When it comes to eyebrows, it is an essential part of the makeup application to define them as it is said that the eyebrows frame the face–this is a very true fact.  By define, I mean fill them in or enhance their shape (usually by creating a slight arch).  People with naturally full eyebrows might not need to fill them in at all and would look into waxing and plucking them to define and shape them as opposed to filling them in with an eyebrow product.

There are many options when filling in the eyebrows including pencils which I would say is probably the most popular choice along with powders and gels.  As a professional makeup artist, I have always preferred to fill in eyebrows with a good angled brush and powder rather than a pencil or gel.

For starters, I think it is a much easier application to apply with a brush and powder as there is more control compared to using a pencil.  With a pencil, it can often make the brows have that drawn on appearance which can look too harsh and much less natural.

A great benefit to using a brow powder is that you can even use an eye shadow!  Most of the time, I use a matte eyeshadow from a MAC palette (colors such as Brun, Cork, and Expresso) to fill in my client’s brows.  It is nice to have a product that can be multi-purpose and in this case, an eye shadow and an eyebrow filler.

Brow powders also last MUCH longer than any other eyebrow product.  My last eyebrow powder lasted me over three years and this is when I essentially used it everyday.  A brow pencil is going to have about the same longevity of an eyeliner pencil.  If you are using it everyday, chances are you will go through it in about 3-6 months or potentially less time depending on how much you use each day.  A gel in a pot might last longer than a pencil but it still will not last for nearly as long as a brow powder would.  Also keep in mind if the gel and/or brow tint comes in mascara tube, this will also run out very quickly.

With an eyebrow powder, you also have a couple of ways of applying it to give you a different effect.  You can apply the product dry which will appear more natural or you can even slightly wet the angled brush and dip it into the brow powder. This method upon application to the eyebrows will appear slightly more defined and also provide a darker pigment.

Anastasia Beverly Brow Powder Duo – “Ebony”

Personally, I use the Anastasia Beverly Brow Duo in the combo “Ebony.”  I like that there are two shades so I can mix them.  To apply this product, I use the MAC #266 brush and apply it dry instead of wetting the brush for a softer appearance.

Anastasia Beverly offers a wide range of duos to choose from based on your hair color.  I highly recommend this product although as I mentioned previously, a good matte eye shadow will also work.