Eyebrows help frame your face, and having them the right shape, thickness and color are a big boost to your appearance. Here’s some advice on getting the details right, from Michael Moore, a makeup artist who owns Simply Moore Studio in Cherry Creek North.
1. Decide the right shape for you.
Brows should start at the edge of your nose. Hold a thin makeup brush handle or a pencil and angle it straight up from the edge of your nose to the inner corner of your brow. There should not be stray hairs on the inside of the brush or pencil. Keeping the brush handle by your nose in place, point the brush tip toward the outer corner of your eye. The top of the handle will extend past your eye at this point. You should not have any brow hairs beyond the outside edge of the brush or pencil you are using. The last and most crucial step (not pictured) is to angle your brush or pencil tip midway in toward your nose from the last step and this is where your brow’s arch should be.
2. Tweeze only if you need to, and skip the waxing.
While tweezing allows you to pull only one hair at time, it’s safer than waxing because you don’t risk being burned, having an allergic reaction to the wax or stripping away your whole eyebrow. (Waxing for the bikini line, underarms, legs, etc. is different. You still run the risk of being burned or having an allergic reaction, but the effects are less noticeable than on your eyebrows.)
3. If you have long eyebrow hairs, cut them.
Brush out your brows and use a small pair of scissors to trim any that are lying outside of your natural brow line. Think of this like trimming your hedges. You are not pruning them, just trimming, sparingly.
4. Fill in your brows.
Moore prefers powder to gels or pencils, but pencils can be good for someone who has very sparse brows. Be wary of applying your pencil too heavily. It can look obvious. You can apply a powder over the pencil to finish the look and keep it from looking waxy or appearing to have sheen. Brow gels can be great for people who just need to add a touch of color or a bit of fill.
5. Stop feeling helpless if you are becoming hairless.
There are numerous products that will help you grow in a few more brow hairs and help eliminate bald spots. Revita-Brow is a no-nonsense product that Moore has been selling for years, and it doesn’t require a prescription. While these products can be pricey they are effective.
Some other ideas for helping hair growth:
• Don’t cut healthy fat out of your diet. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate levels for your dietary needs.
• Try a biotin, zinc or iron supplement if you notice an unusual amount of hair loss. Also notify your doctor of any unusual hair loss: It can sometimes be a sign of several other issues such as a thyroid problem.
• Don’t forget the other simple solutions. Try to decrease your level of stress, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
Michael Moore is a Denver-based makeup artist and owner of Simply Moore studio, 3000 E. Third Ave. The business offers cosmetics application and lessons, skin care, waxing and such services as custom-blended makeup. Moore regularly hosts group events and seminars, and is on CW2 each Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. ; 303-399-4151.
Have a fashion or beauty issue you’d like help with? Send an e-mail to sbrown@denverpost.com; or call 303-954-1697.
