Transform Your Look: A Comprehensive Guide to Covering Eyebrows with a Glue Stick
Eyebrow covering is a transformative technique used in makeup artistry to completely alter the appearance of the face. Whether you’re aiming for a dramatic theatrical look, experimenting with different eyebrow shapes, creating a character for cosplay, or simply wanting to temporarily change your aesthetic, concealing your natural eyebrows provides a blank canvas for endless creative possibilities. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to effectively cover your eyebrows using a glue stick, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting, and convincing finish.
Why Cover Your Eyebrows?
Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind this technique. Covering eyebrows offers several advantages:
* **Dramatic Transformations:** Completely changing your eyebrow shape can drastically alter your overall look. High arches can convey elegance, while straight, bold brows can create a more modern or edgy appearance. This technique allows you to explore different aesthetics without permanent changes.
* **Cosplay and Character Creation:** For cosplayers, accurately replicating a character’s appearance is crucial. Covering your natural brows allows you to draw on the character’s specific eyebrow shape, enhancing the authenticity of your costume.
* **Experimentation:** Want to see how you’d look with thinner, thicker, or differently shaped brows? Covering your natural eyebrows provides a safe and temporary way to experiment with various styles before committing to permanent alterations like microblading or threading.
* **Drag Makeup:** This technique is a cornerstone of drag makeup, allowing performers to create exaggerated and theatrical looks with dramatically altered eyebrow shapes.
* **Correcting Asymmetry:** Eyebrow covering can be used to correct asymmetry or unevenness, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
What You’ll Need
To successfully cover your eyebrows with a glue stick, you’ll need the following materials:
* **Glue Stick (Elmer’s Purple School Glue is recommended):** This is the foundation of the technique. Opt for a non-toxic, washable glue stick, preferably the purple kind that dries clear. Elmer’s Purple School Glue is a popular choice due to its availability, ease of use, and effectiveness. Avoid using craft glue or any glue that isn’t specifically designed for use on skin.
* **Spoolie Brush (Eyebrow Brush):** A spoolie brush is essential for grooming the eyebrows and ensuring that the hairs lie flat against the skin. Choose a clean, dry spoolie.
* **Small Metal Spatula or Palette Knife:** This tool is used to flatten the glued-down eyebrow hairs and create a smooth, even surface. A small metal spatula or palette knife provides the necessary pressure and control.
* **Setting Powder (Translucent or Matching Your Skin Tone):** Setting powder is crucial for setting the glue and creating a matte base for makeup application. Choose a translucent powder or one that closely matches your skin tone to avoid altering the color of the covered area.
* **Powder Puff or Makeup Sponge:** A powder puff or makeup sponge is used to apply the setting powder. A powder puff is often preferred for pressing the powder into the glue, while a makeup sponge can be used for a lighter application.
* **Concealer (Full Coverage, Matching Your Skin Tone):** A full-coverage concealer is essential for neutralizing the color of the eyebrow hairs and creating a flawless base for your new eyebrow shape. Choose a concealer that closely matches your skin tone.
* **Concealer Brush (Small, Flat Brush):** A small, flat concealer brush provides precise application and allows you to blend the concealer seamlessly into the surrounding skin.
* **Orange/Peach Color Corrector (Optional):** If you have dark or stubborn eyebrow hairs, an orange or peach color corrector can help neutralize the darkness and prevent it from showing through the concealer. Choose a corrector that is specifically designed for your skin tone.
* **Makeup Sponge (Damp):** A damp makeup sponge is used to blend the concealer and color corrector seamlessly into the skin.
* **Setting Spray:** Setting spray helps to lock in the makeup and ensure that the covered eyebrows last throughout the day. Choose a setting spray that is designed for long-wear makeup.
* **Makeup Remover and Cleanser:** It’s essential to have makeup remover and cleanser on hand to remove the glue and makeup at the end of the day and properly cleanse the skin.
* **Mirror:** A well-lit mirror is essential for seeing what you’re doing and ensuring precise application.
Step-by-Step Guide to Covering Your Eyebrows
Follow these detailed steps to effectively cover your eyebrows with a glue stick:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Eyebrows**
* **Cleanse:** Start with clean, dry eyebrows. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, oil, or dirt from the eyebrow area. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
* **Groom:** Use a spoolie brush to brush your eyebrow hairs upwards and outwards. This will help you see the natural shape of your eyebrows and ensure that the hairs lie flat when you apply the glue.
**Step 2: Apply the Glue**
* **First Layer:** Apply a thin layer of glue to your eyebrows, working against the direction of hair growth. This helps to coat each hair thoroughly. Use the glue stick to push the hairs down and flatten them against your skin.
* **Spoolie Flattening:** Immediately after applying the glue, use the spoolie brush to flatten the eyebrow hairs further. Brush the hairs in the direction you want them to lie, typically upwards and outwards. The goal is to make the eyebrows as flat and smooth as possible.
* **Metal Spatula Smoothing:** Use the small metal spatula or palette knife to gently press down on the glued eyebrows. This will help to further flatten the hairs and create a smooth, even surface. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can irritate the skin.
**Step 3: Set the Glue**
* **Apply Setting Powder:** Generously apply setting powder over the glued eyebrows using a powder puff or makeup sponge. Press the powder into the glue, ensuring that the entire area is completely covered. The setting powder helps to absorb any excess moisture from the glue and create a matte base for makeup application.
* **Brush Away Excess:** After a few minutes, use a soft brush to gently brush away any excess setting powder. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can disturb the glued-down hairs.
**Step 4: Repeat the Process**
* **Second Layer of Glue:** Apply another thin layer of glue over the setting powder, again working against the direction of hair growth. Use the glue stick to push the hairs down and flatten them against your skin.
* **Spoolie and Spatula:** Repeat the spoolie flattening and metal spatula smoothing techniques to ensure that the eyebrow hairs are as flat and smooth as possible.
* **Second Layer of Setting Powder:** Apply another generous layer of setting powder over the glued eyebrows. Press the powder into the glue and brush away any excess after a few minutes.
**Step 5: Third Layer (Optional, but Recommended)**
* **For Stubborn Hairs:** If you have thick or stubborn eyebrow hairs, you may need to repeat the glue and setting powder process a third time. This will help to ensure that the hairs are completely flattened and concealed.
* **Third Layer of Glue:** Apply a thin layer of glue over the setting powder, working against the direction of hair growth. Use the glue stick to push the hairs down and flatten them against your skin.
* **Spoolie and Spatula:** Repeat the spoolie flattening and metal spatula smoothing techniques.
* **Third Layer of Setting Powder:** Apply a generous layer of setting powder over the glued eyebrows and brush away any excess.
**Step 6: Color Correction (Optional)**
* **Neutralize Darkness:** If you have dark or stubborn eyebrow hairs, use an orange or peach color corrector to neutralize the darkness. Apply a thin layer of color corrector over the setting powder using a small, flat concealer brush.
* **Blend:** Use a damp makeup sponge to blend the color corrector seamlessly into the surrounding skin. Ensure that the color corrector is completely blended and there are no harsh lines.
**Step 7: Conceal**
* **Apply Concealer:** Apply a full-coverage concealer over the covered eyebrows using a small, flat concealer brush. Choose a concealer that closely matches your skin tone. Start by applying a thin layer of concealer and gradually build up the coverage until the eyebrow hairs are completely concealed.
* **Blend:** Use a damp makeup sponge to blend the concealer seamlessly into the surrounding skin. Ensure that the concealer is completely blended and there are no harsh lines. The goal is to create a smooth, even base for your new eyebrow shape.
**Step 8: Set Again**
* **Final Setting Powder:** Apply a final layer of setting powder over the concealed eyebrows to set the concealer and create a matte finish. Use a powder puff or makeup sponge to press the powder into the skin. Brush away any excess powder after a few minutes.
* **Setting Spray:** Finish by applying a generous amount of setting spray over the entire face, including the covered eyebrows. This will help to lock in the makeup and ensure that the covered eyebrows last throughout the day. Allow the setting spray to dry completely.
**Step 9: Create Your New Eyebrows**
* **Draw the Shape:** Use an eyebrow pencil, powder, or pomade to draw your desired eyebrow shape over the concealed area. Experiment with different shapes and styles until you find one that you like.
* **Fill In:** Fill in the drawn eyebrow shape with your chosen eyebrow product. Use a light hand and build up the color gradually to avoid creating a harsh or unnatural look.
* **Blend and Refine:** Use a spoolie brush to blend the eyebrow product and soften any harsh lines. Refine the shape as needed to create a polished and natural-looking eyebrow.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Coverage
* **Patience is Key:** This technique requires patience and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right on the first try. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master the technique.
* **Thin Layers:** Apply the glue in thin layers to avoid creating a thick, clumpy mess. Thin layers are easier to flatten and set, resulting in a smoother and more natural-looking finish.
* **Flatten Thoroughly:** Make sure to flatten the eyebrow hairs thoroughly after each layer of glue. This is crucial for creating a smooth and even surface.
* **Use Quality Products:** Invest in high-quality glue, setting powder, and concealer for the best results. Cheap products may not provide adequate coverage or may irritate the skin.
* **Match Your Skin Tone:** Choose a concealer that closely matches your skin tone to avoid creating a noticeable difference between the covered area and the surrounding skin.
* **Blend Seamlessly:** Blend the concealer and color corrector seamlessly into the surrounding skin to create a natural-looking finish.
* **Consider Hair Color:** If you have very dark eyebrow hairs, you may need to use a heavier color corrector or more layers of concealer to achieve adequate coverage.
* **Practice Different Shapes:** Experiment with different eyebrow shapes to find one that complements your face shape and features.
* **Setting Spray is Essential:** Don’t skip the setting spray! Setting spray is crucial for locking in the makeup and ensuring that the covered eyebrows last throughout the day.
* **Clean Your Tools:** Regularly clean your makeup brushes and tools to prevent the buildup of bacteria and ensure a hygienic application.
Removing the Makeup
Removing the covered eyebrows is just as important as applying them. Here’s how to properly remove the makeup and care for your skin:
* **Makeup Remover:** Use a gentle makeup remover to dissolve the makeup and glue. Apply the makeup remover to a cotton pad and gently press it onto the covered eyebrows. Hold the cotton pad in place for a few seconds to allow the makeup remover to break down the makeup and glue.
* **Wipe Away:** Gently wipe away the makeup and glue with the cotton pad. Avoid rubbing the area aggressively, as this can irritate the skin.
* **Repeat as Necessary:** Repeat the process until all of the makeup and glue are removed.
* **Cleanser:** Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and remove any remaining traces of makeup or glue. Massage the cleanser into your skin in a circular motion and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
* **Moisturize:** Apply a moisturizer to hydrate and soothe your skin. Choose a moisturizer that is specifically designed for your skin type.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Eyebrows Showing Through:** If your eyebrows are still showing through the concealer, try applying more layers of glue and setting powder. You may also need to use a heavier color corrector or more layers of concealer.
* **Glue Peeling or Cracking:** If the glue is peeling or cracking, it may be because you’re applying too much glue or not setting it properly. Try applying thinner layers of glue and making sure to set each layer with setting powder.
* **Irritation:** If you experience any irritation, discontinue use immediately. You may be allergic to one of the products you’re using. Try switching to a different glue or concealer.
* **Uneven Texture:** If the covered area has an uneven texture, try using a small metal spatula or palette knife to smooth out the surface. You may also need to apply more setting powder to create a more even base.
Covering your eyebrows with a glue stick is a versatile technique that opens up a world of creative possibilities. With practice and patience, you can master this technique and transform your look for cosplay, drag, or simply for fun. Remember to always prioritize the health of your skin by using quality products and properly removing the makeup at the end of the day.