It’s been a while since we talked about eyebrows. As they tend to lighten and become more sparse as we age, there’s a universally-held belief among beauty professionals that, plucking a few strays, filling any gaps and strengthening their shape slightly with makeup can provide flattering dimension for the face.
But in terms of trends, there’s not been much to say about the face framers for several years, after a period where it was au courant to go all out – filling them heavily and arching then strongly, or brushing them up with brow gel or a ‘lamination’ treatment.
But the focus – and products to assist – are swiftly returning. Those in the know say Pamela Anderson’s pencil-thin 90s brows have sparked a revival for the minimalist look, particularly with the fashion crowd, but those of us who have been-there, done that (and regretted it) can rest easy in the knowledge products arriving on shelves are more about a naturally soft, feathered and filled-in look that makes the most of what you’ve got.
Benefit, once the dominant brand in the category, is vying to regain our attention with its Mighty Fine Brow Pen, a liquid pen that makes three tiny strokes at once that mimic hairs, great for a realistic finish. Bobbi Brown’s Precise Brow Pencil also features an ultra-fine, can’t-go-wrong tip that promises smudge free wear for 24 hours and if you prefer the ease of a brush-through tinted gel, you can’t go past Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel.
L- R: Benefit Mighty Fine Brow Pen; Bobbi Brown’s Precise Brow Pencil; Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel; Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows; Jane Iredale PureBrow Shaping Pencil
