Beauty trends change fairly often, but over the last few years, you've probably noticed the consistent love for thicker, fuller looking eyebrows. Whether you already have thick brows and just want to add a bit of definition or you've got thinner brows and want to add more body, there's more than one way to achieve your goals.
Before you run to microblading, you may want to consider eyebrow tinting at home. We looked to an expert to explain the process and how it might benefit you.
What is eyebrow tinting?
Eyebrow tinting, a semi-permanent procedure typically performed in a salon, uses dye (semi-permanent or henna-based) to enhance, shape and define brows, according to Laura Richelle, a makeup artist and esthetician at Miyagi Wax Studio in Indialantic, Florida.
"This creates a longer brow line or a fuller front and gives a more desired shape to the brow," Richelle told us. "Brow tinting is usually followed up with a brow shaping to define your eye."
What is the difference between eyebrow tinting and microblading?
Other than tinting brows with dye, Richelle explained brows can also be tinted using microblading — a procedure that adds pigment into the skin with a tattoo method.
"Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo that lasts anywhere from 6-12 months, depending on your skin retention or how well the skin heals," she said. "Microblading will transform thin, overplucked and sparse brows into a fuller shape."
When deciding between the two treatments, Richelle suggests starting with brow tinting and moving on to microblading once you're positive the tinted look is one you enjoy.
What to know about eyebrow tinting at home
For times when you're unable to make it to a salon appointment, or you just prefer an even more temporary brow tint, Richelle says there are great at-home options on the market.
"One of the most popular [tinting options] is Just for Men’s mustache and beard gel, cotton swabs and some petroleum jelly," said Richelle. "Just for Men is an old-school trick and super affordable. You just create a barrier with the petroleum jelly to protect the skin on the eyelid, mix your color and bam! DIY brow tinting."
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If at-home dye makes you nervous, Richelle says there are other products that last a much shorter time, such as semi-permanent brow gels and waxes.
"These are wonderful options for temporary fixes when you can’t get into your brow girl," said Richelle. "After all, brows are a girl's best friend."
From tinting kits to brow wax, we've rounded up some of the best ways to get darker, more shapely brows from home.
Products to try eyebrow tinting at home
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
This shopper-loved product has a five-star rating from over 13,000 Ulta beauty lovers. An easy three-step process is all it takes to achieve darker, fuller brows. Start by combing through your brows, then back comb for additional volume and finish by styling the hairs back in place.
Kosas Airbrow Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel
With shades ranging from cool blonde to gray, this tinted volumizing gel has an option for everyone. The cruelty-free, vegan formula is designed to leave you with results that last beyond the time you wear it. It has an almost five-star rating on the brand's site. "This brow gel is hands down the easiest I’ve used," raved one reviewer.
NYX Professional Makeup Thick It Stick It! Thickening Brow Mascara
This is the latest brow product to go viral on TikTok. With each coat applied, it helps your brows become thicker and look more defined and touts 16-hour wear.
Glossier Boy Brow
Add volume and color to your brows with this unique, award-winning formula designed to thicken and condition your brows simultaneously.
Patrick Ta Major Brow Shaping Wax
Not only does this brow wax give eyebrows a tint when applied, it also tames wild hairs and keeps brows in line and looking perfect. Available in both tinted and clear options, you can also wear it with a powdered brow color for a bolder look.
Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel
This smudge-proof brow gel is waterproof and provides coverage and color for up to 24 hours. Just brush hairs in short, upward strokes in the direction of natural growth to add definition to your brows! It's also available in three different colors, making it easy to match the product to your eyebrow color.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Gel
This highly pigmented eyebrow gel from Anastasia Beverly Hills adds full coverage color and tames unruly brows with a soft matte finish. To use, brush it on from the arch towards the tail. Then fill in the front of the brow and remaining sparse areas by using the brush's tip to directly apply the formula onto the skin.
Tarte Double Duty Beauty Busy Gals Tinted Brow Gel
Made of a non-sticky clay-infused gel, this 3-in-1 brow tint is a previous Allure Best of Beauty award winner and lasts 12 hours when applied. For a defined look, brush in the opposite direction of your hair's natural growth before styling your arch in short, upward strokes.
Maybelline Tattoo Brow Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
This waterproof eyebrow tint lasts several days at a time and creates fuller brows that don't smudge or easily wipe off. To style, use the sculpting tip to fill in your brow's mid-section and tail, then lightly fill in the rest and blend.
Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper and Hair Touch Up
Packed with protein and vitamin B5, this brow cream-gel defines eyebrows while giving them a soft look that's never stiff. What's more, it doubles as a way to touch up gray hairs.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel
Available in seven shades, this long-lasting brush-on gel is perfect for shaping brows and giving them a bit of color. It's also formulated with reflective pearls to add a bit of shimmer to your makeup routine.
Revitalash Hi-Def Eyebrow Tinting and Filler Gel
An eyebrow setting gel that sculpts, controls eyebrows and gives brows shape, this gel contains peptides and oat beta glucan to fortify and enhance the appearance of brows. To apply, use the comb side to shape and align your hairs, then use the gel applicator to define your brow color.
Billion Dollar Beauty Color and Control Tinted Brow Gel
This brow gel lasts all day, but is a soft enough formula to reapply when you want to. A clump-free fiber brow gel, it comes in three color choices for the perfect match. The brand even has video tutorials to achieve your desired look.
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