Status Glow: Art of the Arch 

AS a beginner, I never did my brows. It seemed like an unnecessary step, so I would just brush them and call it a day. But as I got more into makeup, I saw that a good brow routine is a crucial step in bringing your whole makeup look together. The brows help frame your face, and when done well, they can enhance your features and look amazing.

Choosing the right product

Walking through the aisles of the makeup stores can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to brows. There are so many different kinds of products and shades, it’s hard to know where to start. Let’s break down some of the products and what they do.

• The brow pencil has a soft, waxy texture. It creates a natural, diffused look, good for beginners and filling in sparse brows.
  My recs: Kosas Brow Pop Nano, Nyx Micro Brow Pencil. A very thin tip will help you be more precise.
• The brow pen is like a very thin marker. It’s for more advanced users, and will give you a more dramatic brow. If you have very little brow hair, it’s a good option for drawing in hairlike strokes.
  My recs: Nyx Lift and Snatch Brow Pen, Maybelline Build-A-Brow.
• Brow powder is the same consistency as eyeshadow. It’s easy to blend out and is applied with a brush. It can be subtle or dramatic.
  My recs: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo, Wet ’N Wild Ultimate Eyebrow Makeup Kit.
• Brow gel comes in a tube or a pot. It’s like mascara for your brows — it’ll hold them in place all day, and it comes in clear or color. It can also be used alongside any other products.
  My recs: Benefit Gimme Brow or Benefit 24-Hour Brow Setter (for clear), Nyx Brow Glue.
• Brow pomade has a waxy consistency and is applied with a brush. It’s very pigmented, and should only be used once you’re at an advanced level.
  My recs: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, Milani Stay Put Brow Color.

Once you decide which product is right for you, go to a store to choose the shade that suits you best. Swatch the shades that look closest to your natural brow color on the back of your hand. Then, hold up your hand next to your brow to see which one matches your undertone, hair, and brows the best. If you can’t figure it out, you can always ask a store employee for help.

A good tip is to err on the side of a lighter shade — when you fill in your brows, it’ll be more forgiving than a shade that’s too dark, and it’ll be easier to fix.