How to Cover Eyebrows for Special FX Makeup - QC Makeup Academy Skip to main content

Updated 2025

How To Cover Eyebrows: Key Points

  • Brow blocking hides natural brows.
  • It’s vital for theater, drag, and SFX makeup.
  • Glue sticks are the most common tool.
  • Proper layering of glue, powder, and concealer is key.
  • Practice makes smooth, invisible coverage.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to cover eyebrows for Special FX, drag, or theatrical makeup looks? Simply applying foundation won’t cut it—your brows will still peek through. Instead, professional makeup artists use a tried-and-true method called brow blocking to create a flawless blank canvas.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to cover eyebrows step by step, explain when and why to use this technique, and share the essential tools you’ll need. Sop, keep reading to learn how to master this transformative skill!

Brow blocking is a makeup technique where the natural eyebrows are covered or blocked out using various methods to create a clean and smooth surface. This technique is commonly used in theatrical, drag, and special effects makeup to alter the appearance of the eyebrows.

The process usually involves gluing down the brow hairs with an adhesive—or using wax or gelatin to cover and smooth them out—before applying makeup over top. The result is a blank canvas that allows for more creative freedom when drawing on new eyebrows or creating other facial features.

While brow blocking can be time-consuming and requires some skill, it’s an essential technique for many makeup specializations and has been used for decades to transform appearances. So, it’s a valuable skill for makeup artists to have in their repertoire!

Biggest mistakes: too little glue, not smoothing the edges, and trying to work with the glue AFTER it’s started to dry. The solution? Practice, practice, practice!

Nathan JohnsonCelebrity Makeup Artist & QC Makeup Academy Executive Instructor

When to Use Brow Blocking

Brow blocking is a useful skill for any makeup artist. But it’s indispensable for Theatrical makeup artists, drag makeup artists, and special effects makeup artists. It enhances features, making them more visible from a distance, and allows for complete transformations, supporting bold and expressive styles. This versatile method is also valuable for defining facial features through contouring and highlighting.

Brow blocking is useful for:

  • Creating looks with no eyebrows at all
  • Redrawing the eyebrows in a different shape or color than the natural brows
  • Changing the position or placement of the brows to influence the appearance of the eyes

Would the evil villain in the superhero movie look more menacing with thin, fiery red eyebrows arching as high as his hairline? Would the rag doll in the musical look more doll-like if you raised her brows higher to enlarge her eyes? Does the serious TV drama you’re working on call for a chemotherapy patient makeover? You’ll likely encounter brow-blocking work in your career—whether it’s for theater, cosplay, or special FX gigs!

Close-up of drag makeup application with bold brows and eyeshadow, showing how to cover eyebrows for creative makeup looks.

Essential Tools for Brow Blocking

It takes more than a bit of foundation to properly cover eyebrows—particularly dark, thick ones! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Glue (we’ll get into more detail about the kind of glue you’ll need in a moment!)
  • A palette knife
  • A spoolie
  • Translucent powder
  • Face powder in your client’s skin tone (or slightly lighter)
  • Cream concealer in your client’s skin tone (or slightly lighter)
  • Foundation in your client’s skin tone (an accurate color match)
  • A small to medium sized fluffy brush
  • A blending sponge

Guide to Eyebrow Concealing Glues

Believe it or not, most brow blocking is done with a regular Elmer’s glue stick! Try not to buy the poor quality discount brands that stay sticky and have a grainy texture. You want the glue to go on smoothly and dry well. The best glue sticks for brow blocking are purple because they dry clear.

On professional movie sets where an actor might be under very hot lights for hours at a time, you’ll need something stronger than school glue. Instead, professionals might use medical-grade adhesives, like Pros-aide or liquid latex. These block the eyebrows better than school glue, but they must be taken off with an adhesive remover.

If you pull Pros-aide or liquid latex (which dries into flexible plastic) off once they’ve dried, you’ll pull your client’s eyebrows right out! Stick to a glue stick while you’re still learning to avoid some scary mishaps.

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How To Cover Eyebrows: Your 7-Step Guide To Brow Blocking

Try out this brow blocking technique using your handy stick of school glue!

Step 1

Use your spoolie to back-brush the brows so the hairs stand up and separate.

Step 2

Apply glue liberally against the growth pattern of the eyebrows until you see the purple color! Avoid the skin around the brows for smooth makeup application later on.

Step 3

Before the glue dries, use your spoolie to comb through the brows. Comb against the grain of the hairs and upwards to work the glue between the hairs.

Step 4

Apply more glue and then comb the hairs down smooth along their natural growth direction. Then, apply another layer of glue over the entire surface of the brow, following the direction of hair growth to seal the hairs in place. From there, let the glue dry.

Step 5

After the glue has dried, for the final layer, use your palette knife to apply more glue and smooth it over the surface of the entire brow, following the grain of the hair. Minimize the textures of the hairs as best you can.

Step 6

After the glue has dried again, set the glue with translucent powder. Next, cover the eyebrow with concealer and carefully blend it with your sponge. Set the concealer with powder in the same flesh-toned shade. Repeat the concealer and powder layers until you can’t see the natural brow color anymore.

Step 7

Blend the edges around the brows. Just don’t be too harsh or so vigorous that you move the layers of makeup underneath! Afterwards, you can then apply foundation over the entire face, covering and blending the brow area.

After that, you’re free to continue with the rest of the makeup look!

Remember:

Brow blocking takes practice! When it’s done very well, neither the color of the brows nor the texture of the hairs will be noticeable. If it doesn’t matter how smooth the brows are, you disguise it during the rest of your application.

But if you’re working with HD cameras on set, keep practicing and learn how to cover eyebrows as smoothly as possible!

Pro Tip? Use WAY more glue than you think you need! The biggest mistake I see people make is being very light-handed. You are essentially building a 'glue prosthetic' to make your brow completely disappear.

Nathan JohnsonCelebrity Makeup Artist & QC Makeup Academy Executive Instructor

Specializations that Use Brow Blocking

Brow Blocking in Theatrical Makeup

One of the most common uses of brow blocking is in theatrical makeup. This technique has been used for centuries to create dramatic and exaggerated facial features on stage. By covering the natural eyebrows and drawing on new ones, makeup artists can completely transform a performer’s appearance.

In addition to creating more prominent or stylized brows, brow blocking can also be used to change the shape and positioning of the brows to suit a character’s personality or emotions better. It can also help create a more unified look when multiple performers are playing similar roles.

Interested in Theatrical Makeup? Check out our Master Makeup Artistry course sample.

Brow Blocking in Special Effects (SFX) Makeup

This technique is also commonly used in special effects makeup, often in conjunction with prosthetics and other techniques to create realistic and extreme looks. By covering the natural eyebrows, makeup artists can create more space on the forehead for prosthetic pieces or use brow blocking as a base to sculpt and mold new eyebrow shapes with modeling wax or silicone.

In SFX makeup, brow blocking can be used to create various characters such as zombies, aliens, and monsters by completely altering the shape, size, and placement of the eyebrows. It is also an essential technique in creating bald caps since it allows for a seamless transition from the forehead to the cap.

Brow Blocking in Drag Makeup

Drag makeup is another popular use for brow blocking. In drag culture, exaggerated and over-the-top makeup is a key element in creating a bold and expressive persona. By blocking out the natural eyebrows, drag performers have a blank canvas to draw on their signature brows often including exaggerated arches, dramatic shapes, and bright colors.

Brow blocking can also be used with other makeup techniques such as contouring and highlighting to create more defined facial features. This allows for even more transformative looks that are essential in drag.

Want to learn more about drag makeup? Watch our drag makeup video tutorial!

How To Cover Your Eyebrows with Makeup: Final Thoughts

Learning how to cover eyebrows is just the beginning of what you can achieve as a Special FX makeup artist! With QC Makeup Academy’s self-paced, online Special FX Makeup certification course, you’ll gain hands-on training in brow blocking, prosthetics, gore techniques, aging makeup, and so much more—all from the comfort of home!

Taught by industry professionals, this program gives you the skills and confidence to launch a career in film, theater, cosplay, or television. And the coolest part? Upon graduation, you’ll even receive a physical copy of your globally-recognized International Special FX Makeup Professional (ISMP) certification.

Ready to take your passion for transformation to the next level? Enroll today and start mastering the art of special effects makeup!

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How To Cover Eyebrows FAQs

What’s the easiest way to learn how to cover eyebrows?

Start with brow blocking: glue stick (purple, dries clear), translucent powder, concealer, and foundation. Layer glue → powder → concealer → powder → foundation until smooth.

What glue should I use to cover eyebrows safely?

Use a non-toxic, washable glue stick (purple school glue). For pro sets, Pros-Aide or medical adhesive works but require proper remover.

How do I cover dark or thick eyebrows?

After gluing and setting with translucent powder, neutralize color with a peach or orange corrector before concealer. Repeat thin layers rather than one thick coat.

How do I make covered eyebrows look smooth on camera?

Apply very thin, even glue layers, press hairs flat, set each layer with powder, then stipple cream concealer. Finish with foundation and a light finishing powder.

How long does brow blocking last?

A well-set block can last 6–12+ hours. Increase longevity with strong adhesive, thorough setting between layers, and a final sealer or setting spray.

Can I cover eyebrows without glue?

Yes, you absolutely can. Use wax, soap brows plus heavy corrector, or a blocking putty. Glue is still the most reliable/affordable for a flat finish, though.

How do I cover eyebrows for drag looks?

Do multiple glue layers, set each layer, correct with peach/orange, then redraw higher, dramatic brows with cream or pencil before eye makeup.

How do I stop the block from cracking or lifting?

Keep layers thin, avoid heavy facial movement while drying, use flexible adhesives, and finish with setting spray. Touch up with a tiny amount of glue and powder.

What’s the best way to remove covered eyebrows safely?

Soften with warm water or an adhesive remover (matching your adhesive), massage gently with oil-based cleanser, then wash and condition brows.

Is brow blocking safe for sensitive skin?

Usually, with school glue and proper removal. Patch test first; avoid broken/irritated skin; switch to medical-grade options if reactions occur.

How do I cover eyebrows on oily or sweaty skin?

Degrease with alcohol or toner first, use a matte primer, work in thin layers, and set each step thoroughly. Carry blotting papers for touch-ups.

Why are my brows still visible after blocking?

Common causes: too few layers, skipping color correction, not drying fully, or rubbing while blending. Rebuild with thin layers and set each step.

Authors

  • Celina Feng
  • Nathan Johnson is a New York City–based celebrity makeup artist with over 20 years of experience, having worked with more than 300 stars including Paula Abdul, Lea Michele, and Paul McCartney. His work has been featured in Glamour, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and on Project Runway. As Executive Makeup Artist at QC Makeup Academy, Nathan appears in instructional videos and mentors students through personalized feedback, helping them master professional techniques and grow their confidence.

Celina Feng

Author Celina Feng

More posts by Celina Feng

Join the discussion 2 Comments

  • Yesenia says:

    Absolutely amazIng! This is really cool and something I definitly need to try out next time I am doing something wicked! Rhanks for rhe tios and keep up the great content!

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Hi Yesenia! We’re so glad you liked the content! We always love getting feedback here at QC 🙂

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