How to tame your eyebrows

MANILA, Philippines - Ask any makeup expert and they will tell you that the eyebrows play a very important role in a person’s overall appearance. They not only define the shape of the eyes and enhance their beauty, but they also help us communicate more effectively as they change their shape according to our various moods and expressions.

Now, with that said, it baffles me how a lot of people tend to overlook this part of their anatomy. Women will take the extra minute to curl their lashes, but not an extra two to groom their arches. This, to me, is terribly unfortunate as I believe that it is a must if one desires to make a good impression. Nothing polishes a look as completely as these perfectly groomed wings above our eyes. If you find that a bit hard to believe, just take a look at Brooke Shields. She is a prime example of a successful woman spiraled to fame by the mark of her (bushy) brows. Born in the early ‘90s and don’t know who Brooke is? Fine. Consider Camilla Belle then.

I’m not really here to tell you how to do the grooming yourself, especially if it is your first time. In fact, for the eyebrow virgins out there reading this article today, I highly recommend you get an expert to break you in gently and set up a “blueprint” for you to follow, should you decide to do it yourself in the future. At least that way you don’t have to shape it yourself and worry about having to grow out a mistake. But before you head over to the nearest salon, bear in mind some important things you have to remember, because if you’re going to let someone have their way with you, then you must at least make sure you are armed with knowledge, so you know that what they are doing is right:

• The space between your brows should be equal to, or a little wider than, that between your eyes.

• To find where your brows should start, take a long shadow brush (or pencil) and hold it parallel to the side of your nose. Where the brush meets your brow is where it should begin.

• To find the end of your brow, extend the brush diagonally from your nostril, following the outside edge of your eye towards the brow. Where the inside edge of the brush hits is where your brow should end.

Once shaped, there are many ways you can keep to a low-maintenance routine. For a natural look, just use a brush or a tiny comb. Comb it upwards and outwards and finish with a clear or tinted gel. Gels are perfect for taming unruly hair. To fill sparse eyebrows, use an eyebrow powder or pencil to fill in the tiny gaps in between. Make sure you use a hard bristled angular brow brush for a more natural finish. To soften the strokes, you can blend with a cotton bud. Nowadays, they even make waterproof ones that you can use at the gym or at the beach.

I’ve done my bit of research for the best brow masters in this country and found my top two salons. Both are excellent, just varying in budget and ambiance, so it’s up to you what you prefer. The end result is pretty much the same.

The first would be in the below-P500 range, which is the Allegra Hair Studio located at Valle Verde 1 Park in Pasig City. This little neighborhood salon is small, clean, with a very homey feel. They have only one expert threader/waxer (her name is Carmencita) so make sure you book an appointment in advance (tel. 672-3391). 

The second would be in the above-P500 range, which is Browhaus Manila, located at Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Global City Taguig (tel. 901-0597) and Greenbelt 5 Phase 2, Ayala Center in Makati City (tel. 501-3998) with fantastic interiors, accessible locations and more than one expert at the helm so scheduling is not as difficult.

If you have never experienced the magic a well-shaped brow can do for your appearance, then I suggest you do not hesitate and just get it done. I promise that it will be a life changing experience.

To see is to believe.

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