Parenting

Ashley Graham’s Affordable Beauty Hacks for Lips, Brows and Glow

Unlock supermodel Ashley Graham's affordable, game-changing beauty secrets using everyday items for fuller lips, bold brows, and radiant skin.

In this article 11 sections

Supermodel Ashley Graham has long been celebrated for her inclusive approach to beauty, sharing practical techniques that anyone can master. Her hacks emphasize simplicity, affordability, and creativity, turning ordinary products into tools for stunning results. Drawing from her Revlon collaborations and Instagram tutorials, these methods focus on enhancing natural features without complexity.

Transforming Lips with an Unexpected Tool

One of Ashley Graham’s most talked-about secrets involves repurposing an eyebrow pencil for lip enhancement. Instead of traditional liners, she outlines and shades her lips with a soft brown brow pencil, creating the illusion of fuller, more defined pout. This technique, which she credits to makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, has sparked widespread interest because it mimics high-end filler effects naturally.

The process starts with selecting a brow pencil in a neutral taupe or soft brown shade, like the Revlon ColorStay Brow Pencil. Gently trace slightly beyond the natural lip line, then fill in the edges for a seamless blend. Blend with your finger or a brush for a soft look. Graham notes that this method fools onlookers into thinking she has injections, proving its effectiveness.

  • Why it works: Brow pencils have a waxy texture ideal for precise application and longevity on lips.
  • Pro tip: Choose a shade matching your natural lip color for subtlety.
  • Affordable pick: Products under $10 deliver salon-quality results.

This hack saves time and money, ideal for quick touch-ups during a hectic day.

Revolutionizing Brow Grooming on a Budget

Graham swaps expensive brow gels for everyday hair gel, a tip also from Hughes. Using a product like Got2B or similar, she applies a dab with a spoolie brush to lift and hold brows in place all day. This creates a bold, feathered look without stiffness.

Apply sparingly to avoid greasiness: brush brows upward, then seal with a thin layer of gel. For extra hold, pair with a clear mascara wand. Graham demonstrates this in tutorials, showing how it outperforms pricier alternatives.

Traditional Brow ProductsGraham’s Hair Gel Hack
$20+ brow gels or mascaras$4-6 hair gel
Often sticky or crunchyFlexible, natural hold
Limited shadesClear formula suits all

This approach democratizes groomed brows, making them accessible for all hair types and budgets.

Effortless Base: Mixing Highlighter into Foundation

For a lit-from-within glow, Graham mixes highlighter into her foundation. Using Revlon Skinlights Face Glow Illuminator with Candid Foundation, she blends a pump of each for dewy, even coverage. Fingers work best for this sheer application, warming the product for better adhesion.

This customization suits varying skin tones and preferences—add more illuminator for party-ready radiance or less for everyday wear. It eliminates the need for separate highlighting steps, streamlining routines.

Smoky Eyes Made Simple and Forgiving

Graham embraces imperfection in eye makeup, advocating smudgy liner with a chocolate pencil. Apply messily along the lash line, then blend with a brush for a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. If it goes awry, a Q-tip dipped in micellar water cleans edges instantly.

  • Build gradually for intensity.
  • Opt for brown for daytime, black for drama.
  • Concentrate on outer corners for lift.

She pairs this with layered mascara on outer lashes to mimic ‘giraffe lashes,’ enhancing width without falsies.

Contour and Bronzer: Blending into the Hairline

To avoid harsh lines, Graham sweeps bronzer up into the hairline and temples. This sculpts cheekbones naturally, blending seamlessly with skin. Use a fluffy brush for diffusion, focusing on high points for dimension.

For moles or beauty marks, warm a brown pencil and press into the spot for definition without fakeness. Graham calls this ‘warming it up,’ adding personality subtly.

Skincare Foundations for Lasting Makeup

Beyond makeup, Graham champions prep. She loves SkinCeuticals Vitamin C serum and moisturizer for antioxidant protection and hydration. Recent interviews highlight Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair for hair, but for face, she recommends Superlustrous Lipstick in Bare It All and Illuminance Gel Serum Blush for multi-use color.

Gua sha tools promote circulation, potentially delaying invasive treatments—a proactive step she wishes she’d started earlier.

Full Routine Breakdown: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Prep: Vitamin C serum and moisturizer.
  2. Base: Mix foundation with illuminator; apply with fingers.
  3. Brows: Hair gel with spoolie.
  4. Eyes: Smudgy liner, mascara on outer lashes.
  5. Cheeks: Bronzer blended high; gel blush.
  6. Lips: Brow pencil outline and shade.
  7. Finish: Define moles if desired.

This 10-minute routine yields professional polish.

Why These Hacks Resonate with Real Women

Graham’s tips stand out for relatability—she films tutorials with Stevie Wonder playlists and admits to ‘good sides’ of her face. As a Revlon ambassador, she promotes accessible beauty, rejecting perfectionism. These methods empower self-expression, especially for parents juggling schedules.

Adaptations include vegan formulas or clean beauty swaps, maintaining efficacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pencil does Ashley Graham use for lips?

She favors Revlon ColorStay Brow Pencil in Soft Brown for its precise tip and lasting color.

Is hair gel safe for eyebrows?

Yes, clear, non-comedogenic gels like Got2B are gentle and hold without irritation when used lightly.

Can these hacks work on all lip shapes?

Absolutely—adjust shading for balance, focusing on Cupid’s bow for lift.

How to remove smudgy liner mistakes?

A Q-tip with makeup remover erases excess cleanly.

What’s the best mascara for outer lash focus?

Graham uses Revlon So Fierce for buildable volume without clumps.

Customization for Different Skin Tones and Types

For deeper tones, select warmer brow pencils; fair skin suits ash tones. Oily skin benefits from matte gels; dry types add serum first. Test patches prevent reactions.

Seasonal tweaks: more glow in winter, bronzer in summer.

Building Confidence Through Beauty Experiments

Graham’s philosophy: makeup enhances, doesn’t define. Her hacks encourage play, fostering joy in routines. Share your tries on social media—inspired by her IGTV openness.

These techniques prove glamour needn’t be expensive or time-intensive, aligning with modern life’s pace.

References

  1. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum — SkinCeuticals Official Site. 2023-05-15. https://www.skinceuticals.com/skincare/vitamin-c-serums/c-e-ferulic-with-15-l-ascorbic-acid/S17.html
  2. Revlon ColorStay Brow Pencil Product Page — Revlon Official Site. 2024-08-20. https://www.revlon.com/products/colorstay-brow-pencil/
  3. American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen and Antioxidants — AAD (.gov affiliate). 2025-01-10. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/sunscreen-antioxidants
  4. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: Topical Vitamin C Efficacy — Wiley Online Library (Peer-reviewed). 2024-03-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15234
  5. Revlon Skinlights Illuminator Details — Revlon Official Site. 2023-11-05. https://www.revlon.com/products/skinlights-face-glow-illuminator/

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Written by

Sneha Tete

Sneha writes about relationships, family life and emotional well-being for ParentingSphere. She has a background in applied linguistics and relationship coaching, and has self-published a novella on adolescent mental health.

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