Understanding Eyebrow Pens
The art of adding the right shape and volume to your eyebrows to enhance your facial features has been popular for many years. One convenient tool that can help you achieve this goal is the eyebrow pen. But what exactly is an eyebrow pen? It is essentially a makeup instrument designed to fill in sparse areas of your eyebrows, define their shape, or moderate their color. Unlike traditional eyebrow pencils, eyebrow pens offer a semi-permanent and waterproof solution, providing a trusted addition to your daily makeup routine. They typically come with a fine tip that allows for precise application, mimicking the look of natural brow hairs. Acquainting yourself with the functionality of this tool is the first step towards mastering the skill of eyebrow enhancement.
Prepping Your Eyebrows
The second phase in successful application of the eyebrow pen involves proper prepping of your eyebrows. Starting with clean, dry eyebrows ensures the best results. Use a gentle cleanser to eliminate any makeup residue or oils from your brows and the surrounding area, then pat them dry.
Next, brush your eyebrows upward using an eyebrow brush or a clean mascara wand. This step will help reveal any sparse areas, helping you target your application more effectively. Additionally, try to maintain a natural eyebrow shape and structure, as over-plucking or harsh shaping can result in artificial-looking eyebrows. Now you are ready for the next stage.
Choosing the Right Eyebrow Pen Shade
The third step is selecting an eyebrow pen that matches your eyebrow color. Contrary to some popular beliefs, your eyebrow color does not need to mirror your hair color exactly. A good rule of thumb is to choose the shade that best complements your underlying skin tone and hair color. If you have blonde hair, consider choosing a shade that is one tone darker. For those with dark brown or black hair, opting for a shade that is one to two shades lighter might be the best alternative. For individuals with red or auburn hair, an eyebrow pen with undertones that match the hair's undertones would work best. To verify, you could test a small amount on your wrist and check how it looks under natural light.
How to Properly Hold an Eyebrow Pen
Knowing how to correctly hold an eyebrow pen is another critical component in mastering the art of eyebrow makeup. For maximum control and precise application, hold the pen as if you would hold a pen or a pencil. Try not to grip it too tightly to ensure a softer and natural-looking finish. Begin from the inner corners of your eyebrows, gradually navigating towards the outer edges, following your natural brow shape and direction of hair growth. Taking things slow and steady will generate optimal results, so there's no need to rush this process. Remember, practice makes perfect.
The Correct Way to Apply the Eyebrow Pen
Once prepped and holding your pen correctly, it's time to learn the proper application technique. Start at the beginning of your brow (the part closest to your nose) and follow your natural eyebrow shape. Drawing short, upward strokes will mimic the look of your natural hairs. As you move towards the tail end of your eyebrows (the outer ends), you may start tilting your strokes to follow the natural direction of your existing hairs.
Apply less pressure at the beginning of your brows to achieve a natural and gradual color gradient. As you reach the arch and end of your brows, you can proceed to apply slightly more pressure. This technique creates an illusion of depth and fullness, providing a dimensional appearance. Remember to tread lightly and proceed slowly. You can always add more, but it's much harder to take away if you've applied too much.
How to Blend and Diffuse the Eyebrow Pen for a Natural Look
Blending the drawn strokes is an essential step to create a look that is as natural as possible. Immediately after applying, use an eyebrow brush or a clean mascara wand to comb through your eyebrows again. This step will help diffuse the product, blending it with your natural brow hairs. Move in upward strokes towards the direction of your hair growth. This blending process eliminates any harsh lines, providing a more subtletially defined look.
If you accidentally apply too much product, you can always diffuse the color with a bit of plain, non-colored powder. Or use a clean, dampened makeup sponge to dab over the area lightly, picking up any excess product.
Maintaining Your Eyebrow Pen Look Throughout the Day
Once you've achieved your desired look, maintaining the fullness and shape throughout the day is equally important. An eyebrow pen's semi-permanent formula typically provides durable and long-lasting wear.
But to ensure your eyebrows remain intact throughout your busy schedule, you may want to consider setting them with a clear or tinted brow gel. This extra step can help secure your brows in place and add an extra layer of protection against smudging or fading. However, remember to be gentle and avoid rubbing your eyebrows, as this could disturb your artwork.
Finally, when the day is over, remember to thoroughly remove all your makeup, including the product on your brows. Providing a cleanse for your eyebrows can help keep them healthy and radiant, ready for your makeup applications the next day.
