3 Simple Techniques To Darken Your Eyebrows

Lift your whole makeup look with these easy-to-follow tips that render superb results.

Reviewed by Jocelyn Ly, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE

Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)

Fact-checked by Bhumika Daga, MA (English) • Nov 16, 2023

3 Simple Techniques To Darken Your Eyebrows

Image: Shutterstock

If you are wondering how to darken eyebrows to make your overall makeup pop out, you are at the right place. Light eyebrows are a genuine problem as they make you look like you have no eyebrows at all. Also, individuals with dyed hair might want to balance out the look by adding some shade to their eyebrows. Properly shaped and dark eyebrows can take your fashion and makeup game several notches high. That is why we are here to share some simple techniques to darken eyebrows with eyeliners. Swipe up!

Keep In Mind

Make Your Brows Appear Longer: Make Your Brows Appear Longer Use two different shades of powder or pencil, with a color slightly lighter than your hair color, on the inner part of your eyebrows.
Caution: Make Your Brows Appear Longer Never pluck gray hair from your eyebrows as it can alter their shape. Always use tinted brow gel to cover them up.
For Raised Eyebrows: Make Your Brows Appear Longer Apply a highlighter directly above the arch of your eyebrows and blend it well to give that lifted look to your brows.

In This Article

How To Darken Eyebrows?

1. Darkening Eyebrows Through Dyes

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One method to darken eyebrows is by using temporary synthetic dyes or henna. This can be done by a professional at a salon or at home.This is how to make eyebrows darker with dyes:

If you decide to dye it on your own, you should purchase a kit that is especially made for dyeing eyebrows and not for hair.
You should choose a dye that is a few shades lighter than the normal hair color, as eyebrows are never the same shade as your hair.
If the eyebrows are darker or have the same colour as that of your hair, then they will look unnatural and out of place.
If you decide to dye your eyebrows at home, then do remember to mix the dye according to the instructions given in the DIY kit and then apply and leave it on the eyebrows for the specified time.
While applying the dye, take care as to not to cause injury to the eyes, these chemicals can cause eye irritation and allergy, so keep them away from the eyes!

2. Darkening Eyebrows Through Makeup

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Another method of darkening the eyebrows is through various makeup products available in the market such as brow powder, mascara and eyebrow pencil. However, this method is not permanent and works for a day.

While doing make-up, take the mascara brush and simply dip it once in the tube.
Lift the brush and get some of the mascara off by rubbing the brush on the outline of the tube.
Swipe the brush gently on the eyebrows, so that it applies evenly without smearing and appearing too dark.
Sometimes a little bit of touch-up is required to make it look perfect.

Quick Tip

Use a clean spoolie and comb the brows after the mascara dries. It helps remove mascara clumps and tidies your brows.

3. Darkening Eyebrows Through Brow Powder

Woman darkening eyebrows with eye shadow

Image: Shutterstock

A third way of darkening the eyebrows is through an eyeshadow. This is the easiest method but the disadvantage is that it comes off very quickly, so one has to reapply it frequently.

Take an eye shadow brush and dip it in the color that is similar to one’s original eyebrow color.
Simply stroke the brush along the eyebrows to make them look darker and fuller.
Choose a lighter shade than the earlier one and brush the color on the eyebrows softly, so that one does not end up with a very dark eyebrow.

Quick Tip

Since the eyeshadow comes off quickly, it is best to do this after you put on all of your other makeup first. Otherwise, you will have to reapply every time you wear makeup.

How To Shape And Style Your Eyebrows

If you want to flaunt your eyebrows, then first you have to create the perfect shape and adjust the thickness and contour according to the shape of your face. This step requires grooming tools like tweezers and scissors.

Image: Shutterstock

Eyebrow pencils are a must have while styling the eyebrows. Pencils work perfectly as they provide dimension and also add volume to flat and thin eyebrows.

Woman using eyebrow pencil to style her eyebrows

Image: Shutterstock

Brown powder is another essential tool that can help groom, define, and shape your eyebrows. This is ideal if you want your long-lasting dark eyebrows and to provide a different look according to the occasion.
Gel pigment or powders with tint also help in lightening a dark eyebrow or keeping in place an un-shapely brow.

Proper styling and makeup can take years off the face and also help in flaunting the eyebrows.

In this personal blog, Logan Dena Evans reflects on her quest for the perfect redhead eyebrows, navigating eyebrow filling techniques, brow dyes, and finally discovering success with a cream dye, revealing, “The scariest part of that first time was seeing that the product looks like grape jelly when it’s developed. For the first 5 minutes, I honestly thought that I might have to rock purple eyebrows for a week or two. However, after removing it, I saw that it was quite a natural, light red that went really well with my hair (i).”

If one has a great eyebrow then it helps in framing the eye. It also flatters the face and above all, provides a subtle balance without compromising the rest of the make-up.

Infographic: 3 Ways To Naturally Darken Your Eyebrows

Dark, beautifully arched eyebrows accentuate your eyes and enhance your facial features. But if you are not naturally born with thick, gorgeous brows, fear not. In the infographic below, we have listed 3 simple ways you can darken your eyebrows at home with makeup and dyes. Take a look.

3 ways to naturally darken your eyebrows (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

Even social media filters these days will tell you how changing your eyebrows can alter or enhance your beauty. Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to styling them as much as you do with other features of your face. With the proper and helpful techniques listed above, you can work wonders on your eyebrows and achieve a bold and well-rounded makeup look. Follow these simple tips and tricks on how to darken eyebrows to make them stand out and give the perfect pop-out effect to your overall look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vaseline darken eyebrows?

No, Vaseline doesn’t darken the eyebrows. There are no specific ingredients in Vaseline that can promote the growth of eyebrows either.

What does putting Vicks on your eyebrows do?

The methanol in Vicks helps clear the pores, and the eucalyptus and camphor help stimulate the hair follicles.

What can I use instead of an eyebrow gel?

You can use non-toxic stationery glue or PVA instead of an eyebrow gel.

Can eyeshadow darken your eyebrows?

Yes, eyeshadow can be used to darken the eyebrows. However, always choose an eyeshadow that matches your eyebrows.

Can I use mascara on my eyebrows?

Yes, mascara can be applied to the eyebrows. It gives a fuller look and a dramatic effect.

Can aloe vera gel be used as an eyebrow gel?

Yes, aloe vera gel can be used as an eyebrow gel. It gives a clean look to your eyebrows.

Key Takeaways

- To achieve perfectly shaped eyebrows, begin by contouring them with a pair of tweezers.
- While darkening your eyebrows, opt for a dye that is lighter than your natural hair color. It makes your eyebrows look more natural.
- Mascaras, eyebrow pencils, and brow powders can easily make your eyebrows appear dark. However, be careful not to smear.