The Transformative Power of Eyebrows: a conversation with Lucia Popa founder of Fulltimeglam
*FULLTIMEGLAM
*FULLTIMEGLAM
Eyebrows may seem like a detail, but in the hands of Lucia Popa, they become a masterpiece of precision, symmetry, and self-expression. As the founder of Fulltimeglam, an exclusive beauty atelier in Paris, Lucia has elevated eyebrow artistry to an entirely new level—so much so that securing an appointment is a luxury in itself. Her schedule is always fully booked, and her devoted clientele would never dream of missing a session. Some even fly in from across the world just to experience her signature touch.
Her revolutionary Browlines method is more than just shaping brows; it’s a philosophy of balance, proportion, and enhancing natural beauty in the most effortless way. Raised in Romania and mentored by industry icon Anastasia Soare, Lucia doesn’t follow trends—she sets them. She has built Fulltimeglam into a sanctuary where brows are meticulously sculpted to frame not just the eyes, but the entire essence of a person’s beauty and confidence.
In this exclusive conversation, she shares the defining moments of her journey, the science behind the perfect brow, and why the right shape can do more than enhance your face—it can redefine how you see yourself.
You’ve been described as a “architect of eyebrow beauty.” Can you share the defining moments of your journey in the beauty industry that led you to found Fulltimeglam?
My passion for eyebrows started after a bad experience at 14 when my mom took me to get my brows done—it completely changed my face, and I was devastated. I began experimenting with makeup to fix them, which sparked my journey as a makeup artist. Over time, I realized that good brows are the foundation of any great look. That understanding led me to focus entirely on eyebrows and create Fulltimeglam, where everyone can achieve their best, most confident self.
How did your experience working alongside beauty icons like Anastasia Soare shape your philosophy on beauty and the creation of your brand?
Anastasia was one of my first role models, especially since we share the same roots—both born in Romania and building our lives in another country. She showed me that with hard work, you can make a significant impact. I admired how she cared for her employees and the closeness she maintained with her team. It inspired me to create an environment where people are united by the same vision: improving women’s lives. Women truly rule the world, and there’s nothing more powerful than adding value to their lives.
What personal values or beliefs have guided you throughout your career in the beauty industry?
I believe in authenticity, precision, and empowerment. Beauty should enhance natural features, not mask them, and every individual’s uniqueness deserves to be celebrated. If you feel good about your eyebrows, you feel good in your skin; if you feel good in your skin, you feel confident—and that confidence allows you to have a positive impact on your life and the lives of others. Voilà, my philosophy!
What inspired the creation of Fulltimeglam, and how did you identify the need for a specialized salon focused solely on the eyebrow area?
Working with Anastasia Soare and being closely involved in the brand’s implementation in Europe made me realize the need for a technique that helps people achieve natural, balanced brows. I noticed many relying on makeup to recover from bad eyebrow restructuring, which inspired me to develop a method based on facial morphology, muscle structure, and the natural placement of the brows. My goal is for people to use makeup not out of necessity, but for the joy of enhancing their already beautiful features.
Fulltimeglam is located near Parc Monceau, a prestigious area in Paris. How does the location influence the brand’s identity and clientele?
We chose this location because it’s intimate and private, tucked away in a beautiful Parisian courtyard. It offers a cosy, residential atmosphere where we can take the time to focus on each client. The elegance of the area reflects the calm, refined experience we aim to provide, making Fulltimeglam feel more like a personal, exclusive retreat.
What challenges did you face in launching a highly specialized beauty salon, and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge was defining the symmetry method, which I created based on years of experience and training with specialized masters worldwide. I noticed many people were hesitant to get their eyebrows done because they couldn’t envision the final result. To address this, I created the Browlines method, which serves as a guideline for us and a reassuring preview for clients. The second challenge was helping people understand that I had developed a teachable method, allowing me to build a team and have a greater impact on women’s lives. By focusing on these elements, I was able to establish a strong foundation for Fulltimeglam.
How does your approach to eyebrow design align with the principles of facial harmony? Can you explain how specific brow shapes impact facial proportions?
Eyebrows are the frame of our eyes—just like the frame of a painting or a piece of art. If the frame isn’t well-suited, it doesn’t do justice to the artwork. The same goes for eyebrows. Even when I was just doing makeup, I always believed that everything on our face should work together harmoniously to make us look our best. If someone’s eyebrows are the only thing you notice when looking at their face, something is off. Brows should enhance the eyes, not overpower them. That’s why I created the Browlines method, which takes into account facial morphology, natural eyebrow growth patterns, and the subtle asymmetries of our facial muscles. (By the way, did you know that we’re all born asymmetrical because, in the womb, some parts of our face develop differently depending on how we position our hands against our body? I found that so fascinating!).
Many clients report feeling more confident after receiving services at Fulltimeglam. How do you view the connection between well-designed eyebrows and personal self-confidence?
I believe this is deeply connected to the way we experience the world—through our eyes. We see everything, including ourselves, by looking outward. The way our eyes are shaped and framed influences how we perceive not only the world but also our own reflection. That’s why I see eyebrows as more than just a detail; they set the tone for our entire expression. If your brows make you look tired or angry, that affects how you feel about yourself. But when they are well-shaped and balanced, they enhance your natural beauty, creating harmony and making you look and feel your best. And when you feel good about yourself, confidence naturally follows. So voilà!
How do you educate clients about selecting brow styles that enhance their natural features while staying true to their personal aesthetic?
We always emphasize that eyebrow shaping should never be dictated by trends. What looks great on someone else might not necessarily suit your face. Why? Because we’re all unique—our facial features, brow hair growth patterns, textures, and even muscle structures are different. When it comes to styling, we encourage clients to adapt their brows based on their overall look. For example, if you’re wearing more eye makeup than usual, your brows may need a bit more definition—this is where a brow pencil or tinted gel can help add depth. On the other hand, for a softer, everyday look, a simple swipe of clear brow gel is often enough to keep them polished while maintaining their natural beauty.
Your signature Browlines method has received media acclaim. What makes this technique unique, and how did you develop it?
I came up with the idea for my Browlines method when I was about to leave my job at Anastasia Beverly Hills. I started asking myself: What’s missing in the world of eyebrows? Anastasia created some of the best brow products that still dominate the market today, but I kept wondering—why do we need to rely on makeup every day just to make our brows look right?
Then, I thought back to all the clients I had worked with while applying Anastasia’s products. I kept hearing the same frustrations: “My brows were over-plucked,” “They don’t look like they used to,” “They were made too thin.” It became clear—there was a gap in the industry.
That’s why I developed Browlines: a method that listens to what eyebrows actually need. It considers face morphology, natural brow structure, and muscle asymmetry, so that makeup becomes a choice, not a necessity. With this technique, brows are designed to complement the face naturally, allowing people to enhance them with makeup if they want to, rather than feeling like they have to just to look normal.
I created this method after a year of intensive training across different parts of the world, immersing myself in various techniques to truly understand what it takes to frame the eyebrows—not by altering them, but by redefining what naturally exists in a more harmonious and symmetrical way.
What does beauty mean to you personally, beyond your professional work?
Beauty, to me, is the essence of life that flows both from the inside out and from the outside into our inner world. It’s more than just an aesthetic—it’s a way of living, seeing, and being. True beauty is found in harmony, in the way we nurture ourselves, the energy we share, and the emotions we express. It’s in confidence, kindness, and the ability to appreciate the world with curiosity and gratitude. Beyond my professional work, beauty is a state of mind—one that shapes how we experience life and connect with others.
How do you approach continuous innovation while staying true to Fulltimeglam’s original mission?
Continuous innovation at Full Time Glam is about finding the perfect balance between evolution and staying true to our core mission: enhancing natural beauty through expertise and precision. I love traveling to different countries—the U.S., the Middle East, and especially Eastern Europe, where beauty standards are deeply rooted in perfection. I keep an open eye on new technologies and techniques, but I don’t adopt trends just because they’re popular. Instead, I carefully select what aligns with our philosophy of excellence.
Recently, we elevated our brow experience by integrating a new brow massage protocol designed to help clients fully immerse themselves in the FullTimeGlam experience. This protocol was created in collaboration with Diane Servant, one of the best facialists in Paris, whose expertise is truly remarkable. I’m passionate about working with elite professionals who share the same commitment to excellence, and this kind of collaboration allows us to push boundaries while staying true to our brand’s essence.
Eyebrow beauty has evolved significantly in recent years. What industry trends excite or concern you the most?
Oh, that’s a great question! I’m really proud of how the brow industry has evolved over the past five years since I launched Full Time Glam. People now truly understand that eyebrows aren’t just a detail—they shape confidence. When they’re done right, they empower you; when they’re not, something feels incomplete. And I think COVID played a big role in this shift. With masks covering our faces, the eyes—and by extension, the brows—became the focal point of expression.
What excites me most is the growing appreciation for natural brow shapes and textures. This is exactly what my method is built on—the idea that eyebrows aren’t like a pair of boots you swap out every season, but more like the perfect frame for your eyes, designed to complement your unique features over time.
How do you stay ahead of emerging beauty trends while maintaining your brand’s timeless approach?
I embrace trends as long as they respect the natural integrity of the eyebrows. Beauty evolves, and I love staying informed about emerging techniques and innovations. However, not everything trendy is worth adopting—some things, like over-trimming or thinning out brows, can have irreversible consequences that clients might regret later.
At FullTimeGlam, my focus is on enhancing what’s naturally there rather than forcing trends that don’t stand the test of time. My approach is about creating balance and harmony, ensuring that every client leaves with brows that suit their unique features—not just what’s popular in the moment. This balance between staying informed and staying true to timeless beauty is what keeps the brand ahead while maintaining its signature approach.
As a founder, what leadership principles guide how you run Fulltimeglam and inspire your team?
I lead Full Time Glam the same way I approach my life, my marriage, and my friendships—with love, respect, commitment, and hard work. I believe that how you do one thing is how you do everything. This means setting high standards, staying dedicated, and always leading by example. For my team, I emphasize passion and precision while creating an environment where they feel valued and inspired. I encourage continuous learning, collaboration, and a deep respect for the craft. My goal is to build a team that not only excels in technique but also shares the same philosophy of excellence and care that defines FullTimeGlam. And I’m very lucky I have an amazing team!
What qualities do you look for when hiring new beauty professionals to join your team?
When hiring for FullTimeGlam, I look for perfectionists—people who aren’t satisfied with just “good” but always strive for excellence. They must have a deep care for people, because beauty is as much about how we make clients feel as it is about technique. Discipline is key, as mastery comes with consistency and dedication. And above all, I look for true passion for beauty—because when you love what you do, it shows in your work.
If you could offer one piece of beauty wisdom that every person should know, what would it be?
Beauty is not about changing who you are but enhancing what makes you unique. The key is balance—respecting your natural features while elevating them with care and precision. When you embrace what’s naturally yours, confidence follows effortlessly. It’s our philosophy at Fulltimeglam!
Looking ahead, what are your dreams for the future of Fulltimeglam?
This year, my focus is on building a strong team in Paris and continuously perfecting our craft through ongoing internal training. I want to impact women worldwide with our technique and elevate the role of the brow artist to be an essential presence on fashion shoots and within major brands like Chanel and Dior. My dream is for FullTimeGlam to become more than just a brow brand—it’s about creating a way of living, a community of powerful women who uplift and empower each other.
Are there any upcoming innovations or expansions that you can share with us?
We’re working on something our clients have been asking for years—a project we truly believe will be revolutionary in the eyebrow world. While we can’t share details just yet, it’s something that will take the experience to the next level. Stay tuned!
