The Timeless Beauty of Natural Brows: A Look Through History
The Timeless Beauty of Natural Brows: A Look Through History
Eyebrows have gone through countless trends—pencil-thin, arched, bushy, bleached—but one thing remains true: natural brows are always in style. While beauty trends constantly shift, full, well-groomed brows have stood the test of time as the most flattering and effortless look. Let’s take a look at how brow trends have evolved and why embracing your natural shape is always the best choice.
A History of Brow Trends: The Search for Perfection
Ancient Brows: Beauty & Symbolism
Ancient Egypt (3500–30 BC): Both men and women darkened their brows with kohl for a bold, structured look. Thick, defined brows were a sign of power and beauty.
Ancient Greece & Rome (800 BC–476 AD): A natural, slightly unkempt unibrow was highly desirable—it symbolized intelligence and purity.
Medieval & Renaissance Eras: Less is More (But Not in a Good Way)
Middle Ages (5th–15th Century): Women plucked or shaved their brows to make their foreheads appear larger, believing it enhanced elegance.
Renaissance (14th–17th Century): Soft, natural brows made a return, often lightly filled in for a subtle frame to the face.
18th & 19th Century: Experimentation & Artificial Enhancements
1700s: Women sometimes used false brows made of mouse fur (yes, really) to create fuller shapes.
1800s: Victorian women embraced naturally shaped brows, only darkening them slightly with burnt clove for a polished but understated look.
The 20th Century: The Rise & Fall of Brows
1920s: Ultra-thin, drawn-on brows became all the rage. Silent film stars like Clara Bow removed their natural brows entirely, replacing them with exaggerated pencil lines.
1930s: A more arched, thin look was in, inspired by Marlene Dietrich. Natural brows? Almost nonexistent.
1940s: A return to more natural, fuller brows, though still groomed and softly arched. Stars like Lauren Bacallpopularized this shift.
1950s: Defined but naturally thick brows took center stage—think Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
1960s–1990s: Trends fluctuated between thin, straight brows (Twiggy, Kate Moss) and bold, bushy brows (Sophia Loren in the ’60s, Brooke Shields in the ’80s). Overplucking in the ’90s led to widespread regret in the 2000s.
2010s–Today: The Return of Natural Brows
2010s: Thanks to Cara Delevingne, natural, full brows made a major comeback. Microblading, brow gels, and lamination became popular ways to enhance brows without over-altering them.
2020s: Customization is key—but the biggest trend? Embracing what you have. From “soap brows” to gentle tinting, enhancing your natural shape is now the gold standard.
Why Natural Brows Are the Best Brows
After decades of brow experimentation, one thing is clear: your natural brows suit your face best. Here’s why:
✔️ They frame your face perfectly – Your natural shape is designed to balance your features effortlessly. Over-tweezing or altering them too much can throw off your symmetry.
✔️ They’re low-maintenance – Keeping your brows natural means less time spent filling, shaping, or correcting over-plucked areas. A little grooming goes a long way.
✔️ They make you look effortlessly polished – Even with minimal makeup, full, well-groomed brows add instant definition and make you look put-together.
✔️ They age beautifully – Overplucked brows can take years to grow back (if they ever do). Natural brows age gracefully, maintaining a soft, flattering frame for your face.
✔️ They’re timeless – Unlike trends that come and go, natural beauty never goes out of style.
How to Enhance (Not Overhaul) Your Natural Brows
Put the tweezers down – Less is more! Pluck only stray hairs outside your natural shape.
Use a tinted brow gel – This enhances your brows while keeping them fluffy and natural.
Try a brow serum – If you’ve over-plucked in the past, a growth serum can help restore fullness.
Embrace professional shaping – If you need guidance, see a professional who specializes in keeping brows natural while defining their best shape.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Brows, As They Are
Eyebrow trends will continue to cycle, but natural brows will always be the most flattering, timeless and youthful choice. Whether yours are thick, thin, arched, or straight—embracing what you have will always look the best. So, instead of chasing trends, celebrate your brows for what they are: beautiful, unique, and perfectly you. Ready to invest in your brows? Glow has all your growth and grooming essentials covered, available individually or bundled as a program for maximum results!
