Alopecia Makeup Tutorial for Lashes and Brows: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

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I've had alopecia since I was 2 years old and have been drawing on my brows since age 13. Trust me when I say I have gone through years of bad brows and trial and error. Applying lashes was so stressful, it would have had me pulling all my hair out if I had any! Hopefully with this post, I can help you shorten your trial & error phase so you can draw on realistic brows in a jiffy, and apply lashes like a pro. Would you believe be if I told you: with these tips & a bit of practice, you'll be able to do your brows and lashes in less than 5 minutes?

Watch a detailed, step by step tutorial on my YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5agYHC-88M

BROWS

When you have little to no brow hair, there are a few different methods you can use to create that "individual brow hair" effect with makeup. The biggest thing to remember I that you are essentially drawing an optical illusion of brows on your face.

Brow Pencil

My favorite method to apply my brows is with a brow pencil. You want to use a brow pencil with an ultra fine tip, so save yourself pencil sharpening time by using a retractable pencil instead.

Favorite Brow Pencils:

• Covergirl Clean Fresh 1mm Nano Pencil

Covergirl Clean Fresh 1mm Nano Pencil (Amazon)

• NYX Lift & Snatch (I layer this on top of the Covergirl pencil)

NYX Lift n Snatch (Amazon)

• e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil - a great budget friendly option

  
  

Using 2 different products helps to create dimension instead of having the brow strokes appear too uniform.

Products to help to help the pencil last all day:

• Translucent powder (I like the elf Perfect Finish HD powder)

• Powder puff or fluffy brush

  
  

• Setting spray is a MUST to ensure the brow pencil lasts all day. My current favorite is the Milani Make it Last Setting Spray with SPF.

Milani Setting Spray (Amazon)

Brow Transfers / "Temporary Tattoos"

This brow product works best for people with no brow hair whatsoever. When applied over clean, smooth skin (without any hair), higher end brands can last up to a week. They may still work if you have spare brows, but won't last as long.

(I have sparse brows, and these looked great but only lasted for 1 day).

As a cheap makeup girly, this product is one of the few times I would say the higher-end product is a major step up compared to the cheaper alternative. However, the cheaper options can be great for practice, and to test out different styles and colors.

I like this cheap pack from Amazon for practice. Try out a variety pack like this one to decide what sort of styles you like on your face.

A good practice option (won't last as long).

Higher-end brands to try:

• Brows by Bossy

• Lusta Brow

• Baldie Bean Beauty Brows

Brows by Bossy

Although these are more expensive, the cost evens out as long as you are able to make them last for multiple days. (The cheaper ones generally won't last as long). Because I do have a bit of brow hair (although sparse), these aren't my first choice. If you have no brow hair whatsoever, these might be a fantastic option to try.

Tip: if you want to remove them, apply a piece of clear tape.

Waterproof Brows

Here are my favorite products for waterproof brows:

• iMethod 3-pronged brow pen - incredible waterproof option, only downside is that it dries out easily (which is why I don't use it daily).

• Wunderbrow - waterproof brow gel. To get the individual brow hair effect, apply with a thin angled brush.

LASHES

Favorite Lashes

• My favorite "natural lash" - multipack

Favorite Natural Lash (Amazon)

• My favorite dramatic / "manga" lash- variety pack

Favorite dramatic / manga lash (Amazon)

• Natural bottom lashes (I personally don't bother with these, but it's nice to have the option! Apply these with clear glue instead of dark glue.)

Favorite Lash Glues

• i-Envy by Kiss - Brush on lash glue - great for touch ups if the last starts coming off in the corners

Brush-on lash glue (Amazon)

• Duo dark-drying glue

Duo Dark-Drying Lash Glue (Amazon)

• Duo quick-dry, dark drying glue (gets tackier more quickly, but a little harder to find in stores)

Quick-Set Duo Lash Glue (Amazon)

• KISS Lash GLUEliner, 2-in-1 - this is a lash glue that applies like a liquid eyeliner. Great for touchups, and a great option for those that struggle with glue. This tends to feel a little less secure, but can easily be touched up throughout the day.

Tips & Tricks for Applying Lashes

• Trim the lash band to the right size when you first use a new pair. Measure the lash up against your eye.

  
  

• A pair of lashes can be reused multiple times.

  
  

• Lashes don't have to be expensive to work well.

  
  

• Ultra lightweight, feathery lashes will have a harder time staying upright without the support of natural lashes. Although these styles may seem like a good option for a natural lash, they risk drooping over your eyes. Try a lash with a firmer band.

  
  

• Don't overdo the glue. A thin line of glue should be enough to last the day. Too much glue will make it harder to apply neatly.

  
  

• Make sure you allow the glue to get tacky before placing on your eyelid (usually wait at least 30-60 sec after applying to lash band)

  
  

• Dark-drying lash glue blends really nicely if worn over dark eyeliner for a seamless look.

  
  

• If you're having a lot of difficulty applying lashes, try applying the glue to your eyelid instead of to the lash band. This will ensure the lash band sticks exactly where you want it. ONLY do this with a glue that can easily be brushed onto eyelid. Make sure you don't get glue in your eye. (Carefully read directions and safety instructions for any products you use).