I don't like to denigrate anyone for their physical appearance … but. I make a special exception for eyebrows. Why? Because for several years, I walked around with horribly dark, Joan-Crawford-crazy eyebrows, happy as a clam, and didn't know any better until someone finally called me out on my forehead mess. Sometimes people walk out of their house thinking their eyebrows look good and they do not. Their attempts at on fleek grooming are just a little … off.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. Sperm Eyebrows Are Never on Fleek
Let's start with something simple. Did anyone else have these eyebrows? I sure did. Did anyone tell you that they didn't look good? No one told me! I'm going to guess no one told this poor girl either. The sperm shape is, sadly, a sometimes necessary evil. It popped up a lot in the late '90s and early '00s as the thin eyebrow trend was slowly replaced with a thicker, more natural look. In between, there's just … this.
Can we talk about the struggle? The journey from razor-thin arcs to luscious, full brows could be rough. Just as bell-bottom jeans tried to reinvent themselves without their original flair, eyebrows too went through an identity crisis. What were we thinking? This transition phase left many with brows resembling a well-known reproductive cell, and, honestly, it’s okay to admit we were victims of this trend. But evolution is key, both in fashion and facial features. Thankfully, brows have found their footing, allowing this quirky phase to be a distant, somewhat embarrassing, memory. Keep it bold, not tadpole!
2. The Donald Trump of Eyebrows
I don't … I don't know what this is. Is back-combing eyebrows a thing? And yet I feel envious because her eyebrows are so long. She could practically braid her brows!
Frequently asked questions
3. The Tiniest Brows There Ever Were
This is sad. This girl is really lovely – gorgeous lips, beautiful eyes, warm skin tone, and it looks like her natural brows have an excellent shape. And yet there are two frowny faces over her eyes. Why? Why?!
4. Sperm Brows with Issues
So, this poor girl's picture pops up during every discussion about bad eyebrows, and I kind of feel bad for perpetuating it, but look. Don't ever do this. The weird spermy shape isn't the only problem here, there are also some definite shaping issues, and the sad thing is that her natural brows look thick and lovely.
5. Keeping a Level Brow
Everything here is just a little too extreme. These are tattooed on, I think, which is fine – awesome, even, and totally understandable if you spend a ton of time of your eyebrows every day – but you can't … I mean … you just have to be so careful about the shape. I feel like this wouldn't be quite so bad if the tops weren't just … straight across, almost.
Eyebrows are a critical component of facial expression and structure; they can entirely alter your look. When considering tattooing them on, it's essential to pick a shape that complements your natural features. What we see here is a bold choice, maybe too bold. The straight-across look is harsh and gives a perpetually surprised air. It's an adventurous angle that demands a confident personality to carry off. However, softer curves might have provided a more approachable and versatile appearance, keeping brows in check without crossing into the territory of high drama 24/7.
6. But Why Are You so Angry?
No, seriously. Doing your eyebrows straight across just makes you look mad. You look like Squidward all the time. Also, remember, the bridge of your nose exists for many, many reasons. Don't bridge the gap with eyebrows.
Straight-across brows can give the impression that you're perpetually in a bad mood, a look few of us aim for! It’s crucial to tailor your brow shape to both your facial structure and your expressive intentions. Sure, brows are sisters, not twins, but there's no need for them to be distant cousins! A graceful arch can soften your features, add a touch of elegance, and communicate a more welcoming vibe. Remember, brows are the frames to your beautiful eyes; don't let them become a distraction by forcing a design that isn't naturally yours. Embrace your unique brow journey!
7. Coloring outside the Lines
I have no idea what this lady used, but she needs to get her money back. Drawing on your eyebrows is cool. Making them a little thinner or thicker with your product of choice is cool. This is not cool. What is that, a Sharpie? An eyeliner marker?
The art of eyebrow styling has guidelines for a reason, folks. We're all for expression and shaking up the beauty norm, but let's keep it within the realm of reality, shall we? When you're aiming for bold, remember there's a fine line between fierce and frightening. These over-exaggerated arches scream for attention, and not the kind you'd want. Natural beauty enhancements? Absolutely. But plowing through your makeup like it's a blackout curtain? Girl, no. Let’s stick to enhancing our features, not obscuring them behind a DIY disaster.
8. Double the Fun
I honestly don't know which one is her natural eyebrow. I think the lower arches are her brows, yes? Actually, this would be an epic look for a night out if everything was just a little softer and … well, it would help if all four arches weren't black.
The double brow sets a new bar for boldness in beauty, doesn't it? And while it's certainly a conversation starter, it teeters on that fine line between avant-garde and just plain WTF. I can't help but imagine the look of confusion on people's faces as they try to figure out which set to focus on. A softer gradient or maybe a playful color could have toned this down into a whimsical fashion statement, rather than an overpowering faux-pas. Yet, there's something oddly captivating about the willingness to break the mold so dramatically. After all, isn't makeup about expression and risk-taking?
9. Too Much is Too Much
These are just too dark, too dramatic, too extreme – too much. If she eased up a little and softened the color there in the corners, her brows wouldn't be quite so bad.
Even a softer touch of makeup wizardry could turn this look around. It's all about balance; you want your brows to frame your face, not overtake your entire look! A shade lighter and a smidge less filler and she'd be strutting a set of arches that enhance, rather than dominate. Let your beauty shine through, not get buried beneath an overpowering brow. Remember, natural is often the secret to truly standout style.
10. Thicker is Not Better
I totally get wanting to make your eyebrows thicker, especially if they're sparse, patchy, or uneven. In fact, in my Joan Crawford days, I ended up with eyebrows quite like this. I feel this girl. But look past all that thick, black mess – how gorgeous are her natural brows?
11. Always Use a Mirror
So, let's establish the fact that thin lines rarely look good – regardless of current trends or anything. Let's also please agree that whatever you do with your eyebrows, don't freehand. Not even one time.
Using a mirror isn't just a suggestion; it's your brow-mapping compass. Without it, you're navigating the treacherous terrain of tweezing and filling with blindfolds on! And let's be real, mirror-less grooming is like playing beauty Russian roulette – one wrong pluck and it's game over for your arches. So grab that two-sided magnifying darling and get to the detailed work. Your brows deserve that meticulous attention, and trust me, your future self will thank you when you're not looking back at 'brow-oh-nos' in your selfies.
12. Nature Can Only Be Pushed so Far
What I mean is, the quest for thick brows has to stop somewhere. Don't color your brows all the way up your forehead. At the very least, stop if you notice that you can see your natural brow through your pencil, powder, or gel. Follow the lines!
We've all witnessed, perhaps even been guilty of, over-enthusiastic brow enhancement. It's a slippery slope from filling in sparse areas to sporting a pair of overpowering super-brows. Find balance; your face is not a coloring book. Those brow bones are not meant to be hidden under layers of makeup. Instead of striving for the boldest brow on the block, aim for symmetry and enhancement that complements your natural features. Remember, less is often more when it's about accentuating your true beauty.
13. That Awkward Moment when Your Eyebrows Try to Crawl off Your Face...
Every time I see this picture, I try to convince myself it's a joke. A goof. A bad photoshop fail. Something, anything, to explain how anyone could ever think that making their eyebrows start in the middle of their eyes could possibly look good. I mean, it makes your forehead look bigger, it causes the bridge of your nose to look massive, and it creates the illusion that your eyes are way too far apart.
14. Brows to the Sky
So, sharp arches are awesome. I love well-defined arches. Technically speaking, these are also well-defined. However, if your eyebrows start looking like a Z, stop. Just stop. That being said, though, I kind of dig this girl's eye makeup. Those lower lashes are tight.
Well-defined eyebrows can totally enhance your facial features, giving your look a striking edge. But remember, balance is key. When brows take a sharp dramatic turn – literally – they might sail past edgy and anchor at absurd. We get it; brows are a form of self-expression but let’s not venture into abstract art territory on our face unless that’s your concrete aim. Listen to your friends if they gasp in horror, and maybe keep the brow art for your sketchbook. And honestly, while we're at it, remember that a little brow gel goes a long way; unlike superglue, it's not meant to be seen!
15. When Bad Eyebrows Are Almost Right
These are so close to looking good. So close. A little less color, a little less arch, a little less “omg, SURPRISE!” and they'd really frame this lovely girl's face.
Just a tad bit of restraint could have been the magic wand for this look. Imagine a more subtle shade, matching her natural hair color, to enhance rather than overshadow those expressive eyes. A gentle arch, mirroring the natural curve of the brow bone, could whisper elegance instead of shouting its presence. The result? A softened gaze that beckons a second look for all the right reasons. Less is often more when it comes to the artful dance of brow enhancement.
16. When the Carpet Doesn't Match the Eyebrows
This is why you always want to be careful when you're choosing an eyebrow color. Black, by the way, is almost never a good choice. Going too dark will make your eyebrows look way too stark and fake, which can mess up even the most flawless makeup job.
Finding the right shade is key. Aim for one that compliments your hair and skin tone. If you're blonde, a soft taupe might work, while brunettes may lean towards a warmer brown. Those with red locks are often best with auburn shades. Remember: bold does not always equate to beautiful—subtlety can be your greatest ally. Overpowering brows will distract from your natural beauty, creating an unnecessary focal point. For the perfect balance, test multiple shades and consult a professional if you're unsure; because well-matched brows can transform your entire look.
17. The Spermatozoa's Return
So these … these are something. Too thin, too arched, too dark. Are these tattooed, do you think? I see so many badly tattooed eyebrows and I don't understand because I mean, I quadruple-check my tattoos for spelling errors. Wouldn't you want to pay at least that much attention to your eyebrows? That ink goes on your FACE.
These eyebrows seem to have taken a wild swim in the pool of over-exaggeration. It’s like they’ve been shaped by a GPS navigator set to the ‘confusing route’ option! And seriously, if brows had personality, these ones are the type that scream "I'm trying too hard," right? When opting for that permanent makeup look, one would expect an artist’s precision—after all, brows frame the eyes and these... Well, let’s just say they're framing them into a permanent state of surprise. Double-check the artist’s portfolio, ladies, lest you fall victim to the rogue wave of permanent ink.
18. How to Shrink Your Own Forehead
Haha, get it? Because she filled in her eyebrows so much that they're taking up … half of her … her forehead, and … yeah. I'll show myself out.
Oh whoops, if you thought that was a science experiment gone wrong, you're in for a treat with the next set of caterpillar companions. These brows have marched way past 'not on fleek' territory and settled into 'lost in the wilderness'. You gotta wonder if they're trying to signal aliens with those things, because honey, they're bold enough to be seen from space. And I’m not talking tiny extraterrestrial green guys; I’m talking the full Independence Day welcoming committee. Keep those brows in check, or they might just develop their own orbit.
19. When Thick Gets out of Hand
So, here's the thing. This woman is gorgeous and her eyebrow application is actually pretty on-point – wait, hear me out. I say that because she clearly has her strokes down. She just took it a little too far. And a little too high. And a little too thick.
20. But You Look so Surprised
At this point, I don't think you can even rely on your expressions ever again.
When your brows give off a permanent vibe of shock, it's clear something's gone hilariously wrong. These arches are less on fleek and more on a permanent vacation from normalcy. Let's face it, eyebrows are powerful communicators, and when they're styled like this, they're practically screaming misunderstandings from your forehead. It's like having a pair of exclamation marks where your subtle facial nuances used to live. Here, the surprise isn't just in the brows; it's in how one simple shape can turn an entire expressive toolkit into a one-emotion wonder.
21. I Don't Know What This is
I'm serious. Is it a joke? Is this picture a satirical statement on ridiculous beauty trends? Is this really happening? Is this forever?
So I've been guilty of sperm brows, thin brows, and Joan Crawford brows. Let me know if you've committed any eyebrow faux pas – or feel free to tag repeat offenders. Sometimes we just need a little critique if we want to be on fleek.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge