Beauty

Eyebrow Basics

May 07 12:00am

Eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face. They lift and frame your eyes and give your face structure. We help find the perfect shape for you.

Photo: Robert Erdmann/Icon International

Get the right arch

To determine your ideal brow, you'll need to consider the shape of your face – is it oval, square, round or long? "Oval and long faces should try a shape that has just a slight arch towards the outer edge, as high arches can make the face look even longer," reveals Liz Garza, international make-up artist for Laura Mercier. "Round faces should opt for a traditional arch that is just on the outside of the line of your pupil, while square (or angular) faces should keep their brows very soft, with only a hint of an arch to soften the face."

Select your size

Be guided by an imaginary diagonal line drawn from the corner of your nose continuing past the outer corner of your eye – this is where your brow should stop. Then, the inner portion of the brow shouldn't go beyond the edge of the nostril directly below it. Also, consider the size of your face to keep things in proportion: larger faces can wear a heavier brow, while smaller shapes should opt for a finer finish. create a guide: Once you've determined the best shape, draw an outline on your skin with an eye make-up pencil of where you want your brows to sit. Enlist a close friend to help judge the shape.

Start shaping

Now, remove any hairs that are outside the outline you've drawn. "Start plucking under the brow first, since this is the area that has the most stray, unwanted hairs," explains Garza. "Remove a few, then take a step back from the mirror to assess your look. Avoid tweezing any on the top of the brow if possible; if not, be light handed."

Fill in the blanks

Apply short, feathery strokes in a light-coloured pencil to the areas that are bare or thinning. Next, Garza suggests "applying a brow powder, with an angled brow brush, lightly through the centre of the brow to help even out any colour differences."

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