Perfect Brows Step by Step: Pencil, Gel and Soap

Brows frame your face and can completely change your expression. The good news is you don't need to be an expert to have beautiful brows: just choose the right product and follow a few simple steps.

In this guide we explain how to find your ideal shape and how to use pencil, powder, pomade, gel and brow soap.

Step 1: Find your brow shape

Use a pencil or brush as a ruler:

1. Start: hold the pencil vertically from the side of your nose upward. That's where your brow should begin.
2. Arch: angle the pencil from the side of your nose through the center of your pupil. That's the highest point.
3. End: angle the pencil from the side of your nose to the outer corner of your eye. That's where it should end.

Mark those three points with a light touch of pencil as a guide.

Step 2: Choose your product

Pencil

The most versatile. Ultra-fine tips let you draw hair-like strokes; angled tips fill in faster.

Powder

Gives a soft, diffused finish, ideal for a natural look or brows with few gaps.

Pomade

More intense and long-lasting. Perfect for defined brows or humid climates.

Liquid brow pen

Draws very fine strokes that look like hairs, ideal for filling sparse areas.

Gel or wax

Brushes and holds hairs in place. It can be clear or tinted.

Brow soap

Gives a brushed-up brow effect, very natural with strong hold.

Step 3: Fill in step by step

1. Brush: comb hairs upward with a spoolie.
2. Define the bottom: draw a soft line along the lower edge, from the arch to the tail.
3. Fill gaps: with short strokes in the direction of hair growth.
4. Soften the start: the front of the brow should be lighter and more diffused than the tail.
5. Brush again: to blend and keep it natural.
6. Set: with gel, wax or soap.

How to use brow soap

1. Lightly dampen the spoolie with water or setting spray.
2. Rub it over the soap.
3. Brush hairs up and slightly outward.
4. Press gently so they stay in place.
5. If you like, fill in gaps with pencil afterward.

How to choose your shade

• Black hair: a dark brown usually looks more natural than black.
• Brown hair: the same shade or slightly lighter.
• Light or blonde hair: one or two shades deeper than your hair.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a shade that's too dark.
• Making the front of the brow too harsh.
• Not brushing after filling in.
• Over-plucking: let your brows grow and define them with makeup.

Find it at BeautyRosee

For your brows, look for these types of products:

• Brow pencils with fine or angled tips.
• Powders and pomades to fill in.
• Gels, waxes and soaps to set.
• Brow brushes and spoolies.

Find them in our Makeup collection and from the Oz Lab and Beauty Creations brands.

Frequently asked questions

Which product is best for beginners?

A fine-tip pencil or a powder with an angled brush are easy to control.

Does brow soap work for thin brows?

Yes, it helps them look fuller by brushing them up. Pairing it with a little pencil adds definition.

How do I make my brows last all day?

Use pomade or a waterproof pencil and set with gel or wax.

Do both brows have to match?

No. Brows are "sisters, not twins." Aim for similar, not identical.

Frame your gaze

With practice, doing your brows will take just a couple of minutes. Discover everything you need in our Makeup collection and follow us on Facebook for more tutorials.