The Smoky Brow: How to get this summer’s thicker, feral arches

The quest for the perfect brow is incessant but thanks to spring/summer’s smoky arch, flyways are A-OK writes Sarah Young

Bushy brows on show at Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2016 (Getty)

Bushy brows are back to spend another season in the spotlight when it comes to this spring/summer’s beauty trends, but this time round it’s all about the smoky brow; they’re brushed up, filled in and teeming with flyways.

Proving that bolder brows aren’t going anywhere, the runway took lead with the likes of Christopher Kane, Alberta Ferretti and DKNY opting for a bold, polished yet inherently feminine arch. Essentially, this new smoky brow is a sneaky adaption of the no-makeup makeup look with its untamed, defined and flyaway hairs seeming effortless and youthful all at the same time. But just how easy is it to achieve? Especially if your own brows are running a little thin on the ground.

Backstage at Alberta Ferretti Spring Summer 2016 (Getty Images)

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by your options when it comes to this category so for a little advice we looked to Lisa Potter-Dixon, head makeup artist and brow expert for Benefit Cosmetics: “Great brows frame your face and enhance your eyes so it is extremely important to keep them gorgeously groomed at all times.” The brand launched its new Benefit Brows collection last month and whether you’re a newbie or an arch aficionado, from pencils to powders, it really has it all. With so many products on the market, achieving the perfect smoky brow has never been so easy but it’s also important to find a product that works for you.

One thing that’s for certain, with this trend in particular, is that brushing the brows up and out is key so make sure you keep a spooly on hand at all times; brushing through the brows gives you a softer, more even finish” but for added definition and to make sure they stay in place use a brow setting gel to finish. When it comes to choosing between pencil, powder or pomade though, the choice is yours.

Benefit Brow Collection

To mimic natural fluffy arches we suggest using a pencil to trace the eyebrow and carefully sketch on each hair; to increase intensity simply apply more pressure or take note of Lisa who says: “Using a powder gives you that fab bold brow look”. While the smoky brow is all about unkempt, wild hairs it can be a little tricky to pull off day-to-day, so if you prefer to keep things a little more defined why not try a pomade instead? Lisa says that "Benefit's Ka-Brow is perfect for giving your brows that neat, natural look. One dip per brow is enough as the creamy gel formula is highly pigmented.” These formulas are really blendable but they do tend to dry quickly with a smudge-proof finish – novices beware. Rather than tweezing, threading or waxing your brows into shape this season, let them run wild – within reason of course.