Eyebrow Pencil, Powder or Gel—When to Use What

By Your Beauty Plug
December 17, 2023

Eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face. They can enhance your eyes, balance your features, and express your emotions. But how do you choose the right product to shape, fill, and define your brows? In this post, we will compare the pros and cons of three popular eyebrow products: pencil, powder, and gel. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about brow grooming and maintenance.

Pencil: Your Precision Tool

A pencil is a great option if you want to create a precise and defined shape for your brows. You can use a pencil to fill in any gaps, scars, or sparse areas in your brows, and draw fine, hair-like strokes that look realistic. A pencil is also versatile, as you can create different looks depending on how you apply and blend the product. For example, you can create a slick, architectural look, a faux, fluffy brow, or an ombre brow with a pencil.

Some tips for using a pencil are:

Choose a shade that matches your natural brow color or is one shade lighter. Avoid shades that are too dark or too warm, as they can look harsh and unnatural.
Sharpen your pencil to a fine point for more accuracy and control. You can use a manual or a twist-up pencil, depending on your preference.
Start by outlining the shape of your brows, following your natural arch and tail. Use light, short strokes to mimic the direction of your hair growth.
Fill in any sparse areas with the same light strokes, blending as you go. Avoid drawing solid lines or blocks of color, as they can look unnatural and heavy.
Use a spoolie brush to comb through your brows and soften any harsh lines. You can also use the brush to blend the product and create a more natural finish.

Some benefits of using a pencil are:

It is easy to use and control, especially for beginners.
It is long-lasting and smudge-proof, especially if you use a waterproof formula.
It is precise and realistic, especially if you use fine strokes and blend well.

Some drawbacks of using a pencil are:

It can look waxy or chalky, especially if you use too much product or a low-quality formula.
It can dry out your brows, especially if you have dry skin or use a matte formula.
It can break or run out quickly, especially if you use a lot of product or a twist-up pencil.

Powder: Delivers a Natural Finish

A powder is a great option if you want to create a soft and natural look for your brows. You can use a powder to add some color and fullness to your brows, and create a subtle shadow effect that looks realistic. A powder is also ideal if you have oily skin, as it can absorb any excess oil and prevent your brows from looking greasy.

Some tips for using a powder are:

Choose a shade that matches your natural brow color or is one shade darker. Avoid shades that are too light or too cool, as they can look ashy and unnatural.
Use a small, angled brush to apply the powder. You can use a single shade or mix two shades to create more dimension and depth.
Start by applying the powder along the lower edge of your brows, following your natural shape. Use light, short strokes to fill in any gaps or sparse areas.
Apply the powder along the upper edge of your brows, creating a soft arch and tail. Use the same light strokes to blend the powder and create a smooth transition.
Use a spoolie brush to comb through your brows and distribute the powder evenly. You can also use the brush to fluff up your brows and create a more natural finish.

Some benefits of using a powder are:

It is easy to blend and correct, especially if you make a mistake or want to change the shape of your brows.
It is long-lasting and fade-resistant, especially if you use a primer or a setting spray.
It is soft and natural, especially if you use light strokes and a good brush.

Some drawbacks of using a powder are:

It can look powdery or dusty, especially if you use too much product or a low-quality formula.
It can fall out or transfer, especially if you have oily skin or touch your brows frequently.
It can fade or disappear, especially if you have sparse or light brows or sweat a lot.

Gel: Creates Fullness and Hold

A gel is a great option if you want to create a full and fluffy look for your brows. You can use a gel to tame any unruly hairs, add some color and volume to your brows, and create a glossy effect that looks realistic. A gel is also ideal if you have coarse or curly hair, as it can hold your brows in place and prevent them from drooping or frizzing.

Some tips for using a gel are:

Choose a shade that matches your natural brow color or is one shade darker. Avoid shades that are too light or too warm, as they can look unnatural and brassy.
Use a small, tapered brush to apply the gel. You can use a clear gel or a tinted gel, depending on your preference. A tinted gel can also contain thickening agents or fibers to bulk up your brows and create a more 3D effect.
Start by brushing the gel through your brows in an upward motion, following the direction of your hair growth. Use light, short strokes to coat each hair and create more fullness and lift.
Brush the gel through your brows in a sideways motion, following the shape of your brows. Use the same light strokes to define your arch and tail and create more hold and shape.
Use a spoolie brush to comb through your brows and remove any excess gel or clumps. You can also use the brush to fluff up your brows and create a more natural finish.

Some benefits of using a gel are:

It is easy to apply and style, especially if you have full or unruly brows.
It is long-lasting and waterproof, especially if you use a strong-hold or water-resistant formula.
It is full and fluffy, especially if you use upward and sideways strokes and a good brush.

Some drawbacks of using a gel are:

It can look stiff or crunchy, especially if you use too much product or a low-quality formula.
It can flake or peel off, especially if you have dry skin or use a matte formula.
It can clump or smudge, especially if you have sparse or thin brows or apply too much pressure.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about eyebrow products and how to use them:

Q: Can I use more than one product on my brows?
A: Yes, you can mix and match different products to create your desired look. For example, you can use a pencil to define your shape, a powder to fill in any gaps, and a gel to set your brows and add some shine. Just make sure to use complementary shades and blend well.
Q: How do I find the right shade for my brows?
A: The general rule is to match your brow color to your hair color or go one shade lighter or darker, depending on your preference. You can also use a color wheel to find the best shade for your skin tone and eye color. For example, if you have warm skin and brown eyes, you can use a warm brown shade. If you have cool skin and blue eyes, you can use a cool taupe shade.
Q: How do I shape my brows?
A: The best way to shape your brows is to follow your natural bone structure and hair growth. You can use a pencil or a brush to measure the three main points of your brows: the start, the arch, and the tail. The start of your brow should align with the inner corner of your eye. The arch of your brow should align with the outer edge of your iris. The tail of your brow should align with the outer corner of your eye. You can then use your preferred product to fill in and define your shape.
Q: How do I groom and maintain my brows?
A: The best way to groom and maintain your brows is to trim, pluck, or wax them regularly. You can use a pair of scissors and a spoolie brush to trim any long or stray hairs. You can use a pair of tweezers or a wax kit to pluck or wax any unwanted hairs. You can also visit a professional brow artist or salon to get your brows shaped and styled.

I hope this blog post was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy brow-ing! 😊