Guide to Different Eyebrow Shapes

Selecting the right eyebrow shapes can make a huge difference is your entire look.

Eyebrows shapes are often a forgotten factor in general beauty. You might think that they tend to blend into your face and seem unimportant. However, since eyebrows frame the eyes, they can actually have a huge impact on your overall appearance. By utilizing proper eyebrow shapes, you can give your entire look a youthful lift.

The most important rule for eyebrow shapes is to always use a shape that mimics your forehead's natural curve. Though a certain eyebrow may look stunning on your favorite movie star, it could easily look terrible on you.

Always approach any eyebrow tweezing with extreme caution. Sometimes certain hairs will never grow back, which can result in a permanently unflattering eyebrow shape. Even if the hair does grow back, the wrong shape will stay with you for weeks to months, depending on how fast your hair grows.

You need to determine where your eyebrow should start and end before anything else. To find your eyebrow length, simply use a straight pencil. To determine where your eyebrow should start, place the pencil sticking vertically from the nostril. To determine where your eyebrow should end, keep the pencil against your nose and angle it to the edge of your eye. When the pencil hits your brow, that's where the brow should start or end.

Angled
An angled eyebrow has a sharp arch going up, then a dramatic slope coming back down. This shape works well for round faces, as it can help add depth and dimension. However, you must be careful not to make the angle too extreme, or you may end up looking constantly angry.

Arched
An arched eyebrow looks just like it sounds. It has a gentle arch that curves slightly upwards for most of the eye, and then gently slopes downward towards the outer eye. This shape works for most faces, but is particularly useful for opening up a low brow line.

Curved
A curved eyebrow is basically a half circle. The area that slopes upward and the area that slopes downward are just about even in proportion. This shape is wonderful for making angular faces seem softer and eyes brighter.

Flat
A flat, or low-angled, eyebrow has very little curve to it and goes along a basic, almost straight line. This brow shape looks good on people with widely spaced eyes or long faces, as it minimizes overall distance and helps your eyes appear slightly closer together.