After years of being plucked into obscurity, those hairy things above your eyes are suddenly having a moment. Seemingly out of nowhere, beauty experts have decreed that bushy is actually better, in a movement many have dubbed the “Cara” effect. In proof that one model and her eyebrows really can change the world (they even have their own twitter account!), it now feels almost shameful to admit that beyond aesthetic plucking, I never even bother to do anything with my eyebrows. Luckily for others like me (please say I’m not alone!) that’s what people like Carmen Duma, aka The Eyebrow Queen are for. Having worked her magic on a number of famous brows including that of current Hollywood favourite Margot Robbie, Natalie Bassingthwaite and Lauren Phillips, I figured she would be the perfect person to speak to to get the brow-down on this season’s eyebrow styles.
Brittany: What is the biggest mistake you see people making with their brows?
Carmen: Thin over-plucked brows! Although this trend was a big hit in the ‘90s, thankfully we’ve outgrown this look (quite literally!) in place of thicker, defined and more natural-looking brows. Contrary to popular belief, thin brows can actually age a face and add years, while thicker and bolder brows can make a face look fresher and more youthful.
B: Why is it so important to care and style our brows?
C: A good eyebrow shape can enhance ones facial features by creating symmetry and balance. As eyes are usually the first focal point on a person’s face, it’s important to groom brows for a polished and glamorous first impression. Creating an arch and establishing a bold shape is a great way to accessorise and frame the face.
B: There are so many ways to shape your brows such as trimming, plucking, waxing and threading etc – which do you recommend?
C: At The Eyebrow Queen, we offer a unique and personalised approach to brow shaping and grooming. As no two brows are the same, we use the natural brow bone to dictate shape through a combination of waxing, trimming and plucking for a more defined look. For clients who want to make a bolder statement, or give the illusion of thicker brows, we also provide a range of tinting options. Nowadays eyebrow extensions are also very popular among the masses. But to get those dream brows you should book professionals like projectbaddie.com who will make your brows look natural and bushy effortlessly.
B: The look for the season is natural looking thicker brows – what’s the best way to achieve this?
C: Thicker brows are a great way to compliment the face and achieve a youthful and more refreshed appearance. I often advise my clients to gently brush the brows out and up (away from the center of the face) and use a pencil or powder to fill in any unwanted gaps of sparse areas. Less is more when it comes to a natural-looking brows, so avoid over-plucking and always speak to a professional when it comes to finding the right brow shape for you.
The Eyebrow Queen Founder, Carmen Duma
B: What are the three must have brow products?
C: As a general rule, no brow-conscious beauty should leave home without a pencil, brow brush, brow gel and/or brow powder – all ingredients for the perfect brows!
B: You look after the brows of an impressive list of celebrities – who would you love to work with?
C: The Eyebrow Queen is privileged to work with a number of beautiful celebrity clients, including Margot Robbie, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Lauren Phillips, to name a few. What makes us Australia’s leading salon is our detailed and personalised approach to brow shaping and grooming. We create the perfect natural shape and help clients achieve a more fuller look through our range of specialised brow techniques. Although we represent a range of talented individuals, we do have a soft spot for brow grooming virgins – nothing compares to the look on a client’s face when they see their newly perfected brows for the very first time!
Eager for more? Watch out for Part 2 to see how Brittany goes at The Eyebrow Queen, plus a step-by-step brow grooming tutorial.
