Perfect the art of perfect eyebrows with our brow essentials. To achieve the right look, a good brow shape can give the appearance of an instant facelift, but don't be tempted to follow the latest fad. What works for Brooke Shields won't necessarily be the most flattering style for you. As a general rule, finer arches suit delicate features, while fuller brows balance strong features. Have your brows done professionally to get the shape right, then maintain the look by plucking stragglers every few days.

To maintain shape If you can't get to the salon, follow these tips from Bobbi Brown brow guru Soul Lee:

- Remove stray hairs in between your brows, but keep them lined up with the inner corners of the eyes.
- Don't take them too far apart.
- Brush your arches upwards using a brow brush or small toothbrush, then tweeze any hairs beneath the brow line.
- If necessary, take off stragglers above the natural brow line, but don't go too close to the brow or you'll throw your look off balance.
- For unruly arches, brush them upwards, then trim with baby scissors, a tiny bit at a time.

To add colour and definition Using brow powder or a brow brush dipped in eye shadow, start from the inner corners and work your way outwards with light strokes. Fill in sparse areas using a brow pencil. Comb through with a brow gel or clear mascara in the direction the hair grows.

- Warning: don't attempt to dye your arches - even if you've changed your hair colour - as this will always look unnatural.

Products, from top: Becca Brow Powder, and Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Brow Defining Pencil; Shiseido The Makeup Translucent Eyebrow Shaper; Manicare Eyebrow Tweezers Scissor Style.

The brows for you

For wide-set eyes. Avoid overpluckig the inner edges of your brows - a narrower space will provide balance.

For deep-set eyes. Remove any hair that grows down from the brows between the inner corners of your eyes and your nose, to help open up the eye area.

For heavy features. Keep your brows fuller to balance the rest of your face, and trim excess hair above the brow line.

Photography: Edward Urrutia/Nicolai Grosell