The Latest Brow Trend Comes Straight From Korea

Updated 10/02/17

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This brow trend has swept Hollywood, and everyone from Emma Watson to Rihanna is fully embracing the new style. The inspiration? No, not a certain Ms. Delevingne (surprisingly), but rather Korea, land of BB Cream and K-pop. The look of the moment? Soft, straight-across brows, with nary an arch in sight. Let’s delve into the trend, shall we?

This brow shape should be on your radar!

Straight-across brows have been a huge trend in Korea for quite awhile already, with a slew of Korean models (like our very own Byrdie contributor Irene Kim), actresses, and girl band group members opting for this softer look. Why exactly this has become a trend is hard to say, but we think it has to do with the fact that soft, arch-less brows mimic the way your brows look when you’re younger, therefore making you appear more “youthful (a beauty trend of utmost importance in Korea—there’s a reason why most Korean women were delving into ampoules and essences while their U.S. counterparts were just starting to use serums).

Designers have been embracing this beauty trend, too, whether they’re aware it comes from Korea or not. Makeup artist Linda Cantello created a “smoky nude” look at Giorgio Armani’s 40 Years Celebration in Milan using the brand’s Eye & Brow Maestro ($35), a light, gel-like formula perfect for softly filling in brows and erasing arches. Meanwhile, Peter Philips opted for a similar soft-and-full look at Dior’s Cruise Collection 2016, using the brand’s Brow Styler ($29) in Universal Brown to fill in models’ brows and add just the slightest hint of arch that started directly above their cheekbones. Given that the overall trend of the year is “no-makeup makeup,” this natural, softly-defined brow shape of choice isn’t the least bit surprising.

And finally, no trend would be complete without all of our favorite celebrities jumping on board. Exhibit A: Jessica Alba. Take a look at who else has been embracing the straight-brow trend!