A Beginner's Guide to Eyebrow Shaping: Tips and Techniques for Perfect Brows

By Tahlia L. on 10 Mar 2023

Digital Editor

Eyebrows are the unsung heroes of your face. They frame your eyes and help balance your features. A well-shaped brow can make you look younger, fresher, and more awake. If you’re a newbie to eyebrow shaping, this guide will provide you with basic tips and techniques for achieving perfect eyebrows.

How To Choose The Perfect Eyebrow Shape For Your Face Shape

Eyebrow shapes are not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, so before you begin shaping your eyebrows, you need to consider your face shape.

If you have a round face shape like Jennie from Blackpink, go for high, angled eyebrows. The soft facial features and rounded jawline will be balanced with stronger, angled brows. Position the arch of the eyebrow slightly higher than the outer corner of the eye to create a more elongated look.

Photo from @jennierubyjane via Instagram

Similarly, a square face and softly rounded eyebrows are the perfect match, like with Afterschool's Nana. Position the eyebrow arch slightly closer to the centre of the eye to create a more rounded look.

Photo from @jin_a_nana via Instagram

Take notes from Wendy of Red Velvet and get a straight brow shape with a slight arch. The horizontal lines create the illusion of width which balances out a long face shape.

Photo from @todayis_wendy via Instagram

Those with a heart-shaped face will look best with subtly arched eyebrows that have a rounded peak.

The lucky ones with an oval face like Blackpink's Jisoo will look great with eyebrows of any shape, but what suits you best is eyebrows with a gentle angle towards the temple.

Photo from @sooyaaa__ via Instagram

Essential Eyebrow Shaper Tools

Photo from Nataliya Vaitkevich via Pexels

Before you start shaping, you need to get our tools in order. Here's what you'll need:

Tweezers
Brow scissors
Brow brush or spoolie
Eyebrow pencil

If you need product recommendations, check out our picks of the best eyebrow products from tweezers and scissors to brow pencils and powders.

How To Shape Your Eyebrows

The techniques for eyebrow shaping are pretty straightforward. First, use a spoolie brush to brush your eyebrows upwards and then outwards. This will reveal the natural shape of your eyebrows.

To create a shape "stencil", outline the desired shape of your eyebrows with an eyeliner pencil. This will serve as a guide for plucking or filling in your eyebrows.

After that, use trim or pluck any long hairs that extend beyond the natural shape of your eyebrows. Over-plucking usually happens when you're only focused on the eyebrow itself and not how it looks with the rest of your features. To avoid this, always step back to look at your entire face in the mirror.

Check out our detailed, step-by-step guide on how to pluck and trim your eyebrows here.

How To Take Care Of Plucked Eyebrows

Once your eyebrows are all gussied up, avoid touching them to prevent infection or ingrown hairs. If you notice any redness or irritation, apply aloe vera gel or witch hazel to soothe the skin.