What Color Brow Pencil Should I Use? A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Shade for Your Brows

Choosing the right brow pencil can make a huge difference in your overall look. It can define your brows, enhance your eye color, and even make you look more awake. However, with so many shades available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

This guide will help you navigate the world of brow pencils and find the perfect shade for your brows. We’ll discuss how to determine your undertone, match your hair color, and even consider your skin tone to find the perfect color for your brows.

Understanding Your Undertone

The first step to finding the right brow pencil color is determining your undertone. Undertone refers to the underlying color of your skin, which can be warm, cool, or neutral.

  • Warm undertones: Have yellow or golden hues. You may tan easily and look good in gold jewelry.
  • Cool undertones: Have pink or blue hues. You may burn easily and look good in silver jewelry.
  • Neutral undertones: Have a balance of warm and cool tones. You may tan and burn easily and look good in both gold and silver jewelry.

To determine your undertone, you can:

  • Look at your veins: If your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they appear green, you have a warm undertone. If you see a mix of both, you likely have a neutral undertone.
  • Check your jewelry: Hold a piece of gold and silver jewelry next to your skin. If gold looks better, you have a warm undertone. If silver looks better, you have a cool undertone.
  • Observe your reaction to the sun: If you tan easily, you likely have a warm undertone. If you burn easily, you likely have a cool undertone.

Matching Your Brow Pencil to Your Hair Color

Once you’ve determined your undertone, you can start matching your brow pencil to your hair color.

Blonde Hair

  • Light Blonde: Opt for a light brown or taupe brow pencil.
  • Medium Blonde: Choose a light brown or medium brown shade.
  • Dark Blonde: Select a medium brown or ash brown brow pencil.

Brown Hair

  • Light Brown: Choose a medium brown or ash brown shade.
  • Medium Brown: Opt for a medium brown or dark brown brow pencil.
  • Dark Brown: Select a dark brown or black brow pencil.

Black Hair

  • Black Hair: Choose a dark brown or black brow pencil.

Red Hair

  • Light Red: Opt for a light brown or auburn shade.
  • Medium Red: Choose a medium brown or auburn shade.
  • Dark Red: Select a dark brown or black brow pencil.

Gray Hair

  • Gray Hair: Choose a shade that matches your natural hair color or go a shade lighter if you prefer a softer look.

Considering Your Skin Tone

Your skin tone also plays a role in choosing the right brow pencil.

  • Fair Skin: Opt for lighter shades of brown or taupe.
  • Medium Skin: Choose shades of medium brown or ash brown.
  • Olive Skin: Select shades of medium brown or dark brown.
  • Dark Skin: Opt for shades of dark brown or black.

Expert Tips from Mary, Our Lead Makeup Artist

“Remember, a brow pencil should be used to enhance your natural brows, not completely change them,” shares Mary, our lead makeup artist. “It’s crucial to find a shade that is as close to your natural brow color as possible. If you’re unsure, start with a shade that’s slightly lighter than your hair color and adjust from there.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if I can’t find a brow pencil that perfectly matches my hair color?

It’s okay to blend two shades to achieve the desired color. You can even use a lighter shade for the brow arch and a darker shade for the tail to create depth and dimension.

2. How do I choose the right brow pencil for my brows?

Consider your brow shape and thickness. If you have fine brows, a soft pencil or powder formula will work best. If you have thick brows, a firmer pencil will help define your brow shape.

3. What if I have blonde hair and light skin but my brows are naturally dark?

In this case, you might consider using a brow pencil that matches your natural brow color for a more natural look. Alternatively, you can use a lighter shade for the brow arch and a darker shade for the tail to create a subtle ombre effect.

4. How can I make my brow pencil last longer?

Set your brows with a brow gel or powder to help keep the color in place.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect brow pencil can take a little trial and error, but following these tips will help you narrow down your choices and find the ideal shade for your brows. Remember to consider your undertone, hair color, and skin tone for a natural and flattering look.

If you’re still unsure or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at Color Box Hanoi. We’re always here to help you create the perfect look.