Professional shaping, at home maintenance and using the right products are the key to perfect brows. Following these tips will make you look and feel instantly prettier.
Determining which form of hair removal is right for you.
Tweezing - Although this popular technique can take time and be somewhat costly- it guarantees a clean, shapely arch if done correctly.
Waxing – This method is fast and fairly inexpensive, however mistakes are more common because there is less control. This is a great option for someone who has very thick, dark brows or has a lot of peach fuzz to remove. It is not, however, good for someone with sensitive skin or for someone who is using a retinal product because skin may peel off with the wax.
Threading – This technique involves a technician twisting thread together catching several hairs at a time. It is the least expensive method- however it is sometimes hard to find skilled threaders.
Electrolysis – If you are interested in long term results- this will deliver. After a thin metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle, it delivers an electric current that eventually kills the root after several sessions.
The experts weigh in
Rashida B- In just five short years Rashida B., has emerged to become Chicago's go-to-girl for brows. Her unparalleled no-wax approach to eyebrow grooming and infamous Brow Boot Camp has made The B Spot the premier location for brows. Affectionately dubbed The Brow Authority™ by industry peers Rashida B. grooms the brows of Chicago 's fashionably well-heeled set.
G&F: Some people feel that having their brows professionally shaped is high maintenance and too expensive- what are your thoughts on this?
RB: A good eyebrow shaping can mimic the results of an eye lift, and eye lifts are much more expensive. When your brows are well shaped and groomed you require a lot less effort to appear polished, and require less makeup, which in turn will get you out the door faster each morning. Now what's high maintenance about that? You'll spend less time in the mirror plucking your brows yourself… and checking them in the mirror because the shape is driving you insane!
G&F: Do you recommend tweezing with the client sitting upright or lying down?
RB: Great question! I actually really do perform all eyebrow services with my clients sitting upright facing me. Whenever you lie flat on your back your face settles and becomes perfectly symmetrical, this happens to everyone no matter how firm your skin is, and then when you sit upright your skin basically repositions itself. This is why after having your brows waxed lying flat on your back the technician hands you a mirror as you're still lying there and your brow look awesome, but then as soon as you get to the car and flip down your visor you're left wondering what the h** just happened, did she hand you a trick mirror or what!
G&F: You do not believe in waxing- why?
RB: There is less trauma involved with tweezing, no layers of skin are being removed, (as occurs with waxing) so it's less likely that you'll experience a reaction (redness, breakouts etc). Long term, waxing can cause droopiness in the eyelid area.
G&F: What is the one must have product you recommend to your clients?
RB: I've used practically every brand and type of tweezer on the market, however since I discovered Rubis brand tweezers they are the absolute only pair of tweezers that I will ever use. In fact, I love the tweezers so much that I am having them branded for my company. Why do I love this wonder tool so much? Rubis tweezers have the ability to grab the tiniest of hairs without breaking them and without nicking the skin. In a word… they're genius! (No, I don't receive any kickbacks from the company for endorsing their tweezers, something I suppose I should take up with my agent huh?)
Anastasia Soare - Anastasia is the leading authority on brows in the beauty industry and is affectionately referred to as “The Definitive Brow Expert”. She has retained a loyal celebrity clientele at her Beverly Hills salon. including Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Renee Zellweger and Madonna among others.
G&F: How important are eyebrows to the overall look of the face?
AS: As you might have heard, brows frame the face and set a balanced shape to our features. A good brow shape can change some of the features, and can also make a woman look younger and more rested.
G&F: How should a client prepare her brows before coming to see you?
AS: The best advice I have is to not tweeze before you come in. I would like to be able to shape your brows the best way possible, and it's best if you have a full arch before you come in. If your brow is already tweezed to much it limits our options.
G&F: How often do you recommend a client have her brows professionally styled?
AS: Once a month. Brow shaping has become a ritual regime the same as getting our nails done. It looks clean, and you feel great walking out the door.
G&F: What is the one must have product you recommend to your clients?
AS: Brow Gel. It's an instant lift and can make unruly eyebrows look great by simply sweeping the hair upwards and hold the shape in place.
Do it yourself maintenance - Once you have the shape you love, then performing basic upkeep is easy if you follow a few simple steps using the right products. Here are a few we love:
Brush hair and tweeze in the direction of hair growth.
Shu Uemura Eyebrow Brush
Always tweeze under a bright light or near a window with a magnifying mirror.
Tweezermate 10x Magnification Travel Mirror
After tweezing, brush brows in an upward motion and gently trim the hair along the top of the brow.
Regardless of what people tell you, you want to tweeze both the bottoms and tops of the brow so they are smooth. To determine where to tweeze, fill in brows to the desired shape with color and then tweeze the hairs outside of the colored area.
If you have overplucked, we recommend stimulating hair growth by applying Rogaine twice a day for four months.
Women's Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment
Use an after tweeze soothing cream to reduce redness.
Tweezerman After Tweeze Soothing Cream
If you use a pencil to define your brows, apply with short, feathered strokes from the inside of the brow out. Then carefully rub brows with a brush or your fingertips to soften the effect.
If your brows are sparse or spotty, you can fill them in by using a powder for a more natural look.
Smashbox Brow Tech
