The Spoolie at the End of Your Eyebrow Pencil Isn't Really Just for Combing

I've been underestimating the power of the brow spoolie for years. I thought it was just a tool for combing unruly brows into place before filling them in. Little did I know, it was the secret to natural-looking full brows—even for my sparse blonde set that have, up until this point, put up quite the fight where that battle is concerned.

The trick is to use the brush after penciling-in brows, rather than before. It can be paired with a powder or gel formula to get everyone in order, but this unsung beauty hero really shines when it's coupled with a pencil.

Up until a few months ago, I had been using my eyebrow spoolie strictly as a finishing tool. It was kind of useful in that respect, but nothing I would be lost without. Then I was clued into the fact that it's actually designed to be used as a brow blender, camouflaging those pencil lines so all I'm left with is full-looking brows and no evidence that I might not have woken up like that. I use short, light strokes, slowly working my way from the inner brows to the end. By the time I'm finished, my brows are softened but look full and manicured, even if it has been a few months since my last grooming session.

Finding a good eyebrow pencil with spoolie is going to be half your battle. I found a new holy grail in Maybelline TattooStudio Tattoo Brow 36Hr Pigment Brow Pencil. I have fair skin and use Light Blonde to ensure my brows don't become too heavy looking. Choosing a shade lighter than my natural brows also allows me to build color as I apply. After blending with the spoolie, I'll typically call it a day, but if I need a little something extra I'll put on a quick coat of Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Eyebrow Gel—another brow product I'm always game to rave about.

The thing about good brows is that they can help your complexion appear fresh and awake without requiring a full face. On the other hand, they can just as easily be called on to put the exclamation mark on your look when you're in the mood for an extra dose of glam. Whatever you decide, just make sure you let that spoolie live up to its full potential, it's a game changer.