12 Common Eyebrow Mistakes You're Probably Making

A pretty pair of eyebrows is a great way to frame your face and bring out your eyes, but when they're too thin, too dark, or just plain over-the-top, they can detract more than complement. Make sure you're not making these common mistakes so you can keep your eyebrows looking their best.

Mistake #1: Trying to make them identical.

When you obsess over making your eyebrows look exactly the same, you can wind up over-plucking them — and too-thin brows are much worse than ones that are just a tad different. Your eyebrows are supposed to be sisters, not twins.

How to fix it:

If you accidentally go overboard, leave them alone for a while and let them grow back. Once they're fuller, you can shape them to ensure that the length, angle, and thickness are close to the same, but don't nitpick too much.

Mistake #2: Going too dark with your brow filler.

Think you need to fill in your brows with the exact same color as your natural hair? Think again. Chances are, using one the same shade as your brows will look way too harsh.

How to fix it:

Most people can use a medium taupe shade of eyebrow filler, such as the Too Faced Brow Envy Brow Shaping and Defining Kit ($39, Too Faced), as it blends well with dark hair colors and isn't too deep for lighter-hair. Have naturally red brows? Aim for a light reddish-brown pencil to make sure your filler looks believable.

Mistake #3: Over-plucking them.

Over-plucking your brows until they're just a thin little line of hairs prevents your brows from framing your face properly, and makes it increasingly difficult to get a natural-looking result when using brow definers like pencils or powder.

How to fix it:

Drop the tweezers and step away from the bathroom mirror. Letting your eyebrows grow out is the first step to fixing them. It may initially look awkward, but soon you will have full, lush eyebrows and can determine which direction you want to go with them. Worst case scenario, you can always give brow extensions a try.

Mistake #4: Using the wrong brush.

If you use a cream or powder filler, you can't just use any old makeup brush to fill your brows in. If it's too wide or flat, it can give you messy or unnatural-looking lines.

How to fix it:

Opt for a thin, angled brush to make your strokes appear much more natural. Some brow products contain a perfect applicator, like Clinique's Brow Shaper ($16, Clinique), but you can always purchase one separately — Bobbi Brown Eye Definer Brush ($30, Sephora) is a particularly popular choice.

Mistake #5: Plucking them into a tadpole (or other unflattering) shape.

Tadpole-shaped brows can result in looking perpetually surprised, while other types of unnatural shapes can simply distract people from your eyes.

How to fix it:

Just as with #3, take some time to let your eyebrows grow back without being plucked or waxed. Once they're back to their natural shape, go see a brow professional to get advice on where to go from there.

Mistake #6: Not blending.

Blending isn't just for your blush — applying this technique to your brow filler keeps it from looking too harsh or overdrawn.

How to fix it:

After applying your cream, pencil, or powder brow filler, use a spoolie brush (also known as a brow wand) to gently comb your brows into place, lightly blending it into your natural brow. One pick works great and is budget-friendly: e.l.f. Essential Eyelash & Brow Wand ($1, eyeslipsface).

Mistake #7: Skipping the brow gel.

Spending all that time on your eyebrows is useless if they're not going to last. Plus, brow hairs that all are set in the same direction look more groomed and polished.

How to fix it:

One you've applied your filler and blended, apply a clear brow gel to your eyebrows, like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel ($22, Sephora). Depending on the applicator, you can combine this step with the blending one.

Mistake #8: Coloring them in too dark.

As is the case with so many makeup products, less is more when it comes to your eyebrows. Going thick and dark with your eyebrow filler won't give you definition — it will just look harsh and heavy-handed.

How to fix it:

Stick to short, feathery strokes when you apply any color to your brows. Always step back from the mirror after applying to ensure you didn't go overboard.

Mistake #9: Starting your arch in the wrong spot.

A strong brow arch is ideal for many women, but putting it too close to the center of your face can make your eyes look more angry than accentuated.

How to fix it:

Let your eyebrows grow back into their natural shape, then consult a brow professional. Determined to DIY? Find your proper arch like this: Angle a pencil along the bridge of your nose across your pupil.

Mistake #10: Plucking in front of a magnifying mirror.

The only thing magnifying mirrors in your bathroom are good for is pointing out what you're most self-conscious about. If you use one, you may wind up over-plucking because you keep seeing tiny hair after hair after hair that "needs" to be plucked.

How to fix it:

Stick with a regular mirror, ensure the room in which you're plucking is well lit, and step back from the mirror every few tweezes to ensure you're not getting overzealous with the hair removal.

Mistake #11: Taking too much from the center.

Afraid of potentially having a unibrow, many women take way too much off the center of their brows, leaving them with a big gap.

How to fix it:

Leave the center portion of your eyebrows along for a while and give them a chance to breathe (i.e. grow in). Once they're back, hold a pencil vertically along your nose. Your eyebrow should align with the bridge of your nose, so steer clear of plucking past that mark.

Mistake #12: Using brow stencils.

In theory, eyebrow stencils seem like a great way to attain the perfect shape. In reality, you can wind up with brows that aren't right for your face, whether it's because they're too short, thin, thick, or angular.

How to fix it:

If you have fallen victim to an unflattering stencil, it's best to let your brows grow back into their natural shape, then seek out a brow pro or esthetician who can help you get the most flattering look for your face.