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Chock it up to model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne’s iconic brows being plastered all over print and social media, but from Burberry to Dolce & Gabbana well-groomed eyebrows were the focus of many Spring 2015 runway beauty looks. Why all the fuss? As Denver-based makeup artist Stephanie Klasse puts it, “A good set of brows provides structure and balance to the face—and that means a solid brow routine is a must for everyone.” In her own words, Klasse offers her top tips for every brow type.
POWDER
A pretty, filled-in eyebrow flatters every face. To get it, you need just one star product: eyebrow powder.
Product pick: Form-A-Brow Kit from Senna Cosmetics ($45, pictured above). Choose the appropriate stencil for your brow shape, dip the included brush in all three powder colors (the trio of shades provides instant depth), and brush into your brows. It’s that simple! (The website features a good how-to video for the visual learner.)
PENCIL
For brows that need more shape and depth than powder can provide, reach for a micro-tip pencil (the best versions come with a grooming tool on the end). To use, take the groomer and brush your brows upward to see the areas that need to be filled in, and then apply the pencil with light strokes.
Product pick: Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Precision Glide Brow Pencil ($21, and it’s even waterproof).
POWDER/PENCIL COMBO
One of my favorite products blends the precision of a pencil with the fill power of a powder, making it perfect for brows that need shape and hold.
Product pick: Smashbox Cosmetics Brow Tech To Go ($28). This double-ended tool has an angled pencil for lightly drawing in hairs, while the clear gel sets brows in their perfect shape. Although this pencil only comes in two shades—taupe and brunette—the tones work for just about anyone.
POMADE
If brow hair trends toward either end of the spectrum—fine, coarse, ultra fair, or sparse and dark—pomade is a fantastic option for filling in and creating definition. To start, brush your brows up; take a fine, angled eyebrow brush and dip it into a small amount of product (a little goes a long way); with short, feathered stokes, brush the pomade in an upward motion through the brows.
Product pick: The clay base in Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse ($28) makes it both budge-proof and user-friendly.
EYEBROW TINT
For those in need of color and definition (think: fine, pale brows), a felt-tip brow pen may be just the product.
Product pick: Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color ($21) has the natural look of a powder with the staying power of a water-resistant formula.
EYEBROW GEL
If your hair is coarse or long, a classic gel is a must to tame unruly brows. Apply it in combination with whatever other product(s) you use to set brows all day and provide a little extra color.
Product picks: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow ($24) has fibers that plump up even the finest hairs while adding a natural tint. Apply it with short strokes to avoid any goop-ing. Tarte Amazonian Colored Clay Tinted Brow Gel ($21) has an ultrafine applicator that spreads the perfect amount of waterproof tint and can expertly groom any brow into a precise shape.
Remember: When in doubt, use a light hand and cooler-toned color for the most natural-looking eyebrows. As always, practice makes perfect!