How to Make Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos Look Real

When it comes to eyebrow trends, the landscape is always evolving. One day it was all about pencil thin brows and with the snap of a finger we were faking bushy boy brows or making glitter brows our go-to. We go from sleek to bizarre and everything in between — trimming, plucking, shaving, waxing, and threading our brows into submission. And just when we thought we’d seen it all, another eyebrow trend took the beauty world by storm: Temporary eyebrow tattoos. It’s the easiest way to get the look of the latest eyebrow trend in just minutes without ever stepping foot in a salon. Keep reading to learn more about temporary eyebrow tattoos to see if this beauty trend will help you get the eyebrows of your dreams.

Do Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos Work?

While temporary eyebrow tattoos have actually been around for a few years now, it wasn’t until recently that we started seeing influencers on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms boasting about them regularly. Just like those temporary tattoos you used to get as a kid and the more recent temporary tattoo edges, these faux eyebrow tattoos go on in just seconds. You simply cut out the shape, place it against your brow in the desired spot, apply water with a damp cloth, hold for a few seconds, peel away the paper and you’ve got the perfect brows. It takes less than a minute to apply and they can give off the look of real eyebrow hairs.

How Long Do Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos Last?

Temporary eyebrows can last for up to a week depending on the brand and how gently (or not) you’re washing and applying products to your face. Many brands make waterproof versions made to last for at least five days. 

If you have pretty robust brows it’ll be difficult to use temporary tattoo eyebrows — but then again if you have full eyebrows you likely don’t need them. Simply grab a product like the L'Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Brow Topcoat, Waterproof Universal Transparent to brush and keep your brows in place throughout the day, for up to 30 hours. 

If your brows just won’t grow and you’ve had to draw them on, or have even considered a permanent eyebrow tattoo, temporary tattoo eyebrows might be a great option for you. They could also be a great alternative to microblading if you can’t get to the salon, want to save some cash, or are concerned about negative side effects from blading.  

Tips For Making Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos Look Real

Want to give temporary eyebrow tattoos a try? Consider these three tips for making your false eyebrows look like the real deal.

Tip 1. Consider Your Brow Color 

If you have black hair but you’re trying temporary eyebrow tattoos because you want to play with color, don’t veer too far from your shade. The stark contrast between the brows and the hair on your head could be a dead giveaway that your brows are faux. Try to match them with your eyebrow color or stay within a shade or two of your actual color.

Tip 2. Perfect The Brow Placement  

Whether you opt for a natural arch, a curved style or a tapered brow, no matter your eyebrow shape, getting the placement right is key. If you go too far up you’ll end up with brows in the center of your forehead, and if they’re crooked with the tail up too high you can end up looking like you’re constantly surprised — that’s not a good look. Lay down and have a friend or someone in your home help you place the brows in the proper spot if you don’t think you can nail it standing in front of the mirror.

Tip 3. Blend With Your Brows

If you still have a bit of hair on your brows and you’re using falsies to fill in the sparse areas, be sure to blend, blend, blend! You don’t want anyone to notice a harsh line between your hair and the temporary eyebrow tattoos. 

Editor’s tip: An alternative for filling in sparse brows (or blending your temporary tattoo) is the L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil which lets you draw tiny hair-like strokes that blend with your natural hair for well-defined, symmetrical brows. And the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel helps to thicken and fill in barely there brows for natural-looking arches that stay in place up to 48 hours.

Next: Sir John’s Eyebrow Makeup Tips For Men

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn