Whether you’re an eyebrow-shaping novice or looking to stay on top of the latest trends, we’ve got you covered…
Over the years, the beauty spotlight has shifted towards the crucial arches above our eyes -our eyebrows- making them a focal point of self-expression and style.
From the pencil-thin trend of the 90s to the big, bold, and bushy look of the 2010s, eyebrow styles have been on quite a journey. And here we are, in this exciting era where the rulebook has been tossed out, and individuality reigns supreme.
There’s no one-size-fits-all shapes here—instead, we’re championing brows that express who you are and complement your unique features.
So, whether you’re an eyebrow-shaping novice or looking to stay on top of the latest trends, we’ve got you covered. This modern eyebrow shapes guide from Lilac St. will walk you through everything you need to know about modern eyebrow shapes and how to choose the right style for your face.
Anatomy of the Eyebrow
When we think of eyebrows, it’s not just about ‘hair above the eye’. Your brows have a structure – a beginning, an arch, and an end – and this structure is subtly unique for each one of us. Your natural eyebrow structure heavily influences how a particular style will look on your face.
Think of your brows as a house. Before you even pick out the furniture (or, in this case, decide on the eyebrow style), you need to understand the basic layout. Eyebrows typically start in line with the corner of your nose, peak around the outer edge of the iris, and end diagonally from the nose through the outer corner of your eye. Knowing this can be a game-changer.
Understanding your bone structure is another vital part of this journey. Why? Because your facial bones dictate your natural brow shape and how high or low your arch should ideally be. Look closely in the considerate embrace of a mirror, and you’ll notice that your eyebrows are perfectly suited to the structure of your face, following the curvature of your orbital bone.
Understanding Different Eyebrow Shapes
1 The Soft Arch
This classic eyebrow shape is a favorite for a reason, and when done right, it can enhance your natural beauty without making too bold a statement.
The Soft Arch eyebrow shape is characterized by a gentle lift at the arch, but nothing too extreme or pointed. The lift is more of a subtle curve that brings softness and balance to your face. It’s a pretty forgiving style – even if you’re not too confident with your brow-shaping skills, you can pull this off without causing a catastrophe.
And who does it suit best? This style is like that comfortable pair of jeans you can always rely on – it suits a variety of face shapes. Particularly, if you have a square or a heart-shaped face, the soft arch can help soften your angles and add balance.
But honestly, anyone looking for a natural, clean, and simple eyebrow style can give this brow shape a go. It adds just the right touch of definition without going overboard.
2 The High Arch
The high arch is for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement. This shape is characterized by a more dramatic rise and fall, which leads to a distinct, sharp look. The brows follow a steeper angle, rising to a high peak and then falling sharply to meet the tail.
The high arch eyebrow shape can give your face a lifted appearance, almost like a natural facelift. It draws attention to your eyes, making them the focal point of your face. If drama and definition are what you’re after, then this is the eyebrow shape for you.
Who does the high arch suit best? It’s perfect for those with round or oval faces. Why? The sharp, angular lines of the high arch can provide a fantastic contrast to the softer, rounded features of these face shapes, creating a balanced look.
3 The Straight Brow
The straight brow is pretty much what it sounds like – a straight line from the beginning to the end of the brow, with no discernible arch. While it might sound plain, it’s actually a great way to give your face a softer, youthful look.
So, who rocks the straight brow best? This is the best eyebrow shape for a heart-shaped face. The straight line of the brows tends to reduce the length of the forehead, helping to create a more balanced look. But, if you have a long or rectangular face, the straight brow can also help to visually shorten the face.
Embracing the straight brow requires less time and maintenance, making it a winner if you’re all about that minimalist beauty routine. After all, less is more, right?
4 The S-shaped Brow
The S-shaped Brow, also known as the ‘curved brow,’ starts with a slightly rounded beginning, then subtly dips down and finishes with a sharp, upward curve. Picture an elongated ‘S’ lying horizontally—this shape gives a uniquely stylish edge to your brow game. If you want to make a statement with your brows, this could be the one for you.
Who does the S-shaped Brow suit best, you might ask? This shape works wonders on oval faces. Why? Because the intriguing curves of the S-shaped Brow add dimension and character to the symmetry of an oval face, creating a harmonious and intriguing look. But that’s not all. It can also flatter a square face by softening angular jaw lines and adding a bit of curve appeal to the overall look.
While this style might need a bit more practice to perfect at home, don’t let that discourage you. Once you’ve mastered it, it can be an exciting way to show off your individuality and experiment with your look.
5 The Rounded Brow
The rounded brow is all about softness and curve. Unlike the high arch or the straight brow, the rounded brow creates a consistent, smooth curve from the beginning to the end of the brow. There’s no sharp peak in this style; instead, the arch is a gentle, gradual curve that gives an overall softer appearance.
And who is the best candidate for the rounded brow? This shape can work magic for those with a square or rectangular face. Here’s why: the angular features of these face shapes can be beautifully contrasted by the softness of the rounded brow, creating a balanced, harmonious look.
But, as always, beauty is personal! Even if you don’t have a square or rectangular face, you can still rock the rounded brow if you love its delicate, soft appeal.
Do remember, though, that achieving a perfect rounded brow requires some finesse. It’s about maintaining a consistent curve without creating a surprised look. If you’re new to shaping your brows, you might want to start with a softer arch and gradually deepen the curve as you become more comfortable with the process.
