If you’re aiming for a natural makeup look, your eyebrows play a crucial role. Shaping, maintaining, and applying the right eyebrow makeup can make a big difference in enhancing your features. Instead of treating them as an afterthought, think of them as one of the most defining aspects of your face.
To help you achieve the best brows, we turned to expert Joey Healy, a well-known eyebrow specialist based in New York City. With an aesthetician’s license from the Aveda Institute and a thriving business of his own, Healy knows all the tricks to perfecting your brows.
If the thought of grooming your eyebrows makes you nervous—especially because of the pain—you’re not alone. Many people have experienced the discomfort of waxing, whether firsthand or by watching scenes like the infamous one in *The 40-Year-Old Virgin*. If you have sensitive skin, waxing might not be the best option. Healy suggests using tweezers instead, as they don’t come into direct contact with your skin when used correctly. To minimize discomfort, hold the skin taut and pluck quickly in the direction of hair growth. Afterward, apply light pressure with your finger to soothe the area. Also, try to avoid plucking right before your menstrual cycle, as your skin tends to be more sensitive during that time.
Since eyebrow hair takes about four weeks to grow back, you only need professional grooming once a month. This makes it easier to maintain your brows without spending too much. Healy also recommends taking a picture after each session to use as a reference for future shaping.
To keep your brows looking great between appointments, invest in a good pair of slanted tweezers and clean up new growth once a week. If you stay consistent, you can extend the time between professional visits. Additionally, avoid rubbing your brows or using harsh chemicals, as both can lead to hair loss.
A common myth is that over-plucking prevents your eyebrows from growing back. In reality, if you’re in good health, your brows will regrow over time. The shape of your eyebrows is determined by your bone structure, not cartilage. To find the ideal starting point, hold a pencil vertically against the side of your nose—your brows should begin in a clean, squared-off manner at about a 90-degree angle.
Before applying any brow makeup, tweeze stray hairs and trim long ones with scissors. Be cautious—it’s always better to leave a little extra than to remove too much. Also, make sure to remove any leftover makeup from the previous day to keep your skin healthy and prevent breakouts.
When choosing a brow pencil, stick close to your natural color—going too light or too dark can look unnatural. Apply the pencil using short, angled strokes from the inside out for a soft, natural effect. Avoid heavy-handed application, as it can make your brows look overly drawn-on. If needed, you can always add more color, but removing excess product means starting over. Keeping your brow pencil sharp will also help you achieve the best results.