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No brow beating: Find your ideal arch (sarah michelle gellar mention)

Carolyn Brundage

Sunday 6 November 2005, by Webmaster

If you haven’t given a second thought to your brows lately, it’s time to think again. Well-shaped brows can accentuate good bone structure, flatter different eye shapes and even take years off your face. While popular brow silhouettes may come and go (think Brooke Shields in the ’80s or Madonna in the ’90s) a classically arched, well-groomed brow (not pencil thin or penciled in) is still the most flattering.

For inspiration turn to the screen goddesses of days gone by: Think Elizabeth Taylor circa 1960, Vivienne Leigh and Ingrid Bergman. These bombshells understood the power of the brow and used it to shape their faces (and careers).

Shape Up

First step, determine the shape of your face, and the best look for you will follow. There are six basic face shapes: oval, round, long, square, heart and diamond. To determine what yours is, pull hair back and search for certain defining characteristics. For example, a forehead that is wider than the chin distinguishes an Oval face; a Round face is usually almost as wide as it is long and widest at the cheeks.

Mapping a New Look

It’s been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Eyebrowz.com takes this theory to the next level, offering up over 75 eyebrow stencils inspired by the superstar shapes you love. Is your face Round like Gwyneth Paltrow? You’ll easily emulate the thin width and low arch of her brow with the Gwynnie inspired Eyebrowz Stencil Kit. Need a lift? Get Demi’s look- the medium arch and thick width of her brows provide an instant face-lift. Other celebrity offerings include Denise Richards, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Salma Hayek, Tyra Banks and dozens more.

Finish what you start

Many people know that a well groomed brow should begin but they completely neglect where the brow ends. Use your fingers to form a triangle along the edge of your nose and the inner corner of eye - that’s your starting point. To find you photo finish, place fingers diagonally from the edge of nose to the outer corner of the eye. Your eyebrows should end where to the tip of your finger ends..

Seek professional help

There is a reason that celebs such as J Lo and Madonna pay literally thousands of dollars to have their brows shaped by the country’s best. Some things are better left to a professional. Keep in mind that even an occasional visit to an arch artisan can keep you on track. You can maintain your look between visits with a little basic maintenance.

In Tampa Bay, the glitterati get groomed at Sharmaine’s Salon and Spa on Clearwater Beach (727) 447-2025 by star brow shaper and aesthetician extraordinaire Denise Brown. Denise recently shaped the brows of thinner-by-the-day actress Kristie Alley. While Denise’s beauty stock is skyrocketing, thankfully her fees are still just $15s and up for brow sculpting.