Spotlight On: Beautiful Brows
The concept of an eyebrow has always been strange to me - a tiny patch of hair, right on your face? Sure, they offer your eyes protection from the sun and any unwanted particles (and we'd sure look strange without them), but for many years, I plucked my thick brows into oblivion, trying to shape them into any kind of more manageable shape.
It seems like only recently brows have stepped into the fashion spotlight, but women have been focusing on their furrow for years now. Jared Bailey, the "global brow expert," travels to over 40 countries a year to consult with women re: their brows. According to a study done by market research company NPD, British women spend an average of £200 a year on brow upkeep!
Now, the thick brow is Queen as celebrities, makeup stylists, and civilian women alike put down the tweezers in favor of heavier styles. Here, I take a quick look at which women (and celebrity figures) have shaped our more modern eyebrow sensibilities.
FRIDA KAHLO
Frida Kahlo is perhaps the most famous of the heavy-browed women in the collective consciousness. The disabled Mexican painter born in 1907 focused primarily on self portraits, but didn't gain much recognition as an artist until the late 1970s. Kahlo's appearance played a significant role in her art and life - for many years, she dressed in men's clothing and allowed her facial hair to grow, unbothered.
BROOKE SHIELDS
Some of the most recognizable brows in the world belong to actor, model, and former child star Brooke Shields. At age 12, she gained critical acclaim for her leading role as a child prostitute in the film Pretty Baby. A vegan and animal rights activist, she was also a dear friend of the late great Michael Jackson. When Shields was younger, her mother didn't allow her to pluck her eyebrows - not because she was aware of the icon they would become, but rather saying, "This is who she is. If you want this, this is what you get. We’re not going to change anything."
CARA DELEVINGNE, LILY COLLINS, NATALIA CASTELLAR
Nowadays, the most iconic brows come by way of models Cara Delevingne, Lily Collins, and Natalia Castellar. Delevingne has appeared as a model for Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, as well as publications like Vogue and W. Collins is the daughter of English musician Phil Collins, and has appeared in films like The Blind Side and The Mortal Instruments, as well as writing for publications like Teen Vogue and The Los Angeles Times. Castellar is relatively new to the scene - 18 years old, Puerto Rican, and a self-made model already featured in W and on her very popular instagram.
BERT
And who could forget this icon?! Bert might be as well known for his beautiful brow as he is for being the neighborhood realist. Whether it's coming down hard on Ernie or crabbing along with Oscar the Grouch, we love this guy and his signature look!
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