Can we talk brows, ladies?
I mean – eyebrows are one of those things that you don’t really think much about until you either see someone with amazing brows, or really really bad ones, Right?
The devil’s always in the details, you know? Like when you go someplace super fancy and suddenly notice all the little details that make it extra special. I remember being in Italy with my family and we went to this amazing Michelin star restaurant for dinner.
It was at the very top of the Bristol hotel, with sweeping views of the Italian skyline and Vatican at sunset. It was one of the most breathtaking moments everrrrr.
As we were seated, I naturally started looking for a spot to place my bag – when 3 servers ran over and placed little footstools for my mom, sister and I to place our bags! Whoa! I could totally get used to this! The level of detail!
I ended up getting violent food poisoning and throwing up the entire 8 course meal, at the restaurant but that’s a story for another day.
My point – and I do have one, is that many times what separates “good” from “spectacular” are the little details. Case in point – a good brow! A good brow transforms ordinary into extra-ordinary!
Here’s what a properly shaped brow does:
We look more youthful and rested. Seriously.
Well-groomed brows are one of the least expensive and lesser known anti-aging beauty secrets! A well-shaped brow visually lifts the face and makes our eyes appear a little larger and fresher. We likey!
Instant Glam and polish!
A perfectly shaped brow gives instant GLAM! You’ll look polished, refined and more glam even without makeup. It’s an inexpensive way to completely elevate your look!
Balances facial features
Sucky brows can throw off the symmetry of your face or change the entire look altogether and not for the better, BUT well-shaped brows will actually balance and enhance your best features!
Avoid “Resting Bitch Face”
Well-done brows will visually lift, brighten and highlight your pretty eyes – BUT poorly groomed brows can make us appear tired, stressed or angry. Maybe that’s where “resting bitch face” came from. Someone had bad brows. Anyhooo….
You want a Brow Shaping not just a wax – there’s a difference….
Make sure to get a Brow Shaping which means going to a professional and having her actually look at your face, and properly shape your brows to compliment your features. In other words – a customized shape! The 3 main properties of a good brow are the START, ARCH and END of the brow.
Here’s how a Pro does it:
The thickness of the brow will vary depending on your specific facial features but as a general rule, you don’t want to remove any more than 2-3 rows of hair from under or over the brow.
This is shaping….not to be confused with a typical straight-forward wax where the technician doesn’t actually map anything out, she just applies wax over and under the brow and removes obvious scragglies.
ALEXIS K BEAUTY: My Go-To for Brows
My amazing Esthetician and Brow Expert, Chrissy Lewis at ALEXIS K in Solana Beach, CA – first tints my brows. Next – she marks the Start, Arch & End of my brows to form a roadmap. Then she waxes and tweezes to perfection!
Finally, she ends by filling in my brows with a little pencil, an under-brow highlighter to accentuate the brow shape and seals it with brow gel.
I’m Sold! Details pleeezzzz!!
How do I find someone good?
A referral from a couple friends whose brows you like is always best. If you start to hear the same name a few times – that is who I’d book with. Short of that, you can google “brow experts” or “brow shaping services” in your area. Look carefully at their site and online reviews first. Make sure that they list brow services as brow shaping, not just brow wax.
The lady who waxes my bikini line also waxes brows. Why can’t I just go to her?
Listen, you’re the boss of you….. BUT waxing a bikini line is a lot different than shaping a good brow. It’s sort of like going to a foot Dr. when you really need a brain surgeon. They’re both Dr.’s, but one actually specializes in the area you need.
What do I bring to my appointment?
Bring a couple pictures of brows that you love, to show your brow expert. It’s also beneficial to bring a pic or 2 of brows you DO NOT like also. This gives her a very good idea of what you’re going for and what you want to avoid.
Is it expensive?
Not really. Pricing will depend on where you live and where you go. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 – $60 for a brow shaping. A brow-tint is an add-on and will generally run in the $15 – $25 range.
How often?
Once a month, sometimes twice depending on how fast your brows grow and how particular you are. Certain times of the year, brows just grow a little faster! There are times where I seriously have enough hair to feather a couple king-sized pillows within 2 weeks of a shaping – meaning it’s twice a month.
3 Daily Brow Tools You Need:
Grooming your brows in the morning is just part of the make-up routine! You’ll want 3 basic tools in your arsenal to keep the look of your gorgeously shaped brows. Here’s what I use…..
I love an angled brow pencil instead of the typical pointed pencil. This angled version allows way more precision – and it’s way easier to make realistic little brush strokes to fill in the spotty parts of my brows. PLUS it’s got a brush on the other side for total convenience. Love!
A multi-tasking must have! I use the matte end of this brow highlighting pencil under my brows during the day, for a softer highlight. It really emphasizes the brow line AND lifts plus brightens the eye.
Big difference without it! I love the shimmery end for evening. BEST of all – it’s multi-use! Use a little of the shimmer end on tops of cheekbones, bridge and tip of nose for a little luminescence. Love!
Brows without gel are like hair without a little holding spray. It’s just NOT finished! You have to seal the deal! After brushing and filling in brows – it’s a must to set your masterpiece with a little brow gel.
It just keeps them perfectly groomed and in place. Plus it helps to seal in your brow pencil so it doesn’t rub off during the day.
If you haven’t yet delved into Brow-Shaping, try it and see the difference! Tell me what you think below, or share with a friend. Have a question for me? Just ASK!
