Evolution of The Brows

Eyebrows through the ages, how did we ever go from Clara Bow to Cara Delevingne!?

We'll start way back in the 1920’s where the evolution began, before fast forwarding to 2013. Along the way we'll stop at every decade and pick up a few old-school tips and tricks, while trying to understand what the hell women were thinking in that particular era!

It-girl, Clara Bow from the 1920’s is recognised for those pencil thin eyebrows pointing in a downwards direction… just a little too morbid for my liking, but at least she pulled them off! I wouldn't even bother giving this look a try today, pencil thin and not to mention shapeless brows have become tacky and undesirable over the years.

German born American actress Marlene Dietrich introduced the arch in 1930. Brows were still quite thin, but they did have shape after all! 1930’s chicks use to perfect their eyebrows by slicking petroleum jelly or olive oil over the brow hair's in the same direction of their growth for a shiny finish. The high arch brow shape can be flattering if you have a round shaped eye, but if you have an almond shape, i advise you steer clear.

You've seen her golden locks and signature peek-a-boo hairstyle, beautiful 1940’s Veronica Lake isn't just about the hair, check out those brows! At last we start to see some thickness and a slight angular shape slipped in. This look is definitely high-maintenance, as the shape is so sharp and defined. So if you’re a go-go girl, this look isn't for you!

The golden era, 1950’s presents my very own inspiration, Audrey Hepburn. Audrey is more than an actress, she’s an icon, an ambassador, an inspiration. Her delicate frame, sweet nature and innocence were a refreshing change from every other box-office boom. Not to mention her to die for brows! Bold, thick and perfected with a flawless angular shape, classic.

The world's first super model totally owned eyebrows in the 1960’s, slim and streamlined fashion icon, Twiggy, massively influenced fashion, design, style... and power of the eyebrow pencil. Twiggy's signature kohl eye makeup required her brows to stand out. Eyebrow shades and pencils are glorified and still used today, it seems Twiggy is still managing to mould the world!

Uh-oh, the 1970’s hippie era continues, I get that everything was bright and retro, but thankfully Charlies Angels Farrah Fawcett saved the brows! They were left to grow into their natural shape (cleaning up strays and between the eyes fortunately) and just lightly combed in the same direction as the hairs. I think Farrah aced this look, and her signature blow dry!  

Childhood star and absolutely stunning American actress, Brooke Sheilds bought back brow power in the 1980’s. The 50’s brow is re-created with thick, dark and combed brows, basically a groomed version of au natural’. Can you see a resemblance with our beloved Cara’s brows? I can!

The 1990's brought an unfortunate obsession with plucking, waxing, and grooming. Which basically means that brows went straight back to the 1920's. Gwen Stafani’s eyebrows (if you would call them that) and plenty of other celebs sported a thin, over plucked shape, which I definitely don’t miss!

Now a days, I think brows look best when they're left to follow and grow in their natural shape. Allow yourself to be inspired by the 80's fullness trend, a thick, barely-groomed and grungy type brow, like Cara’s, which is seen globally on runways. I adore this brow trend and hope it's here to stay!