All About The Brow

Although there’s an endless variety of beauty trends that can transform our faces, it’s what we do with our eyebrows that can have the most surprising effects.

Despite much of 2015 being taken up with some pretty outlandish developments in make-up - contouring anyone? - in the world of eyebrows, it seems that it was yet another big year for bold eyebrows.

The key trend-setter for the big brows continued to be It Girl Cara Delevingne. The style icon managed to revive the big-browed look with an edgy appeal that contrasted dark brows with lighter skin and hair tones to great effect. 

But big brows have been with us for many years. From mid-century movie stars such as Audrey Hepburn, to 1980s fashion icons like Brooke Shields, there’s always been something dramatic and expressive about a perfectly-sculpted larger brow.

However, the bold-browed look won’t work for just anyone. Those with lighter brows would need a touch more definition and would benefit from investing in a good eyebrow pencil or gel to match skin and hair tones.

If you’re seeking a look that’s a little more subtle, then you should definitely investigate the feathered brow look. This takes a softer approach to brow maintenance and has become a big hit in Los Angeles thanks to its ability to create a more natural-looking brow through a subtly angled arch.

Or if you’re looking for a striking look for the new year, then the straight-eyebrow trend looks like it’s going to be big in 2016. Many celebrities ranging from Jessica Alba to Rihanna have successfully implemented the look that takes its inspiration from the runways of Korea, and its arch-less shape can add a touch of youth to your face.

The interesting thing about eyebrow style is that there’s a never-ending supply of techniques and looks to try out. Whilst many people have made a case for the benefits of eyebrow threading as a way of avoiding the tweezers, others have even paid the surprising visit to the tattoo parlour for their eyebrow maintenance!

However, it’s always a good idea to refer back to some classic looks for a reminder of some failsafe brows. Angelina Jolie has always managed to maintain a classy arched brow that provides definition without looking too scary, whereas Kate Winslet serves as good inspiration for anyone seeking a more natural-looking alternative.

All eyebrow shapes and shading techniques have varying levels of success depending on face shape. And whilst anyone can fill brows naturally with a pencil or gel, you should always endeavour to avoid over-plucking. Thankfully, the internet is filled with great eyebrow advice with Swedish make-up guru Linda Hallberg providing some particularly handy hints on maintaining eyebrow excellence!