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The most flattering brow shape for your face

Because Cara Delevingne’s full brows aren’t one-size-fits-all

By Sherine Youssef

marie claire Contributor / July 04 2019

There’s a reason those over-waxed brows didn’t look good on you back in the ‘90s. And it’s not just because thin brows don’t frame the face like thick brows do. It’s because you messed with your natural brow shape and forgot to pay attention to your face shape.

Because when it comes to the best eyebrow shapes, the ideal eyebrow style for you should extend beyond your personal preference or the latest brow trends. Your face shape plays a big role in what brow style will suit you best. Find your celebrity brow sister among the images below, and then follow our top brow styling advice on how to chose the right brow look according to your face shape.

Angular

“This is the most commonly requested shape as it adds height and has a lifting effect on the eyes,” explains Hannah Terrett, Benefit Australia’s National Brow Artist. It complements square and diamond face shapes. For square faces, it softens an angular jawline, while on diamond face shapes it makes the widest part of the face seem less wide.

Celeb brow sisters: Olivia Wilde, Angelina Jolie, Karlie Kloss

Angular

Brow do: Keep the arch a soft angled shape.

Angular

Brow don’t: Go for clean lines or make the arch too pointy, which can look severe.

Thin

No longer just a relic of the tweezers-happy ’90s, “slim brows are actually ideal for anyone with unpronounced features”, says Terrett. Oval faces, we’re talking to you.

Celeb brow sisters: Charlize Theron, Bella Hadid, Poppy Delevingne

Thin

Brow do: Add bulk and tone with a brow tint.

Thin

Brow don’t: Try straight or exaggerated arch shapes.

Round

“A gentle arch complements a rounded face shape,” says Terrett.

Celeb brow sisters: Gigi Hadid, Emma Stone, Taylor Swift

Round

Brow do: Maintain fullness to match the softness of your round face shape.

Round

Brow don’t: Round the shape too much, and steer clear of harsh edges and crisp lines.

Straight

The minimal peak and longer tail suits those with an elongated face.

Celeb brow sisters: Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez

Straight

Brow do: Keep the shape soft and slightly angled.

Straight

Brow don’t: Add too much of an arch – “this will shorten the tail and make your eyes seem smaller,” warns Terrett.

Full

A dense brow texture (think *those* brows made famous by Brooke Shields) has a youthful effect and is one of the few brow shapes that is perfect for almost every face shape, so long as your brow thickness complements your facial features and don't overpower - everyone is different so you need to customise this brow look to suit you.

Celeb brow sisters: Cara Delevingne, Lily Collins, Jennifer Connelly

Full

Brow do: Administer some maintenance to add dimension and polish.

Full

Brow don’t: Try this if your eyes are naturally small. “The heaviness will swallow them,” explains Terrett.

Curved

“The soft curve and sculpted line looks best on a heart-shaped face,” says Terrett.

Celeb brow sisters: Kim Kardashian, Sarah Hyland, Penelope Cruz

Curved

Brow do: Keep the arch soft and gradual.

Curved

Brow don’t: Allow the arch to become too exaggerated – this distorts the eye shape and can look aggressive.

Think your brows are beyond repair? Check out these celebrity brow transformations that prove you can make a brow comeback! Plus, Natalie Portman shared her secret to beautiful brows with us, and learn how to shape eyebrows at home, according to Jenna Dewan.

For more beauty advice from marie claire, head over to marieclaire.com.au

Image credits: Getty

Sherine Youssef

A beauty editor and vitamin C fanatic who has worked across a range of print and digital publications, including Stellar, marie claire, Gritty Pretty and Badlands Journal.