Before you rule out thin eyebrows, read what makeup artists have to say

One of the biggest beauty talking points at this year’s Met Gala wasn’t a dramatic lip colour or sculptural hairstyle—it was Blackpink Jennie’s ultra-thin eyebrows. The K-pop star’s 90s-inspired arches instantly sparked conversation online, reviving interest in the skinny brow trend that dominated the late ‘90s and early 2000s. With fellow Gen Z star KATSEYE’s Yoonchae also favouring slim brows, the look is quietly making a comeback.

The razor-thin eyebrows were a nostalgic nod to an era when celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Cameron Diaz and Victoria Beckham popularised pencil-thin arches. Jennie isn’t the first celebrity to embrace the trend’s revival, either. In recent months, Doja Cat and Millie Bobby Brown have also experimented with thinner brows, while TikTok’s popular thin eyebrow filter has made it easier than ever to test-drive the look before reaching for the tweezers.

But are thin eyebrows really back? More importantly, could they actually suit you? We asked makeup artists Keith Bryant Lee and Kenneth Lee to explain why eyebrow shape matters more than following trends.

Why Jennie’s thin eyebrows worked

According to Keith Bryant Lee, Jennie’s brows stood out because they were completely unexpected yet perfectly balanced with the rest of her makeup.

Kenneth Lee agrees, describing the look as “a calculated risk that paid off” and one that required “a very high level of technical skill, even in the realm of celebrity makeup”.

“It was not the obvious choice of brow for her soft facial features but it was incredibly well balanced by her makeup artist: from adding freckles, to a spiky lash, to the shimmer,” he explains. “The brow itself was also excellently drawn. Clean, in the perfect shade of grey-taupe, over a freshly-bleached brow for crispness.”

Their takeaway? Thin eyebrows aren’t flattering because they’re trendy—they work because they’re customised to complement the wearer’s facial features and overall makeup look.

How eyebrow shape changes your face

Jennie’s beauty look has also reignited the long-running debate of thick versus thin eyebrows. While trends come and go, both experts agree that eyebrow shape has a remarkable ability to transform your appearance.

Kenneth explains that brow shape—and even brow colour—can dramatically alter facial harmony. A higher arch can lift drooping features, while a thicker brow can visually minimise a larger forehead.

“Brows are also an aesthetic choice,” he says. “Bleaching them gives you more eye space for bolder looks, while a thin ‘90s brow lends your makeup a curated, fashion-forward edge. They’re one of the quickest ways to harmonise or change a face, but also one of the hardest to get right.”

Keith adds that eyebrows frame the face, with their height, arch and length helping to balance facial proportions. A higher arch can elongate the face, while straighter brows soften longer face shapes. Simply changing the thickness or shape of your brows can also influence how youthful, strong or approachable you appear.

Thin Vs thick eyebrows: Which brow shape suits you?

Because eyebrows are one of the most transformative features on the face, choosing the right shape is more important than chasing trends.

Kenneth believes there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

“The best, and probably only way to know, is to grab a glass of wine, sit in front of a mirror and try out a bunch of shapes till you find one that feels good,” he says.

Instead of focusing solely on face shape, he encourages people to think about the impression they want to create. Arched brows, for example, project confidence and authority, while softer brows can make someone appear more approachable.

“More than face shape, brows are situational. Once you know the effect you want to have on people, the answer is clear. If I were to have a guideline: softer features generally suit softer-drawn brows; high-contrast features suit more defined brows.”

When weighing up thick versus thin eyebrows, Kenneth recommends choosing a brow that balances your overall facial features rather than blindly following trends. A thin brow can soften stronger features, while a fuller brow may create a more youthful appearance—or the opposite may be true depending on your unique bone structure.

Keith agrees that each style creates a different effect. Thick brows tend to look youthful, fresh and modern, while thinner brows deliver a more sophisticated aesthetic and can make the eyes appear larger.

Are thin eyebrows making a comeback?

After more than a decade dominated by fluffy, brushed-up brows, Keith believes we’re “definitely seeing a genuine shift” towards ultra-thin, ‘90s-inspired brows, particularly among Gen Z beauty lovers. However, he advises pairing slimmer brows with enough eye makeup to avoid looking washed out.

Kenneth is more cautious. While he thinks Jennie’s Met Gala look was stunning, he sees it as more of a fashion statement than a sign of a mainstream beauty shift in Singapore.

“Our makeup consumers generally lean towards safe, clean-girl looks that require less fussing,” he says.

Instead, he believes people are increasingly seeking customised eyebrow shapes that complement their own features rather than following every global beauty micro-trend. Brow preferences also vary significantly across Southeast Asia, making trends highly market-specific.

Expert tips before you try thin eyebrows

If you’re curious about skinny brows but aren’t ready to commit, Keith recommends using beauty filters or photo-editing apps to preview the look first.

Kenneth’s advice? Don’t be afraid to experiment.

“Most makeup is low commitment and nothing is permanent,” he says. Even bleached brows can easily be recoloured by a hairdresser, while brow makeup and tint kits allow you to test a slimmer shape without permanently removing hair.

His one exception: avoid eyebrow tattoos if you’re experimenting with trends.

As for creating brows that photograph well, Kenneth says the difference between camera makeup and real-life makeup is much smaller than it used to be.

“If I know a client will be having lots of heavy flash photography, I’ll focus on bringing out lots of definition—for example, stronger colours, a cleaner arch or tail, followed by a brow gel on the hairs to give it maximum payoff on camera.”

One final professional tip? Powder your brows before having your photo taken.

“Our brows also get shiny from oil,” he says. “Always make sure you powder your brows well if you’re going to be photographed.”