Jane Iredale PureBrow Shaping Pencil Soft Black 0,23g

Soft black shaping eyebrow pencil for dark hair

Of all six shades in the PureBrow Shaping range, Soft Black requires the most restraint. The combination of deep pigmentation and a broader application tip can quickly shift from elegant to excessive. While mistakes are less noticeable with lighter colors, any excess in black is immediately visible in the mirror. The shade is no less beautiful—it just demands precision in dosing that doesn’t come naturally.

That’s exactly why Jane Iredale added brown warmth to the black pigment in this variant. The formula creates the intensity dark hair needs but filters out the harshness of pure black. Combined with the drop-shaped tip, you get a pencil that actively builds the eyebrow shape without the effect of a pronounced drawing on the skin. For women with dark brown to black hair who want not only to define but fully shape, this is the right choice.

Color: A soft black shade with a warm brown undertone, ideal for dark brown to black hair.

Benefits

• Soft black with brown warmth looks more natural than pure black on dark hair
• Drop-shaped tip shapes the eyebrow where volume is lacking
• Deep pigmentation matches the intensity of black and dark brown hair
• Water-resistant formula does not fade prematurely throughout the day
• Controlled release prevents excess in the broader application area

Active ingredients

Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499): The core pigment that gives this shade its depth. Unlike carbon black—which often appears coarse and tar-like on the skin—mineral iron oxide is gentler on the eye contour and provides a more natural dark brown-black effect that blends with the skin tone.

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891): Acts as a color modifier in this formulation. Added in a minimal concentration, titanium dioxide provides the softening effect that shifts the shade from pure black to soft black. Without this ingredient, the color on the skin would appear as painted black rather than natural dark hair.

Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate: Forms a stable film layer over the built-up eyebrow with the wax fraction. For intense dark shades, this fixation is especially important, as fading of black pigment leads to uneven spots instead of uniform fading.

How to use it

1. Turn the drop tip very sparingly — with black pigment, less is always more
2. Test on the back of your hand how intense the color appears on your skin before starting on the eyebrow
3. Only subtly define the eyebrow contour with the fine side, avoiding continuous lines
4. Work the middle zone with the wider side in short tapping motions and minimal pressure
5. Blend intensively and repeatedly with the spoolie until the color fully merges with your own hairs

Suitable for

• Dark brown hair with a black sheen
• Natural black hair in all ethnic variations
• Dyed black or blue-black hair
• Eyebrows that have faded over time while maintaining dark hair
• Experienced users of eyebrow makeup who have mastered the dosage

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t Jane Iredale offer pure black in this range?

Because pure black pigment on the eyebrow area almost never looks natural, even with black hair. The brown warmth in Soft Black resembles dark hair to the human eye rather than painted makeup. This deliberate choice distinguishes clean beauty brands from conventional makeup lines, which extend the color range beyond what flatters the skin.

I have little experience with eyebrow makeup — can I start directly with Soft Black in the Shaping variant?

For beginners, this is a more challenging combination. Black pigment plus a wider tip requires controlled application. If you have dark brown hair, the Dark Brown Shaping Pencil is more forgiving to start with. For distinctly black hair, Soft Black is the right choice, with the recommendation to consciously tone down the intensity during the first few weeks.

Can I use this pencil for eyeliner purposes?

No, although the color resembles an eyeliner, the formula is optimized for the eyebrow area and tested on the surrounding skin. The pigment binding, wax structure, and safety standards for the mucous membrane around the eye differ from eyeliner formulas.