The shape of your brow can define your whole makeup look. Start by following your natural line rather than reinventing it; small, hair-like strokes in the direction your hair grows always look more real than solid lines. Use a pencil or brow ink styler to define the base of the brow first and then fill in sparse areas, building intensity where you want more definition, usually the middle and tail of the brow.
Product choice depends on what your brows need. Pencils give precision and are super easy to use, whether building or refining your brow. Pomades and inks deliver serious pigment and work well for sparser brows or a stronger shape. Gels and stylers hold everything in place, with tinted versions adding colour and fibres for extra volume as a final layer. Most complete brow looks combine at least two products: something to fill, something to set. Not sure which product is right for you? Check out our brow product guide.
Brow Questions Answered
What's the best brow product for sparse brows?
A pigmented pencil or pomade lets you draw in individual hair-like strokes where your brow is thin, then a tinted brow gel or styler with fibres adds volume and keeps everything in place. The layered approach looks far more natural than trying to build coverage with one heavy product.
How do I choose the right brow shade?
When choosing a shade of brow product, don’t stray too far from your natural eyebrow colour (or tinted hair colour if you have your hair coloured). Stay within 1-2 shades of your hair colour - choosing the fairer end will give a more natural look, while going slightly darker will result in bolder brows, which can sometimes look heavy. If you have warm-toned hair, choose a warmer brow shade; cool or neutral toned hair suits cooler, ashier browns.
How do I stop my brow product smudging during the day?
Finish with a clear or tinted brow gel to seal everything in place. Gel acts as both a styler and a top coat, keeping pigment where you put it through humidity, workouts and long days. If your skin is very oily, a light dusting of translucent powder across the brow bone beforehand also helps. Having said that, it’s a good idea to pop your brow pencil in your makeup bag so you can always touch up on the go as needed.
Can I use brow products if I have very few brow hairs?
Yes. A pigmented pomade, brow ink or pencil used with a light hand, in short hair-like strokes along your natural brow line, can create the look of fullness even where hair is very sparse. Depending on how sparse brows are, a tinted fibre gel can add visual density and a sense of texture.
Should I use a pencil, pomade or gel?
Pencils suit most brows and are the easiest starting point. Pomades give more pigment and suit sparser brows or stronger looks. Gels set and style and often work as the finishing step over either. Many people keep a pencil and their choice of gel in their everyday kit.