Eyebrows have long been a focal point of beauty trends, evolving drastically over the decades. From ultra-thin high arches in the 1920s to full and fluffy brows in the ’80s, each era has had its own unique beauty ideals when it comes to eyebrows. Today, we are witnessing the rise of straight brows as the latest eyebrow trend, embracing a clean, thick, and straight brow line with minimal arching.
Straight brows have a flat, horizontal shape with little to no arch, creating a soft and natural look that follows the brow bone’s natural line. Makeup artist Ashley Gomila describes it as a more defined, high-fashion look that is in direct contrast to the arched bushy brow look. This trend gained popularity in the mid to late 2010s, particularly in South Korea, where it was seen as youthful and natural. With the global influence of K-Beauty, the trend quickly spread worldwide.
Celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Doja Cat, Kendall Jenner, Cardi B, Natalie Portman, and Zoë Kravitz are all embracing straight brows, further cementing it as a current trend. The trend has gained traction on social media platforms, with many influencers and makeup enthusiasts showcasing their take on the straight brow look.
One of the key appeals of straight brows is the face lift effect it can provide. Makeup and hair expert Amber Kerns notes that well-groomed straight brows have the ability to lift the face. Many individuals opt to shave off the tail of their eyebrows to create a higher area on the brow bone, instantly lifting the eyes. Compared to previous eyebrow trends that required extensive maintenance, straight brows are considered more natural-looking and require less upkeep.
Achieving the straight brow look is relatively straightforward. Depending on your current brow shape, shaping with tweezers and waxing can help create the desired look. Further definition can be achieved using an eyebrow palette or pencil, with the crucial step of brushing the hairs upward to lock them in place. For those with thinner brows, additional penciling-in may be necessary, or a visit to a brow specialist for microblading can provide a longer-lasting straight brow look.
In conclusion, straight brows have become a prominent trend in the world of beauty, offering a modern and minimalistic aesthetic that complements a variety of face shapes. Whether you have naturally full brows or need to enhance them with makeup techniques, the straight brow trend offers a versatile and chic look that is here to stay.