How To Fill In Eyebrows For A Natural Look?

Written by: Rachael Bebe

Eyebrows are more than just a frame for your eyes—they can completely transform your face. Whether you’re aiming for a soft, natural eyebrow look or looking to subtly enhance what you’ve got, the right eyebrow technique is essential.

I’ve seen countless clients walk out of my studio with newfound confidence, just by changing how their eyebrows are shaped and filled in. As a cosmetic tattoo artist, I understand the importance of achieving that perfect balance between boldness and subtlety.

From regrowing sparse eyebrows to shaping and filling them with makeup, we’ll go step-by-step on how to create that effortlessly polished look. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your technique, you’re in the right place to master natural eyebrow filling.

Part 1: Growing Overplucked or Sparse Eyebrows

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of over-plucking your eyebrows, especially with the beauty trends changing over the years. I’ve had clients come in, frustrated with their thinning brows after years of plucking. 

But here’s the good news: with patience and the right care, you can regrow and make your eyebrows fuller.

eyeliner tattoo

How Long Does It Take to Regrow Eyebrows?

I always tell my clients that patience is key. If you’ve overplucked your eyebrows, don’t expect instant results. It typically takes about three to four months for your brows to fully recover. 

Some clients see great results, while others may find that certain areas don’t regrow as well due to damaged hair follicles.

During the regrowth period, it’s important to stop plucking altogether. I know it’s tempting to tweeze stray hairs, but trust me, allowing your brows to grow freely is the best way forward. The longer you can resist, the better the results.

Strategies for Encouraging Eyebrow Regrowth

  1. Hydration is Key: Keeping your brows hydrated is vital for regrowth. I’ve recommended castor oil, almond oil, and coconut oil to many clients to help prevent hair from snapping and shedding. You only need to apply these oils sparingly at night. I’ve noticed clients using rosemary oil specifically, which has helped promote faster regrowth in many cases. Just remember to patch test before committing to any oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
  2. Nutrition for Brow Growth: Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E plays a major role in encouraging hair regrowth. I’ve had clients swear by biotin supplements—this B vitamin is famous for its connection to hair growth. I usually advise six to eight glasses of water per day to help your hair follicles stay hydrated and function at their best.
  3. Circulation Boosting Tips: Brushing your brows with a clean spoolie can do wonders for your circulation, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth. I’ve also seen great results from clients who massage their brows daily, either with their fingers or a gua sha stone. The increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients, creating the perfect environment for new growth.
  4. Try a Brow Growth Serum: Brow growth serums are not just a gimmick! Some of my clients have achieved faster results with serums containing biotin, peptides, or plant-based oils. I’ve personally used and recommended Vegamour’s vegaBROW Volumising Serum for its all-natural ingredients, and the results speak for themselves.

Part 2: Shaping and Grooming Eyebrows

Achieving that natural, well-groomed look is all about shaping your brows to suit your face. Over the years, I’ve had clients come to me with wild, unruly brows, but with a little care, you can make a huge difference.

Seeking Professional Help for Brow Shaping

If you’re not sure where to start with brow shaping, don’t be afraid to seek a professional. The right shape can make a massive difference to your face, and a visit to an eyebrow artist can give you the perfect starting point.

I always recommend getting a professional shape first, then maintaining it at home with simple tools.

Eyebrow Mapping: Creating Symmetry and Precision

One of the techniques I swear by for perfect eyebrows is eyebrow mapping. It’s a foolproof way to ensure symmetry, and once you’ve done it once, you can maintain the shape yourself. Here’s how I map my clients’ brows:

  1. Start Point: Place a pencil vertically from the dimple of your nose to the inner corner of your eye. This marks where the brow should start.
  2. Arch: Angle the pencil from the dimple of your nose to the outer edge of your iris—this is where the highest point of your arch should be.
  3. End Point: Place the pencil from the side of your nostril to the outer corner of your eye. This marks where your brow should end.

Once these points are marked, I simply connect them with a brow pencil and refine the shape. Remember, “sisters, not twins”—eyebrows are naturally asymmetrical, so don’t aim for perfection.

Trimming and Tweezing for Defined Brows

To maintain your brows, brush them upwards with a spoolie. I always recommend trimming any hairs that stick out above the brow line to keep things tidy. 

When tweezing, focus on removing stray hairs around the brow’s natural shape. Avoid over-plucking, as it’s easier to take out too much than to grow it back. I recommend grooming every 2-3 weeks to keep them in shape.

Part 3: Filling and Enhancing Eyebrows with Makeup

Filling in your eyebrows correctly can add definition and enhance the natural shape without looking too heavy. I’ve worked with many clients who are new to eyebrow makeup, and the key to a natural look is to take it slow and steady.

How to Achieve a Natural Look When Filling in Eyebrows

  • “Less is more”: Start with a little product, and build it up if needed. I always recommend applying a thin layer of product first and layering it to avoid an overdone look.
  • Feathery Strokes: Mimic the natural hair growth with light, feathery strokes. This creates a natural, soft finish, even if you have sparse areas to fill in.
  • Blend, Blend, Blend: Use a spoolie to blend the product into your natural hairs, softening any harsh lines. The more you blend, the more natural the look.
  • Keep the Skin Visible: Avoid completely filling in the skin between the hairs—this is where the product can start to look too artificial. I always leave a bit of skin showing, especially towards the front of the brow.

Choosing the Right Colour and Undertone for Your Eyebrows

It’s important to choose the right shade and undertone for a natural look:

  1. For Dark Hair: Go for a shade one to two shades lighter than your natural hair colour. This keeps things softer and more natural.
  2. For Light Hair: If you have blonde or light brown hair, choose a shade half to one shade darker to create contrast without looking too bold.

Matching the undertones is also crucial. Warm-toned brows suit warm-toned hair, and cool-toned brows are better for cooler hair colours. I usually suggest cool-toned browns for brunettes and ashier shades for blondes.

Popular Eyebrow Makeup Products for a Natural Look

The right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Eyebrow Pencil: For precise detailing and filling sparse areas, I recommend the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. It’s one of the most natural-looking pencils available.
  • Eyebrow Powder: If you’re looking for a softer, matte finish, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo is a great option.
  • Brow Gel/Mascara: To set your brows in place, Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hr Brow Setter works wonders.
  • Brow Pomade: For a bolder, more defined look, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade is a top choice, though it’s best for those who like a more sculpted appearance.
eyebrow tattoo

Step-by-Step Makeup Application for Perfect Natural Eyebrows

  1. Brush Upwards: Use a spoolie to brush your brows into their natural shape.
  2. Outline and Fill: Use a pencil or powder to define the natural shape, focusing on sparse areas.
  3. Blend: Blend with a spoolie for a natural look.
  4. Set: Use a brow gel to set the hairs in place and enhance their longevity.

Types of Eyebrow Makeup Products for a Natural Look

When it comes to filling in your eyebrows for a natural look, choosing the right product makes all the difference. Below is a comparison of the most common eyebrow makeup products and their specific benefits, so you can choose the one that works best for your style.

Product Type

Benefits

Best For

Recommended Products

Eyebrow Pencil

Offers precision and fine detailing. Great for mimicking hair-like strokes.

Sparse areas, defining the shape

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, NYX Micro Brow Pencil

Eyebrow Powder

Creates a soft, fuller look with a matte finish.

Filling in brows for a softer look

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo, Nanobrow Eyebrow Powder Kit

Brow Gel/Mascara

Holds brow hairs in place, adds volume, and adds colour.

Setting brows and adding volume

Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hr Brow Setter, Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

Brow Pomade

Provides a creamy finish with long-lasting hold. Ideal for bold looks.

Defined, sculpted brows

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade, Maybelline Tattoo Studio Pomade

Part 4: Eyebrow Trends and Face Shapes

Eyebrow trends come and go, but the key is knowing what works best for your unique face shape.

Current Eyebrow Trends

Today, the trend is all about thicker, fuller, more natural brows. Techniques like feathered brows and soap brows are making waves. While bold brows are on trend, it’s important to always aim for a look that complements your face, rather than going for a cookie-cutter style.

Eyebrow Shape Guidelines for Different Face Shapes

  • Round Face: Opt for high, arched brows to create the illusion of a longer face.
  • Square Face: Soft, rounded brows will help soften the angles of your face.
  • Oval Face: Most shapes will work, but keep it balanced with soft arches.
  • Long Face: Flat brows with minimal arch can shorten the length of your face.

Part 5: Troubleshooting and Professional Services

Even with the best techniques, challenges can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot common eyebrow issues.

Common Eyebrow Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing the wrong color: Going too dark or too light can make your brows look unnatural.
  • Heavy-handed application: Use a light hand to prevent blocky brows.
  • Over-plucking: It can take months to grow back over-plucked brows.
  • Not blending: Failing to blend makeup can leave harsh lines.
  • Trying to make them identical: Eyebrows are sisters, not twins.

Fixing Common Eyebrow Makeup Issues

  • Brows that are too dark: Soften them with a spoolie and add some foundation to lighten them.
  • Uneven brows: Start with the sparser one and mimic its shape on the fuller one.
  • Overdrawn brows: Use concealer to clean up any overdrawn areas.

Professional Eyebrow Services

  • Eyebrow Tinting: Semi-permanent dye for fuller brows.
  • Microblading: A tattooing technique for long-lasting, natural-looking brows.
  • Brow Lamination: Lifts and sets brows for a uniform, voluminous look.
  • Waxing/Threading: Professional hair removal methods for well-defined brows.

microblading eyebrow tattoo

Part 6: Common Eyebrow Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the most carefully curated brows can run into issues from time to time. Whether it’s uneven filling, over-plucking, or brow products that don’t seem to stay in place, knowing how to fix these problems is key to achieving a natural look. 

I’ve worked with clients who’ve encountered all these challenges, and with a few tweaks, their brows were back on track.

Uneven Eyebrows

It’s natural to have one eyebrow that’s slightly different from the other, but sometimes, the difference becomes more noticeable after filling them in. Here’s what I suggest:

  • Start with the Sparse Brow: If one brow is thinner or has fewer hairs, start filling it in first. This helps you mimic its shape on the fuller brow.
  • Check Symmetry: Don’t aim for perfectly identical brows—eyebrows are sisters, not twins. But a quick look in the mirror from a distance can help assess if they’re balanced.
  • Blend, Blend, Blend: Uneven brows can often be fixed with a good blend. Use a spoolie to soften the lines and ensure the product is evenly distributed.

Over-Plucked Brows

Over-plucking can result in sparse spots or uneven hair growth. Don’t worry, though—there are ways to work around this:

  • Use a Brow Pencil: Light, feathery strokes mimic natural hairs, helping to fill in any sparse areas.
  • Consider Brow Gel: A tinted brow gel can provide volume and colour, giving your brows a fuller appearance.
  • Focus on the Arch: If the arch is too thin due to over-plucking, add a little more definition here to create balance.
  • Avoid Over-Tweezing: After filling in, it’s easy to get tempted to pluck stray hairs, but remember that it’s easy to take too much. Stick to tweezing only when necessary.

Products That Don’t Stay Put

One of the most common issues with eyebrow products is them not lasting throughout the day. If you’re finding your brow pencil or powder disappears after a few hours, consider these fixes:

  • Set with a Clear Brow Gel: Brow gel not only holds hairs in place but also helps set your makeup.
  • Use a Waterproof Formula: Waterproof eyebrow pencils and gels are perfect for long-lasting results, especially in humid or wet conditions.
  • Opt for Pomade: Brow pomades are creamy, long-lasting, and provide excellent coverage for filling in sparse areas. They’re great for creating a defined yet natural look that won’t budge.

Perfect eyebrows are an art that can completely elevate your look. Whether you’re growing them back, shaping them, or enhancing them with makeup, the key to natural-looking brows is understanding your unique face shape, using the right products, and applying them with care. 

Remember, natural, healthy brows will always be on trend, and the most important thing is that you feel confident in your look.

With over two decades of dedicated experience, Rachael Bebe stands as one of Melbourne's pioneering cosmetic tattoo artists. Since 2003, she has transformed thousands of lives through her expertise in eyebrow, eyeliner, and lip enhancement procedures. As one of Melbourne's first certified practitioners, Rachael has not only witnessed but actively shaped the evolution of cosmetic tattooing in Australia.

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