Are you a Marilyn Monroe? A Marlene Dietrich? A Greta Garbo? A Brigitte Bardot? Or maybe even a Mia Wasikowska? Have no idea what we’re on about then look no further than the Most Loved post of the week, journalist Laura Havlin’s Iconic Eyebrows.
Are you a Marilyn Monroe? A Marlene Dietrich? A Greta Garbo? A Brigitte Bardot? Or maybe even a Mia Wasikowska? Have no idea what we’re on about then look no further than the Most Loved post of the week, journalist Laura Havlin’s Iconic Eyebrows. History has seen the rise and fall of the eyebrow, literally, from the Seventies penchant for removing all but the minuteness of hair from the arch of the brow – giving a somewhat animated and surprised look to the face, see Dietrich and Garbo – to the more natural and overgrown look pioneered by Brooke Shields in the 80s. Plucking, threading, waxing, shaving dying and even tattooing – eyebrows are the focus of many a woman’s daily grooming routine. They say: “eyes are the windows to the soul”, well then eyebrows must be the frames. No one likes a window frame that has been left to rot and decay, and no one likes a pair of eyebrow arches that have been left unmaintained, bushy, unruly and wild. Here we talk to Havlin about the importance of a good set of brows.
Why did you decide to love these Iconic Eyebrows?
When I started studying them, I was surprised how many owners I could guess correctly. There is a popular poster with just the hairstyles of famous musicians, and a book called Whose Hair which is similar. It's amazing how much of a person's identiy is conveyed and idenfitiable through such a small detail as eyebrows.
Where did you find them?
I found this painting on a Tumblr I follow, I have no idea who painted them originally. I'd like to know who did though.
Which eyebrows would you pick?
I think the Edie Sedgwick brows are the best.
Are eyebrows an important feature of your grooming routine?
A little, but I never gave that much thought to making them a different shape. However, I've been noticing the shape of mine and other people's loads now I've seen this.
What makes a good set of eyebrows?
Expressive ones, as long as the expression isn't perma-surprised.
What would you say is the best feature on a woman’s face?
Their skin.
What are your favourite beauty products?
I'm allergic to most beauty products. The French brand Avène is really gentle. Their allergic products were the only thing that worked when my eyes swelled up and become inflamed in a severe allergic reaction to a chiuaua.
Who is your beauty icon and why?
Jane Birkin. She is so carefree and makes me unafraid about aging.
What was the last thing you bought?
A mango.
What is your dream product purchase?
My own house.
Text by Lucia Davies
