Beauty Daredevil: Test-Driving the Statement Eyebrow

In our Beauty Daredevil series, we convince an intrepid reporter to try an experiment that we're too chicken to test ourselves. For this installment, contributor Jane Kirby gets inspired by the runways’ recent statement brows.

Wild eyebrows were everywhere at the recent Fall 2012 runway shows, from the exaggerated look at Vera Wang to brows accessorized with sequins at Chanel. So I decided it was time to experiment with my own brows, using colored eye pencil in lieu of my usual black. 

In the late 90s, I remember seeing Norma Kamali sport brows penciled in with an aubergine-plum shade instead of a natural eyebrow color, and I wanted to try her bold statement for myself. To achieve this look, I started by applying a light dusting of translucent powder over the eyebrows. This step prevents the color of the eye pencil from sticking to one area in particular, which can give a patchy look. Next, I lightly penciled in a small amount of color to define the arch, using an eyebrow brush to comb out any uneven color. For added oomph, I went over the area again with strongly pigmented loose powder eye shadow in a similar color. I started by applying a small amount of shadow and worked up to the desired intensity. 

Now, is this truly a day-to-day, wear-to-the-office look? Probably not. But for the weekend or a night out, this dramatic brow guarantees second glances. Why not try it once? Go ahead, I dare you.