Get the look: How to pull off bleached brows without using bleach

For the past year, I’ve admired bleached brows from a safe distance, convinced the look was a beauty statement reserved for risk-takers far braver than me. But with maximalist beauty cementing itself as one of 2026’s biggest trends, it finally felt like the right moment to experiment — without committing to actual bleach.

As the name suggests, bleached brows are exactly that: brows lightened from their natural shade to a near white-blonde, creating a high-contrast effect that instantly reframes the face. Once considered niche or weird, the look has steadily moved into the mainstream, fueled by fashion weeks, red carpet moments and a beauty landscape that’s embracing bold, expressive individuality.

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Bold maximalist makeup looks to try this year — if you're feeling brave

While brow bleaching has long existed as a form of personal style, makeup artists are using bleached brows to strip the face back, allowing skin, eyes and statement makeup to take centre stage. In an era where beauty is less about following the rules and more about experimentation, the look has become a symbol of confidence and creative freedom.

Thankfully, committing to bleached brows no longer requires a trip to the salon. From celebrity makeup artists to TikTok creators, there’s no shortage of at-home methods that mimic the bleached effect without commitment — a low-risk way to test-drive the trend.

After hours of scrolling (and saving), I landed on TikToker @ileshahserene’s bleached brow tutorial. It’s refreshingly detailed, beginner-friendly and breaks the process down into manageable steps — exactly what’s needed for a first attempt.

@ileshahserene How I get blonde eyebrows without using bleach✨ What I used: @Too Faced concealer ’cookie’ @Laura Mercier translucent powder @elfcosmetics concealer ‘rich chocolate’ #bleachedbrows #makeuphacks #makeuptutorials #fyp ♬ Elegance - Projecttexass

While the faux-bleached brow look relies on surprisingly simple tools — concealer and powder — the final result depends entirely on technique. Patience, precision and a light hand make all the difference. When done right, the effect is striking:

What you’ll need:

Spoolie

Concealer (a shade lighter than your skin tone)

Translucent or brightening powder

Start by coating your spoolie with the lighter concealer. Gently brush it through your brow hairs, working from root to tip. Apply two thin layers, allowing the concealer to dry slightly between each layer.

Clean up the edges with a damp cotton swab to maintain a crisp, precise shape.

Once your brows are evenly coated, use a translucent or brightening powder to set the look. Apply it lightly with a brush, then tidy up the edges again with a damp cotton swab.

Finish by blending around the brow with a concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone for a seamless, natural finish.

To fully commit to the maximalist aesthetic, I didn’t stop at bleached brows. I paired the look with DIY faux-bleached lashes, faux dermals and a bold lip combo inspired by Doja Cat’s statement pout created by makeup artist, Sophia Sinot.

@glamoursouthafrica The BIGGEST beauty trend of 2026: GLAMOUR’s Beauty Content Producer tried #maximalistmakeup ♬ original sound - Glamour South Africa