Soft Natural Brows

At Ellance Beauty, my philosophy is centered on creating natural, soft brows that offer a polished look without appearing overdone or too bold. As a makeup artist, I've consistently observed how significantly eyebrows frame the face and are often one of the first features people notice. When executed correctly, well-defined brows can profoundly enhance a beautiful makeup application.

A common challenge I address is when an eyebrow hair color doesn't quite match a client's hair color, uneven eyebrows or simply an eyebrow shape that often ages the client, even if the shape and fullness are otherwise good. Achieving the perfect, complementary color is important for a cohesive and natural appearance. This is why I always emphasize the necessity of selecting a shade that harmonizes seamlessly with my client's hair, ensuring an authentic rather than artificial result. When clients express their eyebrow preference, the response is almost always "a natural polished eyebrow."

To achieve what I call a "tri-dimensional" brow – a sophisticated combination of a powder brow with detailed strokes – I follow a precise multi-step approach:

1. **Preparation**: I begin by thoroughly cleaning the eyebrow area to remove any natural oils that could compromise product longevity. For this, I use Bioderma micellar water with a cotton round, specifically avoiding makeup wipes, as most tend to leave an oily residue.

2. **Powder Application**: Next, I apply an eyebrow powder that is one shade lighter than the client's natural hair color. Instead of a traditional brow brush, which can create excessive definition, I opt for a slightly fuller, fluffy, short brush (typically used for eyeshadow). This technique, utilizing soft strokes, yields a softer "powder brow" effect without harsh or bold lines. My preferred brow powder for this step is from Brow Girl.

3. **Pencil Definition**: Following the powder, I use a skinny, twist-up brow pencil. The specific pencil chosen is tailored to the client's eyebrow type, and the crucial element here is to apply minimal pressure when creating individual strokes.

4. **Hair Strokes**: Finally, I utilize a brow pen to create fine, hair-like strokes, either to refine the eyebrow shape or to fill in any sparse areas. My current obsession is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Microstroke Brow Pen. I have extensively experimented with many options on the market, but this one consistently proves to be the best. It doesn't bleed, offers an excellent spectrum of cool to warm tones, and boasts exceptional long-wear. In my personal testing, my brows have appeared freshly done even after 10 hours, with clean micro-strokes that perfectly simulate real hair. Again, applying soft strokes is key at this stage.

5. **Finishing**: Depending on the client's natural hair color and existing eyebrows, I may then apply an eyebrow gel to color-correct the client's natural hair, either to lighten or darken it. If no color correction is necessary, I will use a clear brow gel to set the look.

This comprehensive, multi-step approach is designed to ensure a natural, polished, and lasting eyebrow look for every client, enhancing their overall beauty seamlessly.