Eyebrow Shaping Options: 

Besides tweezing, there are a number of ways to modify or enhance the shape of existing eyebrows, or replace them if you have completely lost your eyebrows. Before we get into the details of each eyebrow shape, it's important to keep in mind your options for replacing or enhancing your eyebrows. Here they are:

• Eyebrow Makeup

  From brow sticks to powders, there are many different ways to draw on your eyebrows. You can use a stencil to define the shape of the brow, or you can draw it freehand. For a quick tutorial on how to draw eyebrows, click here. You can also use eyebrow makeup to "customize" temporary tattoos and realistic eyebrow wigs.

  • Pros: Cost effective; You can create completely customized eyebrows.
  • Cons: Can be time consuming and effort intensive; Requires more skill and practice than other options.

• Eyebrow Tattoos

  Temporary eyebrow tattoos are made from vegetable dye that transfers to the skin with water. They last on the face for 2-3 days.

  • Pros: Cost effective and realistic. They come in a variety of shapes.
  • Cons: Because the eyebrow tattoos are printed in batches using natural dye, tattoo colors can vary from sheet to sheet.

• Eyebrow Wigs

  Eyebrow wigs are handmade of human hair attached to a flexible gel strip. They should be replaced every three months.

  • Pros: Because these brows are made from real hair, they are the most realistic option. Available in three unique shapes.
  • Cons: These brows are the most expensive option.

A Crash Course in Eyebrow Shapes

Before we start talking about which eyebrow shapes are flattering, we need to know the technical terms associated with eyebrows -- otherwise this guide might get a little confusing. When defining the shape of an eyebrow, there are 5 factors to consider:

The arch height refers to how “lifted” the arch shape is from the bottom of the eyebrow.

• High arch - The arch is promently lifted (Tattoos: #20, #21, #22)
• Medium arch - The arch is lifted, but not promently; this a very safe arch shape the will suit most face shapes. (Tattoos: #16, #17, #18, #20)
• Low arch - The arch is shallow or barely lifted. (Tattoos: #18, #19) 
• Straight - The arch is flat or not lifted. (Tattoo #19)

The arch shape refers to the pointedness of the peak of the arch.

• Rounded/ curved- The arch follows the curve of the eye and does not come to a point. (Tattoos: #17, #19, #21)
• Soft angled- The arch comes to a softly rounded point. (Tattoos: #12, #17, #20, #22)
• Hard angled- The arch comes to a sharp point. (Tattoos: #16)

There are three basic levels of eyebrow thickness:

• Thick (Tattoos: #20, #21, #22)
• Medium (Tattoos: #12, #16, #17, #18)
• Thin (Tattoos: #12, #18, #19)

Definition refers to how “filled in” or voluminous the eyebrow is.

• Soft (less filled in): Tattoos: #16, #17, #18, #19
• Full or voluminous:  Tattoos: #12, #20, #21, #22

Length refers to how far the brow extends.

• Extended tail: Tail extends slightly past the outer corner of the eye. Tattoos: #18, #19, #21
• Normal tail: Tail extends to the outer corner of the eye. Tattoos: #12, #17, #18, #20, #22
• Short tail: Tail falls short of outer corner of the eye. Tattoos: #16, #20

Choosing the Right Eyebrows For Your Face Shape

Choosing flattering eyebrows is all about selecting a brow that will compliment and balance out your unique face shape. 

Oval Face Shape

Since you already have the most coveted face shape, a soft brow with a shallow arch is most flattering; it will maintain the natural balance of your face.

• Tattoo Shapes: #12, #17, #18
• Eyebrow Wig Shapes: #12
• Stencil Shapes: Arch, round

Diamond Face Shape

A diamond shaped face is balanced, but angular; to soften angles, choose a soft brow with a curved or soft arch.

• Tattoo Shapes: #17, #18, #19
• Eyebrow Wig Shapes: #12, #15
• Stencil Shapes: Arch, Round

Round Face Shape

If you have a round face, you want to make you face look longer and less circular; eyebrows with a medium to high arch height and a hard or soft angled arch shape will help to lengthen your face. Rounded eyebrows will be the least flattering option on those with round faces.

• Eyebrow Tattoo Shape: #16, #21, #22
• Eyebrow Wig Shape: #17
• Stencil Shape: Arch

Square Face Shape

Full and thick eyebrows with a soft or hard angled arch will draw attention from the jaw to the eyes, softening the angles of your face. A soft angled arch can help to soften the jawline, but a hard angled arch with a low arch height will also be flattering. A rounded arch will look unnatural and emphasize the jawline, so it is not ideal.

Tattoo Shape: #20, #22
Eyebrow Wig Shape: #17
Stencil Shape: Arch

Heart Shaped Face

Because of your delicate facial structure, you need a delicate brow; full, heavily structured or highly arched eyebrows will appear overwhelming on your face and draw too much attention to the forehead. Soft brows with a low to medium arch height and a curved or soft arch shape will be the most flattering on you.

Tattoo Shape: #17, #18
Eyebrow Wig Shape: #15, #17
Stencil Shape: Arch, round

Pear Shaped Face

If you have a pear shaped face, your eyebrows should have a medium arch height and extended tails to create width at the forehead.

Tattoo Shapes: #17, #21, #22
Eyebrow Wig Shape: #17
Stencil Shape: Arch

Oblong Face Shape

To balance out the length of the face, eyebrows should have extended tails to create width. A shallow arch height will also help to shorten the face.

• Tattoo Shapes: #12, #18, #19
• Eyebrow Wig Shape: #12, #15
• Stencil Shapes: Arch, Round

Related Articles

• How to Draw Eyebrows with Makeup
• Learn About Eyebrow Wigs
• How to Apply False Eyelashes
• Wig Buying Guide
• How to Buy Hair Loss Hats

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