How to Fake Thin Brows Without Tweezing

For better or for worse, thin brows are the latest ’90s beauty trend to have a 2023 revival. Supermodels and celebs like Gabbriette, Doja Cat, and Bella Hadid (not to mention most of our Tiktok FYP) have been experimenting with ultra-thin arches that are the antithesis of Cara Delevingne’s famously full, bushy brows. Pair them with brown-lined lips, smoky eyes, and frosty lids, and you’ve got a full ‘90s beauty revival.

“We’re seeing great examples of the modern thin brow trend and how this look can create lift to your eye area and more space for eye makeup,” says Sara Wren, Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry and resident brow expert.

Thankfully, you don’t have to resort to tweezing or plucking your natural brows into pencil-thin submission to emulate Pamela Anderson, Kate Moss, or Drew Barrymore’s iconic red-carpet brow moments of decades past. You don’t even need that many tools (no concealer or brow pencil required, promise). A clear brow gel with an ultra-strong hold —namely Milk Makeup’s KUSH Brow Lamination Gel — will help you live out the skinny brow fantasy without losing any hairs.

Sure, our new brow gel was formulated to give arches a bushy-yet-sleek feathery effect, but you can also wield its dual-sided wand to style your brows to appear thinner for an instant skinny eyebrow effect. Read on for your easiest tutorial for making thin brows happen with our KUSH Brow Lamination Gel, no matter your natural eyebrow shape.

1. Backcomb

Starting at the tail of your brow and working forward toward the front, brush KUSH Brow Lamination Gel against the natural direction of your brow hairs. This technique evenly coats them with the formula’s flexible, flake-free grip, so the hairs will be able to cling together well later on in the process.

Writer wears Milk Makeup KUSH Brow Lamination Gel for thin eyebrows

2. Smooth

Next, brush your brows back into place and into the thin brow shape you desire with the shorter bristled side of KUSH Brow Lamination Gel’s wand.

GIF of writer smoothing eyebrows with Milk Makeup KUSH Brow Lamination Gel

3. Pinch

“Using your fingers, pinch your brow hairs together from the bottom and the top to create the illusion of thin eyebrows,” says Sara. You can also use tweezers or a false lash applicator to help squeeze your brows into a thinner brow shape, especially if you want to avoid making your fingertips or acrylics sticky. Keep pinching your brows until the gel fully sets. Once it does, you don’t have to worry about them all day long.

From there, you can amp up your temporary thin brow look even more with a bright highlight along your brow bone. TryColor Chalkin Freeze or Hula Hoop for an eye-catching shimmer that pairs perfectly with this eyebrow trend. “I love this trick to define your brows and make this look very future-past,” says Sara.

GIF of writer pinching brow hairs together to create thin eyebrows

Before image of writer with natural, full eyebrows

After image of writer using Milk Makeup KUSH Brow Lamination Gel to create thin eyebrows

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.