In the past twenty years or so our poor eyebrows have been through  some style changes. As soon as Madonna and Mariel Hemmingway started championing the heavy brow style that defined the 80’s we dedicated fashion sheep followed suit. But then we rushed headfirst into the 90’s when thin was in and heavy was out.

Eyebrows mirrored the skinny minny models of the day with the trend for over-plucked, barely-there brows sending the bushy look to it’s grave. Fast forward to present day and those with over-plucked relics of the 90’s are getting in a flap as the trend for big and bold is well and truly back. The trend was first seen on the catwalks last autumn and showed no sign of slowing down in this year’s Spring/Summer shows and the more recent Autumn/Winter previews. Not convinced you’re ready to start channelling Madonna again? Take inspiration from these catwalk looks below.

Chanel girls on the S/S 09 catwalk wore their brows with attitude, sporting huge but groomed arcs that would put even the Material Girl to shame. The key difference between the modern noughties brow and the 80’s look is that this time around the look is a lot neater. Yes, the super sizing is still important but don’t be tempted to go au natural. Tweeze stray hairs and if you’ve got the time (and cash) book yourself in for a professional threading session for a perfect arch. Fill in any sparse areas with a pencil or powder bringing the outer end to a defined point. Choose a pencil one shade up from your natural brow colour or try a powder for a softer finish. The powder in Bloom’s Brow Kit is perfect for all skin tones plus the kit also includes a great wax for keeping brows in place after adding colour. Mac also has a good range of brow tools, our favourite is the Eye Brows Pen which adds colour and density with a handy pen applicator so no need for sharpening. This look works best with pared down makeup. Try a hint of shimmer on eyelids, a rosy blush and a slick of pale lip gloss. Ideal for board room power dressing and just enough punch for a confidence boost, Wall Street style.

Whilst Chanel brows were super groomed S/S 09 Lanvin models sported more roughed up arches. Use a eyebrow comb (or clean, dry toothbrush) to gently brush hairs upwards and then fill in colour as before. This messed up look can take slightly more make-up so channel that slept in since the 80’s look. Apply lashings of black liquid liner to upper lids smudging slightly as you go. Nars Liquid Liner in Angel Heart is a classic black ideal for blending Leave lower lids bare for dramatic intensity. This look works best on those young enough to not remember the look first time round.

Finally Derek Lam’s models on the A/W 09 catwalks showed us how to take big brows from summer to winter by teaming with autumnal shades. Everything centres on the eyes for this glam after dark look. Bronze/gold colour complements a strong brow. Try Bobbi Brown’s Metallic Eye Shadow in Burnt Sugar with a wash of grey shadow (Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Flint is great) all the way up to the brow arch and smudge below the lower lashes too. Work this for high octane glamour at fashion forward parties and team with your biggest shoulder pads.