Detroit to The Nines: Best of Beauty

Some might say I’m a little bit too obsessed with Michigan (despite it snowing in May, pothole PTSD and having to wear a turtleneck under my Halloween costume every year). But I spent nearly 20 years there, growing up and building an incredible community that I feel lucky to carry with me, even as we set up a home in a new state. Whenever we go home to visit family, I always have a flurry of appointments and places to stop by, visiting people and places that solidify that no matter where we go, Michigan is home.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have surrounded myself with a community of people and small businesses that I believe are truly the best of the best. I wanted to share with you all my own “Best of Detroit” (I worked at Hour Magazine for three years and I hope they don’t mind me using their famous tagline. Three years of working in a cubicle where duct tape held the carpet together-let’s call it even). Every couple of weeks, I’ll highlight a different category- stores, restaurants, cafes, etc. Today we’ll start with all the people who keep me looking presentable in public, the best of beauty!

KEVIN GREEN: HAIR

I had just graduated from college when I met Kevin. I had never colored my hair, and went to him for “a few highlights!”. He was kind and gracious in my fear driven request, and convinced me to let him do balayage instead. It was love at first look. Kevin has a way of delicately hand-painting the hair, and knowing exactly where to put each strand to frame your face and make you glow. Kevin’s gift isn’t just being an incredible stylist, it’s that he makes you feel beautiful, fresh and confident. Every appointment is like a party, Kevin’s kindness and humor is unmatched. He somehow always nails (and doesn’t laugh at) my insane “vibe” requests like “Italian mob-wife brown”. We’ve gone from brunette to blonde, to “bronde”, back to brunette and so much more over the years, and every time I’m blown away by his craft and the kindness in which he does it.

Find Him: Beauty Collective Salon, @_kevingstyles

RYAN COTTON: HAIR

I kept seeing Ryan’s page pop-up on my Instagram, and I was always stopped in my tracks by his client’s perfectly messy, chic beach waves. I immediately wanted to be one of them. Ryan had recently opened his own salon in Detroit, “Village Parlor”, and I was itching to check it out. We exchanged a few messages, and weeks later I was sitting in his chair. He brought life back into my cut (I had been going somewhere else at this time, but was looking for a change)- taking the weight out of the bottom and giving it back its natural wave. I was a Parlor Girl and I was PROUD!! The salon is cozy and comfortable, and I can always trust his advice- whether that’s in hair or in life. He’s an integral part to Detroit, like a Coney Dog. But chicer (and without the heartburn).

Find him: Village Parlor Detroit, @ryancottonhair

KATRINA MALOTA: MAKEUP

I truly never liked getting my makeup done. I always ended up with ten layers of black eyeliner, foundation caked on like spackle, and bronzer I was still getting off three days later. That all changed when I met Katrina. She doesn’t do what I call “blanket makeup”. She treats each person like a true individual, finding a way to perfectly emphasize their best features- or, actually making you SEE what they are. She’s an absolute star, and always knows what’s fresh in beauty. When I tell her “I want people to see my highlight from the parking lot”, she get it and she DOES IT. I’ve never met someone who better celebrates, not covers, a woman’s beauty. Also, Sharon Stone trusts her with her face. That’s all you need to know.

Find her: Luigi Bruni Salon, @katrinamalota

LISA KIM: NAILS

Every manicure I had for the past ten years was done by Lisa Kim. She is fully responsible for the love affair I have with my nails (I may not be tall, but nails? Fingernails I’ve got. Let me have this). She created my signature “tapered almond” shape, and she didn’t call me crazy when I called her crying that I couldn’t find anyone in Vegas to recreate it (I eventually did, but only through Lisa sending me photos and proper verbiage of what to ask for). She is a complete perfectionist, which is exactly what you want from the woman doing your nails. I followed her from salon to salon, and now she finally has her own beautiful place, “Blush Nail Bar”. Lisa shapes nails like a superstar, and is a color connoisseur. I can show her a photo of any design or mix of colors, and she knows exactly what to do. It’s not a coincidence that when I moved and stopped seeing her, I broke my first nail in TEN YEARS. My thumb nail still hasn’t totally grown back and honestly, I get the protest. I miss Lisa too, okay?!

Find her: Blush Nail Bar. @blush.nailbar

I know beauty services can be written off as “vanity” or self-obsessive. But each one of these people have brought such joy into my life, it’s much more than hair or nails. Their kindness, friendship and expertise over the years has made them each a big factor in feeling at home, even when I’m living 2000 miles away. Which also, may break the record for miles willing to travel for balayage (It is THAT good).

My Body, My Choice (...of Soap)!

It’s no secret that I am obsessive when it comes to skincare. I research products thoroughly, invest in facials, and haven’t gone to bed without doing my full routine in probably 5 years (The last time being after I came home drunk after a Miley Cyrus concert and woke up with the worst hangover and worst breakouts of my life). I’ve gotten my routine down to a science- from the neck-up, that is. I had put all my focus into my face, that my body often went neglected. I’d lather on whatever soap was in the shower, MAYBE put on lotion when I got out (am I wearing a dress? Nope! DRY & ASHY IT IS!). I always just figured my face was at the forefront of how I present myself to the world, and my body was secondary. Living in Las Vegas, I wear less clothing than ever, due to the simple fact that I don’t want to die of heat stroke. I started to take notice that my body was looking a bit tired. My skin looked dull and almost colorless. It didn’t have the same glow or bounce as my face. I’ve been so wrapped up in my complexion, that I neglected 95% of my body. I always figured my body would take care of itself, like it was the older child and my face was the baby that required 100% of my attention (sorry to my sister, who probably knows this feeling ALL TOO WELL).

I’ve found an arsenal of products for the body that have taken my limbs from dull to divine. Look out world…no literally, look at my legs they’re GLOWING!

Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap

I have been sweating more than usual, which I didn’t think was possible, until I moved to the desert. I shower every single day, sometimes twice, and I still get breakouts on my back and shoulders on occasion. Being the genius that I am, I knew that A.H.A products had worked well on my face, so I found something similar for my body. It’s definitely helped in keeping breakouts at bay. However, I noticed the biggest difference when I started clipping my hair up when I was conditioning it. I keep a big clip in my shower, and pile it on top of my head, so the conditioner doesn’t get on my back. Hair product can have irritating ingredients for the skin. When I started doing this, I saw serious results within days.

Salux Washcloth

My hot (as hot as the topic of back acne can be) tip when it comes to bacne is to use a Salux washcloth. They are like the hotter, cooler sister of a loofah. They take your body wash and turn it into fluffy suds. The long-towel shape makes it easy to get every inch of your back and shoulders.

Trader Joe’s Refresh Citrus Body Wash

Back to bacne, because my exes reading this definitely want to know more (Hi guys! I’m doing GREAT!), I scar easier than Sarah Sanders lies. This means every breakout leaves a dark mark. Vitamin C serum has done wonders for my face, so I was ready to get spendy on a body wash with the same ingredient. I was pleased to find a $5.99 solution at Trader Joe’s with their Citrus Body Wash. It leaves my skin feeling tingly and energized. I haven’t been using it long enough to notice a difference in my scars- I also apply Vitamin C Serum after I shower-, but it’s an enjoyable experience, which is more than I can say for the aforementioned exes (are you still here??).

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen

I try to wear sunscreen on my body everyday, because I’m in the car a lot, and my office is mostly windows. I don’t want to be 40 wondering where these hand wrinkles came from, when I should be worried about running sh!T at PTA or something. Most body sunscreens leave a whitecast, and smell like a 5-year-old at the beach. This one from Supergoop melts into skin with no white cast, moisturizes, and leaves a dewy glow, and smells like fresh flowers. It also comes in a convenient pump, which makes me 90% more likely to use it every day. Laziness is an art form and I am Picasso.

Nuxe Dry Oil

I’ve talked about this Nuxe oil before, and I probably will until my last breath. If you go to Paris, bring an extra bag just to fill up with this luxurious body oil. The spray-cap prevents you from wasting product, and I’ve noticed a difference in the quality of my skin after using for a few months. After I shower at night (sunscreen is my moisturizer during the day), I coat myself from neck to toes, slipping into bed feeling like I own an estate in the French Countryside. All I really own are childhood insecurities!

Time to take these products and GET ME BODIED. This is definitely what Beyonce meant. I’m sure of it.

Mask On, Mask Off.

It was a wise, wise man who once said “Get a hobby!!!!!”- it was my husband, and I think he said it to me when I finished all re-runs of "The O.C." in one week. Little did he know, my hobby would become skincare & masking, and I could do it all while re-watching the Chrismukkah episode. Take that!

I’ve tried many masks, some good, some bad, some smelly, some making me look like a straight-up serial killer in the night. But I found myself coming back to the same five masks every time, keeping them on rotation for my skin-needs at that moment. I thought I would share with you all today my holy grail of face masks, which is not to be taken lightly! I’ve tried a ton, and somehow these five have survived the test of time, which is more than I can say for my violin hobby, my drawing hobby, and even my horseback riding hobby (didn’t end well, don’t want to talk about it).

1. Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask- $22

This has been my ride-or-die mask for a few years now. I do it at least once a week, preferably before an event or on a lazy morning. I am addicted to how this mask makes my skin look. I call it “Botox in a bottle” (NOT IN A BOTTLE BUT I MAKE MY OWN RULES), because it tightens, firms up and moisturizes all in 20 minutes. It also just feels incredible on your face. When I fly long distances, I put it on mid-flight and let it soak in like moisturizer.

Hot Tip! Put it in the fridge for the ultimate masking-experience.

2. Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask- $58

Sometimes my skin goes into a meltdown more epic than a 6th grader at Hollister trying to cop a pair of jeans from their mom (me, that 6th grader was me). It needs serious work, but I don’t have time for or can’t afford a professional facial. This Tata Harper mask gives me almost the same results. It’s like a refresh button for your face. It helps me to get rid of little bumps, calm acne, and get my skin glowing again. Expensive price tag, but you’ll spend just as much on a new candle! No? That’s just me? Got it.

3. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Cleansing Masque- $30

This is it ladies and gentlemen- a mask so good- that it got my husband into the masking game. Refreshing, purifying and effective. 86% of my summers are spent in this mask, because after .2 second of being outside and getting sweaty, this mask makes me feel clean again. On occasion, I do get a small breakout after using, because it’s bringing things to the surface. But for the most part, it helps balance my skin and unclog my pores.

4. Dr. Jart Water Replenishment Sheet Mask- $7.50

The first time I did a sheet mask, I hid behind a door and waited to scare Michael (here’s those serial killer vibes!!). He ended up working late so I sat behind that door for a long time, but on the upside my skin looked UNREAL after. This mask has become my post-travel ritual. It restores all moisture to your face, leaving it plump and glowy.

Another hot tip- save the packaging to use the leftover serum as night cream the next day!

5. Pixi Glow-O2 Oxygen Mask- $24

Sometimes I come home from work and have so much to do (or just need to take a nap, it’s usually the nap), there is simply no time to sit down with a 20-minute mask. This is just as powerful, in less than half the amount of time. The directions say to leave it on for 2 minutes, but I leave it on for about 5 minutes- rules are made to be broken, baby. This stuff is a miracle. I wake up in the morning with bright, even skin. I really can’t believe the difference it makes overnight, it feels like it breathes new life in to your face. Major pay off with minimal work- the ideal face mask and also my resume objective!

So here’s to starting off 2018 with your best face forward! Unless you go out and drink your weight in $6 bottles of champagne this weekend. You get a pass for a few days.

Cuts & Colors: A Hair-story.

Long, long ago, in a bathroom in Wisconsin, a toxic relationship with my hair was born. As my mother cut my bangs (Bless you mom but, NO), I took notice of my Alfalfa-style cowlick, my thin locks, and their incredible ability to get greasy a few mere hours after washing. I’ve struggled with my hair for years, never finding quite the right cut or style. It wasn’t until I met my usual stylist, Anthony ( @ Antonino Salon, book your appointment now because he is so good it takes a few good weeks to get in!)  a few years back, that I finally felt comfortable and confident with my hair. I also stopped using children’s shampoo, so I guess that doesn’t hurt either.

Today I wanted to share who helped me make hair-story with my locks:

THE CUT: Ryan Cotton, Village Parlor Detroit

I had been growing my hair out long for the wedding, and I actually liked my cut. Anthony never put layers in my hair, making it appear thicker and fuller. But I was feeling desperate for a change. I hadn’t cut my hair anywhere near short since middle school, when the stylist at JR’S Kutz for KidZ told me that “the boys will love short hair!!” (spoiler alert: NOPE!). I knew if I went to my beloved Anthony, I wouldn’t want him to do anything different, so for this cut, I had to venture out. My first and only call was to Village Parlor Detroit.

I’ve been following Village Parlor, and its founder, Ryan Cotton, on Instagram since they announced their Detroit location. I was enthralled with Ryan’s talent, the way he cut and styled hair, it always looked so cool and carefree. Now something to know about me- I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to my hair. And that’s not out laziness. I am so awful at doing my own hair, I feel I should have to have permit for my curling wand. I blow-dry my hair and go and that’s what works best for me. I expressed to Ryan that my hair needed to allow for this, but I still wanted something cool and chic. He told me I could definitely lose a few inches and add in some “invisible layers” in the front, giving my hair more movement and body. Sold.

Ryan took his time cutting my hair, he is a perfectionist, which is exactly what you want in a stylist. He even stopped for a moment to remove a spot from his mirror- I knew then that I was in the right hands. Everything about Village Parlor felt like a celebration of being in Detroit. Ryan is originally from the Lansing-area, but has been in New York for the past 16 years. He moved back to Detroit to open his own salon, and be a key part of the city’s comeback. He revives not just your locks, but is reviving the city as well. I left with shorter, bouncier, healthier feeling hair- and a new friend!

THE COLOR: Kevin Styles, Luigi Bruni Salon

I spoke about Kevin in my last wedding post-we hit it off right away when I daringly went to him to put about 2 pieces of balayage in my hair about 4 years ago. I had never had color in my hair before, except for a few bad box-jobs on my college living room floor. I kept going back to Kevin, a true master, going subtly darker, lighter, and a few of shades in-between. I never once left disappointed, but feeling beautiful, empowered, and quite at peace (Kevin is essentially my therapist as well). He hand paints on your color, making it look natural, and NEVER like a 2000 Kelly Clarkson.

So after I got my cut from Ryan, I knew I wanted some new color match my new cut. I went darker in college- and I still feel scarred by the smell of that $9.99 box dye. I found that darker hair washed me out and made me look like an extra in a “My Chemical Romance” video (which really isn’t a bad thing, Black Parade forever!!!!). So I decided I would test the waters by going blonde-ish. I say “-ish” because I think it is a common misconception that you can just walk into a salon and take your brunette locks to blonde in one hour, for less than $200. BABY STEPS! I showed Kevin my hair-spiration, and he was feeling the vibes. He went to work for over 2 hours, hand painting on every piece, while letting me air out all my drama and problems. We sipped tea while giving the tea (ask me what this means later, mom!). When all was said and done, I turned to the mirror to see natural looking, golden honey locks, intertwined with my natural color. I love how it turned out-I feel fresh and uplifted, at a time of year I usually want to hide under the covers with fuzzy socks and a heating blanket (will still do this, will just feel better doing it).

If you’re thinking about doing something new with your ‘do, here’s my advice: the great thing about hair is that it grows back, it’s changeable, and underneath it all, we all have the same egg-shaped bald ass heads. Your identity doesn’t lie in your hair or your skin or your makeup. It lies in who you are and how you treat people- but a bomb hair style/color doesn’t hurt.   So while I don’t know if blondes or brunettes (or redheads!) have more fun, I do know it is the girl who surrounds herself with good people who are passionate about her work, who is the happiest.

The Winter Beauty Edit

Ahhh, the inevitable flakes of winter- and I'm not talking about the snow. As the weather gets colder, my skin gets flakier than a Pillsbury biscuit. I'm flakier than that girl you run into at Target from high school that says "we should get coffee sometime!!!". Get the ugly, gross picture? Good. Now we can proceed with what we're going to do about it. 

I'm a firm believer that some of your skincare and beauty need to change with the seasons. I've compiled a list of my favorite skincare and beauty products for winter to get you through these next few months (let's face it, Winter lasts until April).  So crank up your heat, ignore your unshaven legs as you pull on some big wool socks, and enjoy: The Winter Beauty Edit. 

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich -$35

You all know my obsession with Glossier's Priming Moisturizer. I use it every morning before my makeup for a perfect base every time. So when Glossier came out with a richer version, you know I pressed “order” on launch morning before my eyes were even open. This is my top-winter product. It healed my dry, flaking skin overnight. It’s unbelievably rich, creamy and luxurious feeling. The best part is, you can’t use too much. It melts into skin like butter, bringing life back to dry, dull, winter face. I also use on my neck because I am in constant fear of Tech Neck (it's a sickness). It feels like a $300 cream Kim Kardashian probably uses- but it's only $35 and you don't have to act like Kanye makes sense.

* Psst: you can get 20% off and free shipping through my rep page here: https://www.glossier.com/reps/alexmauro

Milk Cooling Water- $24

Again- getting hydration on your skin in the winter is hard, because we’re indoors, cooped up under blankets just trying to get through it. Milk Makeup Cooling Stick is an easy, fun way to not only reduce redness and perk up tired skin, but it adds an extra layer of hydration. I keep mine in the fridge, swipe all over my face-especially under eyes- in the morning after washing. Also a perfect gym bag companion for after a workout.

Laura Mercier Face Polish- $32

Back to the flakes. You know the ones, you scrub and you moisturize and they just appear again like a stage-5 clinger at a party- BUT THEY WEREN’T INVITED!  When my skin needs a reboot, I scrub with this and it does exactly what it says it will- polishes your skin. My winter-dream team is washing clean skin with this, then Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich. You will wake up with a whole new face (not in a bad Heidi Montag way. It an awesome, how am I this glowing? in the winter way).

Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask- $30

Sometimes, you need a good detox, from harmful harsh heat in your house, from layering on makeup, etc. This is my ultimate. It detoxes skin without stripping it, it just leaves a nice, smooth, matte finish. It makes me feel so CLEAN afterwards. But because winter is a fickle biotch and will ruin this moment for you, follow up with Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask. If you don’t’ have that in your arsenal already, skip this whole post and order that. Baby steps- and that is the first one.

Elta MD Suncreen- $20

Yes, you do need sunscreen in the winter. And fall. And all other times of the year. People always ask me what they can use to prevent wrinkles, and sunscreen is it. We don’t realize the damage those harsh office lights make, the sun when we’re in the car- etc. You can drive yourself crazy trying to avoid it or worry about it- or you can wear sunscreen daily. This one was recommended to me by multiple friends, and for good reason. It is unbelievably lightweight and silky. I put it on before my priming moisturizer, and you can’t even tell it’s there.  It blends in beautifully and protects all day. Get on it.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Cream- $37

The top question I am asked is “what can I use for under-eyes?".  In service to all of you, I’ve tried just about all of them. This one is the only cream I have ever noticed a difference with. I do feel it helped with my dark circles over time, but more than anything it just made my under-eye area look not so tired. It smoothed the skin, actually making it look younger and healthier. A little goes a long way too- I've had it about 4 months and haven't even made a dent in the tube. 

Mermaid Perfume Body Oil- $50

Some days, you walk outside and are immediately assaulted by ice-cold wind, sharp, sleet-y snow and frigid temperatures. You think to yourself “I need a damn vacation”, but you check your bank account and it says “Girl lol no you need a BUDGET”. So how do you get away without actually getting away? Treat yourself to something tropical. On those miserable winter days, I crank up the heat in my apartment, take a bath (this is the best bath companion), and follow up with Mermaid Perfume Body Oil. It smells like you just left the beach, Mai Tai still in hand. It soaks into skin in seconds and leaves you with a lingering vacation smell all day. Not to mention crazy soft-skin worth of putting your bathing suit on (you can walk around your house in one, I won’t judge). Bonus points if you get their candle- it will fill your whole home with beach bliss. 

Boy Brow in Clear- $16

In the winter, I’m all about a more natural look- like an Eskimo with natural beauty just oozing from my pores. But as we all know, sometimes it takes a little work to make natural look polished. This is why I love Boy Brow Clear. I am faithful to Boy Brow in brown, but I do have some little baby hairs in the front that don’t quite need color, but just a little lift. Voila, Clear Boy Brow. All the same gorgeous, effortless, just a little messy brow, without color if you don’t need it (bless you).

Milk Makeup Eye Vinyl- $20

I had been coveting a glossy eye for months, but couldn’t seem to figure it out without looking like I had some weird disease. Then I was recommended Milk Makeup Eye Vinyl, and it changed the game. PERFECTLY glossy without looking oily or sick. It gives you the ultimate cool-girl look, because let’s face it, you are cool and should look like it. My favorite shade is the nude. Glide it on eyelids and pat in and BAM! You’re an Olsen (without the chain smoking, bravo).

Winter is tough- but taking care of your skin doesn't have to be. All of these products can be easily integrated into your routine, without sending your face into panic mode- because it's stressful enough just trying to keep your socks up in your boot all season.

* Title photo via Into The Gloss

Boy Brow: The Review

Have you ever noticed in shampoo commercials, how the girl whose life has been "changed" by said shampoo, ALREADY has great hair? Or in makeup ads, the model coincidentally already has perfect skin? Or even in cruise ship commercials. It's always a slender, good looking family. Never who you really see, which is usually some kid eating his boogers, hogging the ice cream machine while mom is checking-in on Facebook (LUV THE SUN!!-Karen). 

My point is, we have constantly been mislead by marketing messages for "miracle products", so as consumers, we are understandably jaded. That's why I was skeptical when Glossier's Boy Brow was first launched. Of course it was a great product, but probably only for girls who already have great brows, right? 

I've been an avid follower of Into The Gloss and Glossier products for a while now. Having been burned by multiple pencils, waxes and tints, I didn't jump on the bandwagon right away. My wounds were still fresh. Dark pencil still lingered under my fingernails for God's sake. 

After a few weeks of soul/brow searching, I finally caved and ordered a tube. I knew when it hit my mailbox because I could hear the faint sound of angels singing outside my front door. They knew the miracle, the resurrection, that was about to take place. 

From the first swipe, I could tell Boy Brow was the real deal. The gel-like formula  somehow picked up every little brow hair to form a fuller, more natural shape- even on my scarce brows. Not sticky, stiff, or harsh, just perfectly messy and effortless. I knew I had been saved. 

Unlike pencils, it's almost impossible to mess up the application of Boy Brow. The tapered brush is a dream for precision. A few small, short, upward strokes and E! might even give you your own TV show (I'm assuming that's the way the Kardashians got one. Great brows=good* TV). 

THE GOOD NEWS: This is the holy grail of brow product, and since Glossier gave me the gift of getting my brows back, I'm giving you a gift! Use this link for 20% off your first order. 

THE BAD NEWS: If your shade is brown, like mine, or black, IT'S SOLD OUT RIGHT NOW. You'll have to sign up for an alert for when it's back in stock, which is said to be next month. Blondies, go fourth.  

So here we are: My brow history has been told. Pictures that can't be unseen, have been shared. And in the end, Boy Brow is the equivalent of the White Horse, and I am riding off into the sunset with my bad @$$ brows. 

*good is an over-statement and completely subjective. 

Xx

A Tale of Two Eyebrows: My Journey to Brow Peace.

We all go through stages in life. Puberty, first relationships, bad haircuts-the stuff they warn us about. However, in my 24 years of life, no one ever warned me about the emotional turmoil that comes with having eyebrows. 

I had good eyebrows. They were thick and untamed and unruly, and in sixth grade, that was unacceptable. So I let my friends pluck them all off at a sleepover into thin, perfect lines. I felt chic! I felt cool! WHAT A FOOL I WAS. My girlfriends told me they would grow back anyway. Then probably something about an Abercrombie sale ($5 off jeans!? MOM!!!) Spoiler alert: they did not grow back. Not even close.  

When big, dark brows came back into style, I became obsessed. I wanted those thick, gorgeous, Audrey Hepburn, Lily Collins brows so badly. This is now what I refer to as "Dark Times". 

It started out innocently enough, a little pencil on my sixth-grade mistakes here and there. But it wasn't enough. I started filling them in darker and darker. And you wanna know what? I.Loved.It. I felt sexy, fashionable, and on-trend with my new Groucho Marx brows. I filled them in with pride and basked in their perfect shape. This was my time, baby. 

"What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" does NOT apply to eyebrows. They should really put that on their signage.

However, it all soon started to crumble. It began with a friend of mine, breaking the truth to me. That my brows were just too dark and too big and they were too much for my face. I was 100% in denial. I cried my eyes out. I could not accept what my girlfriend had said, and I could feel that naive, 12-year-old girl that was dying to fit in, oozing out of me. 

I still continued filling in my brows, a little less, but I made up for it in shape. BOOYY DID I MAKE UP FOR IT. My lines were so sharp they could kill a man. I was FLEEK AF. In my state of brow-bliss, I went to to see my enabler (my eyebrow girl), who had originally tinted my brows and who I can probably credit with the beginning of this madness. 

When I went to make an appointment, I was informed that my then brow-guru had left the state (probably to enter the witness brow-tection program. Puns make it hurt less). I felt lost and alone. Who would define and defend my eyebrows now?

Enter Sonya- Father, Son and Holy Spirit of eyebrows. On our very first appointment, she let me down easy like a good therapist. My perfectly drawn, carefully crafted eyebrows were stealing the spotlight from every other feature I have. We never tinted them again, used brow wax matching my natural shade, and only filled in the scarce spots. I felt more natural, but more fashionable than ever. 

Moments after my brow-rescue with Sonya. Next LinkedIn photo for SURE.  

I'm not mad at myself. Not even embarrassed. We all go through beauty blunders- all that matters is if it makes you happy at the time. No one can tell you how you should look. I needed to go through my brow-tastrophe. Not even my closest friend could tell me what's up (BROWS, GET IT?!), I needed to figure it out for myself. 

In my next post, I'll let you guys in on what I think- no, know, is the holy grail of brow product. Even for girls that "don't need brow product" (we can't be friends). For now, learn from my story, tell it to your children. Preferably before they go to sleepovers. 

Xx