The Clean Brow
Do you notice dramatic brows? What about ones that are subtle yet define a set of fine eyes? A wash and go look might work for some people, but for the rest of us, taking care of brows, lips, eyes, and skin are a must. And using safe clean products has become paramount for me as well as a host of many consumers.
Did you know that there are more than a brow pencil or brow gel products for getting a good clean brow? Have you heard of pomade for brows? Me neither, until very recently. In this article we will look at the different products used for a definitive brow, managing brows and how to select products that are considered clean.
First, let’s address shape and care. For many, the brows that God gave us are perfect – no trimming, plucking, waxing, threading, shaving, coloring. But for others, it’s all the above or at least some. Who knew that brow care could be so time consuming or wallet gouging? There are a few traditional shapes for the brow: arched being where it starts off slightly lower near the nose, arches up at midpoint and tapers off, giving a good definition of the eye shape; steep arch is similar to the arched, but the midpoint is more dramatic and defined (think upside-down V shape); s-shaped is has more curves in the typical brow look starting off lower at the nose, but goes slightly lower before curving upwards at midpoint and then tapering off in a downward point. Each brow type is unique, and one would do well to experiment to get the best look for you.
Many years ago, I heard a saying that has stuck with me. Our brows are sisters, they are not twins. Think about it – how many agonizing minutes have we spent trying to tame the brows? One looks great, awesome. The other (usually the one opposite our dominant hand) looks like we are playing finger paints on our faces. It is hard to get them to look the same. And considering the fact that many are not symmetrical on location, some are higher or lower from the other, we start off with issues before we even begin. Once we realize this we can accommodate the sister adage, and have a fighting chance of conquering the brow.
To underscore the brow shape is whether to comb or not to comb. It has come into fashion recent days to comb the brow upward giving it a very full look. This may or may not be your thing, but it is a trend, nonetheless. Many options are available to brush brows – usually brow gels come with a spoolie tool or one can use a brow brush, or a toothbrush (I like using a bamboo one for this purpose). After controlling stray hairs and defining a shape, brushing the brows into shape is the next step.
Third in the process are the different products available:
Brow pencil – Typically a wax-type product with pigmentation used to fill in sparse-looking brows with a less dramatic approach.
Brow gel – Usually defined as mascara for the brows, it can hold unruly brows in place and give them a fuller look. Color can be an option for this easy-to-use product.
Brow powder – Think of this as eye shadow for the brows. In fact, many women will often use an eyeshadow color from their palette that matches their brows and brush in the color to give a fuller look.
Brow Pomade – Similar to gel but not as rigid nor dramatic as gel. It allows flexibility and a great hold without adding too much product. Great for filling in brows.
Marker – This one lays down a lot of product and gives the definition and precision wanted to create a brow where there is only sparseness. It can help create the desired brow arch and definitive well-manicured brow shape that many desire.
Wax – In pencil form but without any pigmentation. It is used to tame unruly brows and hairs and keep brows in place all day long.
Because personal care products can have a myriad of ingredients each serving a different purpose, a close inspection is warranted to check for unwanted or potentially harmful ingredients. Parabens are a common ingredient in brow products used to prevent bacteria and mold. They are known hormone disruptors, affect reproductive health and can cause us to be more susceptible to breast cancer. Usually, a paraben has a word attached to it at the beginning of the word, i.e. methylparaben. Another common ingredient is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). It is a binding (chelating) ingredient added to cosmetics to improve stability and it may be toxic to our organs. A third ingredient that could be problematic and found in many personal care products is propylene glycol which is an humectant, meaning that it is added to products to retain moisture in hair and skin. According to Environmental Working Group (EWG) propylene glycol has some concerns in regards to skin irritation, eczema and other skin allergies, as well as organ toxicity (Propylene Glycol, EWG’s Skin Deep, ewg.com).
Searching for brow products without potentially harmful ingredients is worth the search and many more companies are making high performing products that use ingredients considered safe for our health. Trial and error are the best approach as well as trying different and/or new brands until you find the one (or two or three) that best meet your needs. Nowadays with consumers demanding transparency as well as safer, cleaner products, choices are more plentiful than ever before from companies that share ingredient lists, production process and supply chain information. Prices can vary considerably as well, and in my experience, so can product performance, so keep trying until you find the products that work for you and give you the look you want.
Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu and provided her with beauty treatments. (Esther 2:9 NLT) Esther was chosen to be the new queen because of God’s providence and sovereign plan. She, along with the other maidens, was given one year of beauty treatments before she met the king. One year! I guess the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” can be applied to caring for our skin and bodies – especially if changing to a more healthful, non-toxic approach. Esther spent a year getting her skin in tip top shape, so we too could take the time to get our skin (including brows) looking its healthiest, even if it takes a year or more.
Our brows may be a small part of our face, but they can be a great compliment to giving us fine eyes, kind eyes, compassionate eyes. Eyes that speak love for our fellow sisters in Christ.
