According to brow expert Danielle Vincent, there’s a growing backlash to the hyper-defined “Instagram brow.” “A more undone, more natural brow is coming back,” says Vincent, whose clientele includes fellow Ottawa native Sandra Oh. Praise be, because few of us have time for high-maintenance brows. Getting this new shape involves evening out asymmetries and filling in areas that thin as hair follicles age. The look is unique to each individual’s face, mimicking the long-forgotten curves and fullness you had as a kid (using a childhood photo for reference is key, says the pro).
Here are three simple steps to recreate the brows your mama gave you.
Focus on “lift”
Using a thin brow pencil, fill in the upper section of your arch, making strokes in the direction of hair growth. Leave the bottom mostly untouched to avoid shortening your lid space, which can drag your eye down.
Fill in any gaps
(Photo: Carmen Cheung)
Start in the thicker “head” of the brow, gradually tapering the strokes so there’s nothing near the outer corner.
Lift one more time
Brush hair upward with brow gel for the final touch. “As we age, our faces begin to lack contrast,” notes Vincent. “So, bringing back that lost definition is key to a youthful look.”