To use an eyebrow stencil, hold it flat against your brow so that the cut-out sits over the brow you want, fill in the opening with brow powder or pencil using light strokes, then lift the stencil straight off and soften the result with a spoolie. Use the same stencil, at the same position relative to your nose and eye, on the other side. Stencils take the guesswork out of matching two brows.
What is an eyebrow stencil?
It is a thin, flexible template with a brow-shaped opening. The opening sets the outline, so the product only goes where the shape allows. Reusable stencils are wiped clean after each use. They come in different shapes and sizes to suit different faces and brow styles.
How do you choose the right size and shape?
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Start | The front of the opening lines up with the side of your nostril |
| Arch | The highest point sits above the outer edge of your iris |
| Tail | The end falls on a line from your nostril past the outer corner of your eye |
| Thickness | Close to your natural brow. A much thicker shape looks drawn on |
| Coverage | Most of your natural brow hair sits inside the opening |
Hold each size over your brow in front of a mirror before using any product. Pick the one that follows your natural brow most closely. A size that is too large is the commonest reason stencilled brows look heavy.
What do you need?
- Eyebrow stencils
- Brow powder with an angled brush, or a brow pencil. Powder is the easiest with a stencil
- A spoolie
- Concealer and a small flat brush, optional, for cleaning the edges
How to use a stencil, step by step
- Start with clean, dry brows. Skincare and foundation should be set, or the stencil will slide and product will smear.
- Brush the brows upward and outward with a spoolie.
- Position the stencil. Line the front of the opening up with the side of your nostril, and the lower edge with the bottom of your natural brow.
- Note two landmarks, for example where the stencil's edge meets your nose and your temple. You will use them to place it identically on the other side.
- Hold it flat against the skin with one hand, pressing gently at both ends.
- Load the brush lightly. Tap off the excess.
- Fill from the middle to the tail first, with short strokes, then use what is left on the brush for the front. The front should be the softest part.
- Lift the stencil straight up. Do not slide it.
- Brush through with a spoolie to soften the front and blend the product into the hairs.
- Wipe the stencil clean, flip or reposition it for the other brow, and match your landmarks.
- Fill the second brow the same way.
- Compare both brows at arm's length, and adjust with the spoolie or a touch of concealer.
A reusable set in three sizes
The Uexim reusable eyebrow stencil shaper set has reusable PVC stencils for shaping and filling in brows evenly. The stencils measure 17 x 4.2 cm (6.7 x 1.65 in) and come in sizes S, M and L, so choose the size closest to your natural brow.
How do you keep the result natural?
- Use less product than you think. Build up in thin layers.
- Choose a shade that matches your brow hair, or is slightly lighter for dark hair.
- Keep the front soft. A sharp, dark, squared-off front is the giveaway of a stencil.
- Always finish with a spoolie.
- Use the stencil as a guide, not a mold. If your natural brow goes slightly outside it, leave those hairs.
Other ways to use a stencil
- As a tweezing guide. Fill the shape in, then remove only the hairs clearly outside it.
- As an outline. Trace the edge lightly with a pencil, remove the stencil, and fill in freehand.
- For practice. Learning what a balanced shape looks like on your face.
Common mistakes
- Different placement on each side. Use the same landmarks.
- A stencil that is too big or too arched for your face.
- Pressing product hard into the opening.
- Sliding the stencil off, which smears the edge.
- Using cream or gel products with a heavy hand. They creep under the edge.
- Skipping the blend.
Care
- Wipe the stencil with a damp cloth or makeup wipe after each brow, and again when you finish.
- Wash it with mild soap and water when product builds up, and dry it flat.
- Store it flat, so it does not curl.
- Do not share stencils without cleaning them.
Frequently asked questions
Are eyebrow stencils good for beginners?
Yes. They are one of the easiest ways to get two matching brows.
Powder or pencil with a stencil?
Powder is the most forgiving. Pencil works with a light touch.
How do I hold the stencil and apply at the same time?
Hold it with your non-dominant hand, pressing at both ends, and rest that elbow on a table.
What if none of the sizes fits exactly?
Use the closest one for the main shape, then adjust the tail or front freehand.
The bottom line
Pick the size nearest your natural brow, place it by the same landmarks on both sides, fill lightly from the middle outward, lift straight off, and blend with a spoolie.
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