Hair & Makeup

6 of the best long-lasting brow buys

We’ve all had to make changes to our daily routines during the pandemic – and although wearing a face mask is a small price to pay to keep us all safe, it has definitely upended our beauty regimes. So, given that our faces are going to be half-covered for the foreseeable future, eyebrows will be the focus of our attention more than ever before, says RHEA CARTWRIGHT

Beauty

Helping to frame the eyes and shape the face, our eyebrows are not to be neglected for a polished, fresh-faced appearance. As lipsticks take a back seat – for now – and make way for brow products in our handbags, look to our roundup for long-lasting style.

BEST FOR SPARSE BROWS Amy Jean Brows Micro Stroke Pencil

Created by celebrity brow guru Amy Jean, this automatic pencil has an ultra-fine tip, which allows for maximum control when creating shape and definition for sparse eyebrows, and it’s conveniently equipped with a spoolie on the other end. Begin by brushing hairs upwards and outwards to see which areas need the most attention before filling in. To mimic individual hairs, use light, feathery strokes, always starting at the tail of the brow, which has the most depth, and finish with an even lighter touch at the front so brows never look heavy.

BEST FOR UNRULY BROWS LashfoodBrowfood Brow Enhancing GelFix

For brows that are curly, grow in different directions or are naturally very thick, this clear brow gel is the ultimate taming tool. The tiny, tapered brush ensures no hair is left out of place for a natural but long-lasting hold that maintains a perfect shape. Formulated with nourishing ingredients, too, it can either be used alone to set your brows or brushed over pencils, gels and pomades for added definition.

BEST FOR NATURAL DEFINITION Hourglass Arch Brow Scuplting Pencil

With its unique triangular shape, this tried-and-tested pencil from Hourglass can sculpt brows using the flat edge and delicately fill in with the pointed tip. An innovative powder-wax formula ensures brows stay put all day, making it a perfect choice for those with oilier skin types who have trouble finding products that last. This is available in eight flattering shades, so to keep the look as natural as possible, rather than matching your eyebrow color to your hair color, always opt for one shade lighter.

BEST FOR CONDITIONING BBB London Nourishing Brow Oil

It’s important to look after brows just as you would your hair. BBB London’s botanical blend of sweet-almond, rosemary and lavender oils keeps eyebrow hairs conditioned and strong while encouraging hair growth, making it a firm favorite for those who have over-plucked brows or have noticed some thinning. Formulated for nightly use, it’s the go-to product to create naturally full eyebrows without the need for a pencil.

BEST FOR A BOLD LOOK Tom Ford Beauty Brow Pomade

To achieve the latest trend of bold and fluffy yet natural-looking brows, this Tom Ford Beauty pomade is the perfect place to start. The highly pigmented cream is easy to blend and build up for perfectly groomed brows with a strong hold. Use an angled brush – make sure to pat any excess pomade onto the back of your hand first to avoid applying too much product – and finish off with a spoolie to soften any harsh edges. The quick-drying formula is also waterproof and humidity-resistant, making it a must-have for the gym bag or for those living in hotter climates.

BEST FOR REDHEADS Gucci Powder Eyebrow Pencil in Auburn

Redheads have typically struggled to find flattering eyebrow shades, but this dual-sided pencil by Gucci Beauty will have you rejoicing. The unique texture provides the gentle touch of a powder with the ease of a pencil, to effortlessly create natural definition or build up the intensity for brows that require filling in. In a rich auburn shade that suits a multitude of red hues, first remove any excess skincare from the brows with a dry cotton round or swab to ensure the powder properly adheres for all-day polished brows.

The model featured in this story is not associated with NET-A-PORTER and does not endorse it or the products shown