New Brows - New You.
Tell me I'm not alone in going for a routine mani/pedi and being asked repeatedly 'want brow wax too?' After about 200 polite but assertive refusals, those sweet, yet cunning ladies had managed to successfully put fear into my heart. It is like the first time you became aware of back pockets. (Once you notice designer stitching, you always notice it.), I was checking out everyone's brows. (Weird, I know. More like she she me than Shopgirl, I know.) Waxed? Not Waxed? Tweezed? Ignored? I even had nightmares about brows. I was a mad woman.

Nail ladies aside, the shape and definition of your brows are the subject of more than a few beauty columns this season. And after carefully consulting some of my brow-licious friends, I decided to book an appointment at a day spa to have the overdue (I suppose) brow shaping consultation. It was on this day that I met Melinda the 'brow guru.' Thanks to her expertise I have a standing 'date' with her every 4-6 weeks from now, until I no longer care. (Which will be on the first of never.)

I have to admit, between you, me, and the girl at the desk of the spa, I was really psyched about the whole thing. I was convinced that I would emerge the epitome of the well-groomed-girl-about-town. And, bless Melinda, I did. I have to tell you - I stand by the 'waxing-the-brow-treatment' and I'll tell everyone as much. But before you run to the nearest LICENSED AESTHETICIAN there are a few things you should be aware of.

• As I stated above, you should always and only see a licensed aesthetician. Not your favorite nail girl. (For future reference, them asking you to get a brow wax is just a way to drive up the amount you're spending, not because your brows are not fit to be seen in public.)
• The brows act as the natural frame of the face. That said, our 'frame' is naturally uneven. Brows should begin even with the inside corner of our eyes (hold a pencil straight along the side of your nostril) and taper slightly at the outer ends (hold pencil diagonally at the outer corner of your eye). The arch should be the highest at the outer corner of your eye.
• Be sure that the aesthetician uses hard wax not strip wax. Strip wax is the kind of wax used on other, um waxable body parts, but can pull the skin off of your eye area. Not good. Hard wax takes off errant brow hair, not skin. And here's the real scoop - the hard wax doesn't (okay, really) hurt. I swear on my favorite pumps that is the truth.
  

She spent a few more minutes 'tidying,' (tweezing) my brows and then pronounced me finished, at least with the shaping part of this exercise. One glance in the mirror and I felt like I was that well-groomed-girl-about-town.

Now, on to defining. Forget the smoky eye (old and new) this is something we actually can master on our own. Brows are big this season (as in important not size) and enhancing them can add thickness and dimension and help to add depth to your facial features. There are a ton of ways to achieve wow-worthy brows. Some of our favorite products are:
1. Smashbox Brow Tech - split pans contain pigment that coordinates with the color of your hair and colorless pomade. Apply tint first then seal with a wax to help the color stay put. You will need brow brush for application.
2. Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper - This color-enhanced cream-gel formula defines and fills brows while controlling and shaping. A wand applicator guarantees less mess.
3. Lorac Brow Wax - An all-in-one solution to your brow woes. A colored wax (3 to choose from) that enhances the shape of your arches while holding them in place. For best results apply with brow brush.

Tinting is another enhancement option. If you're looking to simplify your morning routine, this semi-permanent procedure may be perfect for you. A LICENSED AESTHETICIAN will choose a dye that complements your hair color and skin tone and gives you a natural look. After application, your brows will be good for several weeks. Costs for this service can range from $15 - $35.

A little addition of color to your brows is like wearing mascara for the first time. It is that noticeable. And I have to say, after all my brows-on research - it is that necessary.