Beauty

Eyebrows: Pencil VS. Powder

So I thought I’d talk about a very important feature – those eyebrows. Since they are the face framers, they make a big impact, so you’ll want to do them up right! One great thing about brows and makeup – this is an area that I don’t think you have to spend a lot of money on to get the result you’re looking for. So let’s save some moolah while we get some great brows, shall we? Get ready to read on whether or not you should use pencil vs powder.

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

The big question is which type of brow product is best? Is the same one good for everyone? With so many new brow products out there including gels, kits, waxes, powders, pencils and more, I will say that if you love a good natural-looking brow, (and I certainly do), and you’re also looking for a budget-friendly option (and one that will save you some time when you’re getting ready in the morning), then a pencil or a powder is the way to go. So which do I prefer? Well, I like them both – for different reasons.

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

Let’s explore the pencil first. Why do I like a good old fashioned eyebrow pencil? Well for starters, it’s one product. ONE. Not a kit, where you layer on ALL the things and sculpt and build and so on and so forth. Sometimes a momma ain’t got time for that. Since it’s a pencil, it’s super convenient and fits right in your purse. And you can purchase one with a brow brush at the end which is an added bonus.

I nabbed one from Walgreens, the brand is Prestige Cosmetics. It has the handy brush attached. And it was a whopping $3 if my memory serves correctly. I recommend buying a shade or two lighter than your natural color so that you don’t go too dark off the bat. So how to use? Simple. First, I brush my naked brow in an outward and upward direction.

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

Then I start creating light, gentle strokes starting from the inner brow, filling in as I go, and then reaching the thin end.

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

It’s VERY important to have a light hand, as you could go from “super natural” to “supernatural” in a matter of seconds if you press too hard (no one wants alien brows – yikes!). The pencil has a bit of a waxy finish, which I like because it sort of sets the brow for me and I don’t have to do anything further. However, I do think that using a pencil takes precision, so a little more time.




If you want nice and natural-looking brows with as little time as possible, then I’d definitely consider the powder option. With powder, there is no real need to even buy a specific product for brows, but I did because I wanted to make sure it was a matte shade and that there was no shimmer in it at all. You can totally use an eye shadow if you have the right shade.

One critical piece that you’ll need is and angled eyebrow brush. Mine is by Sonia Kashuk. I don’t think a real fancy brush is needed here, and actually, e.l.f. cosmetics has one for a buck. My brow comb is from e.l.f. and that cost me a whopping buck also. I can totally handle that.

With a powder, I personally choose a little darker shade than with a pencil, something that actually comes closer to matching my hair because after I apply it, I brush the excess out with the comb, and it definitely lightens up to a nice and natural tone – right where I want it. So here’s my powder brow routine: Use a comb to brush the naked brow in an upward and outward direction. Dip angled brush lightly into powder, starting at the inside and lightly blotting into the brow while working my way to the tail end.

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

Then, grab the brow comb and even it out in upward and outward strokes. Apply more to darken or to thinner areas if needed. Both ways produce a great everyday look. In my opinion, I’d say the pencil is a more defined look, but both can look very natural when done the right way. So let’s sum it up:

Pencil: more precise look, handy with just 1 product needed, very inexpensive

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

Powder: Not a lot of time involved, inexpensive, very natural look.

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

Both are cheap, time effective and natural-looking options. Here’s one last pic for comparison (pencil on the left, powder on the right):

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

So what do you think? What’s your brow routine? Of pencil vs powder for eyebrows, which do you choose?

Eyebrows: Pencil vs. Powder

 

 

 

If you're wondering if you choose use an eyebrow pencil or an eyebrow powder to make your eyebrows more defined, then this post will walk you through the best option for your makeup routine and why.

8 Comments

  • Samantha Theobald

    Hey Jill,
    Samantha here, we worked at Dillard’s together when you were at UC. Thanks so much for sharing! I was just chatting with a coworker about my awful makeup skills. I’ve been playing with different eyebrow products and it is hard to find the perfect one when you’re not super confident. I’m going to try these both. Hair is my thing, not makeup. It’s great to see you doing something fun.
    Much love

    • Jill C.

      Sam! I miss you! It’s hard to believe that you say you lack in makeup skills because I know your hair skills are amazing! You always look great! I see that married life is treating you well, love your instagram! AH, eyebrows! There are SO many products out there. I will be trying more I’m sure. These are just my favorites for a natural look. Let me know if there are any techniques you’re hoping to see a blog post about! I have several that I’m working on publishing soon. XOXO

  • Samantha Theobald

    I do have something I would love to know more about! What products to splurge on and what products to cut costs. We’re trying to pay off our debt as newlyweds, so I’m trying to be better about this!

    • Jill C.

      Sam, that’s why I started this blog! Not only for makeup tips, but to find affordable options. As a mom, I’m always looking for ways to save money! So you will definitely see more posts about drugstore options and when to splurge! Thanks for the suggestion!

    • Kelly

      Tons of great drug store options today. Im a fan of Revlon and L’Oreal for drug store brands. Ulta brand products are an affordable option too.

      Dont ever think you have to spend on high end makeup to achieve great lasting looks. 🙂

      • Jill C.

        I’ve been using more and more L’Oreal and Maybelline every day! And I too am SERIOUSLY impressed with Ulta’s line! I love their powders and foundations, their mascaras are wonderful as well!

  • Kelly

    Im a powder eyebrow gal all the way! 🙂 I was a makeup artist for many years and ended up always going for the powder. haha. I just use eye shadow! LOL. A nice stiff angle brush works wonders. Makeup is all in the tools/application. Even the cheap stuff can rock! 😀

    • Jill C.

      You’ve gotta love the powder! And yes, using eyeshadow instead is pretty much the same thing, so versatile! I do different looks on different days, but I definitely go for the powder if I’m in a hurry or if I want a more subtle look. It’s all about that angled brush, that’s for sure!

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