An intriguing topic has been buzzing around the beauty community: eyebrow blindness. This recent term references the 2016 era, when statement brows were presented to the masses, highlighting a significant shift in how we perceive and prioritize different facial features.
What is Eyebrow Blindness?
Eyebrow blindness refers to the early-mid 2010’s when thick, bold eyebrows became the focal point of makeup routines, often overshadowing other features. This trend was popularized by beauty influencers and influencers like James Charles and celebrities like the Kardashians. The term “brow blindness” emerged to highlight some of the worst eyebrow styles of this era. When trends dominate, it’s easy to overlook their less attractive aspects, and brows were no exception.
The Rise of the Brow
The eyebrow trend was about more than just makeup; it was a cultural shift. People began investing in brow products, microblading, and brow shaping services. The emphasis was on creating defined, full brows that framed the face and conveyed a sense of boldness and confidence.
Join Our BROWS Mini Makeup Class
TUESDAY, JULY 16TH
6:30PM-7:00PM
$25
2019-2021: Lash Blindness
As trends evolved, the focus began shifting away from brows towards lashes. When this arrived on the scene, with many individuals opted for dramatic, voluminous lashes that made their eyes pop without the need for heavy eye makeup.
Why This Trend? The lash extension trend spoke to the desire for effortless beauty. Long, luscious lashes could make a statement on their own, reducing the need for other eye products. It was about achieving a glamorous look with minimal effort, perfect for busy lifestyles.
Impact on Makeup Routines: With the emphasis on lashes, we saw a decline in the use of heavy eyeliners and shadows. Instead, the focus was on maintaining the health and appearance of natural lashes, with products like serums and conditioners becoming more popular.
2022-2023: Lip Lining Over the Cupid’s Bow Blindness
Looking further ahead, 2022-2023 we saw the rise of a new trend: lip lining over the cupid’s bow. This technique, which involved extending the lip liner slightly above the natural lip line to create a fuller, more defined lip shape, become the new obsession.
- Why This Trend? Just as bold brows and long lashes create dramatic focal points, the overlined lips trend will be about enhancing and exaggerating natural features to create a striking look. This will be particularly popular on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where bold, defined lips photograph beautifully.
- Impact on Makeup Routines: With the focus on lips, we can expect a surge in the popularity of lip liners, glosses, and long-lasting lipsticks. Skincare routines will also adapt, with more emphasis on lip care products to keep lips smooth and hydrated.
Predictions
I believe the pendulum is going to gradually swing back to maximalist makeup. We’ve been immersed in the natural and clean beauty phase for quite some time, and the novelty is starting to wear off. As trends often cycle, the allure of bold, dramatic looks is poised for a resurgence. People are craving creativity and expression, which maximalist makeup perfectly caters to with its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and unapologetic flair. It’s only a matter of time before we see a return to more elaborate and statement-making makeup styles.
It’s fascinating to see how beauty trends shift and evolve. Each era brings a new focus, driven by cultural influences, celebrity endorsements, and innovations in beauty technology. From the era of eyebrow blindness to the anticipated trends of super long lash extensions and exaggerated lip lining, these shifts reflect our changing perceptions of beauty and self-expression.
As a makeup artist, it’s essential to stay ahead of these trends, understanding their origins and predicting their future directions. By doing so, we can better serve our clients, helping them navigate the ever-changing landscape of beauty with confidence and style.
Remember that beauty trends are all about self-expression. Find what makes you feel confident and beautiful, and don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun.
Stay beautiful and inspired!
