Brows before vows is about to become a thing.
1 of 6
Before you walk down the aisle, you're bombarded with beauty advice on everything from how to wear your strands to what to paint your face with. While it's rarely easy to settle on your beauty look, there's a great deal of inspiration out there to give you ideas for your eye makeup, lip color, and hairstyle. The same can't be said when it comes to your eyebrows. Though the hairs above your eyes are trending in the beauty world as of late, it can still be hard to track down the guidance you need. And while grooming your brows isn't as exciting or as glamorous as applying lip gloss or eyeliner, it's just as important in achieving your ideal bridal aesthetic.
If you're hoping to refresh your eyebrow style before you get married, it's easy to feel lost. We're here to help by pointing you in the right direction. For a rundown of popular arch types, who they work best for, and how to achieve them, look no further than these expert tips, which you can take straight to the salon chair. We've even pointed out which celebs sport which eyebrows, so you can see how different options look when they're at their best.
Before you get started, keep this in mind: Trends don't dictate your best brow style—your facial architecture does. But that doesn't mean you can't tweak their shape to suit your personality. Of course, unless you're microblading, coaxing—and growing—the perfect shape won't happen overnight. Get started now: Identify your muse, surrender your tweezers, and enlist these shaping strategies from brow gurus Maribeth Madron and Jared Bailey.
1 of 6
2 of 6
Natural
As Seen On: Beyoncé, Emma Watson, Emily Ratajkowski
Hallmarks: "It's all about clean lines and rounded edges," says Bailey. Also, notes Madron, the brow's overall size should suit your face: Full brows flatter larger features; streamlined are better for delicate ones.
Best For: Anyone, as you're merely elevating the brows you were born with.
How to Get It: Wax or tweeze away the strays that fall below the orbital bone (that upper ridge of the eye socket). Atop the brow, strip away any fuzz.
Tools & Upkeep: Fill gaps and add structure with a sturdy fine-tipped wax pencil; we like Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil. Blend with a spoolie brush to blur edges, and set with transparent gel. If you've lost fullness with age, brow conditioners, like RevitaLash RevitaBrow Advanced, can speed regrowth. See a pro every four weeks to maintain the shape.
2 of 6
3 of 6
Dramatic
As Seen On: Lady Gaga, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Dita Von Teese
Hallmarks: "Crisp lines and exaggerated angles give a sculpted look," says Bailey.
The bold shape and oftentimes contrived color make a statement, Madron notes, citing bleached-out or deeply dyed versions.
Best For: Vintage girls, makeup enthusiasts— anyone with "the personality and style" to pull it off, says Madron.
How to Get It: To amp things up, wax in small sections to create sharp lines and edges, says Bailey. A semipermanent tint can further boost depth and definition.
Tools & Upkeep: Stipple on a cream gel or pomade with an angled brush; apply a tinted brow mascara for extra drama and hold. Try BareMinerals Brow Master Brow Gel & Brush Duo and Missha Color Setting BrowCara. Book a shaping and tint every three weeks.
3 of 6
4 of 6
Tailored
As Seen On: Kendall Jenner, Coco Rocha, Cate Blanchett
Hallmarks: Not slim or skimpy—it's 2017, after all—this brow is "neat, understated, and consistent in size from head to tail, where it gently tapers off," says Bailey.
Best For: Oval faces, or anyone with finer features, as it's not too overpowering, says Madron.
How to Get It: Waxing, threading, or tweezing above the brow will lower and sleeken its appearance, Bailey says. Tackle below-brow strays without manipulating your arch, and trim any long or wiry hairs.
Tools & Upkeep: Start with a pencil for structure, then enhance fullness with a bit of brow powder. Try Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil and Benefit Foolproof Brow Powder. Brush hairs up and out, then set with clear gel. Go for a grooming every three weeks.
4 of 6
5 of 6
Boy
As Seen On: Cara Delevingne, Hilary Rhoda, Jennifer Connelly
Hallmarks: "Straight lines, a subtle arch, and a greater contrast with regard to hair color" all characterize the beefy boy brow, Madron says.
Best For: Those with bushy, virgin brows; strong, symmetrical features; and relatively young faces. "Full brows call attention to drooping eyes and expression lines," she says.
How to Get It: For maximum oomph, skip trimming and consider tinting: "If your brows are pale or fine-textured, a professional tinting can transform them for a much fuller look," says Madron.
Tools & Upkeep: For the biggest brows, apply a tinted, fiber-enriched brow gel, like Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer, in both directions, says Madron, starting at the tail and working inward, and then moving in reverse, so all hairs are thoroughly coated, front and back. See a pro every six weeks.
5 of 6
6 of 6
Feathered
As Seen On: Gigi Hadid, Keira Knightley, Lily-Rose Depp
Hallmarks: A natural shape, lots of texture, and a fuller tail. "They're brushed up and untrimmed, so you see soft points on the end of the hairs," says Madron.
Best For: Robust brows with a coarse texture and inherent cowlicks. "Big eyes are a match for this look, as the brow's heft can overwhelm smaller lids," says Madron. Thick, feathered brows also bring balance to heart-shaped faces.
How to Get It: Wax or tweeze along the very base of the brow, being careful to maintain an organic feel. To build body, tint brows only slightly darker than your hair color.
Tools & Upkeep: Brush on a little powder, and rake through with a spoolie. If you need to fake "hairs," flick a skinny-tipped pencil through brows, in the direction of hair growth. Follow with clear gel, such as Mary Kay Brow Gel, directing brows upward. Have a pro tend to arches every six weeks.