Thick and strong, thin and sculpted, or somewhere in between, perfectly groomed brows frame the eyes and face. A quick change to their shape can instantly take years off your appearance and make you look that much younger and better. Read on to learn how you can transform your brows from boring to ultradramatic.
Grow Them In
Overtweezed and overwaxed brows can be difficult to grow, but using a growth stimulator daily can help. Latisse is currently only FDA-approved for obtaining longer lashes but some doctors recommend it to be used off-label to encourage the growth of hair on the eyebrows. Over-the-counter options like NeuBrow ($100) should deliver results in a matter of weeks and in the mean time, makeup can help instantly. To open up the eye and fill in sparse brows, try a brow pencil and highlighter like Clinique Instant Lift for Brows ($16.50).
Find Your Shape
A good eyebrow shaping can redefine your arch and the brow overall. When it comes to eyebrow trends, the pendulum swings back and forth as to what’s in. “Right now we’re seeing bold brows. The last time we saw brows like this was in the ‘80s. The look is modernized with clean lines and less bushiness,” says New York brow expert Joey Healy. Besides fullness, Healy says a thick arch is a prerequisite. Unless you’re a seasoned brow shaper, leave this one to the pros—at least for the first few shaping sessions—and keep at-home maintenance limited to trimming the wild few that spring up. “Even if your brows won’t grow to your liking, you can fake it. Accent them with colored powder to highlight their shape and give a polished look,” says Healy.
Get a Lift
You may invest time and money in getting the best-shaped brows, but there still may be a problem and it may have nothing to do with the hair. “Many women in their mid- to late-30s start to notice changes in the browline,” says Smithtown, NY, dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD. “The hairs can thin and gray and the tail starts to droop.” Color changes are due to a loss of melanin, while sagging is caused by a loss of fat and collagen. “Botox and Dysport elevate the brows and hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume and give some lift,” explains Dr. Peredo. “To avoid that frozen or surprised look, find an expert injector. Varying techniques, depending on anatomy, age and gender, will factor into achieving a natural look,” she says. Talk to your doctor about other options as well.
