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Last updated on July 28th, 2023 at 06:10 pm
If you’re over 40, your eyebrows have seen many changes over the years from bushy caterpillars in the 80’s to pencil plucking thin in the 90’s to bolder brows and the prominent shapes of today. As we age, we can’t always follow the same beauty tips as a twenty-something, but we can take advantage of subtle make up tips that can make a world of difference for mature skin. For brows over 40, check out our eyebrow tips you need to know.
Shape
As a general guideline for eyebrow shape, the inner side of the brow (where your brows start) of each eyebrow should align with the bridge of the nose (3). For instance, you can place a spoolie brush or brow pencil along the side of your nose at the bridge for a better gauge of where to start. The arch peaks above to the outside of the iris (2 & 4). The outside aligns from the bottom of the nose to the outer corner of the eye (1).
Avoid overshaping and just enhance your current angles. A natural shape is more appealing than hard 45 degree angles that may not align with your eye setting and brow bone.
Tools & Products
- Tweezers. First use tweezers to remove stray hairs. In general, this should be done every 4-6 weeks. This is the simplest way to get the accuracy and results you want since razors only provide temporary results, and waxing stretches your skin which is even worse for you when over 40. Likewise avoid threading as this breaks the hairs, and you are more likely to get in-grown hairs this way.
- Brow Brush & Spoolie. Second use the brush side to apply brow powder and flip to the spoolie side to brush and shape your eyebrows.
- Brow Scissors. Then use brow scissors when you need a trim and only trim if you need to. We recommend brow scissors that are long to avoid choppy and unevenness.
- Brow Pencil. A brow pencil allows you to apply color precisely where needed. It should be used to fill-in and define your brows by drawing hair-like strokes and to outline the shape of your brow where needed.
- Brow Powder. Brow powder gives your brows more density and fullness by filling in color throughout your brows. It delivers a natural finish. This is especially useful if your eyebrows are thinning out over the years.
Tips for Brows Over 40
Tweeze & Trim
- As you age, your eyebrows become more sparse. When shaping your brows, avoid over plucking and trimming your brows too short which cause your eyes to have a downward appearance. A good approach is to use a regular mirror versus a magnified mirror.
- With your spoolie, brush your eyebrows upwards. Doing so will create a much bigger open look. This also lets you see any patchy areas you may need to fill in. Carefully trim longer hairs with your brow scissors if needed.
Shape
- Starting at your inner side of the brow, use your brow pencil to outline and fill in any of your patchy areas. Apply short strokes to create a more natural look.
- Create your arch which is going to lift your eye. This is great for those with hooded or droopy eyes. Use the angle defined above to locate where your arch starts. Outline and fill in where needed with your brow pencil. Again, use short strokes.
- With the outer tail of your eyebrow, ensure you don’t bring this down too far. This will make your eye appear smaller and more droopy. To create an open look, make sure the tail of your eyebrow ends at the angle from the outside bottom of the nose to the outer corner of the eye.
Final Touches
- Define the shape by applying the brow powder but be careful not to over fill your brows. Once applied, use the spoolie to lightly brush and blend the color throughout the brow and soften any harsh lines.
- If you need to tame any hairs, you can lightly apply a clear pomade or gel.
- Finally, to open up your eyes, add a bit of brightener right below your brow line. If you have mature skin, avoid using a sparkly color as this will add texture and age the look of your eye.
