Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Janie Wilson
We all know that eyebrows are a major player in facial aesthetics. They’re more than just hair on your face – they can create an impression, add character, and quite literally shape the way we look. Much like a well-chosen outfit, the right eyebrow shape can enhance your natural beauty and bring balance to your features.
But here’s the catch – not all eyebrow shapes suit all face shapes. We’ve all seen it. The amazing Instagram brow that looked odd when you tried it, the trend that didn’t quite work out as planned. Why is that? It all boils down to facial structure. Just as you’d choose a hairstyle to flatter your face shape, you should also be choosing an eyebrow shape that complements your unique features.
So,how do you determine the best eyebrow shape for your facial structure?
Understand Your Face Shape
The first step to finding the best eyebrow shape for your face is understanding that we all have different facial structures. You’ve probably heard terms like “oval,” “square,” “heart,” “round,” “long,” and “diamond” used to describe face shapes. But what do these terms mean?
An “oval” face shape is longer than it is wide, with a rounded jaw and forehead. “Square” face shapes are characterized by a strong jawline and a forehead that’s roughly the same width as the jaw. If your chin is pointed and your forehead is the widest part of your face, you likely have a “heart” shaped face. “Round” faces are as wide as they are long but with softer angles. If your face is noticeably longer than it is wide, you have a “long” face shape. Lastly, a “diamond” face shape is characterized by wide cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin.
Got a mental picture?
So, How Do You Determine Your Own Face Shape?
To do this, you’ll need a mirror, good lighting, and possibly an eye pencil or washable marker. Tie your hair back if you have it long, making sure your hairline is visible.
First, look at the widest part of your face. If it’s your forehead, you might have an oval or heart-shaped face. If it’s your cheekbones, your face may be round or diamond-shaped. A prominent, wide jawline could suggest a square face.
Next, check your jaw. Is it rounded or more angular? A round or oval face typically has a softer, more rounded jaw, while square faces have a strong, angular jawline. Heart and diamond faces may have a pointed chin.
Lastly, consider the length of your face. Oval faces are usually longer than they are wide. Round faces are typically as wide as they are long. Long faces are, well, long. If your face is noticeably longer than it is wide, you have a long face shape.
Matching Eyebrow Shape to Facial Structure
Now that we’ve identified our face shapes, it’s time to match them to the ideal eyebrow shape.
If you have an “oval” face, you’re lucky! This is often seen as the most versatile of face shapes, able to rock most eyebrow shapes. However, the best eyebrow shape for an oval shape is a soft-angled brow. This shape has a natural, softer peak at the arch, creating a subtle lift and balancing your features beautifully.
Got a “square” face? The goal here is to balance out your strong jawline. A curved or soft-angled eyebrow shape can do wonders here. The curved brows create a gentle, rounded look that softens the face’s natural angularity.
For those with a “heart” shaped face, the aim is to balance the width at the top of your face and soften the pointed chin. A low-arched, round eyebrow can create a lovely, balanced look. This shape offers a natural, soft lift to your face, subtly mirroring your heart shape without making a face appear too sharp. The low arch also ensures that your brows don’t compete with your naturally petite jawline. Instead, they complement it, enhancing your overall facial harmony.
Moving on to the “round” face, your aim should be to create an illusion of length. High-arched eyebrows extend vertically, creating a more elongated facial impression. This counterbalances the face’s equal width and height.
For those with a “long” face, you’d want to counterbalance the length. An eyebrow shape that extends more horizontally, such as a flat eyebrow shape, can create the illusion of a shorter, more balanced face.
Lastly, if you’re blessed with a “diamond” face shape, your high cheekbones are your star feature. A soft-angled eyebrow shape can help soften your angles and make your face look less severe.
Common Eyebrow Shaping Mistakes
With all the excitement of matching our eyebrow shape to our face structure, it’s easy to get a little carried away. Therefore, knowing what to avoid can be just as helpful as knowing what to do.
One common misstep is over-plucking or over-trimming. Remember, our aim is to enhance our natural beauty, not to create an entirely new face. Too-thin eyebrows can look unnatural and may not flatter your features as well as fuller brows might. So, be careful with those tweezers!
Another mistake is ignoring your natural brow shape. While it’s great to adjust your brows to better suit your face shape, completely ignoring their natural growth pattern and shape can result in an odd look. Work with what you have and make small adjustments as needed.
Also, uneven eyebrows are quite a common issue. But don’t worry, even the most experienced of us make this mistake. Remember, eyebrows are sisters, not twins. They don’t have to match perfectly!
