Fill In Sparse Brows Like a Pro With This Micro Brow Pencil
Do you envy those full, lush brows but struggle with overplucked, patchy arches? Micro brow pencils may be the ideal solution for drawing on feathery strokes that look impressively natural.
Unlike bulky brow pencils, these ultra-slim pens feature tiny tips for mimicking fine hairs. The result? Beautifully filled brows that still seem delicately traced on.
We’ll cover everything about choosing and wielding these skinny brow lifesavers, from picking shades to combatting smudging. Read on for pro-worthy arches!
Why You Need a Micro Brow Pencil in Your Makeup Bag
First, let’s recap why full, defined brows beautifully frame your features:
- Balances facial proportions
- Provides youthful lift
- Makes eyes pop
- Frames bone structure
But keeping your arches consistently full can be tough, especially if they’re naturally sparse or overgroomed.
Micro brow pencils feature slim, tapered tips for filling gaps by drawing on feathery pen-like strokes.
Think: realistic-looking hairs versus blocked-in Sharpie brows.
Other benefits include:
- Ultra-fine tip
- Soft, blendable formula
- Smudge and transfer-proof
- Easy to fix mistakes
- Lasts 12+ hours
- Customizable shades
- Beginner-friendly
Now let’s cover what leads to sparse brows in the first place.
What Factors Cause Sparse, Patchy Eyebrows?
Skimpy brows can stem from:
- Aging: Brows thin out with age. Follicles can shrink and hair quality declines.
- Genetics: Some people inherit naturally sparse or light-colored brows.
- Overgrooming: Excessive plucking and waxing can damage follicles.
- Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, lupus, and alopecia areata can spur hair loss.
- Medications: Drugs that treat depression, high blood pressure, and more may trigger shedding.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Lacking vitamins A, B7, C, D, and E inhibits healthy regrowth.
- Hormones: Both excess (PCOS) and low androgens can disrupt ideal brow growth.
- Stress: High cortisol sparks shedding and interrupts regeneration.
While brow growth serums can boost density long-term, micro brow pens offer immediate gratification by infusing realistic fullness.
Why You’ll Love Micro Brow Pencils for Filling In Sparse Brows
Wondering if micro brow pencils beat standard size options? Here’s why they excel:
1. Ultra-Fine Tip Mimics Hair Strokes
The slender tip makes drawing individual hairs easy. Unlike broad-tipped pencils that leave harsh lines, you get feather-light pen strokes.
This allows personalized hair patterns for amazingly natural enhancement of sparse spots.
2. Shade Range Suits Most Brow Colors
Major brands offer micro pencil shades from taupe to black. You can even blend colors to perfectly match your brows’ base and tail ends.
Choosing the ideal neutral prevents obvious overdrawing.
3. Sets Quickly and Lasts Over 12 Hours
The creamy formula dries fast after combing through brows. Most withstand water, sweat, humidity, and transfer without fading or smudging.
Define your arches just once each morning!
4. Easier to Use Versus Pencils or Pens
The micro design offers superior handling versus standard brow pencils. And dip pens often waste product and dry out fast.
Retractable micro brow pencils let novices fill gaps just like the pros!
Now let’s explore what makes certain micro brow pencils superior.
How to Shop for the Best Micro Brow Pencil
With this basic tool down, scroll through the top micro brow pencil picks. But first, look for:
Ideal Shade Range
Match the base, tail, and arch areas to mimic multi-toned stands. Most brands offer 3-5 neutral and cool or warm shades.
Powder, Liquid Ink, or Gel Formula
Powder offers the most natural matte finish. Liquid infuses shine for sleek definition. Gel is conditioning while thickening sparse areas.
Super-Slim Retractable or Wooden Barrel
Retractable pencils prevent wasting product. Wooden styles mimic dip pens but may break more easily.
Firm Yet Gentle Pliable Tip
Too soft and strokes skip. Too firm and color payoff is tricky. Seek softness that still glides smoothly.
Smudge-Proof, Waterproof, Humidity-Resistant
Seeking long wear? Choose sweat, weather, and transfer-proof picks that require remover to break down.
Spoolie Brush on Opposite End
Look for a brush to blend pencil into realistic strokes and groom hairs prestylng.
Now let’s get to filling!
Step-By-Step Guide to Filling Sparse Brows With a Micro Pencil
Follow these simple steps for flawless arches:
1. Brush Brows Upward With a Spoolie
Define shape by brushing hairs vertically with light upward flicks. This exposes patchy areas needing pencil filler.
Pro tip: Use brow gel first for extra hold and volume!
2. Lightly Sketch in Hair Strokes
Focus first on tail since it frames the eye. Draw in pencil using tiny flicks that mimic hairs using the micro tip.
Work from bottom arch up towards forehead evenly filling both brows as you go.
3. Continue Filling Any Gaps
Add extra hair strokes where needed to create fullness. Remember: less is more to keep things natural!
Aim for strands to appear scattered similar to real brow hairs.
4. Brush Brows Again With the Spoolie
Blending pencil into skin prevents blocked, fake appearance. Brush color through evenly for cohesive enhancement.
5. Set With Clear Brow Gel
Apply brow gel as the finishing step to keep new strokes locked into place all day. Just don’t apply gel before pencil or it won’t glide on.
Voila! Now sparse brows appear naturally full yet beautifully feathery!
Extra Tips and Precautions For Using a Micro Brow Pencil
Take your arches up another notch with these must-know micro pencil pointers:
- When in doubt, choose a shade slightly lighter versus darker than hairs. Dark, harsh lines scream “drawn on”.
- Always sketch strokes in the direction brow hairs naturally grow. Notice the slant and replicate it.
- To prevent smudging, don’t fill wet brows or apply moisturizer too close to arches pre-pencil.
- Ensure you blend enough post-pencil for soft appearance. Drag strokes shouldn’t transfer when touched.
- Frequent touch-ups turn brows blotchy fast. BY filling just once daily, pigment stays true.
- Don’t sleep in your brows or forget to remove makeup before bedtime or they shed faster over time.
Our Favorite Micro Brow Pens and Must-Have Tools
If you’re seeking top-rated micro brow pencils and accessories, consider:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Microfilling Pen
- Benefit Cosmetics – Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Tip
- IT Cosmetics – Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil
- L’Oreal Paris – Brow Stylist Definer
- Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Definer Triangular Brow Pencil
- Urban Decay – Brow Blade Waterproof Brow Pencil & Ink Stain
We also recommend using:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil
- Benefit Cosmetics – Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
- Anastasia Beverly Hills – Clear Brow Gel
- Q-tips to correct cleanup mistakes easily
- Non-oily makeup remover to take off product each night
FAQs: Using a Micro Brow Pencil on Sparse Brows
How long does it take to see results filling brows daily?
Consistency is key with micro pencils. Visible thickness is noticeable in around 2-4 weeks with daily use. Always allow hairs a break 1 day a week.
Is drawing tiny pen strokes hard for beginners?
The ultra-fine tip makes mimicking hairs much easier than standard pencils. But still allow 5-10 minutes to polish the shape and strokes perfectly when starting out.
How do you prevent smudging or transferring product?
Avoid filling wet arches or using moisturizer too close to brows pre-pencil. Always finish with a waterproof brow gel to seal color in place 12+ hours.
Conclusion: Fill In Sparse Eyebrows With Realistic Strokes Using Micro Brow Pencils
In summary, micro brow pencils allow custom filling of patchy arches with natural hair-like strokes. The skinny tapered tip offers detailed hair drawing missing with standard pencils.
Just remember to choose trusted brands with good reviews, opt for neutral shades over stark blacks, and properly prep/set arches for lasting wear.
Then smile confidently all day knowing your brows finally frame your beautiful eyes perfectly!
Hopefully this guide equips you to master realistic faux arches. Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions on micro brow pencils for filling sparse brows. We’re happy to help!