6 need-to-know facts for your best eyebrows ever

There was a time when no one gave a second thought to their brows, but now we’re all well aware of their power to frame the face and define our features. But have you got the perfect eyebrow shape for you? These five facts will help you reach your full brow potential.

#1 / Your features dictate your ideal brow shape

Brows are about balance and setting the ideal frame for the face. When shaping a client’s arches, “I look at the key facial features [eyes, nose and lips], plus the natural shape and growth pattern to determine the best thickness, shape and tone to enhance the client’s features”, says Hannah Terrett, Benefit Australia’s National Brow Artist.

#2 / There’s more than one way to shape eyebrows

A professional brow shaping will include a combination of waxing and tweezing. “Waxing removes bulk growth, while tweezing will fine-tune,” explains Terrett. “Trimming is not always necessary, yet can give brows a more manicured finish – trim only stray hairs that sit above the natural brow line.”

#3 / You should be plucking above and below the brow

That rule about never plucking your eyebrows from the top? Forget it. “This section of the brow acts as a guide for shaping and adds thickness and angle,” says Terrett. “But it’s best to let the brow expert tailor it for you.” Try CHANEL La Palette Sourcils De Chanel Brow Powder Duo - it comes with mini tweezers for on-the-go brow finessing.

#4 / Brows are not supposed to be symmetrical

“Your brows are sisters, not twins – they will never be 100 per cent symmetrical due to factors including hair growth pattern, facial structure and facial muscle strength.”

#5 / It’s impossible to grow thicker brows

Fact: there is no cure for sparse brows. “That’s what brow products are for,” says Terrett. “A volumiser works wonders on thinner arches.” Try Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel.

#6 / Contouring can help accentuate your brows 

Much like you contour and highlight to accentuate your facial features, you can do the same for your eyebrows. For wow brows, run a highlighter along the lower edge and blend. Try Rimmel London Brow This Way Highlighting Pencil.

Once you get the shape right, these are the dos and don'ts of brow maintenance.

For more brow tips from marie claire, check out marieclaire.com.au

Main image credit: @realbarbarapalvin