How to Choose Eyebrow Color

Co-authored by Laura Martin

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Finding the right color for eyebrow makeup can be tricky, as you want your brows to look natural, but still defined. Picking the wrong shade can make your eyebrows look too dark or too obviously colored in. Choose the right shade for your eyebrows by ensuring it complements your hair color and your skin tone. Once you’ve found the right color, apply it properly so your brows appear full and pretty.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Matching to Your Hair Color

1
Select a shade that is at least 1-2 shades lighter if you have brown or black hair. This will ensure the eyebrow color looks natural and not too dark on your brows. The oils in your skin also tend to make the eyebrow color look darker, so going 1-2 shades lighter than your hair color will ensure the color does not become too pronounced or defined.^{[1]
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- You may try an eyebrow color that is 1 shade lighter to start and then go for an even lighter shade if you do not want your brows to appear too dark when you color them in.
2
Go for a shade that is 1-2 shades darker if you have blonde or light brown hair. If you have hair that is lighter in color, make sure the eyebrow color is a bit darker so it stands out on your face. The shade should be light enough to look natural but dark enough to give your brows some definition.^{[2]
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- Start with an eyebrow color that is 1 shade darker and then try an even darker shade if you’d prefer your brows to look more defined.
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3
Pick a taupe color if you have blonde hair. This will ensure your eyebrow color looks natural and not too dark against your brow hair.^{[3]
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- You may also want to try a taupe color if you have very light brown hair or light hair with blonde highlights.
4
Go for a soft brown color if you have brown or black hair. Look for a shade that is light brown so it does not appear too dark, especially if you have medium brown hair. If you have black hair or dark hair, go for a dark brown shade.^{[4]
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- Unless your brows are naturally black, avoid using a black color for your brows, as it can look too harsh and dark. When in doubt, opt for a dark brown shade instead.
- If your brows are naturally black or a very dark brown, opting for a lighter shade might look unnatural. In these cases, you should use a black brow product.
EXPERT TIP

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist

Experiment with going a little lighter if you have very dark hair. Laura Martin, a Licensed Cosmetologist, explains, “Brows should generally be slightly darker than your hair color. However, lightening your brows a few shades can soften your features and may be a good option if your hair is very dark.”
5
Select a blonde color if you have red hair. Complement the red tones in your hair with a light blonde eyebrow color. Usually, the lighter the shade of blonde, the better, as eyebrow hair for redheads tends to be very light.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Selecting Based on Your Skin Tone

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Pick an ashy blonde color if you have light skin with pink undertones. You usually have pink undertones if you tend to turn pink or red when you blush. Complement your skin tone by using a light blonde color that looks a bit ashy so it does not appear too yellow or orange.^{[6]
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- You may also try a light brown color that is ashy if you have light skin and darker hair.
- Try to avoid using reddish or warm tones for your brows even if you have warm blonde or brown hair. Eyebrows tend to be ashier than the hair on your head, so using a cooler shade will provide a more natural look.
2
Select a light to medium brown color if you have olive skin. If your skin tans easily or you have naturally olive skin, go for an eyebrow shade that is medium brown. This will ensure your browns stand out against your complexion.^{[7]
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3
Go for a brown matte color if you have dark skin. Look for a light to medium brown shade that has a matte finish if your skin is dark or black. The color should be 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone so it stands out on your face and makes your brows look defined.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying Eyebrow Color

1
Test the color on your skin before applying it to your brows. Find out if the eyebrow color is a good fit by dabbing or swabbing a small amount of color on your cheek or the skin beside your eyebrow. You can test an eyebrow pencil or gel this way. The color should look 1-2 shades darker or lighter than your hair color, depending on your hair color and skin tone. It should complement your skin tone and hair color, rather than create an obvious contrast.^{[9]
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- Keep in mind that the oils in your skin will make the brow color appear darker, especially as it sets throughout the day. It's usually best to err on the side of caution and start with a lighter shade first.
2
Use an eyebrow pencil with a fine tip to make your eyebrows appear more full. Do not try to fill in any gaps in your brows with the pencil. Instead, fill in above and below your brows with the fine tip for a more natural look. Avoid a hard outline and instead use short, quick strokes or flicks of the pencil to create lines that look like strands of hair. Then, use a spoolie brush to brush the color in an upward and outward motion.^{[10]
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- Some eyebrow pencils come with a fine tip on one end and spoolie brush on the other end for easy application.
- You can buy eyebrow pencils at your local beauty supply store or online. You may want to shop for an eyebrow pencil in person at a store so you can try out the color before you buy.
3
Try an eyebrow gel for a quick, easy application. Eyebrow gel is a good option if you do not want to have to try to fill in your brows with a pencil and are short on time. Use a spoolie brush or an angled brush to apply the eyebrow gel on your brows in an upward and outward motion.^{[11]
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- Eyebrow gel can also help to keep your eyebrows in place throughout the day and lock in the color so it does not flake off or fade.
- Shop for eyebrow gel at your local beauty supply store or online. Shopping for the product in person may be ideal so you can try it out before you buy.
4
Try filling your brows in with eye shadow for a softer look. Shadow can be a great alternative to more defined pencils and gels. Load up a small, angled brush with a shadow color that matches your brows. Then, gently flick the brush up from the base of your brow toward the top. This helps create hair-like lines, instead of a single hard outline. Continue this process until your brows are to your liking, using a spoolie to help blend the shadow into your natural brow.^{[12]
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5
Get your eyebrows tinted for a semi-permanent option. Tinting your eyebrows can help your brows appear full for 3-4 weeks with minimal touch ups. The dye is applied to just your eyebrow hairs and not your skin, leaving you with well shaped, defined brows. Get your eyebrows tinted by a professional cosmetologist at a brow bar or a beauty salon to ensure they look their best.^{[13]
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- If you want to try tinting your eyebrows at home, do so with caution, as you do not want to tint them too dark. Look for a color that is the same level or a level darker than your natural brows.
- Eyebrow tinting is a better, and safer option than dying your brows a specific color, as it is less harsh on your hair and skin.
- Even with tinted eyebrows, you may still need to use a pencil to fill in thin spots or to balance out the shape of your brows.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What color should I do my eyebrows?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Generally, your brows should be one to two shades darker than your hair and less vibrant. So if your hair is a dark blonde, a cool light brown would be a great choice.
Question

What color eyebrow pencil should I use?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Select a color 1-2 shades lighter than your brows. This will allow the pencil to blend in and prevent your brows from looking heavy or severe.
Question

Are eyebrows supposed to be lighter or darker than your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Brows should generally be slightly darker than your hair color. However, lightening your brows a few shades can soften your features and may be a good option if your hair is very dark.