Why you should be using mascara on your eyebrows

There's no shortage of good hacks in the beauty world, especially in relation to our ever-important eyebrows.

And if it's covetable, natural-looking brows you're looking to create, there is one particular makeup trick you may have missed in your mission: putting mascara on your eyebrows.

So, to understand the magic behind this popular brow technique, we spoke to makeup artist Joanna Luhrs for everything there is to know.

Should you put mascara on your eyebrows?

When it comes to using mascara on eyebrows, there appear to be two key methodologies. The first, involves using a clear brow mascara as a gel to hold the hairs in place, while the second, sees the use of a regular lash mascara fill in the brows for a reportedly more natural, 3-D look than that of pencil or powder.

And while second method tends to make people apprehensive to try it, with whole online forums dedicated to questioning the technique, Luhrs said it's a method we should "definitely" be giving a go.

"I think a lot of people get a bit nervous to try it," Lurhrs said. "But, if you get the colour right for your skin tone, you can get the brows of your dreams."

Is there a difference between brow mascaras and lash mascaras?

Here's where it gets a tad trickier. While the classic brow hack involves putting standard lash mascara on your brows, there are brow-specific mascaras out there, and what you use will depend on what you're after.

According to Luhrs, if it's strictly the hold factor you are looking for, there isn't much difference between a clear lash mascara and a brow gel. In fact, she said you may reap more rewards from opting for a lash mascara instead of the gel.

"Using a lash mascara in place of a brow gel can definitely create a fuller more dramatic effect," said Luhrs. "I also find that mascara has a stronger hold compared to a gel. If you are looking for a more natural, less full-on brow, then try a gel. [It's] perfect for a first-timer who's perfecting their stroke.

"Once you feel confident, trial a lash mascara, [especially] if you have a long day ahead and want it to last from day-to-night. One of my favourite tips is to apply a mascara/gel and then use a spoolie to brush through the brows for the fluffy, brushed-up look that has maximum definition."

Now, if you are using the mascara to add texture and fill in your brows, you may get more bang for your buck by choosing an eyebrow-specific tinted mascara, as it is likely to have more hold factor than a coloured lash mascara and often features a gel-to-powder formula.

How do you choose a good eyebrow mascara?

As far as choosing a good eyebrow-specific mascara goes, it's important to colour match with hair colour before proceeding, Luhrs emphasised.

"Try looking for a colour that's close to your natural hair colour and also compliments your skin tone," she explained.

"I find that staying around the cooler tones, rather than warm tones, keeps the brows looking more natural. My favourite is actually a mascara from BY TERRY. It's my ultimate go-to for dramatic brows as I like the hold element and colour it offers."