Eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face, as they frame your eyes and express your emotions. However, not everyone is blessed with naturally full and defined brows, and some may struggle with sparse, uneven, or overplucked eyebrows. If you are looking for a way to enhance your brows without committing to permanent tattooing or expensive salon treatments, you may want to try microblading pens and pencils. These are makeup products that mimic the effect of microblading, a semi-permanent technique that creates hair-like strokes on the skin with a fine needle. Microblading pens and pencils are easy to use, affordable, and long-lasting, and they can help you achieve the brow shape and color that suits you best. In this blog post, we will explain what microblading pens and pencils are, how to use them, and what are the best products on the market. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about microblading and eyebrow care.
What are Microblading Pens and Pencils?
Microblading pens and pencils are makeup products that are designed to create realistic-looking brow hairs with a few simple strokes. They have a fine or fork-shaped tip that allows you to draw thin and precise lines that blend in with your natural brow hairs. The formula is usually waterproof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing, so you don’t have to worry about your brows fading or rubbing off throughout the day. Microblading pens and pencils come in different shades and finishes, so you can choose the one that matches your hair color and skin tone. Some products also have a dual-ended design, with a spoolie brush or a gel mascara on the other end, to help you groom and set your brows in place.
How to Use Microblading Pens and Pencils?
Using microblading pens and pencils is very easy and convenient, and you don’t need any special skills or tools to do it. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Start with clean and dry brows. Avoid applying any moisturizer, primer, or foundation on your brow area, as this may interfere with the product’s adherence and performance.
- Choose a microblading pen or pencil that matches your natural brow color or is slightly darker. If you have light or blonde hair, you may want to go for a taupe or light brown shade. If you have dark or black hair, you may want to go for a dark brown or black shade.
- Use the microblading pen or pencil to draw short, hair-like strokes along your natural brow shape, starting from the inner corner and moving towards the tail. Follow the direction of your hair growth and fill in any gaps or sparse areas. You can also use the product to extend or define your brow arch or tail, if needed.
- Use a light hand and a gentle pressure when applying the product, and avoid drawing too many or too thick strokes, as this may look unnatural or harsh. You can also use the product’s tip to create a sharper or softer edge, depending on your preference.
- Use a spoolie brush to comb through your brows and blend the product with your natural hairs. This will also help you remove any excess product and create a more natural and fluffy look.
- If your microblading pen or pencil has a gel mascara on the other end, you can use it to set your brows and add some volume and shine. Apply the gel mascara in short, upward strokes, following the direction of your hair growth. You can also use a clear brow gel or wax to set your brows, if you prefer.
- Enjoy your perfect brows! You can also apply some concealer or highlighter under your brow bone to enhance your brow shape and make your eyes pop.
What are the Best Microblading Pens and Pencils?
There are many microblading pens and pencils available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some may have a better formula, a more precise tip, or a wider shade range than others. To help you choose the best product for your brows, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular and highly rated microblading pens and pencils, based on customer reviews and expert opinions. Here are our top picks:
- iMethod Eyebrow Pen: This is one of the best-selling and most-loved microblading pens on Amazon, with over 37,000 ratings and 4.5 stars. It has a micro-fork tip that creates thin and realistic strokes, and a waterproof and smudge-proof formula that lasts up to 24 hours. It comes in four shades: light brown, dark brown, red brown, and black.
- Maybelline Tattoo Brow Microblade Pen: This is a microblading effect pen inspired by salons, that delivers naturally fuller and defined brows. It has a micro-trident tip that draws small, hair-like strokes, and a long-lasting formula that stays put for up to 24 hours. It comes in three shades: blonde, medium brown, and deep brown.
- Benefit Brow Microfilling Pen: This is a brow pen that creates the illusion of natural brow hair with three ultra-fine lines in a single stroke. It’s designed to blend in with existing hairs, fill in gaps, and make brows appear where before there were none. It has a matte finish, a waterproof and smudge-proof formula, and a 24-hour wear. It comes in four shades: blonde, light brown, medium brown, and deep brown.
- TatBrow Microblade Pen: This is the original microblade pen that has transformed over 1,000,000 eyebrows without painful microblading or damaging dyes. It has a fine brush tip that creates hair-like strokes, and a waterproof and long-lasting formula that stays on for days. It comes in six shades: blonde, auburn, light brown, medium brown, dark brown, and black.
- Kosas Defining Eyebrow Pencil: This is a defining eyebrow pencil that delivers natural-looking brows with a soft and buildable formula. It has a triangular tip that allows you to create thin or thick strokes, and a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and clean, and it comes in five shades: blonde, taupe, medium brown, dark brown, and black.
FAQs About Microblading and Eyebrow Care
Here are some of the most common questions and answers about microblading and eyebrow care, that you may find helpful or interesting.
What is microblading and how does it work?
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that involves creating hair-like strokes on the skin with a fine needle and pigments. The needle deposits the pigments into the upper layer of the skin, creating a natural-looking brow shape and color. Microblading is usually done by a trained and certified professional, and it can last for up to two years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare.
What are the benefits and risks of microblading?
The benefits of microblading are that it can save you time and money on daily brow makeup, enhance your facial features and confidence, and correct any brow issues such as asymmetry, gaps, scars, or overplucking. The risks of microblading are that it can cause infections, allergic reactions, scarring, or undesired results, if not done properly or by an unqualified person. It can also fade or change color over time, requiring touch-ups or removal.
How much does microblading cost and how long does it take?
The cost of microblading varies depending on the location, the experience of the technician, and the quality of the service. On average, microblading can cost anywhere from $300 to $800, and it may include a consultation, a first session, and a touch-up session after four to six weeks. The first session usually takes about two to three hours, and the touch-up session takes about one to two hours.
How to take care of your brows after microblading?
After microblading, you need to follow some aftercare instructions to ensure the best results and avoid any complications. Some of the basic steps are:
- Avoid getting your brows wet for the first 10 days, and use a cotton pad or a damp cloth to gently clean them twice a day.
- Apply a thin layer of healing ointment or cream, as recommended by your technician, to protect and moisturize your brows.
- Avoid scratching, picking, or rubbing your brows, as this may cause scabbing, peeling, or infection.
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning, swimming, sweating, or using any makeup or skincare products on your brows for at least two weeks.
- Avoid any facial treatments, waxing, threading, or plucking your brows for at least four weeks.
- Follow up with your technician for a touch-up session after four to six weeks, and for any maintenance sessions as needed.
How to grow your brows naturally?
If you want to grow your brows naturally, without any cosmetic procedures or products, you need to be patient and consistent with some simple habits. Some of the tips to grow your brows naturally are:
- Stop overplucking, waxing, or threading your brows, and let them grow out for at least three months.
- Massage your brows with a natural oil, such as castor oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, to stimulate blood circulation and hair growth. Do this every night before bed, and wash it off in the morning.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, to nourish your hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Take some supplements, such as biotin, collagen, or omega-3, to boost your hair health and strength. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
- Apply some natural remedies, such as aloe vera gel, onion juice, or egg yolk, to your brows, to moisturize, condition, and stimulate them. Leave them on for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse them off with water. Do this once or twice a week, and avoid any ingredients that may irritate your skin or eyes.
- Brush your brows with a spoolie brush every day, to distribute the natural oils and improve blood circulation. You can also use a brow serum or a lash growth serum, to enhance your brow growth and thickness. Follow the instructions and precautions of the product, and apply it every night before bed.
How to shape your brows according to your face shape?
One of the most important factors to consider when shaping your brows is your face shape, as different brow shapes can complement or contrast your facial features. Here are some general guidelines to shape your brows according to your face shape:
- If you have a round face, you may want to create a high and arched brow shape, to add some definition and length to your face. Avoid making your brows too round or flat, as this may accentuate the roundness of your face.
- If you have a square face, you may want to create a soft and curved brow shape, to balance the sharpness and angles of your face. Avoid making your brows too angular or thin, as this may make your face look harsher or smaller.
- If you have a heart-shaped face, you may want to create a low and straight brow shape, to soften the width and prominence of your forehead. Avoid making your brows too high or arched, as this may draw more attention to your forehead or chin.
- If you have an oval face, you may want to create a medium and slightly arched brow shape, to maintain the harmony and proportion of your face. Avoid making your brows too thick or thin, as this may overwhelm or underwhelm your face.
Of course, these are just suggestions, and you can always experiment with different brow shapes and styles, to find the one that suits your personal preference and expression. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your brows!
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative, and that you learned something new about microblading pens and pencils, and how to use them. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you! Thank you for reading, and have a great day!