It’s quite possible that you haven’t had to physically interact with other humans very much over the last few weeks, and if you have, the state of your physical appearance was probably one of the last things on your mind. This period of isolation, while slightly unsettling, has proven to be the perfect time for all of us to finally take on the uncomfortable beauty deeds we’ve been putting off for so long like finally making the switch to natural deodorant or even figuring out how to give yourself an at-home bikini wax. Additionally, if there was ever a time for you to consider growing out your eyebrows so that they can be thicker and fuller, this, my friends, is it.

Growing out your brows can be a pretty frustrating if not traumatizing experience. Because of that, we spoke to Jared Bailey, the global brow expert at Benefit Cosmetics, for some tips and tricks on how to grow out and maintain your brows.

Step #1. Be Patient

Growing out your brows is a process, and it takes time, so patience is key. “Hair on your brows is like the hair on your head: it grows in a cycle,” Bailey said. “Depending on how healthy your hair follicles in your brows are, it can take a full 12 to 16 weeks to see the fullest potential in your hair growth.” It may be a while before you see real results, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the end when your brows are thick and full.

Step #2. But If You Want to Speed Up Growth…

Though hair growth in general is normally a long process, you can speed up the growth of your brows by incorporating topical products and serums into your skin-care routine. Bailey recommends using products with ingredients that promote healthy hair growth like keratin and soy proteins.

Step #3. Trim, but Don’t Tweeze

Obviously, the most important step here is to refrain from tweezing your brows for at least several weeks. But even though tweezing isn’t recommended, trimming is, since it’s an important part of maintaining the desired shape of your brow. “Every brow, no matter how thick or thin, will need to be trimmed from time to time,” Bailey said. “Take a clear gel and brush the brow hairs upward toward the hairline and out toward the temple. Let the gel dry completely then only trim the ends that are sticking too far out past your desired shape.”

Step #4. Hide and Enhance

If you do still need to groom your brows or at least make them look presentable before you’re done growing them out, Bailey recommends using what he calls the “hide and enhance” method. “First, use a full-coverage concealer and gently pat it over the brow hairs that are still growing in to conceal them for the time being,” he said. “Next, enhance your brow shape with a micro-lining pencil.

Choose a shade that’s a true match to your natural hair color and tone and make tiny flicks in areas that need more support during this grow out phase.” When penciling in your brows, always leave space between each stroke so so your brows look more realistic.

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