Time for another Twestion!
My pal A. writes, via Twitter:
@Beauty_Editor have you seen this look on Jessica Stam? http://bit.ly/a8eo1y love the big brows, can you do a post on brow powders/pencils?
You ask and you shall receive. Because these brows are so mayjah (i.e. they have the potential to go very, very wrong), I actually enlisted the help of CoverGirl makeup pro Greg Wencel to find out how to do them right.
Here’s his advice:
Q. Okay, Greg—are fuller brows like this going to be a big trend in the future? Should we all start easing up on the tweezing?
A. The full brow trend has been creeping into the mainstream for at least five seasons and has finally made its way in—so every woman should grow out her brows! Small, perfect, over-tweezed skinny brows are a thing of the past.
Q. But Jessica Stam’s brows are really, REALLY full. Can anyone wear this look? Or do you need to have a certain face shape or hairstyle?
A. Anyone can wear their own version of this fuller brow look—just be careful! Sometimes a full brow can look a little bit handsome, so make sure you contrast it with a feminine hairstyle or clothing.
Q. How do we get the look?
A. Use brow powder [or eyeshadow will even work in a pinch] and brow pencil (try: CoverGirl Brow & Eye Makers liner) to first draw on a soft shape. This will make the brows look naturally fuller.
Then brush through with a brow brush. If you’re finding you have any holes where the brow line looks disconnected, go in with the brow pencil only to fill out those areas.
Then take a clear mascara (try: CoverGirl Natural Lash Mascara), and comb your brows upward into place. Combing them up instead of to the side will automatically make them look fuller!
Q. How do you choose the right shade of eyebrow powder or pencil?
A. Always opt for a softer shade than your natural hair colour. You never want your brows to look too harsh or intense. I have two shades in my kit that work on almost every spectrum: a soft taupe for fair-skinned blondes and redheads, and a soft, warm medium brown for brunettes.
Q. When you’re rocking a fuller brow, what makeup should you wear on the rest of your face?
A. When sporting a full brow, try to create balance with the rest of your makeup. My fave parings are a strong brow and bright lip or a full brow with heavy cheek and nude lip—like we see in the shot of Jessica Stam.
Thanks Greg!
And last but not least—here are a few of my brow product recommendations:
Dior DiorShow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil: Absolutely the best brow pencil I’ve tried. The colour is very soft so you can build up the intensity, and best of all it’s got a VERY fine point so you really can mimic the effect of actual hairs.
Tweezerman tweezers: I know we’re talking about growing out our brows, but you’ll always need a BIT of shaping. These tweezers are a cult favourite for a reason. Go for the slanted-tip kind and don’t forget to take advantage of Tweezerman’s free sharpening policy. Oh, and check out the new collab with Benefit—such cute patterns!
Anastasia Beverly Hills: This is your one-stop brow expert. I’ve got an array of the brow scissors, brushes, pencils and powders and everything is great quality. At Sephora.
Damone Roberts Brow Gain: This product helps stimulate brow growth and although I haven’t tried it personally, it’s had good reviews. (Damone is known as the “Eyebrow King.”) The line used to be at Holt Renfrew, not sure if it still is, but you can order online. (OR talk to your doctor about prescription products like Latisse (coming soon to Canada) or Lumigan, both of which can be used to stimulate hair growth if you apply on brows.)
Now tell me…
How full do YOU wear your brows? Is your eyebrow lady still on speed-dial or are you growing yours out? Which brow products do you swear by?
Photo: Style.com
