This article on the best brows after 50 was updated in July 2023 to include even better tips and products. Enjoy!
*Affiliate Disclosure
Good eyebrows, ones that add structure and definition to our faces, can be attained at any age. The problem for many of us at 50+ is that we went a bit crazy back in the day with eyebrow plucking. But not to worry, dear readers, over-plucked (or over-waxed) brows can be fixed. Before you even attempt to fix your brows, be sure to have a one of the best magnifying mirrors. And check out my top makeup tips for eyes after 50, the absolute best mascaras for women over 50, and how to gently remove eye makeup with these top picks.
How to Get The Best Eyebrows After 50
There are many ways to “fix” your brows because, as you know, eyebrows become thinner and less defined with age. However, a solution as simple as filling and shaping your brows gives them a much more defined, younger look.
You can also opt to have your eyebrows professionally tinted once a month. Not only does this help define your brows but it will emphasize even your lightest hairs, giving the illusion of a fuller brow.
After brows are tinted or dyed, you may still want to fill them in, depending on the type of brow product you are most comfortable with. I love this Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel Filler.
Honey’s Tip: If you’re new to filling in your brows, opt for a lighter color than your natural brow color. Then, once you’re comfortable, you can darken the look to get closer to your natural color.
Can you regrow eyebrows after 50?
The simple answer, yes. Stop tweezing brows and apply a serum that encourages hair growth. Do this immediately! This Eyelash & Eyebrow Serum – Eyelash Growth Serum to Grow Lashes has amazing reviews! One reviewer said, “I can’t say it enough! I’m amazed!” Give it a try.
Simple Steps to Upgrade Your Eyebrows
Here are some other tips for maintaining or regrowing eyebrows—this enhances the overall appearance for women over 50. Here are four steps to help you achieve the best outcome:
Regularly groom your brows
Trim any excessively long hairs using a small pair of scissors. Brush your eyebrows upwards using a spoolie brush or a clean mascara wand to keep them looking neat.
Avoid excessive use of makeup
While filling in sparse areas is acceptable, try not to rely too heavily on eyebrow makeup daily. Give your brows a break from heavy products and allow them to breathe.
Protect your brows from damage
Shield your eyebrows from harmful UV rays by wearing a broad-brimmed hat or applying sunscreen around the brow area. Avoid rubbing or pulling your eyebrows, as this can lead to hair breakage.
Promote eyebrow regrowth for thicker brows:
Avoid over-plucking or waxing. If your eyebrows have become thin due to over-plucking or waxing, allow them to grow out by avoiding these practices. Resist the urge to shape or remove any additional hair to encourage healthy hair growth.
Use castor oil or brow serums for brow growth: Apply castor oil or brow serums to your eyebrows regularly. These products can help stimulate hair growth and improve the thickness and fullness of your brows. Gently massage the oil or serum onto your eyebrows using your fingertips before bedtime, stimulating blood flow, then leave it on overnight.
How to Fill in Thinning Eyebrows
1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil,
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo,
3. Hourglass Cosmetics Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
A simple fact for us women over 50 is hair loss. Thanks to hormones, we lose hair at higher rates than our younger counterparts. This includes not only eyebrows, but also the hair on your head.
When it comes to filling in thinning eyebrows, there are several methods you can consider. Each method offers its own benefits and can help achieve the appearance of fuller, well-defined eyebrows. Here’s a brief rundown of some common methods:
- Eyebrow Pencil: Using an eyebrow pencil is one of the simplest and most versatile ways to fill in thinning eyebrows. It allows you to create precise, hair-like strokes and control the intensity of the color. Choose a pencil shade that matches your natural hair color or eyebrow shade. Use light, feathery strokes to mimic the look of natural brow hairs. Eyebrow pencils are great for daily use and offer a quick solution for filling in sparse areas.
- Brow Powder: Brow powder is another effective method to fill in thinning eyebrows. It works by adding color and density to the brows, creating a softer and more natural look. Choose a brow powder shade that matches your hair color or is slightly lighter for a softer effect. Use an angled brush to apply the powder in short, light strokes, following the direction of your natural hair growth. Brow powder is particularly useful for those who prefer a more subtle or soft-filled brow look.
- Eyebrow Tinting: Eyebrow tinting involves using semi-permanent dye to darken and enhance the color of the eyebrows. This method is beneficial for individuals with light or sparse eyebrows. Tinting can help create the appearance of fuller brows and reduce the need for daily makeup application. It is typically performed by a professional aesthetician or eyebrow specialist and can last for several weeks.
- Microblading: Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing technique that creates realistic, hair-like strokes. It involves using a specialized hand-held tool with tiny needles to deposit pigment into the skin. Microblading is an excellent option for those with very sparse or thinning eyebrows, as it can provide long-lasting results. The procedure is typically performed by a trained and certified professional and requires regular touch-ups to maintain the desired look.
Determine the ideal shape for your brows after 50:
Start by identifying the shape that complements your face. Consider your natural brow arch and length as a reference point.
Here’s a general guideline on which eyebrow shapes tend to complement different face shapes:
How to shape your brows for an oval face shape:
Oval faces are versatile and can suit various eyebrow shapes. A softly arched brow that follows the natural shape of the brow bone can enhance the balanced features of an oval face.
The best brow shape for a round face shape:
To add definition and length to a round face, a high, well-defined arch with a slightly elongated tail is recommended. This upward arch creates the illusion of a longer face and helps balance the roundness.
Ideal eyebrow shape for women with a square face shape:
A soft, gently curved eyebrow shape can soften the strong angles of a square face. Avoid overly angular or thick brows. A slight arch that follows the natural brow bone is usually flattering for this face shape.
How to sculpt your brows if you have a heart face shape:
A gently curved or rounded brow shape can complement the wider forehead and narrower chin of a heart-shaped face. Avoid overly thin or overly arched brows, as they can create an unbalanced appearance.
What to do with a long face shape:
A straight or slightly arched brow can help shorten the appearance of a long face. Avoid long, thin brows that can elongate the face further. Keep the brows horizontally aligned to minimize vertical length.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and personal preference plays an essential role in choosing the eyebrow shape. It’s always beneficial to consult with a professional aesthetician or makeup artist who can assess your individual features and help you determine the best eyebrow shape for your face.
Look for Your Eyebrow Muse
Remember, growing and maintaining eyebrows takes time and patience. It’s important to be consistent with your routine and allow sufficient time for noticeable changes to occur. If you have specific concerns or questions, it’s always advisable to consult with a professional aesthetician or dermatologist for personalized advice.
Get inspired by the brows of these stunning celebrities who are all over 50!
EYEBROW INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN OVER 50
Gloria Estefan
At 61 years old, the Cuban-American “Conga” hit singer, Gloria Estefan, still has impressively glamorous eyebrows. She is “best brows after 50” goals!
Why do her brows work? Gloria’s eyebrows have a soft arch that flatters the natural shape of her eyes.
One of the fun facts about this influential Latin artist is that, not only is her melodic voice show-stopping, but her hand at doing eyebrows is just as impressive. So much so that, reportedly, her girlfriends come to her when they need their brows perfected.
Courteney Cox
Many of us came to fall in love with Courteney Cox as Monica Geller on Friends. Next, she took her humor to the divorced and after-40s scene in Cougar Town, which seemed to imply that life is good when there’s an endless supply of wine available.
Courteney’s brow shape works with her long, slim face. With a slimmer, almost oval-like shape, a wispy, high-arch works to complement the narrow width of her face.
Brooke Shields
Actress and model, Brooke Shields, has one of the most famous sets of brows in Hollywood. Talk about your best brows after 50!
Even during the 90s, when the world wanted stick-thin brows, she made sure her eyebrows maintained a natural thickness to them. Thin brows are making a comeback and Brooke has warned her daughters against the trend. “You’ll be sorry!” She told them. No wonder Brooke inspired a limited edition MAC Cosmetic line dedicated to the sexy and sophisticated natural look.
Do You Have Any Brow Secrets to Share?
How do you keep your brows in shape? Please share in the comments. Sharing is caring, darlings!
*Honey Good may receive a small commission for items purchased through links on this page. This helps with the cost of maintaining this site.
With hair that was naturally black, I turned salt and pepper very young. As I aged and my brows thinned, I had a terrible time trying to find a grey brow filler. Brunette looked red, dark brown didn’t match the black hairs, and blonde -yes, I was talked into trying it- looked ridiculous. Finally, I came upon Joan Rivers Hair Root Concealer in salt and pepper. Altho it’s not specifically made for brows, it is easy to apply, doesn’t wear or sweat off, and the color is PERFECT!!! Thought I’d pass this tip along to other “peppers” out there.
Thank you from one ‘pepper’ to another ‘pepper.” Warmly, Honey
Hi Honey! A generation or two ago it became de rigueur for young women to tweeze their eyebrows almost into oblivion. Whether the style was modeled after Marlene Dietrich, Twiggy, Drew Barrymore or countless other celebrities, it’s just what we did. Nearly everyone I knew tweezed their eyebrows; that, or they were lying. I damaged the tail of my brows, the right one even worse than the left by routinely and compulsively holding on to my beloved silver Tweezerman. What the hell was I thinking! Fast forward to today, where young women still pluck, wax and thread, but thankfully not to the degree we did! With all that said, there is hope for those who seriously messed up: microblading, eyebrow transplantation and countless serums, oils and conditioners. The thing is most growth serums are carefully guarded by their disclaimers and cannot promise much actual growth if the follicle is permanently damaged. What has helped me (aside from putting down the Tweezerman) was a product I still occasionally buy called M2Beaute. It does–I think–add visibility to tiny hairs and adds a glossy color to them. I will forever use a clear gel and brow pencil. I currently use Bobbi Brown grey, YSL grey and Babor blond or all three at once!
Thank you for all the information. Truly enjoyed reading. But, then I always enjoy your messages to me. I never leave one without smiling, laughing or learning. Warmly, Honey
Hi Honey, I had a thyroid problem which caused me to lose most of my body hair. I have only half-eyebrows and almost no eyelashes. How can I get instructions for filling in my brows? I seem to make a mess of it on a daily basis .
Hang tight. I may do a FaceBook Live next week on my own eyebrows. Beauty shops have trained specialists that fill in eyebrows, permanently but you must be careful and see their work before you allow the procedure. Warmly, Honey
Arriving a bit late to the game on this topic (I just joined and now I’m reading all the posts) I have extremely fair (almost white) eyebrows that have not been plucked but are virtually invisible and somewhat thin. Recently, I discovered this product which is sort of like mascara for the eyebrows and it’s called “Milk Kush Fiber Brow Gel.” I use the color “Haze” which creates the most natural appearance (much better than pencil) and I bought it at Sephora.
You are becoming my resource! A book and now Milk Kush Fiber Brow Gel. I will purchase at Sephora! How did you find HoneyGood.com? Warmly, Honey
I found HoneyGood.com through Abby Ellin’s piece in the Nov. 11th New York Times. I am not much of a “joiner” but everything in the article truly resonated with me and the idea of a platform for intergenerational women’s gatherings really got my mind and heart percolating and I immediately wanted to join. Your entire enterprise is inspiring, creative and needed. From one Lang to another . . . cheers!
My eyebrows have diminished immensely because I think maybe my chemical dependency on powder have made me deficient..only have 20 hairs / eyebrow
Truly, I have no idea. I wish I did and could advise. Enjoy the twenty. Buy a good product to etch in your brows or get tattoos. Warmly, Honey
I got very little hair on brow advice
I am sorry to learn this. Don’t give up. It takes six weeks or longer. It takes a long time to grow hair. Warmly, Honey
I understand Just For Men beard hair dye is also used for those dastardly brow hairs!! Supposedly lasts 3-4 weeks.
I have not attempted this path but just passing this along in support of this great topic!!
Thank you very much. Warmly, Honey
I am reading the eyebrow information July 27, 2023. Could you please advise if you have a product that regrows the eyebrow hairs? I have seen several emails stating there is a product(?) that works. Also, please state the price and where to order it.
Thank you,
Michelle Sutton
I don’t have the answer, Michelle. They are out there but I cannot recommend one that works. Most of my friends take the vitamin Biotin. Try that. It does work. Warmly, Honey