BROW BASICS I

Some women are fortunate enough to have eyebrows that grow in abundance.   As for others, eyebrows can be whispy or almost non-existent.  Whatever the case is, groomed brows can change your look from great to gorgeous.  For those of you who would like to add definition or color, this is your guide.  We will also explain how to properly measure where the brows should start, arch, and end.

Here are examples of different brow shapes:

 
Brooke Shields - Natural
Eva Mendes - Shaped/arched

Eyebrows hold a lot of expression!  Severely arched brows that are too thin can give a surprised expression, while thicker slightly straighter brows can look natural and prominent. This first entry will focus on brow dimensions.

You will need the following:

1.) Brow shader or shadow that closely matches brows
2.) Angled eye brush
3.) Brow pencil (optional)
4.) Brow gel (optional)

Note: Beginning with a shadow is recommended if you are new to filling in your brows and/or do not have a steady hand. Using a shadow will make the finished eyebrows look more natural, as it is softer than a pencil. If your brows are unruly and need a little guidance, a brow gel is just what you may need to tame them. Brow gels vary from clear to natural brow colors.

With your tools in hand, let's begin!

STEP one:
Start by lining up a straight stick like a pencil or an eye shadow brush from the edge of your nose to the inside corner of your eye.  This is where the brow should begin.  Mark a soft dot of shadow as reference. 

Symmetry is best achieved when completing each step to both eyes before moving on.  Eyebrows are not naturally symmetrical.  Think of them as sisters, rather than twins- they only need to look similar.

STEP two:
To determine where your arch should be, hold a brush at the center of the tip of your nose. Adjust brush so that it passes over your pupil.  Follow the diagonal line and mark your arch like the guide below as a reference.




STEP three:
Place the brush at the tip of your nose again, this time adjusting it to line up with the outer corner of the eye.  This gives a guide to where the brow should end.  Mark accordingly.




STEP four:
With your guides now in place, we are now ready to connect them.  Rest angled eye shadow brush on first mark.  In one even stroke, connect the first and second mark.  Be mindful of the thickness you would like to achieve.  For a very natural approach, trace just inside of the natural hair line.




STEP five:
Continue this same motion from the second mark to the third.




STEP six:
Fill in the brows, continuing to use even strokes.  Keeping strokes inside the natural hair line is the best way to begin. 

Try practicing different shapes and thicknesses to customize the brows to your eyes and face. Remember, practice makes perfect.  Use a brow gel to help set eyebrows in a smooth path. 

To soften any harsh lines or color, try combing through your brows with a clean mascara wand or brow comb.

Enjoy your finished look.

*MIA tip:

Flaunt your skills by adding a highlight shadow just under the brow arch to the end of the brow.  This will give a lifted affect.