Brows, Brows, Brows! 3 Insider Tips from Brow Expert Stephanie Williams

Each makeup era has its own unique take on beauty, dictating which features should be emphasized or softened and how. In each trend, however, there has always been one detail that trends can’t overlook: the eyebrow. Brows have seen some of the most dynamic changes in style, from thin brows in the 1920s & 90s to bushier brows in the 2010s into the 2020s. An essential feature, the eyebrow has always found a way to be reinvented and refreshed throughout history.

The latest brow trends has been led by licensed esthetician and brow expert Stephanie Williams. Stephanie has a multitude of specializations, from the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Arts to the Esthetics Academy of South Texas. She has also worked directly under Anastasia Soare, founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills and a living legend in the world of eyebrows. Stephanie is particularly skilled in permanent makeup applications and practices at her own studio Browzn Around in Raleigh, NC.

Just for our special Melanin Moi readers, Stephanie has given us access to professional advice in shaping and maintaining the perfect brow. “I think that you should always follow your natural browline.” This is done by following the natural proportions, easily done with a brow pencil or brush: the brow should begin and end parallel at the side of the nose, while the arch should make a 45 degree angle with the tip of the nose. Your predetermined shape can be discovered on your own or via a professional, but Stephanie guarantees this: “Everyone has their own unique look.” Here are three tips on finding your own:

[dropcap custom_class=”bl”] 1.  Trimming the brows is just as important, if not more important than, waxing the brow when maintaining the shape. Especially if you have naturally thick brows, it’s wise to invest in brow scissors when maintaining their length. [/dropcap]

[dropcap custom_class=”bl”] 2. Be sure to brush the hairs upwards to maintain separation of the brow hairs. This is an easy way to create volume and soften the effect of the makeup.[/dropcap] 

[dropcap custom_class=”bl”] 3. Focus on preserving a full brow. It’s much easier to work with more than manage with less. [/dropcap] 

But Stephanie’s work isn’t just inspired by the trends or technicalities. Her passion lies in finding the beauty in others during times of personal difficulty. In fact, her work in permanent makeup began as a way to serve those who have been affected by hair loss. She even offers discounts for cancer survivors and works with nonprofits to raise awareness on the role that permanent makeup plays in recovery.

At the root of the technical tricks, Stephanie’s secret to a beautiful brow is by simply maintaining and enhancing its natural shape. The shape you’re born with already falls in line with your unique proportions. All you have to do is stay true to it, even when applying makeup!

Stephanie recommends using brow powder to achieve the most natural texture. Powders give the brows a soft, natural texture, and the brush allows for the greatest flexibility of shape. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo, used with an angled brush, provides this. Plus, it’s two-toned selection provides a unique depth to the brows. 

I personally use the Brow Definer in Granite to define the shape of my brows, following the proportions of my face. Then I use the Brow Wiz in Ebony to sharpen the shape and add hair-like strokes of texture. But there are tons of methods and products out there– the main focus is finding which products work best for the shape and thickness of your natural brows!

Before working with brows, Stephanie admits that it was a feature she would overlook. But now, after her years of experience and training, she has the unique ability to “see the naturalness in everyone.” But more than that, she’s seen how having beautiful brows brings joy to people and has dedicated herself to giving that joy to others. 

If you’re interested in accessible & fabulous permanent brow work in Raleigh, book Stephanie at Browzn Around Eyebrow Studio! You can find hours and booking information on Facebook and Instagram.