Tips on how to make the most of your eyebrows

They’re often left out of make-up routines, but those arches can work magic. Katie Wright pencils in a pro masterclass.

Fri, 27 May, 2016 - 01:00

Katie Wright

FOR regular make-up wearers, mascara is a daily eye-opening essential, and we’ve all got our favourite. But our eyebrows aren’t so lucky.

According to a Google consumer survey, 23% of women say brows are the facial feature they struggle with most.

“For many, eyebrow products feel like an extra step to add to their make-up routine,” says Kristen Parker from beauty brand Wunder2.

“We come across this quite often when we take our brow consultants on the road.

"But once they demonstrate the dramatic difference defining and shaping a client’s eyebrows can make, that person will then usually continue this step in their routine.”

“Now women are beginning to realise the power of the brow,” agrees Lisa Potter-Dixon, head make-up artist and brow expert at Benefit Cosmetics, ahead of a major revamp of the brand’s brow offering, which already includes its bestselling product, Brow Zings.

“Groomed brows balance your face.

"If your brows start, arch and end in the right place, your eyes look more open, your cheek bones lifted and your nose slimmer.”

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But where to begin?

The experts tackel the three most common complaints and how to fix them, so you won’t be browbeaten any more...

MIND THE GAPS

“Sparse eyebrows is a complaint that we see discussed on social media very frequently,” says Parker.

“Brows look most beautiful when they’re dense, rich, and shapely.

"Fortunately, for those of us not naturally blessed with these, there are simple ways to achieve them.”

“Using a pencil, such as Benefit’s Precisely My Brow, allows you to create believable hair-like strokes where you need them, due to the ultra fine tip,” says Potter-Dixon.

* Hi Brow Growth and Conditioning Serum for Brows and Lashes, €29.99 ( www.sallyexpress.com plus p&p)

* Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil, €26 ( www.boots.ie )

* Hi Brow Soft Eyebrow Pencil, in shades Light Brown to Charcoal Brown, high brow wax pencil €13.99 ( www.sallyexpress.com )

* Collection Define & Perfect Eyebrow Powder in Dark Brunette, currently reduced to €3.99 from €5.79 ( www.boots.ie )

WHAT THE PLUCK?

“Eyebrows that have been plucked to within an inch of their life are the most noticeable. Unfortunately, this was a very big ’90s trend that left its mark on many faces,” says Parker.

“We recommend WunderBrow to tackle these concerns.

"Not only does it contain tiny hair-like fibres, to give the appearance of natural hair, it’s completely water-proof, so you can be confident it’ll stay on until you’re ready to take it off.”

“A brow wax and tint will make your brows look surprisingly thicker and fuller, even if there’s hardly any hair,” Potter-Dixon advises.

“Using a fibre gel, such as Gimme Brow, will also mimic the appearance of real hair. This adds volume and will give you your brows back.”

* Wunder2 Wunderbrow in Black/Brown, €29.95 ( www.boots.ie )

* Benefit Gimme Brow, €25.50 ( www.debenhams.ie )

* Givenchy Mister Brow Filler in Brunette, €23.10 ( www.feelunique.com )

TAME THE BEASTS

At the other end of the scale, unruly brows can be just as tricky.

“Having them waxed regularly will keep them tamed. Also try using a brow gel, such as Ready, Set, Brow,” Potter-Dixon says.

“This clear gel coats the hair from root to tip, and will keep brows in place for 24 hours.”

* Benefit Ready, Set, Brow! €26 (available June 24; www.benefitcosmetics.com )