Beauty trends come and go, but the beauty world’s fascination with voluminous lashes and brows on fleek is here to stay. Los Angeles Times calls it a ‘brow-obsessed culture’ and predicts that it will continue to be a big beauty focus.
The fact that the eyebrows are no longer just maintained, means they should be treated as a blank canvas. Additionally, now that we’re wearing masks on a daily basis, so much attention is focused on the eye area, which also includes eyelashes.
So, if you’re lagging behind the trends, we’re listing down four of the lash and brow must-haves for your makeup kit.
Lash Serum
Lashes can add so much definition to a simple look, but not everyone is blessed with naturally thick, luscious lashes. In 2021 it is all about the no-makeup makeup.
So if you want to achieve this particular look without breaking the bank on lash extensions, try out a lash serum instead. They are made for people with thin and sparse eyelashes, helping to maintain moisture, lash durability, and protecting your delicate lashes from breakage.
Some also boast the ability to darken the color of your lashes over time.
Look for ingredients such as peptides and vitamins to nourish your lashes from the root. Almond extract, grape seed extract, panthenol, and polypeptides are some other ingredients you should look for on the list.
Lash serums are applied once a day, typically at night — some are also dual purpose, and can work the same magic on your eyebrows as well.
Alternative Mascara Formula
For many people, mascara is a non-negotiable part of their routine. Just a simple swipe of mascara and you can look so much more alive. But so many mascaras have been found to have harmful ingredients such as coal tar dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, amongst others. Some of the ingredients are known carcinogens, which can hurt your eyes in the long run.
It’s worth considering switching to ‘cleaner’ mascara formulas. For instance, try ones containing fruit pigments like blackberries and black currant, natural ingredients like cocoa butter for the moisture, and beeswax for the body and lift.
Maracuja oil and hemp-derived cannabis seed oil are also ingredients that have been key ingredients in some of the new mascaras making waves in the beauty community — the aforementioned ingredients also help lashes grow.
Tinted Brow Gel
We see bold, beautiful brows on this year’s most beautiful female faces, but you too can achieve this look with the help of a good tinted brow gel.
Opt for a shade darker than your current hair color if you want a stronger look, and a shade lighter if you want a more natural look. A tinted brow gel can fill in any gaps in between your brow hairs, while also keeping them in place all day long.
Brow Soap
If you’re already blessed with thick brows but struggle with them looking too unruly, then the Instagram soap brow trend might just be for you. Influencers, celebrities, and makeup artists alike have been achieving this by using a bar of soap and a spoolie to shape and keep brows in shape in place of a brow gel.
But not all soaps will do — what you’re looking for is the glycerin content and transparent color. Many brands are now selling soaps made specifically for the brows, and some even come in compact packaging so you can do a touch-up while you’re on the go.
You know what they say: eyes are the windows to the soul, so it’s best to give extra care to your lashes and brows, which frame the eyes. Add these four simple products to your makeup kit, and you’re all set.