Here’s to better arches and lashes (and a shorter beauty routine!)
Eyes are the windows to the soul, but beauty trends as of late have us paying equal attention to the windowsills. If the eternal search for blacker, bolder mascara and the interesting array of eyebrow shapes that made waves last year are any indication, your lashes and brows deserve your attention.
But hey, keeping up appearances is easier said than done—especially if you happen to be part of the thin-browed, sparsely-lashed faction of the community. Piling on layer upon layer of mascara (only to painstakingly cleanse all of it off at the end of the day) and shelling out funds for an arsenal of eyebrow filling products are games that get old quick. Whether you’re looking for less time-consuming band aid solutions or long-term answers to your brow and lash woes, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered. Ahead, we fill you in so you don’t have to.
RELATED: 3D Semi-Permanent Brows: Why You Should Think Twice
Quick Fixes
PEEL-OFF EYEBROW TINT
A favorable compromise for those tired of the daily brow regimen but not quite ready to commit to microblading or brow tattoos, eyebrow tint offers a safe in-between. Designed to last a few days (although certain brands only last a day or fade after one wash), these peel-off beauty innovations are a simple way to shorten your beauty routine without obviously cutting corners.
MAYBELLINE Brow Tattoo Gel Tint, P599
TINTED BROW GEL
Those looking for color and definition but hate going through the motions of the typical pencil, powder and around-the-edges concealer routine, look no further. With color, volumizing ability and lasting power, tinted brow gel might just be the all-in-one step you’re looking for. You’ll want to get the product even all across your brow, so look for a tinted gel with a thick-to-thin or relatively small applicator.
BENEFIT Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, P1500
EYEBROW STENCILS
https://giphy.com/gifs/vintage-all-i-wanna-do-the-hairy-bird-TnmmFBLwg2q1G
If you’re the kind of guy or gal who spends a chunk of their beauty routine trying to get your brows perfectly shaped or expertly even, then eyebrow stencils might just become your new best friend. There’s a variety of shapes on the market, from Korean-inspired straight brows to Kylie-esque arches. Just select, fill in and you’re good to go.
PRO STUDIO BEAUTY EXCLUSIVES Three-Piece Korean Style Eyebrow Stencils, P300
EYELASH PRIMER
If layering up on mascara isn’t quite doing the trick for you, perhaps you’re missing a step before it. Proving that pre-game is just as important, eyelash primers can pack a punch of volumizing and lengthening for your lashes. Coat your lashes and let them dry before topping them off with your daily mascara.
ETUDE HOUDE Dr. Mascara Fixer for Perfect Lash, P300
For the Long Run
CASTOR OIL
Having been used for years as a natural hair growth solution, castor oil also makes for a great way to grow thicker brows and longer lashes. Apply castor oil to the brows and lashes with a q-tip, mascara wand or spoolie. Leave it on overnight and repeat the process nightly. Remember, consistency is key!
BEAUBLENDS 100% Pure and Natural Castor Oil, P320
ALOE VERA
https://giphy.com/gifs/photos-moments-chapter-9IP2zUuIyxG12
Remember how in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Windex was the solve-all balm for any sort of problem? That’s sort of what aloe vera is, except there’s actually a science behind it. It’s packed with enzymes, vitamins and moisturizing properties which makes it great at treating burns, alleviating irritation and stimulating hair growth. Before bed, apply aloe vera gel directly on the eyebrows and lashes.
NATURE REPUBLIC Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel, P180
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil’s benefits aren’t limited to the vicinity of the kitchen. The magic ingredient that makes this stuff so good for brows and lashes is vitamin E. On top of facilitating faster, thicker hair growth, olive oil can help in keeping hair color vibrant, too. The best part about this? Chances are you already have it at home.
TLC
https://giphy.com/gifs/bang-video-god-this-is-pretty-SXBf08Vcb2I80
Sometimes all they need is a little TLC. Brushing your arches and lashes regularly with a clean spoolie or eyebrow brush goes a long way in keeping them free of dust and nasty little particles that could clog pores in the surrounding areas. Brush in an upward motion and repeat twice a day.
DETAIL Duo Eyebrow Brush, P149
Bottom line: don’t lose hope! You aren’t bound to your sparse-haired fate. Give these solutions a spin and see what works best for you.
Thumbnail art Mario Sorrenti for i-D Magazine via instagram.com/kaiagerber
Art Alexandra Lara