January 30, 2012
Brow Lesson From the Glow

Here is beauty wisdom from the Glow {dot} com to make sure we all are sporting amazing brows. My comments are in red =).
The right eyebrow shape not only visually lifts and opens your eyes,
it also polishes your entire look. The best method for DIY brow shaping
is tweezing because it’s precise and more goof-proof than waxing —
especially if you’re a first-timer. Celebrity makeup artist Vincent
Longo agrees. “With waxing, a detailed contour is more difficult to pull
off on your own,” he says.

Before you get started, you’ll need a few tools: A magnifying
mirror or any mirror placed near a window (natural light will help you
see every stray hair); grooming scissors; a good pair of tweezers
(Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezer is great for beginners); and a brow brush
(try the Dior Brow Brush). (or a cheaper option, try a toothbrush)
The best time to pluck is right after a steamy shower, which will
open up your pores and make it easier to remove hairs. (pores do not open and close. They harden and soften so I’m sure they meant to say they will be soft at that point) Make sure you
have time on your hands — tweezing can’t be rushed! After you’re done
plucking, use an antibacterial wipe to clean your tools. Soothe any
redness and swelling on your brow area with arnica gel, an herbal remedy
that reduces inflammation, says Longo. And wait several minutes before
applying lotions, creams, or makeup.

Step 1: Determine your basic shape. Figure out
where your eyebrow begins by placing a pencil vertically against the
side of your nose and the inner corner of the eye. Any hair that goes
beyond this line should be tweezed. Next, place the pencil diagonally
from the side of your nostril to the center of the pupil — this is where
the highest point of the arch needs to be. A straight line from the
side of the nostril to the outside corner of the eye determines the end
point. Hair extending into the temple area should be plucked. (go to my perfect brow tutorial for the “pencil test”).

Step 2: Brush your eyebrows upward with the brow
brush (a baby toothbrush works too!) and carefully trim any extra-long
hairs. Then comb downward, and — very conservatively — cut excess
length.

Step 3: Tweeze one row of hair beneath the
brow, between the points you identified in Step 1. To lessen the pain
factor, pluck in the direction of hair growth. Open up the arch by
removing a second row of hair from directly underneath it. Lastly, pluck
random hairs below the brow line and between the eyes.

Remember: Less is more! Over plucking looks unnatural and requires a
six-month “no tweezing” period to correct. Plus it adds more age to your face! Stick to these rules, and
you’ll have enviable brows in no time.