S.O.S. For Disappearing Brows
It’s not your imagination: Brows do grow thinner (and grayer) with each decade.
If you battle Eugene-Levy-like brows, this may be a welcome change. But for those of us with barely-there or fair brows, this is not a happy transition. I fall in the latter camp. I’ve tried many brow-growth serums, including Lastisse (it's not FDA approved for brows, but some MDs prescribe it off-label to help boost hair growth there) without much luck.
What does help? Learning to correctly (and convincingly) fill in those sparse spots. I subtly shade in my brows with a pencil, such as L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer in Blonde ($7; target.com) or Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil in Ash Blondie ($29; sephora.com). (Note: Lots of makeup artists prefer to use brow powders, which typically impart a soft, flattering finish. But I also find they fade after a few hours.) When choosing a pencil it's important to choose a shade that exactly matches, or is no more than one shade deeper than, your brows and to use very light, hair-like strokes as you draw. If you select a hue that’s too dark and/or scribble in your brows with a heavy hand, it will look harsh and, when you're in daylight, obviously fake.
Once you've lightly penciled in your brows, the next step is key: Brush through them with a tinted grooming gel spiked with tiny fibers, such as Benefit Gimme Brows ($24; ulta.com) or YSL Couture Brows ($35; sephora.com). The fibers cling to—and plump—the brow hairs you do have, and the gel keeps your brows neatly combed all day. These two simple steps should be a cinch for anyone and will produce the most natural-looking results. Promise.
TIP: I also like (just don’t use everyday) water-resistant brow gels; they typically come in a pot and must be applied with a small brush. They're good for oily skin, in hot and humid conditions—or when you’re working out and are worried about smudging. My favorites: Votre Vu Arch de Triumphe Brow Definer ($24; votrevu.com) and EcoBrow Defining Wax (I use Marilyn; $26; sephora.com).
