How To Get Ombré Brows With Makeup

Eyebrow trends come and go (looking at you, skinny brows), but neat, sculpted arches will always be in style. But because shaping your eyebrows yourself can be a tedious process, many choose to turn to the pros to maintain their perfect arches. Among the many brow-shaping techniques available, ombré brows are one of the most popular. This technique, first popularized in the mid-2010s, involves using semi-permanent dyes to subtly tint the brows, resulting in neat, symmetrical-looking arches. And though ombré powder brows are typically done by professionals, there are ways to get the look at home (without the cost or commitment associated with a pricey salon visit). Here, we’ll give you the scoop on what ombré brows actually are and why they’re so popular. Then, we’ll explain how to recreate a similar look at home using a few brow makeup staples.

What Are Powder Brows?

The term “powder brows” (or “ombré powder eyebrows”) refers to a semi-permanent brow tinting technique that creates the appearance of full, filled-in brows. The process, typically performed by a professional cosmetic tattoo artist, involves tattooing the top layer of skin with tiny dots to create the illusion of fuller eyebrows. Typically, the shading is lighter at the front of the brows and more pronounced at the tails, which gives the eyebrows a soft, natural-looking gradient (or ombré) effect.

Ombré Powder Brows vs. Microblading

Ombré powder brows and microblading are both semi-permanent makeup techniques designed to help create the illusion of fuller, thicker eyebrows. However, the technique used, results, and longevity of these two services differ.

Technique

As mentioned, ombré powder brows are created by tattooing tiny dots onto the skin (akin to a pointillism technique in art). Because the process is so tedious, ombré brows are almost always done using a machine designed specifically for that purpose. Microblading, meanwhile, involves drawing hair-like strokes onto the brow area, either manually or with the help of a specialized machine.

Results

The ombré brow technique creates soft definition, helping to define the eyebrows without making them appear overly “done.” The color is softer at the front of the brows and more intense at the arch and tail, creating a subtle gradient that mimics the way brows naturally grow in. Microbladed brows, by contrast, tend to be more sharply defined. The hair-like strokes are precise and intentional, which gives the brows an almost laminated, lifted look.

Longevity and maintenance

The longevity of your semi-permanent makeup depends on several factors, including your skin type, lifestyle, and skincare routine. However, ombré brows typically last between two and three years, while microbladed brows generally require touch-ups every one to two years.

Pros and Cons of Ombré Powder Brows

Before you book an appointment for a semi-permanent powder brow service, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind.

Pros

• Provides a soft, naturally full look
• Results can last up to three years with proper care
• Suitable for a wide range of skin types and tones

Cons

• The initial cost can be high, and you may need subsequent touch-ups
• Requires professional application for optimal results
• The process can be uncomfortable
• Long-term results leave little room to experiment with different brow styles

How To Create an Ombré Brow Look With Makeup

You don’t have to commit to semi-permanent powder brows to get the ombré brow look. Instead, try this simple tutorial for a similar look, without the cost or commitment of a professional treatment.

Step 1: Remove makeup

Before getting started, you’ll want to make sure your brows are clean and free of oil, dirt, or makeup residue. Use makeup wipes, micellar water, or your go-to makeup remover to wipe down your brows to remove any lingering debris, and let them dry completely before reaching for your brow makeup.

Step 2: Map out your brow shape

Before you begin filling in your brows, take a beat to decide what you want your brows to look like—thin, thick, arched, or straight. From there, you can begin sketching out your shape. For this, we recommend using a nude eyeliner pencil.

To start, hold the pencil vertically at the corner of your nostril so that it’s parallel to the bridge of your nose. Then, draw a small dot where the pencil meets your brow bone to designate where your brows will start. Then, keeping the pencil at the edge of your nostril, angle it outward so it crosses over the center of your iris when you’re looking straight on. Draw another dot where the pencil intersects with your brow bone to mark where your arch should be. Finally, angle the pencil to align with the outer corner of your eye to determine where the tail of your brow should end, and mark it accordingly.

Step 3: Fill in your brows

Next, grab a creamy brow pencil, such as the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Mechanical Brow Pencil. If you’re stuck between two shades, opt for the lighter of the two—this will help prevent your brows from looking too dark or harsh. Use the pencil’s angled end to lightly connect the dots you drew earlier to outline your brow shape. Then, begin filling in your brows, using a very light hand at the front of your brows and applying a bit more pressure from the arch to the tail to create the signature ombré effect. Take your time here—you may need to build up the color at the tail of your brow to get a seamless-looking gradient.

Another great product for this is the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Kabuki Blender—the creamy crayon formula glides on smoothly for a quick, easy application. Pair it with the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil to fill in smaller areas with precision.

Step 4: Blend for a natural look

Once you’re satisfied with the ombré effect, you can blend your brows. Each of the products mentioned above comes with a blender built in, so you don’t need to reach for any other brushes or tools. Simply brush through your brows with the spoolie or kabuki brush, softening any harsh lines to achieve a perfect, soft, powdery ombré brow effect.

Step 5: Set your brows

Finally, brush through your brows with a coat of clear brow gel to help ensure your look lasts. We suggest the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Brow Lamination—the lightweight formula delivers all-day wear without any stickiness or residue (it’s even waterproof). For added insurance, mist your finished look—brows and all—with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, which helps lock makeup into place for up to 36 hours.

Next Up: Try This Eyebrow Tutorial for Your Best Arches Yet

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris