This is an Instagram-brow free zone.
The best thing to come from the bushy brow movement was the fact that it made women around the world embrace the once-shunned genetic disposition of having lots of facial hair.
But on the flip side, it pressured the less-hairy and the over-plucked to have to compete, therefore filling in their brows and inevitably, the sharpie eyebrow ensued.
In truth, much like how experts say a shade closest to your natural hair colour will be the most flattering, the best brow shape is quite likely the one you've got!
So, in that spirit, here’s how to make the most of what God gave you brow-wise...
The No-Makeup Makeup Brow
More of an ambition than a reality for most. If you’re of a certain vintage, chances are you’ll need a little more help than a tinted brow mascara, but if you were lucky enough to be born time when plucking into oblivion wasn’t considered chic, some gentle grooming might be all you need.
Try Glossier’s creamy wax formula for soft, face-framing brows.
Boy Brow, €15, Glossier - SHOP
The 'Comma' Brow
Also known as the tadpole brow, this brow shape is typically the result of the aforementioned over-enthused plucking, a trend that was – thankfully – resigned to the '80s. Reasonably full towards the nose, this brow thins and tails in an unnatural fashion, but don't fret, it is still enhance-able.
With an angled brush and brow powder, lightly fill from the base of the fuller section to the end of the tail, arching slightly in the centre. An ombré effect – darker towards the end of the brow and lighter at the centre will look most credible.
Sketch & Intensify Pomade and Powder Brow Duo, €24; Double Ended Brow Brush, €26, Laura Mercier - SHOP
The Short Coming Brow
Brows that end before the outer corner of the eye can make facial features look out of proportion, be it a natural short-coming or otherwise. Without getting into the Golden Ratio, the side of the nose, corner of the eye and end of the brow should technically all align at an angle, so if closely reflecting pi is your thing, extend your brows with pomade that won’t budge.
'Super Brow' 24-Hour Long-Wear Pomade, €21; Brow Brush, €20, Kat Von D - SHOP
The Unintentional Bleached Brow
Intentionally bleaching your eyebrows is a whole separate vibe, but paler-than-pale skin and baby-blonde fairness can make brows appear non-existent, despite there actually being hair present. Even the fairest of us all can introduce some light colour and definition via a fine-tipped pencil that creates hair-like strokes. Colour-wise, go more ashy than warm-toned.
Slim'Matic Ultra Precise Brow Pencil, €3.50, Catrice - SHOP
The Patchy Brow
Ever considered a permanent solution like micro-blading for the hole/gap/scar in your eyebrow, but are put off by the ‘blade’ aspect? Instead, add density to your deforestation situation with a tinted formula like Hourglass’ fibre gel. It imparts volume by coating hairs with infused micro-fibres, keeps everything in place and won’t flake either.
Arch Brow Volumizing Fibre Gel, €27, Hourglass - SHOP
Main image: Instagram @sarah.feingold
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