Earlier this month, the consumer research group NPD reported a 28 percent increase in eyebrow makeup sales in the past year. (For perspective, overall makeup sales only went up three percent.) We're chalking that all up to the amazing arches of Cara Delevingne, whose are thick, severe and absolutely covetable. Here's the only problem: Most of us plucked our eyebrows to slim shapes back in the early aughts when that was cool. That's where brow expert and makeup artist Jo-Anna Lynn of the Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City comes in. "I'm really good at helping people grow their brows back," she told us during a recent appointment. Here's her five step plan.
1) Invest in RevitaBrow
There's lots of brow regrowth products on the market but this blend of biotin, peptides, and panthenol is the one Lynn's clients have had best result with. "Read the directions, use as directed, and don't expect to see results for about six weeks," she says. Straight up biotin supplements can also be helpful.
RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner, $110, revitalash.com.
2) Commit to an Expert
There's really no way around this one. "Go to a reputable brow specialist to maintain your shape," says Lynn. Eyebrows anchor your entire face, and trying to perfect the subtle shape on your own is a tall order. Most women should plan on appointments every six weeks or so.
3) No Tweezing Allowed
"I highly recommend not touching brows in-between appointments. It's the only way your technician can see which hairs are growing to bring back the natural brow line."
4.) Pencils Over Plucking
Rather than tweezing, Lynn suggests taming brows with a gel or wax and filling in sparse zones with a pencil. She likes Smashbox Brow Tech To Go, which has an angled, self-sharpening pencil and a spooley brush to comb pigment into your hairs.
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go, $27, smashbox.com.
5) Use a Light Touch
When you're drawing in your brows, Lynn suggests using "featherlight strokes," which look more like individual hairs than a solidly drawn line.
