So what is the actual best brow shape to master for the second half of 2018? Max and celeb brow queen Amy Jean download the beauty industry’s best-kept brow secrets.

Maybe it’s us, but it seems that full, thick brows have been the rage for ages. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should lay on the product for caterpillar brows to rival the Kardashians.

So what is trending in brows right now – and should you even care? 

Who better to deconstruct the methods of ‘on-fleek’ brows than Max, who has mastered the natural, sexy brow for basically every #inspo babe we know, with a lil’ help from our girl Amy Jean from Amy Jean Brow Agency?

She’s the go-to  ‘Arch Angel’ for international celebrities like of Dannii Minogue, Naomi Campbell and Delta Goodrem with international pop up salons in London, Paris, Milan, New York and LA.

However, you can get an appointment with any of her ‘arch-angels’ (or even AJ herself) in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane. Check out her ‘gram for more!  @Amy.Jean.Brow.Agency 

Amy Jean is the brow ‘Arch Angel’ to the holiest celebs.

Your brows are in amazing hands, so here’s our tips on how to get them in the best shape.

Do you see the tide on thick brows turning any time soon?

Max May: I think this is one area where a woman should not worry about trends. Once you change the shape of your brows, it’s hard to get them to grow back – so basically you’re trapped in time.

Amy Jean:  I agree, and in our younger years we have more eyebrows, so we are basically chasing our youth by maintaining a fuller brow line. So, fuller brows are very desirable, but it’s important that the brow doesn’t overpower the face.

MM: For me, it’s about a natural, original shape brow that fits your face. Not too dissimilar to the original shape you were born with. That, with an exaggerated arch, a few gaps filled in and maybe a little length on the end of the brow to elongate the eyes is all I’d aim for.

AJ: The thickness should harmonise with the overall features. If the brows are too intense, it will harden your look and can age us.

MM: It’s ironic, most women try and change the brow because that’s what the see on social media, so it looks like someone’s else’s (eg, Kylie Jenner) which is why they end in a mess! Your brows are made to fit your face so they just need the tiniest tweak.  

Verdict: a thicker brow is better, as long as it honours your natural shape.

What should women be wary of when plucking, shaping, drawing in brows at home?

AJ: Because the original brow shape can be so tricky to track, I believe it’s best to invest in a brow appointment with a specialist, even if it’s just a one-off. This will help to guide you at home on how to fill in and shape your brows to achieve your goals. As a general rule of thumb, if you aren’t certain you should pluck out “that hair”, then don’t! Always play it conservative when removing brow hairs.

MM: Yes, I agree! Once you’re filling at home, keep the edges soft and not take them too dark. Choose a shadow, brow gel or pencil that is a shade lighter and use a clean spoolie or brow brush to brush colour through and soften any hard edge strokes back so brows look defused.

Verdict: get the right shape with a specialist, then maintain at home with a lighter pencil.

What common mistakes do you see women making with their brows when you’re out and about?

MM: Un-done brows. It doesn’t matter how thick or thin they are, brows that are not filled or just brushed up with no product, make the face look unfinished. The most basic tinted brow powder swept through your brows to brush the hairs up, soften or any gaps can give your eyes and face a mini facelift and make a face look made up even when you’re not wearing makeup!!

AJ:  I’ve had the advantage of listening to what clients love and loathe in commercial brow products because achieving that elusive softness is such a pitfall. I can’t handle seeing too much product at the start of the brows. The start should be fluffy and never “boxed in” like a coloured-in square. I’ve developed my new BROW VEIL for easy application, with the convenience of a brow powder already on the brush. So it’s simply just a few simple sweeps to achieve fluffy brows that look natural and groomed.

Verdict: Always do your brows, but build up colour gently from start to tip.

Max, what brow products are you loving of late and why?

MM: Well I am I loving your new range AJ, as the BROW VEIL leaves such a natural and velvety finish, my clients end up with fresh Brooke Shield brows in a glorious sweep! A few strokes of your MICRO-STROKE Pencil to draw in actual mini strokes of life-like hairs seal the deal too… it’s easy to nail that soft, yet precise power brow.

I’ve also tended to use the Benefit Ka-BROW Cream Gels for their awesome array of colours and come with an easy to use angle brush in its packaging.

Similarly, the Hourglass Brow Volumizing Fibre Gels are great for beginners to tint, thicken and hold brows in shape. It’s a fool-proof way to master brows and come in a user-friendly array of natural tints.

Verdict: start off with a softer gel to practice if you’re clueless, then move on to a pro range for serious brows.

Amy Jean, What are some of your most requested treatments, and why do you think they’re so popular?

Microblading sends the phone ringing in the industry off the hook. However, inexperienced artists are sending women off with compromised results!!

So, we have decided to offer an even more topical and conservative eyebrow tattoo treatment that camouflages existing Microblading, called Amy Jean “MIST TATTOO”. We airbrush fine deposits of pigment across the brow line to appear like a soft “wash of colour” or a mist effect.

Our newest semi-permanent treatment is the all natural ‘henna’ brows, which literally tints the skin for a few weeks where you would otherwise apply pencil. I recommend this for at-home beginners, as the shape is already set!

Verdict: Get a ‘henna’ brow to get a feel for your best shape, then commit to a conservative, softer tattoo treatment.

What is your brow philosophy? “The perfect brow is… “

MM: Tailored to your face shape.

AJ: Not a fad brow. It’s a brow that is easy to look at and suits your face shape, skin tone and features.

Verdict: Be guided by your face, not Instagram.

Will we ever see the thin line of the 20s / 90s back? Why or why not?

MM: We already are. It’s the whole 90’s revival. But it will be gone before you know it. Natural brows will never date and compliments every trend including the one look you will always have ‘YOUR FACE’!

AJ: Fashion is unpredictable and brilliantly brainwashing, so never say never. Personally, I always educate clients to tailor the brow to the individual, not to suit fashion trends.

Verdict: No matter where fashion swings, resist the urge to do anything radical.

SHOP OUR PICKS

Amy Jean Privée Collection Brow Veil

Amy Jean Privée Collection Micro Stroke Pencil Tip

Benefit Ka-BROW  Cream-Gel Brow

HOURGLASS Arch Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel

CREDITS

Review/Hair & Make-Up: Max May | Words: Alina Berdi | Photographer: Josie Clough | Model: Inka @IMG / Special Thank to Amy Jean Sara at The People Agency.