If the eyes are the window to the soul, then your brows are the curtains that define your entire being. Hyperbolic, sure. But eyebrow shapes are sneakily one of the most important features to consider—even the slightest arch can make a huge difference in how we balance our features and provide facial structure. So deciding which one works best for you requires some extra thought and care.
If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you. Consider this your lesson in eyebrow shapes 101, straight from the pros.
- Eyebrow shapes balance our features and provide facial structure.
- Your face shape, hairline, hairstyle, makeup habits, and lifestyle can all play roles in determining the best brow shape for you.
How to find your perfect brow
Many things go into finding your perfect brow, but it really depends on your facial structure and your natural hair. Whether you have a round, oval, square, or heart-shaped face, celebrity brow artist and Chanel ambassador Jimena Garcia says assessing your face shape can help determine what brow arches are best for balancing out your features. She adds that things like your brow’s natural fullness, how your hair grows, and what aesthetic you’re aiming for can also dictate what shape is most flattering.
Kristie Streicher, celebrity brow artist and founder of KS&CO, says that she likes to look at bone structure (“The brow bone acts as a natural blueprint for where the brow should live,” she says), natural growth pattern, and hair density before shaping and grooming brows. “I look at where the hair naturally grows, where the brow is sparse, and where small adjustments can open and lift the eye area,” Streicher says. “Brows should follow bone structure and natural growth patterns, not trends.”
“You want to create symmetry and balance in the eye area and what feels harmonious to your overall face shape,” adds celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin.
What is brow mapping?
Another way to figure out your best eyebrow shape is through brow mapping. According to Martin, brow mapping is a three-point technique that uses your facial structure to show you where your brow should start, peak, and end. Garcia adds that brow mapping is all based on the proportions of your nose, eyes, and overall face. By measuring these key points, you’ll be able to find the most flattering brow shape. “You create a blueprint that ensures the brow shape enhances your natural symmetry,” she says. “Essentially, it takes the guesswork out, helping you shape brows that are tailored specifically to your face.”