Brow Aesthetic Then Vs. Now
Eyebrows have long been one of beauty’s most expressive features—framing the face, setting trends, and reflecting cultural moods. From natural, bold 80’s eyebrows to the thin, ultra-arched 90’s eyebrows to today’s laminated trend, the evolution of brow fashion tells a story that’s as dynamic as the decades themselves.
Take a journey with us through the times and explore the iconic eyebrow styles of the past few decades. Whether it’s for your upcoming Halloween costume or to simply channel a moment of nostalgic expression, these brow trends are sure to inspire you.
In the 1980's, bold beauty reigned supreme—and that included brows. The decade celebrated 80's eyebrows that were thick, full, and natural-looking, yet still shaped to perfection. Icons like Brooke Shields helped set the tone with her voluminous, expressive brows. These weren’t messy or wild—they were tamed, natural brows that balanced softness with strength.
The natural-looking brows of this era reflected a less-is-more attitude toward grooming, focusing on enhancing what you had, not transforming it.
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Then came the 90's—a decade of grunge, minimalism, and, for many, overuse of tweezers. 90's eyebrows, also known as the famous 90's brow, became the poster child for ultra-thin, rounded arches. This trend was all about control and sharp definition, with many over-plucking to achieve the ultra-skinny style.
While iconic, many now look back on these skinny brows with a mix of nostalgia and caution. Still, their influence remains strong, with the 90’s eyebrows style seeing a surprising revival in recent years.
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With the Y2K era came a mix of sleek and sparkle—plus more diversity in brow shapes. Early 2000’s eyebrows were often pencil-thin and arched, continuing the trends of the 90's. But by the mid to late 2000's, full eyebrows started creeping back into the mainstream.
The rise of reality TV and pop stars introduced everything from y2k eyebrows (which included both skinny eyebrows and subtly fuller shapes) to more fluffy brows influenced by a desire for a natural yet polished look.
These 00’s eyebrows paved the way for a more experimental approach. Makeup tools evolved, and brow powders, gels, and pencils gave people the ability to customize their brow shape without committing to over-plucking.
Get the look with Brow Freeze®, Brow Powder Duo, Brush 7B, and MicroStroke Brow Pen
The 2010's were defined by a collective brow glow-up. Influencers and celebrities like Cara Delevingne brought full eyebrows back in a big way. 2010’s eyebrows were thick, bold, and structured, yet soft at the same time, so the feathered brow look truly took flight. With a focus on mimicking real hair strokes and brushing the brow hairs upward, this trend combined grooming with natural flair. The shaped, feathered brows of the 2010's were aided by innovations like brow gels and precision pens—allowing anyone to achieve the look.
Get the look with Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel, MicroStroke Brow Pen, and Brow Freeze® Gel
Social media beauty trends combined with newly accessible brow tools eventually sparked the iconic brow trend of 2016: the finely-sculpted and meticulously-defined look that took brows from slightly bushy to glamorously groomed and bold. Precision detailing with brow pencils, pens, pomades and angled brushes combined with high-performance eyebrow gels cemented this new style that was seen everywhere from city streets to high fashion runways.
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In the 2020's, eyebrows are both nostalgic and futuristic. The top trend? Laminated brows—which are essentially feathered brows on steroids. Brushed-up, glossy, and fixed in place, this style amplifies volume while staying sleek and intentional.
But the real twist of the decade is the return of the skinny brows. That’s right—2000’s eyebrows and 90’s eyebrows are coming back, thanks to the revival of y2k fashion. This time, though, they’re worn with confidence, balance, and better tools.
The modern version of skinny eyebrows isn’t about over-tweezing—it’s about strategic shaping and filling for a soft, throwback-inspired effect. Meanwhile, natural-looking brows and full eyebrows continue to coexist, proving there’s no one-size-fits-all in today’s beauty world.
Get the look with Brow Powder Duo, Brush 7B, and MicroStroke Brow Pen
Why Choose Anastasia Beverly Hills for Your Brow Needs
Whether you're rocking feathered brows, flirting with skinny brows, or keeping it classic with full eyebrows, your style likely owes something to decades past. From the natural brows of the 80's to the 90’s brow comeback, brow trends continue to cycle—each time adding a new layer of expression.
So go ahead—channel your favorite decade. Just don’t forget the brow gel!
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