For anyone struggling with thin or sparse brows—especially over 50—getting a perfectly shaped arch can feel like a daily challenge. Fortunately, beauty and cosmetics expert Sheri (gracefulbeautywithsheri), who has over 245K subscribers on YouTube, and celebrity makeup artist Margina Dennis share a simple hack and tips that promise flawless brows in under two minutes, no matter your starting point.
Sheri explains in this video that this technique works even if your eyebrows are almost nonexistent or missing the tail entirely. “This will help you do your brows literally in one or two minutes, if not less—that is how quick and easy this brow hack is,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if you have no brows, if you’re missing the tail, or if your brows are super thin and sparse.”
The trick is surprisingly simple: all you need is your favorite brow product—whether it’s a pencil, pomade, or even a matching eyeshadow. “You don’t have to buy anything new,” Sheri notes. “Just use what you already have.”
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Step 1: Prep Your Brows
Sheri recommends starting with clean brow hairs. Using a Q-tip, gently brush away any leftover foundation, moisturizer, or other residue to help the product stick better. She prefers a micro-fine brow pencil for precision, but any brow product works.
Step 2: Map Your Brow
Even if your brows are thin or sparse, Sheri explains how to create a natural starting point. Rest your pencil against the side of your nose to mark where your brow should begin, then angle it outward, imagining the shape of a martini glass over your eyelid. This gives guidance for extending the brow tail or creating a lift if you have minimal natural hair.
Step 3: Draw an X
The signature part of Sheri’s hack is drawing an X in the brow area. Start with one line angled upward, then draw a second line crossing it. Connect the dots at the ends to form a simple, defined shape. From there, fill in the gaps with light, hair-like strokes. This technique helps create the illusion of fuller brows, even on areas where hair is sparse or missing entirely.
Step 4: Refine and Set
Once your shape is complete, use a clean spoolie to brush through the brows for a more natural look. Sheri also suggests cleaning up any edges with a flat brush and concealer to make the brows look polished. For extra hold, she recommends a clear brow gel like L’Oreal’s Unbelieva-Brow to keep hairs in place without the stiff, flaky effect of traditional brow glues.
Dennis also recommends "using a lightly tinted brow gel" to create a "shape with and hold your brows in place." She says you may need to "fill in where needed to refine the brow shape" throughout the day. Ultimately, she stresses that "less is more when comes to brows."
Why It Works
Sheri’s method works because it combines simple mapping, precision with small strokes, and a clear step to set and refine the brows. Even those with over-plucked or naturally thin brows can achieve a defined, lifted look in seconds.
“Try this technique, and I promise you’ll be able to do your brows in under a minute every single time,” Sheri says. “It doesn’t matter what your natural brows look like—you can create a perfect shape easily.”
The Bottom Line
If you’ve struggled with sparse or thinning eyebrows, this quick X-shaped hack is a game-changer. By mapping, filling in, and setting your brows properly, you can achieve polished, full-looking eyebrows in less time than you think—without needing professional help or expensive new products.
