Makeup

Here's Why You Don't Have Perfect Eyebrows

Fix every brow blunder in the book with this guide to the ideal arch

by Amber Katz, Amanda Montell

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Perfect Eyebrows Sin No. 6: You're Forcing Your Brows to Be Something They're Not The problem: Yes, "perfect eyebrows" exist, but that doesn't mean there's only one kind. "Most people think an arched brow is the only shape, and they force their brows into a shape that often isn't correct for their facial structure," says Crooks.

In reality, there are three main brow shapes: a classic arch, (think: Megan Fox), a rounded arc (like Fergie) and a straighter brow (like Natalie Portman). Your face and hair growth naturally lend themselves best to one of the three, says Crooks. Trying to change this natural shape -- either by yourself or at a salon -- won't result in your most flattering look. So even if you desperately want Cara Delevingne eyebrows, they might not be the best for your hair texture and bone structure. (Le sigh.)

The fix: "Finding the right shape for your face is the first step to perfect eyebrows," says Crooks. But if it's been a while since you've seen your natural shape, look back at old photos of yourself from before you started plucking. "That will tell you which shape you should be going for," she says. You can proceed with your shaping from there.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Perfect Eyebrows Sin No. 5: You're Trying to Make Your Eyebrows Identical

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Benefit Instant Brow Pencil

9.1

Urban Decay Brow Beater Microfine Brow Pencil and Brush

9.4

Anastasia Brow Enhancing Serum

6.0

Ulta Eyebrow Gel

8.2

Anastasia Scissors

0.0

E.L.F. Eyebrow Kit

8.9

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Older comments

perfect brows are important

by brianna121791 Monday, May 13, 2013 at 01:50PM Report as inappropriate

Never knew you shouldn't use the same shade as your hair. Will try this tip.

by Dee Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 05:01PM Report as inappropriate

well, frieda kahlo might be an example of beauty for some, but a unibrow must go! in the same type of scenario, how can you wait three months between tweezing?

by AstridB Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:57AM Report as inappropriate

I don't agree with not plucking the unibrow and using a shade lighter for brows than natural hair ive always used a shade darker and it looks fine I always see people with blondehair have darker brows also so that rule makes no sense to me

by kfloyd01 Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 05:53PM Report as inappropriate

Fascinating. Nearly every day I spy a woman with perfect makeup but a major brow faux pas. Great tips included here!

by GigiSD Monday, March 25, 2013 at 03:23PM Report as inappropriate

Sound useful, will try some of these tips.

by Zeaundra Monday, March 25, 2013 at 02:34PM Report as inappropriate

These were some really helpful tips! I'll keep them in mind when I do my brows tonight.

by NillaButterfly Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 02:48PM Report as inappropriate

This article is interesting but what I really need are examples of do's and don'ts - and not celebrities but real people with real jobs and real lives and real problems.

by Sonflower Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 06:03PM Report as inappropriate

I have seen some truly crazy looking brows

by LittleBunny Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 08:03AM Report as inappropriate

I hate my brows!!

by Mommy_of_Ethan Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 07:17PM Report as inappropriate