Barbara Palvin facial features for modeling
Fashion & Style

Which Facial Features are Important for Modeling?

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Discover the 4 key facial features that modeling agencies look for: high cheekbones, thick eyebrows, a symmetrical face, and captivating eyes.

We will list the common facial features among top models in this article. There are some generic facial features that most modeling agencies absolutely would like you to have. If you are interested in becoming a model, you should definitely consider checking those out — there will also be tips and tricks to achieve those facial features. These are the 4 most popular facial features among top models.

1. High Cheekbones

This might be the most critical facial feature for a model. Most modeling agencies consider high cheekbones a must for their casting procedures. If you look at models carefully you will easily notice that nearly all of them have very high cheekbones. Check these models:

High cheekbones Bianca Balti top model

High cheekbones Anna top model

High cheekbones Emily Baker top model

How to Have Higher Cheekbones?

These models have extremely high cheekbones, so you should not compare yours with those — many models are simply born with them. If you don't have naturally high cheekbones, there are a couple of things you can do to enhance them. The first step is to lower your body fat percentage, because when you retain water your cheeks can look bloated. Reducing sodium intake also helps you achieve a more defined facial structure.

2. Thick Eyebrows

The next facial feature that a lot of modeling agencies love is thick eyebrows. In recent years, many of the most successful models have thick eyebrows. When it comes to thick eyebrows, the first names that come to mind are Cara Delevingne as a female model and Jon Kortajarena as a male model.

Cara Delevingne thick eyebrows top model news

Jon Kortajarena thick eyebrows top model news

How to Thicken Eyebrows?

Thick eyebrows enhance your facial features and draw attention to your eyes, making you more photogenic. Some people are born with thick eyebrows, but if you don't have them naturally, makeup is always an option. There are also cosmetic serums that help grow out brow hairs over time.

3. Symmetrical Face

Another facial feature that modeling agencies love is a symmetrical face. It is actually very rare to have a truly symmetrical face, and there are still many successful models today who don't have perfectly symmetrical faces. Iconic model Twiggy had arguably the most symmetrical face of all the models in her era.

Twiggy symmetrical face top model news

When you look at models today, many of them don't have fully symmetrical faces and some of them only partially do. Check these images and decide which model has the most symmetrical face:

Bella Hadid symmetrical face top model news

Gigi Hadid symmetrical face top model news

Karlie Kloss symmetrical face top model news

4. Captivating Eyes

Another feature that modeling agencies love — and one that is a signature for most models — is captivating eyes. This could be your eye color, the shape of your eyes, or the distance between them. Whatever it is, as long as your eyes are beautiful and captivating, this is a feature that modeling agencies absolutely love. Having thick eyebrows also draws attention to your eyes and makes you more photogenic.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley captivating eyes top model news

Candice Swanepoel captivating eyes top model

FAQ

Do you need perfect facial features to become a model?

No. While certain features like high cheekbones, thick eyebrows, and captivating eyes are common among models, the industry has become more diverse. What matters most is having a distinctive, memorable look that resonates with brands and photographers.

Can you enhance your cheekbones without surgery?

Yes. Reducing body fat percentage, lowering sodium intake to reduce water retention, and using contouring makeup techniques can all make your cheekbones appear more defined without any surgical procedures.

Are symmetrical faces required for modeling?

Not necessarily. Many successful supermodels — including Bella Hadid, who is famous for her facial symmetry — don't have perfectly symmetrical faces. A distinctive or unconventional look can sometimes be more valuable than perfect symmetry.

Jennifer Johnson

About the Author

Jennifer Johnson

Makeup Artist & Beauty Editor

Jennifer is a professional makeup artist with over a decade of experience in editorial fashion photography. She covers beauty, makeup artistry, and the secrets behind iconic model looks.

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