An Eyebrow Evolution
A guide to replicating eyebrow trends of the 2000s.
by SOPHIE SCHLOSSER ★ JUNE 26, 2020
The eyebrow “status-quo” is constantly evolving. Modern-day fashion trends may deem the bold, bushy eyebrow to be an iconic staple of our era, but history recalls the countless trends that paved the way to today’s brow. It seems impossible that we once lived in a world where pencil-thin eyebrows were en vogue, and exaggerated angled arches were the epitome of ideal beauty standards, but here’s the reality: the progression of the brow is ever-changing. With each passing year, several new and unimaginable brow trends bubble to the surface and alter the normalities of the fashion world. Ultimately, these vast or subtle developments create an environment where self-expression is fostered through the absurd and untamed aesthetics of the eyebrow.
As the evolution of the eyebrow continues to pique my interest, I realized I can no longer suppress my incessant urge to recreate the essential brow trends that truly capture the glamour and glitz of the last two decades. So, let’s travel back in time not only to uncover but to recreate a timeline of the best brow moments of the 2000s.
2000s: Pencil Thin Arches
We begin our journey to the past with the year 2000. Let’s set the scene with some notable events that have taken place so far this year: The New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets in five games in the 2000 World Series – the first ‘Subway Series’ since 1956. The U.S. population topped 282 million. Bush defeated Vice President Al Gore to be elected 43rd president of the United States. Last but not least, pencil-thin eyebrow arches made an unfortunate comeback from their debut in the 1920s. This trending brow shape was very thin and dramatically angled. Arches were known to start along the outer area of the nostril instead of the bridge of the nose. Popstars like Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton are known for leading and popularizing this trend.
Credit: thehairstyler.com
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2005: The Simple Brow
After several years of recovery from the tweezing addiction of the late 90s/early 2000s, people began appreciating a more natural, relaxed look for eyebrows. Women like Angelina Jolie set the trend for natural eyebrow shapes involving minimal sculpting or product, with a finish that appeared very clean and well-groomed.
Credit: Wikipedia.com
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2010: Bold, Thick Brows
The natural-looking brow soon lost its momentum and people eventually succumbed to fierce, powerful, bold looking eyebrows. This type of eyebrow is usually sharp, perfectly sculpted, and overly filled-in to create a thicker illusion. The Kardashians brought this trend into existence and people inevitably followed, usually sporting this look with business casual attire to assert female dominance and power.
Credit: Pinterest
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2012: Strong, Powerful Arches
Thick and bushy but still well-groomed, 2012 was the year of the big, bold brow. Cara Delevigne rose to stardom this year alongside her iconic, thick brows. This strong look encompasses power and confidence while still appearing natural and well-kempt.
Credit: thefashionspot.com
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2013: Brushed Up Brows
For those lacking volume in their brows, this year brought unexpected thickness to thinner brow-wearers. By brushing the eyebrows straight upward, it creates an illusion of volume and healthy brows. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley promoted this look and people worldwide followed – it is still a popular trend to this day.
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Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2014: Accessorized Arches
This was the year that eyebrows began trending in more ways than just stylistic hair grooming methods. The addition of jewelry or other accessories to the brow itself became an absurd trend of 2014 when makeup artist James Kaliardos sent models down the runway sporting eyebrow rings. This look was just a starting point for other brow accessories, creating a pronounced brow look with a little edge.
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Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2015: Instagram Brow
This year is iconic for marking the commencement of the “Instagram Brow” and the #OnFleek revolution which began trending on social media platforms in 2015. Nods to various beauty influencers who stressed the importance of eyebrow aesthetics, Instagram became an unmatched outlet for eyebrow inspiration. The “Instagram Brow” is known to have been started by Patrick Starr – this brow is described as a perfectly brushed up look at the beginning of the brow, followed by a subtle fade into a dramatically defined arch all the way down to the tail.
Credit: maternityweek.com
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2017: Feathered Arches
This absurd look propelled the untamed, wild eyebrow beauty movement that took place this same year. The feathered eyebrow looks just as it sounds – like a real-life feather. The trick here is to separate half of each eyebrow in a way so that the hairs are pointed in opposite directions on either side. On the top half of the brow, hairs are pointed upward and downward on the bottom half – this creates a feather illusion. This look was initially created by makeup artist Stella Sironen.
Credit: yukovablog.co.uk
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2019: Unkempt Brows
This year, fortunately, returned to the natural brow look of 2005 but with the incentive to keep eyebrows looking totally messy, unkempt, thick, and fluffy. People of all ages flocked back to this iconic look for its simplicity and its message that imperfections are beautiful.
Credit: harpers bazaar.com
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
2020: Unibrow
Finally, we reach the end of our journey with the current year, 2020, and its controversial fashion statement that unibrows are making a comeback. Women all over Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms are deeming the “Unibrow Movement” the latest beauty trend of 2020. Although the unibrow was first popularized by Frida Kahlo, Greek-Cypriot Model Sophia Hadjipanteli is known to have revamped this movement as she is known for her iconic unibrow look. This style is not only about self-confidence, but also self-expression by means of unconformity.
Credit: pagesix.com
Credit: Sophie Schlosser
As eyebrows have transformed into the latest beauty focus of our generation, they provide a blank canvas for sparking individual creativity and self-expression. Dating back to the pencil thin, dramatic arches of the year 2000, all the way to the imperfectly groomed, thick unibrows of today, the timeline pictured above captures the most renowned brow trends of the last two decades.
Sources:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/g19586274/eyebrow-trends-decades/?slide=9