Brows that wow

Bold, defined brows will transform your face and knock off years, too

Go bold or go home, say the experts

We live in the age of the ‘bold brow’ – it’s thick, arched and groomed using a range of gels, waves and pencils. And it seems that everyone from actresses to the Duchess of Cambridge has brows that make as much of a statement as their hair and clothes. Here’s how to style yours...

THE ANTI-AGEING TRICK

For those of us over 30 who grew up either ignoring ours or plucking them into thin tadpoles, this brow revolution can feel daunting. But it’s worth embracing, because a bold brow is a great anti-ager. ‘I think we underestimate the huge transformative impact that a fuller-looking brow has,’ says Lisa Potter-dixon, Benefit’s head make-up artist and brow expert. ‘It adds a youthful appearance to your face in a way that wearing a bright lipstick just can’t compete with.’

STEP BY STEP

Taking the leap is best undertaken in baby steps. It’s definitely not a look to try on a Monday morning when you’re running late. To begin with, make-up artist Lee Pycroft suggests simply experimenting with an eyebrow pencil. We like Defining Pencils (£15 each, Shavata). ‘You’re trying to enhance what you have naturally, but sharpen and thicken it, too,’ says Lee. ‘Build up the intensity of the colour and shape gradually, as it may take time to adjust to seeing yourself with a bolder brow.’

PAY A PRO

Alternatively, have a session with your local brow therapist. We recommend those at Shavata in House of Fraser (from £18), because they’ll work with your individual face shape and brow structure to get the best results. Benefit also offer brow styling treatments (from £11.50).

TOP TREATMENT

If over-plucking or age has left you with no brows, try Hi Brow Expert (from £35, Lash Perfect). Our tester was shocked – in a good way – at the difference the service made. The professionally applied semi-permanent tinted gel formula is put directly on the skin and adheres to individual hairs, rebuilding shape, volume and thickness. It takes around 30 minutes, and is waterproof for up to three weeks. Long enough, we think, to not only get used to, but to learn to love what a bolder brow could do for you.

GET INKED

Have you heard of micro-blading? There’s a real beauty buzz around this new semi-permanent make-up technique, as it looks more natural than previous tattooing methods. It involves a trained technician using a wand containing tiny microblades that embroider tiny strokes of pigment on to the brow one by one to mimic the effect of real hair. It’s pricey (from £250 upwards), but worth it if you have thin brows or none at all, and it does last 12-18 months before a refresh is needed. If you’re thinking of making the investment, we advise you to do your research and get trusted recommendations.