Turn Your Eyebrows Into Accessories
Brows for boss ladies, party girls, and every set of arches in between.
"Brows set the tone for your entire face," says makeup artist Vincent Oquendo, who made them the centerpiece for the three vastly different looks in this story. In fact, arches stole the spotlight on the runway this season at shows like DKNY (bulked up with brow powder), Max Mara (splashed with color), and Giambattista Valli (framed with sparkles). Here, Oquendo explains how to make your brows look anything but basic.
The Power Brow
"When I typically create a feathery brow, I just fill in any holes with powder," Oquendo says. "For a bold and powerful finish like this, I went the full monty!" Exactly what does that entail? First, use the tinted wax and angled brush in Maybelline New York's Brow Drama Pro Palette to fill in the entire shape from anchor to tail—creating a "shadow" at the base. Next, employ the same tools and add hair-like flicks of the darker powder for depth. "Instead of accentuating your arch, straighten it out and square off the inner corners near the bridge of your nose," says the pro. A spooly (i.e., the clean mascara wand included in the palette) softens the shape when brushed through brows and helps wax and powder "play nicely together." To hold unruly hairs in place, reach for Maybelline New York Eye Studio Brow Drama (a tinted gel mousse). Whether you're headed to an interview or making a big presentation, this approach says "I've got this!"
Top: Piazza Sempione; Trench: Camilla and Marc
The Power Brow
To get the look, try:
Start With: Maybelline New York Brow Drama Pro Palette, Buy it now
Finish With: Maybelline New York Eye Studio Brow Drama, Buy it now
The Gold Standard
"Metallics suit every skin tone," says of Oquendo of the universally flattering color seen on the eclectic cast at shows like Prada this season. Going for the gold above your eyes, however, requires a definitive brow shape. Fill in your arches with a pencil (like Maybelline New York Brow Precise) a shade lighter than your hair color. Then, coat brows with a long-lasting gel formula (such as Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Gold Rush) using a stiff, flat brush. "This cream shadow is so pigmented and bright that you only have to pop on a quick layer," says the pro. To balance high-shine brows, smudge a black liner over lids and a brown pencil along your lower lash lines. "Keeping the rest of the eye undone is what makes high-octane, gilded arches look modern," explains Oquendo of the foiled finish.
Dress: Camilla and Marc; Ear Cuff: Karimi
The Gold Standard
To get the look, try:
Start With: Maybelline New York Eye Studio Brow Precise, Buy it now
Finish With: Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Gold Rush, Buy it now
The Flashy Frame
In this standout look, striking sparkle below your brows draws attention to them, so a defined shape is key. "You never want to spotlight an unstructured brow," says Oquendo. To create "ticks" through your arches, use the wax pencil end of Maybelline New York's Eye Studio Brow Define and Fill Duo in a shade deeper than your hair color. Then, gently blend the lines with a spooly. (To fill in any gaps, flip the pencil and use the spongy side loaded with coordinating powder.) While Oqendo crafted a bespoke stencil for below the brow with flexible cardboard and an X-Acto knife, he says you can use a few pieces of Scotch tape to mark off any shape that flatters your eyes. Another option: "Flip a plastic brow stencil so that the tail end is facing in towards the bridge of your nose," says the face painter. Fill in the stencil with clear lash glue and allow it to dry for a few seconds so it feels tacky. Then, remove the stencil or tape and apply a tissue or two along your lower lash line to catch any fall out before tapping glitter onto the adhesive with your finger. Collect any rogue particles by rolling a piece of tape around your forefinger (a trick employed behind the scenes at Creatures of the Wind). After your arches and sparkly supports are complete, apply your lotion and base. "I know it sounds backwards, but glitter adheres to any type of moisture," warns Oquendo. While this shimmery look entails a bit of strategy—and patience!—the dazzling results are well worth the effort.
Top and Bralette: Babyghost; Earrings: Michelle Campbell
The Flashy Frame
To get the look, try:
Start With: Maybelline New York Eye Studio Brow Define and Fill Duo, Buy it now
Finish With: Make Up For Ever Glitter in N49 Blue, Buy it now
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