The latest TikTok theory is sparking debate over what’s consider good versus bad eyebrows. In the age of clean girl aesthetic, it’s been a common consensus that fluffy, feathery brows are the “appropriate” answer, while anything other than that (aka thin, straight or overly arched brows) can change how people view you. Makeup artist Nina Soriano encourages people to try on the brow filters in order to find one that frames your face—not necessarily putting you in a bind of what's good or bad. “It should generally be about how a brow is shaped according to how an individual wants them shaped. These brow filters can let a viewer see how different shapes alter their face, especially if there’s an individual who wants to experiment with a shape beyond their natural brow shape (like going from a thick to thin brow),” she explains.
Do I Pass TikTok’s Eyebrow Theory? How a Filter Can Make or Break Your Arches
Put down the tweezers
Now, I’m not telling you to grab a tweezer and go ham. Let the filters show you a possibility, but don’t let it be the sole factor in your decision-making. Going from thick to thin is an extreme case, but I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad brow to go slimmer. The theory gives us a chance to understand all styles—and you just might find a specific brow that complement your face shape.
Take model Gabbriette Bechtel for example. She sported thicker brows before dramatically changing them in 2021. Since then, she’s been rocking the controversial ‘90s look and it has become her signature. “It really changed her whole persona and her face overall. And while a thin brow isn’t trending, this look is very effective for her whole vibe,” adds Soriano.
You’ll find straight brows work best for long faces to create a shorter and wider appearance, while round brows soften facial features and smooth out sharp angles (i.e, jawline, cheekbones, etc) for diamond-shaped faces. Then there are curved brows (or s-shaped brows) that suit those with square faces and add roundness and balance out their facial structure. Then the most common shapes are usually arched brows, which help slim facial features for round faces whereas soft angled brows (aka shorter arch and softer peak) can balance out a longer chin for oval- and heart-shaped faces.
And if you have no idea where to start, the best advice is reaching out to a professional. “If you’re just starting out in your brow journey, definitely seek the advice of a professional. Do your research. Just because someone is qualified to shape a brow it doesn’t necessarily mean they are brow artists. Just seek someone who specializes in brows. It’s worth the investment,” she shares.
So, did I pass the theory? I tested a bunch of the brow filters on TikTok and found I didn’t mind some of them—yes, even the thin brows. But I was more interested in getting advice from an actual professional about the current state of my brows (bushy with a slight arch), and thankfully, I’m on the right track. “You have a beautiful shape! They frame your eye really well, and they’re well balanced. Overall, the shape suits you and the arch is perfect placement,” Soriano tells me. Her only advice? Brush them upwards to open up my face and show off my eyes, along with investing a brow serum (like RapidBrow) for fullness.
Some ‘theories’ can go off the rails, but the eyebrow theory proves to be one worth exploring. It’s not about bad versus good, but about finding a shape that works best for you. Fluffy brows may be in, but that doesn’t mean you have to ignore straight or even thin brows. Just remember don’t let a filter turn into a rash decision of bleaching or shaving off your brows. As Soriano warns, “My only advice would be to not over-pluck your brows if you’re exploring the pencil-thin look because your brows may not grow back to the way they were.” Noted!
