They protect and shape your personal expression

Why do we have eyebrows?

Eyebrows are a remarkable feature of the human face that serve several important functions. One of the main reasons we have eyebrows is the protection from sweat that drips from the forehead. This sweat barrier was especially important for our ancestors living in the hot African savannas. Without it, sweat could have dripped into the eyes, which would have been not only uncomfortable but potentially life-threatening in dangerous situations.

Another reason for eyebrows is their role in human facial expression and communication. Eyebrows help express emotions such as surprise, anger or joy by being raised or lowered. Over the course of evolution, eyebrows became more mobile and subtle, allowing people to show finer and more varied facial expressions.

Additionally, eyebrows offer some protection from sunlight, dust and rain by acting like a small awning over the field of vision.

Shaping eyebrows – pluck, shave or wax?

Eyebrows can be shaped by different methods and beauty tools according to current trends, for example plucking, shaving or waxing. For plucking, a tweezer, an eyebrow comb and scissors are used. Before plucking, pores should be opened with a warm washcloth to make hair removal easier. It is recommended to always pluck in the direction of hair growth to minimise skin irritation and pain. Make sure the starting point of the eyebrow ideally aligns with the sides of the nose. If plucking is too painful, the skin can be soothed afterwards with an ice cube or a cold compress.

Shaving is a painless method that requires a razor and possibly shaving foam. For more precise corrections, a detail trimmer can be used. The face should be thoroughly cleansed before shaving; after shaving, rinse with cold water and apply an appropriate care product. However, eyebrow razors must be disposed of after about 15 uses, which makes them less environmentally friendly.

In contrast, waxing removes many hairs at once and offers a long-lasting result of 2–4 weeks. Before brow waxing the face should be cleansed with micellar water. Since the face can show redness and irritation after waxing, it is recommended to wax in the evening. Only cold wax strips suitable for the face should be used to protect the sensitive skin in this area. Each method has pros and cons, and the choice depends on personal preferences and pain tolerance.

Plucked too much – what can you do?

If too much hair has been removed while plucking and a gap appears, patience is required, as hair regrowth usually takes up to four weeks.

This process can be accelerated with specialised growth serums. To conceal the gap in the meantime, make-up can be used. Eyebrow powders or pencils are particularly suitable for visually filling in missing hairs and achieving a natural look.

Alternatively, more permanent methods such as microblading or the newer nanoblading can be considered to fill gaps and reshape the brows.

Which eyebrow shape suits which face shape?

The right eyebrow shape can emphasise and harmonise the face. Current trends show that full, natural brows are especially popular, while extremely thin eyebrows are less in demand.

For an oval face, various brow shapes can be worn, except for very thin brows. Rounded or full, well-defined brows with a pleasant curve suit this face structure particularly well.

For a round facial profile with wide cheeks, eyebrows should be plucked more angular and structured to make the face appear more defined and longer. For a heart-shaped face, common among women, soft, rounded arches are optimal to harmonise the face and emphasise feminine features.

A square face with a broad forehead and angular jawline benefits from full, arched eyebrows that make the face appear more expressive, softer and slightly longer. For a long face, eyebrows should be plucked flat and horizontally to make the face look shorter and wider.

A diamond-shaped face with wide cheekbones and a narrow chin is balanced by full, curved brows with long tails. The correct styling of the eyebrows therefore not only highlights facial features but can also contribute to a more harmonious and attractive overall appearance.

Styling eyebrows – pencil, powder or gel?

To achieve perfect eyebrows, various eyebrow products are available: brow pencil, powder or gel.

An eyebrow pencil is perfect for sparse and undefined brows. It allows precise lines to be drawn, gaps to be filled and contours to be defined accurately. This is especially useful when a clear shape or a dramatic look is desired. It is important to draw fine strokes to achieve a natural result.

Eyebrow powder is the best choice for thin and light brows. It discreetly fills in bare spots and gives brows more volume. The powder provides a soft, natural look and should be applied with a brush, choosing a shade slightly lighter than the natural eyebrow colour to ensure a harmonious appearance.

For thick and unruly brows, eyebrow gel is ideal. The gel gives the hairs hold and fixes them all day so they stay groomed. It is excellent for taming and emphasising natural brows without overstyling them.

What is permanent makeup for eyebrows?

Permanent makeup for eyebrows is a cosmetic procedure in which colour pigments are implanted into the top layer of the skin using a specialised device and needles. This technique, also called micropigmentation or microshading, serves to permanently correct eyebrow shape, density and colour.

Unlike a traditional tattoo, permanent makeup uses pigments specifically formulated for the delicate facial skin, resulting in a natural and semi-permanent outcome.

A major advantage of permanent makeup is the time and cost savings, as daily makeup or regular salon visits become unnecessary. It also provides a lasting solution for those who want to improve their eyebrows due to gaps, asymmetry or hair loss (e.g. alopecia) without relying on traditional eyebrow products every day.

The treatment begins with a consultation in which the desired shape and colour are discussed. A sketch of the future brows is then drawn and a local anaesthetic is applied to make the procedure painless. The intervention itself usually does not take long and the result lasts up to one and a half years.

Permanent makeup is ideal for people who want to define and thicken their eyebrows without having to apply makeup daily. It ensures an even, well-groomed appearance and keeps the brows flawless even in challenging conditions such as during sports or on holiday.

Despite many benefits, there are also some critical aspects of permanent makeup. The treatment carries risks of infection and allergic reactions due to pigments and needles being introduced into the skin. To avoid complications, it is important that the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced professional. Moreover, the result may be unsatisfactory if the shape or colour does not meet expectations, which can lead to lasting dissatisfaction.

Another critical point is that permanent makeup fades over time and may appear uneven. This requires touch-ups and additional costs to maintain the desired result. Finally, it should be noted that beauty and fashion trends constantly change. A style that is fashionable today may be outdated in a few years, and permanent makeup can be difficult and costly to remove or alter.

Shaping, styling, colouring and caring for eyebrows: useful tips

• Clean your eyebrows regularly with an appropriate cleanser to remove impurities and dead skin cells. This not only improves appearance but also enhances the effectiveness of growth serums. Try micellar water or specialised cleansing foams for optimal results.
• Use an eyebrow growth serum to strengthen thin and sparse brows. Serums with ingredients like biotin and peptides promote hair growth and can increase brow density within a few weeks.
• Moisturise the skin around your eyebrows daily with a moisturiser to protect it from sun damage and fine lines. A moisturiser with sun protection is especially important in summer.
• Pluck your eyebrows after a hot bath when pores are open and less sensitive to pain. This trick makes hair removal easier and minimises discomfort. Always pluck in the direction of growth and regularly check the overall look to maintain a natural appearance.
• Shape your eyebrows with a tweezer and determine three guide points beforehand: the starting point above the sides of the nose, the highest point and the end of the brow. This helps you achieve the perfect shape.
• Laminating your eyebrows gives a groomed look that can last up to six weeks. This treatment smooths and lifts the hairs, making them appear fuller and more defined.
• Use an eyebrow pencil to fill gaps and define the contours of your brows. Small, fine strokes ensure a natural result. For particularly precise adjustments, using a detail trimmer is recommended, allowing you to correct any unevenness with maximum accuracy.
• Trim longer hairs with nail scissors after brushing the brows upward. This ensures a neat and tidy appearance.
• Use a highlighter under the brow bone to visually lift your eyebrows and open up the eyes. This emphasises contours and gives the face more expression.
• Use eyebrow brushes to stimulate circulation and encourage hair growth. Regular brushing promotes healthier, stronger brows.
• If your brows are asymmetric, you can pluck a few more hairs on one side and use a pencil on the other to restore symmetry.
• Dye your eyebrows at home with special eyebrow dyes that are easy to apply and provide long-lasting results. Make sure to choose a shade that matches your natural brow colour or is only slightly darker.
• Care for your brows regularly with an eyebrow oil containing nourishing ingredients such as castor oil or argan oil. These oils promote growth and strengthen the hairs so they look healthier and shinier.
• Use eyebrow stencils to achieve the perfect shape. Stencils help you create symmetrical and well-defined brows, especially if you have little styling experience.
• Avoid plucking the upper edges of your brows to preserve their natural contour. Focus on the lower and middle areas to keep brows clean and defined.

Well-groomed eyebrows can significantly enhance the face, balance features and highlight individual beauty. The variety of techniques and products for eyebrow care demonstrates the importance given to this aspect of beauty routines in today’s society. The evolution of eyebrow styles over the decades reflects ongoing cultural development and changing trends.