Why You Need to Stop Doing the "Instagram Brow" — and What to Do Instead

You know those super drawn-on brows that are all over Instagram? Well, there's a time and a place for them (like on Insta!), but that ultra-defined, no-colouring-outside-the-lines look tends to read quite harsh in the real world. In fact, they can be downright distracting! That's why makeup artists backstage at New York Fashion Week for Autumn 2017 have been opting for brows that are soft, feminine, and natural.

"When nature gives you something, I think you should embrace it," said Tom Pecheux, makeup artist for MAC, backstage at the Oscar de la Renta show. "It's like when people order a dish and, even before trying it, they add some salt. Try the food first and see if you need to change it. It's the same thing with the eyebrow. You don't have to change your brows and do what everyone else is doing. See what fits you the best."

In other words: don't try to draw on the same eyebrow that everyone else is wearing. Instead, embrace your natural shape, groom it, and keep it gently defined. To help you get that coveted defined but natural brow at home, we asked NYFW makeup artists for their best tips and tricks. Keep reading!