil can make all the difference in creating a polished, put-together look from home.
Is Waxing Eyebrows or Threading Eyebrows Better?
To be honest, I’ve only indulged in eyebrow shaping a handful of times throughout my life – roughly 4-6 instances, to be exact. While I have experimented with waxing (2-3 times) and threading (also 2-3 times), the latter has become my go-to method. The speed, affordability, natural-looking results, and relatively painless experience all contribute to its appeal.
Moreover, the Indian women who own many of the threading establishments in my area are skilled practitioners who understand the importance of subtle shaping and gentle techniques – a stark contrast to some waxing experiences that can leave brows looking overly defined. For me, waxing simply doesn’t measure up, as it often results in a ‘too-shaped’ appearance, is more expensive, and may cause temporary skin irritation.
My Eyebrows are Uneven. What Should I Do?
When dealing with uneven eyebrows, it’s essential not to panic and start plucking. Instead, allow the thinner brow to grow out naturally. This approach can help create a more balanced look over time.
It’s also important not to stress too much about the imperfection. As my friend Chantel wisely points out, ‘your eyebrows are sisters, not twins.’ They may not be identical, but that’s what makes them uniquely yours.
In fact, I’m living proof of this.
The photo below shows my own slightly uneven brows (who hasn’t had a bad hair day, right?). But rather than trying to fix the issue, I’ve simply let my eyebrows grow out and they’ve eventually evened out on their own.
For those who want to take more proactive steps, consider filling in your thinner brow with a good eyebrow pencil. This can help create the illusion of symmetry and add depth to your overall look.
Are Thinner or Thicker Eyebrows Better?
While I have a personal preference for thicker eyebrows, as evident from my Instagram page, Very Easy Makeup. A closer look at popular culture reveals that young women often sport thicker brows, perfectly framed by their features. This trend can be seen in publications like Girls’ Life and Seventeen Magazine, where teenage girls showcase well-groomed yet prominent eyebrows. The youthful appearance associated with thick eyebrows is undeniable.
In contrast, many older women opt for thinner eyebrows. Take Angelina Jolie, for instance, whose characteristic features are complemented by her delicate brow line. However, I find myself drawn to thicker eyebrows like those sported by Jessica Alba and the stunning brows of Steph Claire Smith – my current beauty obsession.
Dos and Don’ts for Shaping Eyebrows at Home for Beginners
While reiterating the importance of restraint when it comes to eyebrow maintenance, let’s delve into some additional guidelines. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between shaping and leaving your brows alone. Avoid over-enthusiastic tweezing, and refrain from meddling with the topmost sections of your eyebrows altogether. By adopting this mindful approach, you’ll be able to cultivate a natural look that’s uniquely yours.
Do Carry Tweezers with You in Your Purse
Although it may seem absurd at first, I’ve developed the habit of carrying tweezers with me, tucked away in my purse. This peculiar practice allows me to swiftly remove any stray hairs that dare to make an appearance, often when I’m trying on clothes or admiring myself in a dressing room mirror. The harsh lighting in these spaces can be unforgiving, revealing even the smallest imperfections – and it’s precisely this vulnerability that prompts my impromptu plucking sessions.
Don’t Have Your Eyebrows Start Too Far Out
While it’s natural to have individual preferences when it comes to eyebrow shapes and placements, I’ve always been drawn to more defined and centered brows. For me, Reese Witherspoon’s eyebrows, as lovely as she is, start a bit too far apart. If I were styling her, I’d aim for a more symmetrical look by bringing them in closer to the nose.
To illustrate this point, let’s take a cue from Jessica Alba’s features.
Her thicker brows are notable for their inward tilt, which adds balance and harmony to her overall facial structure.
One of My Eyebrows ALWAYS Has a Better Arch. Is There Anything I Can Do?
In many individuals, one eyebrow has a more pronounced arch than its counterpart. This disparity may be simply a result of the natural variations in eyebrow shape and size. Think of your eyebrows as sisters rather than identical twins – it’s only to be expected that they won’t be an exact match. For those who are particularly bothered by this difference, there are options available.
Consider consulting with a medical professional about the possibility of using Xeomin or Botox to subtly elevate the shape of the lower-arched eyebrow.
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