Yesterday, I let somebody do something to me that I thought I would never allow....I let a classmate wax my eyebrows.
Those of you who were fortunate enough to know me c. 2000 will remember when I was let loose with a pair of tweezers and - against my mum's desperate pleas - kept plucking away until I had removed the majority of my brows, leaving a sizeable gap in the middle. I looked surprised for about three years.
An eight-week volunteering trip to Africa saw me right; I came back with big, bushy brows (not to mention some big, bushy gap yaaaaaaar weaves!) and I managed to shape them into a pair of brows I now love and protect. My brows don't let me get away with anything; they show all of my emotions and make me who I am - and I can do a mean impression of that Cadbury's advert.
Unfortunately, yesterday's waxing didn't quite go to plan. Some of my skin was pulled away and I've been left with red, puffy eyes. It turns out I have sensitive skin around my eyes and waxing was just too harsh. However, you learn these things and I'm proud I finally gave it a go!
I thought it would be a good idea to look into the various ways of maintaining brows and identifying the ideal shape. This is dependent on your face shape and preferences, but here is the main rule of thumb:
Grab a pencil or eyeliner and place it at the side of your nostril (start one side then do the next):
1) Hold the pencil straight up: this is where your eyebrow should start in the middle.
2) Look straight ahead and pivot the pencil towards the outer edge of your pupil: this is where the highest point of the arch should be.
3) Pivot the pencil towards the outer corner of your eye: this is where your eyebrow should end.
4) Hold the pencil horizontally along the lowest parts of the brow - this should match and be level.
Those of you who were fortunate enough to know me c. 2000 will remember when I was let loose with a pair of tweezers and - against my mum's desperate pleas - kept plucking away until I had removed the majority of my brows, leaving a sizeable gap in the middle. I looked surprised for about three years.
An eight-week volunteering trip to Africa saw me right; I came back with big, bushy brows (not to mention some big, bushy gap yaaaaaaar weaves!) and I managed to shape them into a pair of brows I now love and protect. My brows don't let me get away with anything; they show all of my emotions and make me who I am - and I can do a mean impression of that Cadbury's advert.
Unfortunately, yesterday's waxing didn't quite go to plan. Some of my skin was pulled away and I've been left with red, puffy eyes. It turns out I have sensitive skin around my eyes and waxing was just too harsh. However, you learn these things and I'm proud I finally gave it a go!
I thought it would be a good idea to look into the various ways of maintaining brows and identifying the ideal shape. This is dependent on your face shape and preferences, but here is the main rule of thumb:
Grab a pencil or eyeliner and place it at the side of your nostril (start one side then do the next):
1) Hold the pencil straight up: this is where your eyebrow should start in the middle.
2) Look straight ahead and pivot the pencil towards the outer edge of your pupil: this is where the highest point of the arch should be.
3) Pivot the pencil towards the outer corner of your eye: this is where your eyebrow should end.
4) Hold the pencil horizontally along the lowest parts of the brow - this should match and be level.
Face shapes and ideal eyebrow shapes:
good ol' plucking
Plucking has always been my go to method of removing stray eyebrow hairs. It can be done any time, anywhere and it is the cheapest method. I have always used a trusty pair of Tweezerman slanted tweezers, which have allowed me to get to the tiniest of hairs, but there are loads of tweezers on the market (however, if you are cursed with quite thick, coarse hair like me, then you will find it's worth splashing out on a good pair). It is worth replacing them every few years, as they do tend to become blunt and it maintains hygiene (Tweezerman provide a free sharpening service!).
Word of warning: Don't get carried away! It's best to under-pluck than over-pluck until you achieve your desired look. You can get them shaped by a trained therapist, and then maintain them yourself. If you struggle to see all of your hairs there are some great magnifying and illuminating mirrors.
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Word of warning: Don't get carried away! It's best to under-pluck than over-pluck until you achieve your desired look. You can get them shaped by a trained therapist, and then maintain them yourself. If you struggle to see all of your hairs there are some great magnifying and illuminating mirrors.
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threading
I'm ashamed to say I haven't yet tried threading, but am very intrigued to try it one day, as I have seen such great results on friends and heard great reviews. Threading is an ancient Indian method of removing hair and it has now become very popular in the West. A cotton thread is pulled along unwanted hair in a twisting motion, to trap hair in a mini lasso, and lifts hair right out of the follicle. It's very fast and thorough and can have lasting results (up to 6 weeks). Threading can also be used for removing other unwanted hair from the face (upper lip, chin, full face, etc).
Word of warning: Find a good threader! They are everywhere these days, shopping malls, salons, Debenhams and often very cheap (around £5), but ask friends, search online reviews and perhaps invest in your first trip.
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Word of warning: Find a good threader! They are everywhere these days, shopping malls, salons, Debenhams and often very cheap (around £5), but ask friends, search online reviews and perhaps invest in your first trip.
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waxing
Don't be put off by my experience! Waxing is a very quick and effective way of removing unwanted hair, especially the almost invisible downy hair underneath, above and between your brows, or it can be a great shaping method. Benefit Cosmetics have brilliant Brow Bars in department stores across the world which offer waxing, and most salons will provide this service too. It can last up to 6 weeks and costs between £5-£10.
Word of warning: Beware of waxing if you have sensitive skin (like mine). Hot wax is supposed to be less harsh; this is where the wax is applied to your skin, allowed to cool and harden and peeled off (rather than using wax strips).
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Word of warning: Beware of waxing if you have sensitive skin (like mine). Hot wax is supposed to be less harsh; this is where the wax is applied to your skin, allowed to cool and harden and peeled off (rather than using wax strips).
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hd brows (high-definition)
HD Brows is the new celebrity beauty trend launched this summer. It's a brand name, but is becoming the definitive term for perfectly defined brows, achieved through a seven-step treatment process including tinting, waxing, threading, shading, etc and helps those of you who have over-plucked to regain a fuller brow. It'll set you back anywhere between £25-£35 but sounds like it's well worth it!
Word of warning: There are over 4000 HD Brow stylists across the UK, so make sure you start off with someone who has had the certified training, and take in some pictures of some brows you like!
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Word of warning: There are over 4000 HD Brow stylists across the UK, so make sure you start off with someone who has had the certified training, and take in some pictures of some brows you like!
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Eyebrows can significantly enhance your facial features and make applying makeup lots more fun (not to mention taking away a few years), but don't worry if you prefer a more natural brow. Eyebrows are precious and personal, so be wary and careful and have fun experimenting if you so wish.
PS. I currently offer eyebrow shaping using plucking and tinting, so let me know if you'd like to book an appointment.
PS. I currently offer eyebrow shaping using plucking and tinting, so let me know if you'd like to book an appointment.
