2021 Beauty Trend Watch: Get the Best Brows of the Year

In 2020, laminated brows, as an alternative to microblading, and with the effect of “bulking up” brows, was a major beauty trend. In 2021, the process, also known as a “brown perm”, is a semi-permanent procedure that requires zero needles and works to brush the hairs upward in a vertical direction and seal them into place using special creams and neutralizers. The effect is a bolder, bigger and uniform brow look.

Get the look:

If lockdown has left you temporarily on the outs with your aesthetician, try this brow gel from Sephora for that bold, brushed-up brow look. The results won’t last as long as the professional treatment, but you’ll be able to get a feel for the look and see if this is 2021 beauty trend is something you’ll want to spring for post-lockdown.

You can’t talk “straight brows” without throwing it to Riverdale’s iconic Veronica Lodge aka on and off-screen stunner, actress Camila Mendes. Bold and straight, this brow trend is a big one for 2021.

A new shading technique in the realm of brow microblading, the ombre powder brow is all about creating depth in shape and shade throughout the brow. Going lighter at the start and darker toward the “tail” of the brow, the ombre effect is all about creating a custom, more natural look. To try the DIY approach to ombre shading at home, start with a product that will allow you to control how much pigment you apply through the brow. We love Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo, designed specifically for the ombre brow effect.

In 2021, throwback trends are a thing – explaining the hype behind bleached brows. The process of stripping the natural colour from the brow results in a range of results, depending on the desired outcome – you can simply soften your natural hue or go full-Gaga and opt for a white-blonde effect.

We can hear you from here: thin brows??? Why??? Look, we can’t tell you who started this insanity up again, but it is what it is. Thin brows – with a more natural effect – are on the beauty watch for 2021 and there’s no stopping this sparse-haired trend. We suggest an off-runway approach – use a tool like these Tweezerman stainless steel tweezers for maximum control and accuracy when taming your brows. Just don’t overdo it!

Au naturel brows are a thing for 2021. So if the unkempt, effortless vibe is for you – this is your brow trend for the year. Keep the maintenance minimal and the shape natural and you’re good to go.

Coloured brows are a thing. And no, not just for Halloween. This is a trend for the bold, but one that kills when done properly. We recommend using a multi-purpose product like this one from KVD, designed for multiple areas of pigment application. Have fun with this one and give it a shot – even if it’s just for a little in-house beauty boost!

The fluffy brow trend is all about volume. Skip the over-tweezing, go easy on the shaping and focus on building up volume. Use a brow gel with fibre elements to add that extra oomph to your bold and trendy brows. We love the Arch Brow Volumizing Fibre Gel from Hourglass.

Straight from the 2020 playbook, the pared-back brow trend is still a thing. Muted, understated and oh-so chic, this brow look is all about keeping it simple with a clean shape and minimal product. A solid brow brush and good maintenance of strays are all you really need here.

Another lingering beauty trend from 2020 is dewy brows. That soft and dewy beauty trend is still one to watch for in 2021, and brows are no exception here. To get the look try Milk Makeup’s KUSH Clear Eyebrow Gel - one swipe and your brows will be shaped, glistening and good to go.