How to Glue Down Eyebrows for a Makeup Look

While it’s not an everyday activity for most, we can think of a few reasons why you would want to glue down your perfectly kept eyebrows. Gluing your brows is a great method for leveling up your Halloween costume or stage makeup because it gives you the freedom to change the way you look. It could also be a great alternative to permanently plucking if you want to try out a different brow shape, like the ‘90s skinny brows trend that’s been trying to make a comeback lately. 

Since shaving your brows that you work so hard to groom and perfect is an obvious no for many reasons — this is the next best thing. Here, we’re sharing everything you need to know about the process of how to block your eyebrows for a major makeover.  

What Should You Use to Glue Down Eyebrows?

You’ll need a washable glue stick that dries clear (purple glue sticks that dry clear are good) and make sure it’s safe for use on the skin. While you may be tempted to grab liquid glue, opt for a glue stick as it offers a better hold on your brows when it dries. Drag queens and other stage performers have used this method for years, so while it seems a little unorthodox, trust that it’s the best tool for the job. 

How to Glue Down Eyebrows in 6 Easy Steps

Ready to try this temporary method to transform your brows? Follow along through our six steps to learn how to glue down your brows in as little as 15 minutes.

1. Prep Your Brows

Thankfully, there’s only a bit of prep work involved in gluing down your brows. First, you’ll need to clean your brows, as you don’t want any lingering eyebrow or face makeup to get in the way. Saturate a cotton pad with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types and sweep it over your brows. Then, use a spoolie to comb through your brows, pushing all of your brow hairs up. 

2. Start Gluing

Now, it’s time for the part you’re really curious about — the glue. Start by saturating the glue onto your brows by making little circles, repeating until you know every single strand is covered in glue. You can apply the glue stick directly to your brows or use a cosmetics spatula to transfer the glue. You’ll want to let the glue sit and dry for a few minutes before moving on to the next step so the glue gets tacky — just like how you would apply false lashes.

3. Smooth Into Place

When your brows are completely covered with glue, you’ll want to break out your spoolie once more. While the glue is tacky but not wet, brush your brows back into their natural position to make them flat. You can also brush up if that works better for your brows. Then, smooth another layer of glue over your brows to lock the flat hairs in place.

4. Pack With Powder

After your brows are flat and the second layer of glue is on but still wet, set your brows with setting powder. Use a makeup brush to really pack loose powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder, on top of the glue. Don’t worry about going overboard with powder, it’ll help to set your brows in place and you can brush off the excess.

5. Apply Concealer and Foundation

Your brows should be practically disappeared at this point. Lightly brush off any excess powder and reach for a full coverage concealer to conceal what used to be your brows. We recommend reaching for a waterproof formula that won’t budge, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof. Apply this all over your entire eyebrow area and blend with a makeup sponge, being careful not to disturb your eyebrow covering efforts.

To truly get a seamless look and make your brows appear invisible, follow up your concealer with a full coverage foundation like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation. Apply it all over your eyebrows and face, patting it in with a brush or sponge to evenly blend with the concealer.

6. Draw on New Brows

Now that you’ve waved farewell to your brows, you’re free to draw on whichever shape you please. Of course, this step is optional — maybe your intended makeup look is better browless. If you are planning to draw on a new and improved arch, try the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel. This eyebrow gel is the perfect pick thanks to its long-lasting formula that allows you to build and sculpt your dream brows, plus its angled brush makes for easy application. 

If you prefer to draw on your brows with a pencil, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil to shape your dream arches.

Editor’s tip: If you want a colored brow, reach for a colored eyeliner like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner.

Next: 9 Reasons Why Your Eyeliner Always Smears

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: iStock