Eyebrows frame the face and can dramatically change your overall look. If you have naturally dark eyebrows that no longer complement your hair color after dyeing it lighter, there are several makeup techniques you can use to lighten and soften your brows without bleaching or tinting them. Lightening eyebrows with makeup is a quick, easy, and non-committal way to achieve a fresh, bright look.
Choosing the Right Brow Products
The first step is selecting the appropriate brow products for lightening your eyebrows. Here are some options to consider:
Brow Pencils
Brow pencils are one of the most popular tools for filling in and shaping brows. Look for pencils in ashy or taupe shades that are 1-2 shades lighter than your natural brow color. Some great options include:
Brow Powders
Brow powders can help lighten brows while still looking natural. Use a stiff angled brush to apply the powder in short, feathery strokes. Try:
Brow Mascaras/Gels
Tinted brow gels and mascaras can lighten brows while simultaneously taming and grooming the hairs. Look for shades like “caramel” or “blonde.” Some options:
Techniques for Lightening Brows
Once you have the right products, you can use a few different techniques to lighten your eyebrows with makeup:
The Concealer Method
This method involves using a concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone as a base:
- Apply the concealer directly onto the brows using a flat concealer brush or your fingertips.
- Use a spoolie brush to comb the brow hairs up and through the concealer.
- Set the concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder.
- Use a brow pencil or powder 1-2 shades lighter than your natural color to lightly fill in and define the brow shape.
This creates a lighter base for the brow makeup to adhere to, resulting in softer, more subtle brows.
The Layering Method
With this technique, you layer lighter brow products over your natural brows:
- Use a tinted brow gel or mascara in a light blonde or taupe shade as a base coat over your brows.
- Use feathery, hair-like strokes with a brow pencil or powder 1-2 shades lighter than your natural color to fill in and define the shape.
- Finish with a clear brow gel or pomade to blend and set the look.
This allows your natural brow color to peek through while the lighter shades soften and brighten the overall look.
The Ombre Effect
For a more subtle, gradient look:
- Use a brow pencil or powder in your natural brow shade to fill in the tail end of the brow.
- Use a lighter taupe or blonde shade on the inner corners and middle portions of the brow.
- Blend the two shades together seamlessly with a spoolie brush.
This creates a soft ombre effect where the brows gradually lighten from the tails to the front.
Tips and Tricks
- Always use light, feathery strokes when applying brow makeup to avoid harsh, unnatural lines.
- Comb through brows with a spoolie brush frequently to blend the product and keep brows looking soft and fluffy.
- Set brow makeup with a clear brow gel or lightweight hairspray to ensure long-lasting wear.
- Use a lighter hand on the tails of the brows, as this area tends to look harsh if over-filled.
- Highlight just beneath the arched portion of the brow with a luminous concealer or cream highlighter to make the brows appear lifted.
Conclusion
Lightening your eyebrows with makeup is an easy, reversible way to brighten your look and better complement new hair colors. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve soft, natural-looking brows in a range of lighter shades. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect brow look for you!
FAQs
How do you lighten too dark eyebrows?
To lighten too dark eyebrows, you can use a cream hair bleach specifically designed for facial hair. Apply it carefully with a cotton swab, ensuring it doesn’t drip into your eyes. Leave it on for a minute or two, then remove it with a warm washcloth. Alternatively, you can use eyebrow gels or pencils in lighter shades to achieve a temporary lightening effect.
How can I lighten my eyebrows naturally?
Natural methods to lighten eyebrows include using lemon juice or raw honey. Lemon juice can strip off the natural melanin pigment, especially when exposed to sunlight, while raw honey contains traces of hydrogen peroxide that gradually lighten the hair. However, these methods should be used cautiously to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Can you lighten eyebrows with a pencil?
Yes, you can lighten eyebrows with a pencil. Choose an eyebrow pencil that is one to two shades lighter than your natural brow color. Apply the pencil using light, feathery strokes to mimic natural hair growth. This method provides a subtle, temporary lightening effect and allows for easy adjustments if needed.
How can I make my eyebrows look fuller without using brow products?
To make eyebrows look fuller without using brow products, you can try techniques like brushing your brows upward to create a fuller appearance. Regularly grooming and trimming stray hairs can also help maintain a neat shape. Additionally, consider using natural oils like castor or coconut oil to condition the brows and potentially stimulate hair growth over time.
Are there any natural remedies to lighten eyebrows?
Yes, natural remedies to lighten eyebrows include using lemon juice, raw honey, or chamomile tea. Lemon juice can lighten the brows when exposed to sunlight, while raw honey releases hydrogen peroxide that gradually lightens hair. Chamomile tea can be mixed with lemon juice for a paste-like consistency, providing a gentle lightening effect. Always use these methods cautiously to avoid skin irritation.
