Tinting your brows a shade or two darker will help enhance your natural shape
Eyebrow tinting might seem a little scary to some people — after all, your brows are smack-dab in the middle of your face. What if you don't like the color or if it's too dark? Experts swear by the semi-permanent procedure because, unlike tweezing, waxing or threading, tinting doesn't involve hair removal at all. In fact, its main purpose is to give you an even fuller brow. "Since texture naturally changes throughout eyebrows, the tint picks up and adds definition to the finer hairs," explains Fisher.
And don't worry — it's not permanent. "Eyebrow tint should gradually fade over the course of three weeks," says Fisher. If you're looking to make your tinting last even longer, avoid harsh cleansers or swimming, which can lessen the pigment.
If you're seeing an eyebrow specialist regularly, let them work their magic. Tweezing and plucking intermittently in between appointments will prevent them from being able to do your eyebrows justice. This is because eyebrow hair, much like the hair on your scalp and other areas of your body, grows on a 28-day growth cycle. If you remove certain hairs during the time your brow specialist is expecting them to grow, your hair is no longer on the same growth cycle. "If you both are doing your brows, chances are, you will never end up getting the shape you are looking to achieve," says Fisher. She recommends using a clear brow finish to help hold unruly hairs in place while you allow them to grow out in between visits.
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Don't strive for a shape different than your own
Everyone's brows are shaped differently — that's the beauty of individuality! Even if you're obsessed with Sofia Vergara's brows, it's best not to strive for them unless you share the same natural shape. "Your eyebrows should align with your bone structure," says Gafni. "Otherwise, shaving off your brows from the peak to the tail and trying to create a new angle using makeup will always result in eyebrow disaster." He recommends that your eyebrows peak where your brow bone protrudes the most. "You should approach the art of shaping with the idea of fine-tuning your brows, not with the idea of recreating them entirely," he adds.
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Fill in your brow with a shade that's lighter than your natural color
To ensure that your brows appear thicker and more prominent, you might think to shade them one or two hues darker but experts say this is a quick way to achieve a universally unflattering look. Instead, reach for a pencil, pomade, brow gel or powder that's one or two shades lighter than your natural color. The same goes for tinting. Of course, if you dramatically change your hair color, from pale blonde to bright red, for example, Gafni says you have more freedom to be creative when tinting your brows — that is, if your objective is to match your new hair color.
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If you have no brow hair, consider an artistic approach
Microblading, which originated in Asia, is perfect for women with thin or thinning brows, discoloration and especially for those that have gone through chemotherapy. "No hair is removed, save for minor trimming, and the technique only enhances the eyebrow shape, thickness and color desired," says Cindy Choe, brow specialist and owner of Cindy Choe Studio in Beverly Hills. "Thicker, dark sumptuous brows can be achieved without the hassle of pencils and a drawer full of powders."
The method uses thousands of dots of custom blended, hypoallergenic pigment to cover up what's left (if any) of your old brows. "Those with oily skin especially love this service, as makeup tends to wear off on them more quickly," adds Choe.
