Eyebrow Raising

In my adult life, I don't often find myself complaining about my hair loss. But, I won't hesitate to share when I notice any loss of my eyebrows or eyelashes! Eyebrows really are the frame to your face, and without them, I usually feel a little incomplete- visually, that is!

I have tried all sorts of products, and I am certain that many of you have, too. There are temporary eyebrow tattoos, eyebrow pencils, powders, and even permanent eyebrow tattoos. Each offers something very different, with quite a different commitment. For those of us who have Alopecia Areata which has a tendency to come and go, nothing with any permanence would be worth the pain! But, for those with lifelong Alopecia Universalis- I can see why they would seriously consider it!

So here is my take on your different options:

• Permanent Eyebrow Tattoos- typically performed by a professional tattoo artist. Can be obtained at some salons, and many tattoo parlors.
  The upside- you will have eyebrows all day long, all night long! No worrying about applying when you wake up, or sweating them off while you workout. Plus- they last a long time! And, they can look very natural when done properly.
  The downside- The pain. The pain. The pain. No permanent tattoo is painless. Come on- it's a needle!
  Suggestions- Find an experienced artist who can show you photos of their eyebrow work. Once it is done, it's done! No undoing this procedure! At least without another investment. Also, be sure to meet with them to have a trial where they can paint or draw on your brows- so you know how they will look. When it comes to something on your face- I suggest that you not allow cost to be a deterrent. If you have found the artist you love and trust, but know there are cheaper artists out there- save up the money and wait until you are ready.
• Eyebrow Stickers or Temporary Tattoos- these can be applied each day, and removed when you wash your face. Can be ordered online.
  The downside- You can feel the stickers as you wear them. They don't often look as natural, either.
  The upside- Not a huge financial investment. Can be something you try once, and decide if you like them! Best for those with total eyebrow loss.
  Suggestions- Ask around. I cannot personally suggest a brand or type, because I have never found one that I like. Maybe some of my readers have? Leave a comment here or join the Facebook group, Kayla's Corner for Women and Kids with Hair loss and comment there!
• Eyebrow Pencils/Pens/Stencils- For anyone with total eyebrow loss, that is terrified to trust themselves with drawing on their own eyebrows- the stencils are a terrific option! They serve as a guide for you, so the shape can look professionally done.
  The downside- I find no downside with stencils, other than you may need to shop around to find the perfect shape for you. But pencils can be smeared or wiped off easily. Pens are less likely to smudge, but a little more intimidating to apply than the pencil.
  The upside- there are so many stencil shapes and pencil/pen colors available that you can find the perfect combo for you! If you are comfortable you can go sans-stencil and draw on your eyebrows solo. Plus, they provide flexibility if your eyebrows come and go, like mine.
  Suggestions- Shop around. Look for stencils online to get your best deals. Pencils are easy to come by in a multitude of colors. Be sure to keep your pencil sharpened for precision! My favorites include MAC and Makeup Forever. Go into the stores to have a professional make a color suggestion.
• Eyebrow Powders- Great choice for those who have eyebrows that come and go, or still have some existing eyebrows- like me!
  The downside- They don't stay on your skin very long. They can fade by nightime. Also, the lines are less precise than a pencil (which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preference).
  The upside- They are the easiest to apply! Great for beginngers, or people like me who have some existing eyebrows! No need for a stencil.
  Suggestions- Same as the pencils, basically. Shop around to find the best color for you. MAC colors are my favorite because of their high pigment quality. The higher the pigment, the less you use, the longer the kit will last. Worried about the color? Go into the stores to have a professional make a suggestion. Last- find the right brush for you, the brush is the second most important part!

I decided to call on two friends of mine, who are professionals in the makeup industry, to make a few suggestions.

Tiffani Mitchell of NARS Cosmetics says her top suggestion is the Anastasia Brow Kit. "It comes with stencils, powder and a brush to make sure you are getting the right shape. Incorporate either the Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil or the MAC Twist Up Pencil to mimic actual hairs," she says.  When asked what powders she suggests, she was beyond  helpful, by suggesting powders specific for each hair color! Make your choice based on the color of your wig that day, or if you go sans-wig, you can play around with your natural born shade! 

According to Tiffani, these are the best powders for your hair color:

-Light Blonde: MAC "Cork"
-Medium Blonde/Light Brunette: NARS "Blondie"

-Brunette: NARS "Bali"
-Dark Brown/Black: NARS "Coconut Grove"

When it comes to applying powders, brush choice is everything. Tiffani suggests MAC Brushes 208 (this is what I use!) or 266 for the most precision.

Josh Collier, a Trainer for Hourglass Cosmetics and Smashbox, AND makeup guru/v-logger, says his top pick is Smashbox's Brow Tech Trio. "Not only does it come in 5 different shades, but each shade contains two separate colors. So you can get a more natural effect, since hair has highs and lows through it naturally. Also, half of the pan is a wax, it will groom any existing hairs into place and also create a tacky base for the powder to adhere so it will last longer on the skin," Josh said. I can't wait to try this!

So, what is your preference?

Check out the products linked in words above and below, and let me know what you think! I am a pencil and powder girl, all the way. But I am curious what you have tried or are hoping to try!

Eazy Brow- Recommended by NAAF- 10% of proceeds go to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation

Beauti-Full-Brows- Recommended by NAAF as another Alopecia supporter!

Be sure to join the conversation on the Facebook Group, "Kayla's Corner for Women and Kids with Hairloss" to share your thoughts! Questions for the Pros? Leave them there, and I will forward to Josh and Tiffani!