Buzz
Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Getty ImagesEyebrows, often overlooked as a minor detail, are actually highly influenced by beauty trends. If you look back through history, you'll notice how they’ve changed dramatically—from the razor-thin, high arches of the 1920s to the full, fluffy brows of the ‘80s. Each era showcases its own beauty standards. Currently, straight brows are trending, featuring a thick, clean line with minimal arch.
The Surge of Straight Brows
Straight brows are characterized by a flat, horizontal shape with minimal or no arch, giving a soft and natural appearance that follows the natural curve of the brow bone. Makeup artist Ashley Gomila explains that this style offers a more defined, high-fashion look, contrasting with the bushy, arched brow style.
“Many people are opting for a lifted look overall, and having a straighter, less angular brow creates a lift while keeping it minimal and modern,” says Ashley Gomila. “The sleek, less arched brow is definitely a trend right now.”
The straight brow trend began to gain traction in the mid to late 2010s, particularly in South Korea, where they were viewed as youthful and natural. With K-Beauty dominating globally, it was inevitable that this trend would spread worldwide.
“Thanks to TikTok, social media, and influencers creating their own makeup content, the straight brow has become even more popular,” says Amber Kerns, celebrity makeup and hair expert. “It also brings to mind the ‘80s Gothic-inspired brow.”
Straight brows are everywhere on social media, and many celebrities are rocking the look too. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Doja Cat, Kendall Jenner, Cardi B, Natalie Portman, and Zoë Kravitz are among the stars embracing straight brows.
Face Lift Effect
The straight brow trend has a lot going for it. There’s the youthful touch that it can add to someone’s face, with some even going so far as to call it an instant face lift. Kerns says there’s some merit to this idea, noting that “brows are like the curtains to the face, and a very groomed straight brow tends to lift the face.”
Gomila adds that a lot of people are shaving off the tail of their eyebrows, especially if the end turns down. “Doing so creates an opportunity to draw on or fill in a higher area of the brow bone which will help to instantly lift the eye,” she says.
Compared to other eyebrow trends over the years, including the ultra-manicured brows that were super popular in the 2010s, straight brows are considered more natural looking and arguably require less maintenance. It’s also helpful when it comes to the rest of your makeup application.
“It creates a great canvas for makeup, especially an extended eye makeup look, such as a cat eye, as it pulls up the eye,” Kerns explains.
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How to Achieve Straight Eyebrows
According to Gomila, the straight brow is universally flattering. The key is whether it matches the look you're aiming for. If you already have full brows, shaping them with tweezers or waxing will make it easier to achieve the desired effect.
Once you've shaped your brows, Kerns suggests using an eyebrow palette or pencil to refine them. A crucial element of the straight brow style is brushing the hairs upwards to keep them in place.
“A great, budget-friendly option, especially if you're on the go, is to use a clean mascara wand with a hair product like pomade or gel, then brush your brows upwards,” says Kerns. This method helps to set your brows for the day.
If your brows are on the thinner side, you may need to spend a bit more time filling them in to achieve the desired look. Kern also recommends visiting a brow specialist who can help you achieve a longer-lasting straight brow style through techniques like microblading.
