Gone are the days of plucked minimalism, instead the S/S12 catwalks were stormed by warrior queens with brows that erred, at times, more towards the Frida Kahlo end of the spectrum. Which isn’t to say you should dash off and start frantically cultivating a mono-brow, but a little less pruning is definitely a good way to update your face for 2012 – you’ll look like a sexier, more grown up version of you and nobody will quite be able to put their finger on why. If you are reading this from behind a sparse sprinkling, try the new and improved Peter Thomas Roth’s Lashes To Die For lash growth serum – it works on brows too and if you start now you’ll be able to pull off a full ‘Brooke Shields’ before the daffodils come up this spring.

Look to the new industry darlings Arizona Muse and Bambi Northwood-Blyth (fash-swoon left) for inspiration. Both are the eyebrow icons you need to channel. And far from swamping their unquestionably beautiful foreheads, their bigger brows lend an elegant yet sexy edge to even the most ladylike make-up looks. They’re tomboy-ish, brushed up with clean skin and ponytails; edgy when coupled with lashings of kohl and look archly sophisticated when lovingly groomed (if it was good enough for Elizabeth Taylor…)

If the prospect of growing your brows induces more than a few furrows of doubt, look no further than Anastasia Soare, with her arsenal of products to aid the transition. Much like ridding yourself of a fringe, growing out eyebrows is no mean feat and an awkward interim phase is virtually unavoidable but try to resist the temptation to tweeze.

The ‘definitive eye and brow expert’, Anastasia’s eyebrow range has everything you need to fake a full set, even if you’re decidedly lacking. Use Brow Wiz to plump up sparse brows (the nib is so fine it can mimic individual hairs) then define and set the shape with award winning Tinted Brow Gel.

Or, if you’ve not yet fallen foul of over-zealous eyebrow epilation, be thankful and experiment with what you’ve got. Use Anastasia’s Brow Pen and Brow Powder Duo to enhance their natural shape and draw attention for the right reasons. If you’ve got the confidence to pare down the rest of your make-up, statement brows are not only incredibly fashion forward they add structure to your face, drawing attention to your eye area and balancing out a heavy chin (a great trick too if you wake up with a massive zit!)

A small change can make a big difference so don’t panic at the prospect of growing a set of caterpillars. Tw-ease yourself in gradually and you’ll soon be raising more than a few approving eyebrows.

verity douglas

I have a confession to make – I am a high maintenance blonde. By that I am referring to the insane lengths I go to get my chemically treated, frizzy curly mop look halfway decent. As well as my normal makeup jobs, I now regularly consult for a luxury brand, where I have to look absolutely immaculate. It’s an eternal struggle that goes on pretty much daily so when Urban Retreat invited me to sample their Rahua Omega 9 treatment, I could hardly say no. I have contemplated having my wild locks tamed by a Brazilian blow-dry to save me time – although the chemical side of the process is something that worries me – but a natural way to get my hair looking good is definitely welcome.

I had already heard great things about the wonderfully wholesome Rahua Hair Care range from Cult Beauty’s Alexia, as they were the first to sell it in the UK. I then met the charming people behind the brand last summer and was bowled over by the enthusiasm they had and how natural this collection actually is (free from synthetics, parabens, sulphates). Deriving its potent ingredients from the oil of the rahua nut and ungurahua oils found in the Amazon, the products seek to nourish the hair follicle from within, rather than the usual coating it in silicone to create an artificial shine. Rahua has become a massive hit in the upmarket salons of New york which is another good enough recommendation for me. The shampoo and conditioner do not come cheap but you only need a very small amount so it will last you a long time.

For the £35 treatment the lovely James washed and conditioned my hair – the hair masque is about 15 minutes long – then gave me a fantastic blow-dries that made my hair look sleek, shiny and healthy. I always like my hair best the day after a blow-dry when it has settled a bit  and the best news that my normally coarse and unruly mop still felt soft and shiny three days later which to me is the main test of not only a great blow-dry but also of fantastic products, to which I am now completely addicted. emma day

The Jojoba Oil is a spot-on make up remover for sensitive eyes and those who want to avoid all chemicals. The Gentle Cream Cleanser is a godsend to any kind of reactive skin, bringing balance again not matter how bad it was. I’ve always seen toners and mists as something to leave-out-if-one’s-trying-to-budget, but that action of moistening your skin with the Rose Hydrating Mist not only allows you to use less moisturiser for the same level of moisturisation, it smells brilliant. Then there’s the Rose Moisturiser, which just leaves your skin so happy it glows. alexia inge