Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Few of us are lucky enough to be born with beautiful brows. Not fair, as we all yearn to have perfectly arched, dramatic brows that complement our features, yet still look natural. We’ve spent countless hours trying to achieve the shape that works for us, often with less than flattering results – haven’t we all done the severe over-tweeze or used a pencil like a Sharpie? Or had a “professional” shaping that left us with half of an eyebrow?

So how do we get gorgeous brows? First, having the right tools is essential. Skimp on the investment and risk a lifetime of strangers staring and scaring small children. It pays to do your research and seek expert advice when it comes to your tools and doing your own brows. Luckily we have Corinne O’Brien, make-up artist for two major Canadian television networks, to point us in the right direction.

When buying tweezers:

Look for a pair with an angled tip that close tightly. I don’t suggest the square ended tip as it is more difficult to get a good grip on the hair. Don’t go too cheap – a good pair should cost in the range of $20.00. In terms of brands, Tweezerman is one that’s tried and true and has a lifetime guarantee.

Okay, so you’ve got the right tweezers but how do we use them? Follow Corinne’s top tips for sculpting the perfect brow (you may want to print these and post beside your make-up mirror!):

1. Before tweezing, brush brow hairs straight up and trim the longer hairs with cuticle scissors. This will give you instant shape.

2. Using a white eyeliner pencil, draw your preferred brow shape on the underside of the brow and tweeze the stray hairs under the white line.

3. If you need to sculpt the brow into shape a little more, tweeze rows of hairs that are a part of the core to create an arch.

How do we maintain our fabulous new brow shape?

After you have shaped your brow, tweeze only stray hairs when needed. You won’t have to touch the core of the brow once it’s shaped. Trimming of the brow can be done approximately once a month.

Oh, no! But I over-tweezed!

If you have over-tweezed your brows, it is important to let it all grow in. This can be difficult but it’s important so that you have a chance to reshape the brow properly. Trust me, it is well worth it! If you continue to over-tweeze, there’s a good chance that the brow will never fully grow back in, so be careful! If you are uncomfortable attempting to shape your brows, it is always good to go to a professional for the first shaping at which point you will be able to maintain your brows on your own.

Most brows aren’t symmetrical so filling them in may be required. This is another area where big mistakes can be made so keep these tips in mind before you begin:

1. The most natural way to fill in a brow is with a brow powder which is coarser than eyeshadow, so mimics the natural hairs better.

2. Using a stiff angled brush, fill in the brow with quick upward strokes with a light hand. You can also use a brow pencil, using the same quick upward stroke technique. A pencil will be more dramatic, compared to the powder which will look natural.

3. For blondes, brows should be one shade darker than your hair colour. Brunettes, go one shade lighter. Black or red, match your brows to your hair.

Corinne adds, “Remember that eyebrows are sisters, not twins. They will never be perfectly symmetrical. This is what adds to our individual beauty.”

That’s good advice. Now go create some killer brows!