Get Lifted, Laminated-Looking Brows With These Pro Tips

Over the years, different eyebrow trends have come and gone, from the super thin arches of the early aughts, to strong, defined brows, to the bleached look. Though these looks are vastly different, they all prove that eyebrows have become another way to experiment with self expression through makeup. Not only do brows frame your face, but they complete any makeup look. That’s why more people are turning to surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures and treatments, such as brow lifts and brow lamination, in pursuit of the eyebrows of their dreams. 

However, outside of treatments and procedures, there are plenty of simple methods to create a lifted brow look using makeup. We chatted with celebrity eyebrow specialist Joey Healy about how to lift your eyebrows  with makeup. The best part? You probably already have most of the products you’ll need.

How to Get a Lifted Brow Look With Makeup

Before going in with your eyebrow makeup, you’ll need to consider the shape of your eyebrows — after all, everyone’s brows are different. “When creating a lifted brow look, the first thing you want to address is the shape of your brow — mainly the arch and tail,” says Healy. “If your brow shape is normally flat or straight, you'll want to create a higher arch to help lift the eye area.”

Using a brow pencil, Healy defines the arch around two-thirds of the way out and tapers the tail end with the pencil, a step that he says makes your cheekbones look higher in addition to lifting the brow area. Next, reach for a brow gel to lock your hairs in place. “With all lifted brow looks, the key is to brush up the brow hairs using a clear brow gel to help them look more organized and elevated,” he explains. 

Similarly, you can mimic the appearance of laminated brows using makeup. Brow lamination is the process of chemically straightening your brows, creating a lasting, brushed-up look. If you want to try a laminated brow look, Healy recommends using a gel that doesn’t get crispy or flaky, like the Joey Healy Brow Structure Clear Set, which is a buildable formula. 

“While the brow gel is still wet, you can use a tweezer to cluster little bits of hair together to give that spikier, laminated look,” he says. “You can also get a similar effect by using a clear bar of glycerine soap and a slightly dampened spoolie and brush through the brows in an upward direction to lift and define!” Healy likes Pears Transparent Original Soap for soap brows.  

Finally, to really emphasize your brows and create the lifted illusion, apply highlighter under the arches. This gives your brows a bit of extra height and dimension. 

Our Favorite Products for Creating a Lifted Brow Look

NYX Professional Makeup Thick It Stick It! Brow Gel

This tinted brow gel from NYX Professional Makeup gives you fuller, thicker brows that stay looking flawless for up to 16 hours. We love that there are eight natural-looking shades to choose from, so you can find the one that best matches your hair color.  

Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Brow Lift Stick

As the name suggests, this brow stick is specifically designed to help you lift and sculpt your brows. Brush them into place using the lifter brush end, then tint and fill in your brow hairs using the wax stick. Finish by going over your brows with the brush one more time for maximum lift. 

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Filler Eyebrow Gel

The IT Cosmetics Brow Power Filler Eyebrow Gel is long-lasting and waterproof, so your filled-in, freshly-shaped brows will be able to stand up to whatever your day has in store. The best part about this brow gel is the flocked-tip applicator which helps you tint and precisely fill in your brows while shaping them.  

Lancôme Sourcils Styler Brow Gel

Use the Lancôme Sourcils Styler Brow Gel to groom and set your brows. With the hairbrush-inspired applicator, the lightweight gel formula coats each and every hair for fuller-looking brows. 

L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Topcoat

For a clear brow gel option, we love the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Topcoat. First, use the eyebrow pencil of your choice to fill in and shape your brows, then seal them in place with this easy-to-use top coat.  

Valentino Beauty Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner

The Valentino Beauty Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner is the multitasking eyebrow tool you need in your makeup bag ASAP. It comes with a brow brush, pencil and liquid micro-liner that allows you to create realistic, hair-like strokes.  

REFY Beauty Brow Collection

The REFY Beauty Brow Collection has everything you need for selfie-worthy, lifted eyebrows. The Brow Sculpt tool is a wax with a comb, so you can shape and lift, the pomade helps you tint and the pencil allows you to define your brow hairs.  

Trio Beauty Butterfly Brow Laminating & Lifting Wax

The name says it all. The Trio Beauty Butterfly Brow Laminating & Lifting Wax allows you to get that fluffy, fresh-from-the-salon laminated brow look with just a few strokes of a spoolie brush. This strong-hold wax goes on white and dries clear to lock and lift your brows into place all day. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn