Although makeup and hair are essential parts of a beauty routine, one shouldn’t neglect the eyebrows. The eyebrows frame the eyes and are a subtle way of accentuating any facial shape. Eyebrows can be the perfect complement to a makeup look, or if poorly done, can destroy it. Eyebrow looks have undergone dramatic changes over the years. From thin and wispy to full and bold, eyebrows have seen many transformations. Eyebrow trends have come and gone, but timeless shapes never lose their appeal. However, overplucking and trimming can take away needed fullness, or worse, give you tadpole eyebrows.
Tadpole eyebrows are full towards the inner corner of the eyes and thin and lack shape at the middle and end. They often resemble their namesake. No matter how you dice it – or in this case, pluck it – tadpole eyebrows are unflattering. Though the intended effect is to shape and silhouette, tadpole eyebrows make faces look older and take away dimension and depth. If you’re looking to keep your eyebrows on fleek, you can avoid tadpole eyebrows by observing a few fundamental rules and tips.
1. Don’t Over-Tweeze
The first rule of thumb is to step away from the tweezers. It’s easy to get a little overzealous, but over-tweezing is a sure-fire way to get the dreaded tadpole eyebrow. Instead, gently trim stray hairs that grow away from your natural brow line.
2. Work with Your Unique Brow Shape
It may be tempting to try for Angelina Jolie’s brows or Kate Middleton’s, but the truth is our brows are all unique. Your eyebrows may be fuller or thinner, and by embracing your unique shape, you can get the best results. Find out where your eyebrows should start, where your eyebrows arch, and where they should end. To identify these points, grab the end of a makeup brush. Use the brush handle to find the inner corner of your eye. Angle it so it just meets this point. This point is where your brow should begin. Once you’ve done this, try to locate your arch. You can determine your arch by angling the brush handle against your pupil – this where your arch is. Next, gently trace a line from the corner of your inner eye to the outer edge. This is where your eyebrow should end. Shape your brows by working in a straight line. Make sure you are going along your brow bone and brow line. Keep as much length and fullness as you can on both sides. Thin straggly brows aren’t exactly flattering on anyone, so keep that in mind. Trim each eyebrow to fit each side. As the saying goes, eyebrows should be sisters, not twins.
3. Fill in Brows with Brow Liner
Eyebrows should not be sparse. If you have some spaces in your eyebrows, fill them in with brow liner. Realistic eyebrows should not be monotonous. There should be some variation. Think of eyebrows as having a gentle and gradual fill, where it goes from lighter to darker.
4. Utilize Natural Lighting and a Sturdy Mirror
Overplucking can often be avoided by utilizing great light and a plain mirror. Seeing your eyebrows in bright, natural light can go a long way to preventing tadpole eyebrows. You’ll be able to see where your brow line should begin and end accurately. Also, a sturdy mirror without intense magnification will do your eyebrows justice. You want to be able to see your brows as everyone else does so that you can get the look that flatters you most.
5. Respect Your Growth Cycle
Eyebrows take up to three months to grow back, and if you are continually tweezing, you may destroy the follicle. This can often result in your eyebrows looking sparse and lead to tadpole eyebrows. Resist the urge to tweeze often. Instead, allow your eyebrows to grow at their natural pace by trimming them in between. You can gently groom them with a mascara spoolie and a bit of coconut oil. Coconut oil is an excellent option for moisturizing your brows and mitigating redness and irritation.
Eyebrow Care Tips
Caring for your brows isn’t just about grooming them. Proper maintenance should include a regimen that encourages growth and fullness. You can avoid skimpy, sparse eyebrows by keeping the hair follicles strong and healthy.
- Be sure to moisturize: Moisturizing your skin after a nice, long soak should also include a little love for your brows. We don’t recommend dousing them in lotions and creams. However, a thin layer of moisturizer can help your brows stay pliable and nourished.
- Take your vitamins: Vitamin deficiency can take a toll on hair growth. You can support your natural brow cycle by taking essential vitamins. Vitamin E, for example, can help stimulate your hair follicles and reduce free radicals. Free radicals can damage your eyebrow hairs and prematurely age the hair shafts.
- Drink water and stay hydrated: Water isn’t just crucial for your skin and organs, it’s good for your eyebrows, too. You can keep your eyebrows in shape with daily hydration. It is recommended that most adults drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
- Clean your brows: A gentle cleaning each day to remove debris and dirt will encourage healthy brows. There’s no need to overdo it with harsh astringents or cleansers. Instead, opt for gentle soaps and solutions that won’t irritate your skin. Cleaning your brows and face regularly will inhibit the growth of bacteria and mitigate the buildup of dirt and oils.
Steering clear of the dreaded tadpole eyebrow is easier than you might think. By observing a few simple tricks, you can find what works for your face. You can also compliment a great makeup look and accentuate your eyes with nicely shaped brows. Eyebrows should be an essential part of any beauty ritual. Remember to keep in mind basic care tips. The upkeep of your brows should include making sure they can grow full and healthy. Plus, what’s better than beautiful brows to match up with a stunning set of false eyelashes?
