How to Apply Eyebrow Powder

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

Applying eyebrow powder is a fairly simple process, as long as you know how to measure where your eyebrows begin and end, which you can do with a simple straight edge. Start by using wax to shape and set your eyebrows, then mark where the edges of your eyebrows should be. Finally, apply the powder with a light hand for the most natural effect.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Using Eyebrow Wax

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Brush your eyebrows outward and upward with a mascara brush. Before beginning, brush your hair to the same direction. Brushing your eyebrow hair slightly upward makes your eyes look bigger.^{[1]
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- When you're brushing your eyebrows, use a disposable mascara brush, or clean and dry an old brush if that's all you have. You could also use an eyebrow comb, if you have one.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ashleigh Grounds
  Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
2
Trim or shape your eyebrows to get rid of long hairs. After you brush your eyebrows straight up, look for any hair that falls outside of the shape of your eyebrows. Then, use a pair of cosmetic scissors to trim those hairs down.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} If you notice any stray eyebrow hairs, or hairs that are growing outside of the shape of your brows, pluck them with tweezers.
- When you're finished, brush the hairs downward, then trim any that fall outside of the natural shape of your brows. That way, you're not changing the shape of your brows—just removing stray hairs.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ashleigh Grounds
  Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
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3
Use an angled wax brush to apply the wax. An eyebrow powder kit will usually come with clear wax. The wax helps hold the hair in place and gives the powder something to adhere to. A small, angled brush helps set the shape.^{[5]
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Brush the wax on in short, upward strokes. Follow the same pattern you just used when brushing out your eyebrows. Get a little wax on your brush, and gently brush your eyebrows upward, setting them in place.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Measuring Where to Begin and End

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Find the outside edge using the center of your nostril. Touch a straight edge along the center of your nostril to the outer edge of your eye. Continue the line up to your brow, and that's where the outer edge of your brow should be.^{[7]
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- You can use an eyebrow brush to make the straight line in place of a straight edge.
- Mark the point with a matching eyebrow pencil if you'll have trouble remembering.
2
Pinpoint the inner edge of your eyebrow using the inside of your eye. Run a straight edge from the outer edge of your nose to the inner point of your eye. Continue it up to your brow line, and that marks where the inside point of your brow should be.^{[8]
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- Place a small dot with the eyebrow pencil.
3
Figure out where the highest point of your arch should go. Hold the straight edge up to your face again. Run it from the outside of your nostril and along the outside edge of your iris. On your eyebrow, this point marks where the highest part of your arch should be.^{[9]
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- The iris is the colored part of your eye.
- Mark this point with the eyebrow pencil, as well.
- Work with and emphasize your natural arch instead of creating a new one.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding the Powder

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Pick a powder 1-2 shades lighter than your hair color. Match the powder to your hair color, but then move a shade lighter. Once you apply it, the natural oils on your forehead will darken the color slightly, so going lighter keeps it from looking too dark.^{[10]
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- Experiment with a few brands until you find one you like.
2
Draw a line across the bottom of your eyebrows with an angled brush. Dab the brush on the powder, then gently tap it to shake any excess off. Using the short side of the brush to lead, make a defined stroke across the bottom of your eyebrows, going from the inside dot you made to the outside dot you made.^{[11]
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- A brush made from natural hair works best.
- Keep the line light. Use soft strokes, as harsh lines can look unnatural. You basically want the powder to look like a shadow.
3
Add a softer line on the top. Get a bit more powder on your brush. Create a line across the top of your brow, leading with the small side of the brush. Don't press down quite as hard, creating a softer line.^{[12]
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- Make sure you're making these lines along the points you defined earlier. Go from the inside point you made to the top of the arch, and back down to the outside point. Try to create a smooth, curving line.
4
Use light strokes to fill in the middle and any holes. Blend the 2 lines together by going gently across the middle. Also, make sure to fill in holes with feather-like strokes. Don't get too heavy-handed.^{[13]
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Tip the outer edge of your eyebrow up for an upbeat look. If you bring the outer edge down, it can look like you're sad or depressed. Instead, bring it slightly up towards your temple as you come to the tip.^{[14]
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6
Run a spoolie across your brow again at the end. Comb the spoolie through your eyebrow hair, brushing slightly up again. Using a spoolie helps set the hair in place. If you want, you can even add a bit more wax at the end to help set it.

Expert Q&A

Question

What tools do you use to trim and shape someone's eyebrows?

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Ashleigh Grounds is a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in Austin, Texas. Ashleigh has over 11 years of cosmetology experience. She studied cosmetology in Dallas, Texas and completed a two-year hair salon apprenticeship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Toni & Guy Hair Salon. She is accredited by the International Board of Cosmetology, is a certified Babe Hair Extension Professional, and is a certified Brazilian Blow Out Professional. Ashleigh was voted the best Hair Stylist in Austin for 2012 by RAW Artists and was voted in the top 20 salons for 2020 in Austin by Expertise. Ashleigh's work has been featured in Talentmagazines, BlogTalkRadio, KXAN, and Studio 512.

Ashleigh Grounds

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Use a clean eyebrow comb or mascara spoolie to comb the hair on your brows straight up, and use a pair of scissors to cut off the excess in the shape of your eyebrow. Then, brush the hairs down and do the same thing again. That way, you're still honoring the shape of your brows, but you're just taking off the excess.