Author Topic: How Many Products to Achieve Perfect Brows? (Read 471 times)

makinalist · « **on:** February 11, 2012, 01:44:51 PM »

I am wondering how many of us use more than one product to achieve our best brow color. Please tell us if you use, for instance, both a pencil and a powder, or two shades of pencils, or two of powders. I have just run out of my beloved Lancome Taupe pencil and lately I have been a tiny bit unhappy with the color.

I once had light brown hair, which is now mostly silver. My actual brows are skimpy. I hate a brow color that turns gold, red, yellow, or (heaven forbid!) orange. I am thinking I may have to start combining, say, a light brown with a gray, or something.

Does anyone else have to do such a thing, or have you all found your perfect shade in one complete package?

cara4art · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2012, 02:17:05 PM »

It sounds like a color in a light cool taupe would work for you. Since my hair isn't grey, and I naturally have dark brows(although they are thinning on the outer parts)I just fill in with the MAC brow product that I've had for more than 4 years now. They don't even make it any more, I think. The combo is called Walnut/Ivoire(because of the highlighter that's included). I brush it on lightly with a small angled brush - it works for me. I only pluck a little, as I like natural, characterful brows, not this bland "lady-like" generic brow look. I've never had my brows done either.

makinalist · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2012, 02:53:02 PM »

Thanks, Cara. That is what I am hoping to find. The problem is that many taupes are too dark, and when I look for something lighter I end up in blonde territory, which reads yellow on me.

Hence my question about using two shades together. I'm wondering if anyone else has to do this to get her brow color right.

ILuvLucy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2012, 03:02:28 PM »

Have you seen the ELF eyebrow kit? I have this in "light", though if I see it at Target in the "ash" shade, I'd like to try that. Or, have you tried one of your eye shadows? You might already have something.
My problem isn't finding the correct color, it's getting the right shape. My eyebrows are so wonky from over-tweezing and then trying to let them grow in.

Link to the ELF:
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/eyebrow_kit

makinalist · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2012, 03:38:36 PM »

Ash is definitely the one I would try as well. I am really accustomed to using a pencil, though...don't know if I could learn new tricks at this point! At least I never over-tweezed, since I never had enough brow hairs to attack!

christinedenice · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2012, 03:50:47 PM »

I use Rimmel brow pencil in Hazel (a darker taupe that doesn't look reddish) first, stroking it against the grain on the brow hairs only (I don't like to get the color on the skin underneath--my brows are rather sparse, and i think it looks odd on me to color the skin. After that, I brush the brows back into place and go over them lightly with Lancome's powder brow pencil in Taupe. Lately, I've been adding a bit of Tough as Taupe e/s as the third color, just lightly, using an angled eyeliner brush.

Like you, Listy, I'm still searching for that perfect brow shade. I used to be devoted to Chanel's Blonde Taupe pencil, but it's too light for me now. Would love a suggestion for a gray pencil.

I also prefer a natural brow shape, Cara. I only pluck the strays.

makinalist · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2012, 04:13:51 PM »

This kind of technique is what I am wondering about, Christine. You are using one color against the grain and another going back in the normal direction. It seems to me that this multi-color approach might result in a more natural-looking result.

I have an old Besame dual brow pencil that has both gray and taupe. The gray does not look natural at all, but sometimes I experiment with mixing it. I don't know if they still make that one.

I also have a drugstore pencil by Lumene in gray-brown that I like fairly well. I do have to be careful not to press down so hard that it gets too dark, however. This is what I am using right now, since my Lancome is all used up.

Poppyfields · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2012, 08:52:35 PM »

Good luck with your search for the perfect brow, Listy. So far I'm still using a 'blond' pencil. Thankfully my thin brows have not changed yet.

makinalist · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2012, 10:14:35 PM »

Oh, my brows haven't changed, Poppy. It's my hair that has transformed itself.

Styyna · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2012, 11:53:34 PM »

I find that Bobbi Brown's gray eyeshadow works well in my brows. This has been true for many years, long before my first gray hair showed up.

makinalist · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2012, 12:36:00 AM »

I have never tried an eyeshadow for this, although I read about it everywhere. I guess I had better try something new!

Cougar · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2012, 01:51:33 AM »

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow is great in brows. I'd suggest the "ash" shades to avoid the orangey tones.

Blonde - medium ash brown
Cement - grey beige
Flint - light grey brown
Grey - light grey
Hot Stone - medium ashy brown
Mahogany - dark ash brown

anne · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2012, 04:03:32 AM »

Lol, Makinalist, I was going to suggest Lumene´s grey-brown to you!

I have my brows done = plucked and dyed every 3 - 4 weeks. Then, I just apply brow gel. My brows look absolutely great afterwards! It´s a miracle. My whole face looks better.

If I have to wait longer for an appointment, I apply e/s or brow pencil plus eyebrow gel.

Swest · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2012, 04:45:56 AM »

l sometimes use shadow to fill in sparse parts at the end ,when I go too far with plucking. My brows are still somewhat dark but I have been plucking a few more strays at the end. It does not take much for me to over pluck so I have to be precise. I use my Cargo cool palette and mix the med taupe with one of the lighter shades to customize to my brow color then use a fine pointed concealer brush and use light upward strokes to fill in. I have a sample of Bobbie Browns cement as a well.

linc2 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2012, 07:42:46 AM »

I also use eyeshadow for the "filling in" work. I find the color range more variable, and thus easier to find the ideal. Also, applying eyeshadow with an angle brush fills in much quicker than a pencil.

Here's my product list to achieve "perfect" brows (they are far from perfect, but infinitely better than au naturale!) My hair is dark brown, but my brows are faded and thinning.

1. Color them with Just for Men Mustache (dark brown), about every three weeks. I leave the gel-ish product on for about 10 minutes. This brings the color back to a respectable baseline.

2. Daily, fill in with MAC Handwritten, using an angle brush.

3. Touch up lines with LM pencil in Brunette.

4. Maybelline clear gel, when I remember. It's ok, but nothing special. Loved Chanel clear brow gel, but it's dc'd.

I need a lotta steps, but they're pretty fast. Brows make a HUGE difference.

Swest · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2012, 08:50:58 AM »

Another thing I remember. I used to use a mixture of plain soap with water to make eyebrow paste. This was before I knew about eye brow gel. :lol:Tamed the strays and kept my brows neat. Cheap too.

anne · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2012, 09:11:02 AM »

Quote from: linc2 on February 12, 2012, 07:42:46 AM

I need a lotta steps, but they're pretty fast. Brows make a HUGE difference.

If you see someone you know with nice brows, ask them where they have them done - after having my brows done it is like my face stands up straight with no slouching, if you know what I mean...

And I use BB Grey sometimes on my brows, too! Very nice, natural colour.

It is easier to play with eye shadow than with pencils IMO.

Tupelo · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2012, 09:26:14 AM »

I have my eyebrows dyed the same color as they use on my hair, every 6 - 8 weeks. My brows are naturally well shaped, so all they need is a little trimming of the longer hairs with a pair of nails scissors. They are brushed straight up so the longer hairs "stand out" and then they are snipped. They do this before they are dyed.

To fill in, my favorite pencil is YBF retractable in "taupe." It's so easy to do, using the gentlest stroke possible. It looks completely natural. The depth of color is controlled by the amount of pressure applied (probably true of all brow pencils).

I also use this pencil for eyelining before applying gel liner. Again, the look is soft and subtle.

Ammie · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2012, 09:34:35 AM »

I use a brow kit by Mally. It's a two piece one with a greyish pencil and a two color powder (translucent and taupe/brown) compact. I put the pencil on first- filling in the outer third of my brows, then brush on the translucent powder to set and follow with the taupe/brown powder.

My eyebrows are dark brown and this combo works very well.

anne · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2012, 09:35:27 AM »

Lots of my younger collegues use eye pencils and draw amazing eye brows. I have no idea how to achieve THAT look. I´d look like a clown.

Although I do not think that look would be ok on my face, it probably needs a young, tight face to go with.

But, I´d love it if someone showed me how to properly use an eyebrow pencil. Eye shadow is much more forgiving.

marci65 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2012, 10:04:34 AM »

I use one -- DiorShow Brow Styler retractible pencil. Shade is Universal Brown. My brows are naturally dark brown/black with a smattering of greys thrown in. I can't even see where I've used it for filling in; it blends that well. I've repurchased several times, usually during Sephora promo times.

I get my brows threaded, so I stick with that shape as my outline and fill in the sparse areas of the interior as needed using the pencil. I love that pencil!

SusanG · « **Reply #21 on:** February 12, 2012, 01:37:25 PM »

I use a pencil on my light brown brows, MAC's Eye Brows Crayon in Fling, a taupe shade. I've also used Dior's Powder Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde. It's a teeny bit on the yellower side.

ILuvLucy · « **Reply #22 on:** February 12, 2012, 02:19:57 PM »

Quote from: linc2 on February 12, 2012, 07:42:46 AM

Brows make a HUGE difference.

I agree! Though I didn't realize this until a couple of years ago. I wish I could shape my brows properly. I've even tried the stencils that have come with eyebrow kits. I wish I could find someone that will shape them, and then teach me how to make them look good with make up. I've watched videos like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWa9P7Zdvvo&feature=related
But when I try it, I feel like it looks to "fake" on me.

makinalist · « **Reply #23 on:** February 12, 2012, 03:02:10 PM »

Wow! I am overwhelmed with your responses! So many things to try now -- I'd better get cracking!

Cougar · « **Reply #24 on:** February 12, 2012, 04:44:07 PM »

Doing your eyebrows ... literally achieving a facelift without surgery.

I have so much brows if I don't manage them I have rugs. I never pluck. I do the brush up ... trim ... brush down ... trim ... followed by teeny pencil strokes, then brush through. The end result is my natural brow shape without gaps.

My favorite pencil is Lancome powder crayon as you get he softness of powder but the holding power of a crayon.

makinalist · « **Reply #25 on:** February 12, 2012, 11:33:07 PM »

I still think I want a new Lancome pencil. I've been using them for longer than anything else I have tried. Maybe a different shade, or two shades even. Meanwhile I'm going to experiment with shadows I already have. If I like the technique, then I can worry about fine-tuning the shade.

First up: MAC Copperplate and Three Custom Color Greige. They are almost exactly the same color anyway.

anne · « **Reply #26 on:** February 13, 2012, 03:19:57 AM »

Quote from: Cougar on February 12, 2012, 04:44:07 PM

Doing your eyebrows ... literally achieving a facelift without surgery.

Exactly!

It is a pity I cannot shape my brows myself, I did try that for years and years. Would love to save the money! Nowadays I just try to follow the shape my beautician does, only plucking hairs that are clearly in the wrong places in between appointments. I must say I look so much better every time I have had them done professionally! She really has the skill!

Of course, you need to find a beautician whose idea of beautiful, natural eyebrows are the same as your own. Maybe try a couple of different ones. Hint - look at their own eyebrows, or ask for recommendations!

I know two good ones in the city (town?) where I live.

I always thought I had ugly eyebrows, but when I have them done, I think they are nice, beautiful, even.

Makinalist, I do hope you got some good tips here, and will find a good product!

SusieQ · « **Reply #27 on:** February 13, 2012, 10:43:36 AM »

Listy, it sounds like a lot of great recommendations! I've been using tough as taupe and been working really well for me. I top it with an eyeshadow - Too Faced Pillow Talk. I've plucked but not much so I still have the "Brooke Shield" eyebrows. But, I can see that they are thinning a bit so I've been filling in. I don't shape them because I like the natural but cleaned and groomed look.

makinalist · « **Reply #28 on:** February 13, 2012, 12:42:35 PM »

Thank you - you all are the best, honestly! I hate to be such a whiner about something so trivial, but this is one of those issues I just have not resolved yet. I can find a formula I like, but not the right color. Yet.

Quote from: makinalist on February 12, 2012, 11:33:07 PM

First up: MAC Copperplate and Three Custom Color Greige. They are almost exactly the same color anyway.

Eww. Too dark.

Angelcat47 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 13, 2012, 12:51:14 PM »

Makin',You are NOT whining and I agree with the girls...eyebrows are very important to your look.Another tip to add to Cougar's "eyebrow facelift" idea:I use one of those highlighting/concealing pens(such as Touche Eclat) and draw a line directly above my brows then smudge it upward.It really adds to the lifting effect.

makinalist · « **Reply #30 on:** February 13, 2012, 02:42:05 PM »

That is a good idea!

I haven't even mentioned my other brow-whining issue: I have a small scar that runs right into one brow, so when I try to do a subtle finish at the tail end the color sort of falls in the trench. (I'll stop now.

)

fishlady · « **Reply #31 on:** February 13, 2012, 06:24:05 PM »

Listy, you might want to try Palladio Taupe eye pencil. It's a cool-toned, light taupe. It's sold as a eyeliner; I bought it for that purpose but found it a little too light. I could use it on my brows, I guess, but I don't usually use anything on them since they're darker than my graying hair at this point

. However, if you're used to using a brow pencil, it might work well. You can get Palladio pencils at Sally Beauty Supply or some drugstores.

christinedenice · « **Reply #32 on:** February 13, 2012, 06:24:51 PM »

Quote from: Angelcat47 on February 13, 2012, 12:51:14 PM

...Another tip to add to Cougar's "eyebrow facelift" idea:I use one of those highlighting/concealing pens(such as Touche Eclat) and draw a line directly above my brows then smudge it upward.It really adds to the lifting effect.

Ooohh...can't wait to try this, Angelcat

makinalist · « **Reply #33 on:** February 13, 2012, 06:39:57 PM »

Thanks for the suggestion, fishlady! I looked at the Palladio site and their Taupe does look light enough. Did you know they do have a brow pencil in the same shade? I wonder what the difference is.

Cougar · « **Reply #34 on:** February 14, 2012, 12:35:15 AM »

AC, that highlighter trick is something I have to try!

Trench - fill it with highlighter

Cougar · « **Reply #35 on:** February 14, 2012, 12:36:58 AM »

My thoughts --- we all have naturally beautiful brows because Nature makes them suit our individual faces. The trick is making them show to their natural shape (and there lies the difficulty)! Like when I have gaps or, WHITE HAIRS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BLACK RUGS!!!

makinalist · « **Reply #36 on:** February 14, 2012, 01:23:02 AM »

So true - I always try to make my brows look how they would "want" to look if only they could!

Swest · « **Reply #37 on:** February 14, 2012, 08:15:36 AM »

I have used a concealer sometimes to cover shadows or weird hairs growing in above my brow line.
I not sure if it gives me a lift but sometimes it takes a while for my skin to go back to normal, meaning non red after plucking certain areas.

I have been doing my own since I was 15 and then just the strays below and in between. Though the last few years have plucked out a bit more to give more of an arch. I have a wide jaw so over-plucking is not really good look on me.

makinalist · « **Reply #38 on:** February 14, 2012, 11:37:53 AM »

This topic is really helping me -- I'm so glad I started it!

Today I filled my scar with a highlighting concealer before doing my brows and I think it worked better. I found an old Physician's Formula pencil in Beige-Brown that I tried just for the color comparison. It's light enough but a bit too blonde. This is really going to be an intense elimination process.

I see that Bobbi Brown has a grey brow pencil, but nobody has mentioned her so far. Are her brow pencils any good?

SusanG · « **Reply #39 on:** February 14, 2012, 12:15:26 PM »

Quote from: Angelcat47 on February 13, 2012, 12:51:14 PM

Makin',You are NOT whining and I agree with the girls...eyebrows are very important to your look.Another tip to add to Cougar's "eyebrow facelift" idea:I use one of those highlighting/concealing pens(such as Touche Eclat) and draw a line directly above my brows then smudge it upward.It really adds to the lifting effect.

I love this idea! Thank you, Angelcat!

Angelcat47 · « **Reply #40 on:** February 15, 2012, 12:42:57 AM »

You are quite welcome,theshimmerquestion...glad I could help.

CathyEarnshaw · « **Reply #41 on:** February 16, 2012, 09:36:24 PM »

Thanks for this thread! This is the area where I have my biggest confusion right now. My hair has turned white but my brows are dark brown. I never know what to do with them. Do I try to make them lighter? When I use a matching pencil or powder to fill them in, they really look over the top with the hair. What to do?

cara4art · « **Reply #42 on:** February 17, 2012, 12:54:05 AM »

CathyEarnshaw - instead of matching your brows, try a lighter color, like a medium taupe. That will help fill brows in and give definition, but not give the dreaded "Groucho Marx" look. Worth a try anyway. Even a dense taupe eyeshadow if you already have such a color might do it and kill 2 birds with one stone.

CathyEarnshaw · « **Reply #43 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:42:43 PM »

Thanks, cara. I'm going to try it.

BettyBoop · « **Reply #44 on:** March 02, 2012, 09:33:50 PM »

From what I've read, women with dark hair should go one shade lighter on the brows; women with light hair should go one shade darker. That's obviously just a very general rule.

Hawk Lady · « **Reply #45 on:** March 03, 2012, 12:03:49 AM »

I use a tinted brow gel - blond - and fill in any bare spots with a mabeline blond brow pencil. Any definition I want is done at the top edge of my brows to lift them.. Works for me. I tried powder and just didn't care for it...