Beauty Goes High Brow with Smashbox

Beauty goes to brows that wow. Nothing has the power and ability to frame one’s face like an expertly arched brow. Shape in place, definition becomes crucial to polishing off any look. Smashbox has perfected the art of the brow definer, creating and refining cult-favorite Brow Tech.

The War on Brows, Won

It is not often that I will employ the word soldier when describing myself, but every so often a topic comes up that demands the adjective. I am a soldier in combat, doing battle (and most often losing) with the unruly caterpillars below my forehead that I call eyebrows. They are naturally bushy, naturally coarse, and naturally a pain in the tuchus.

Enter my knight in shining armor, and the only person that can help me fight the good fight. Say hello to Ramy of Ramy Beauty Therapy, and the Ramy Spa in NYC.

Ramy is a makeup artist, entrepreneur, and all-around brow boss. With a client list that reads like the seating chart at the Grammys, his reputation for being the best isn't a boast, but truth. I consider myself very fortunate in having the opportunity to have him work some brow magic on me.

Trust me when I say that Ramy had a real mess on his hands when I arrived at his second floor salon in downtown Manhattan. Sporting three weeks of eyebrow growth, I was looking less woman and more wookie. We had a brief chat regarding my brow shape, what I was looking for, and how we would get there. I then lay back in the cushy chair with the bright lights shining, and a renewed hope that my brows could indeed be saved.

"Cars should be waxed, not brows" said Ramy as he wielded his weapon of choice- tweezers like a true warrior, and plucked away at my unruly brows. As he deftly shaped and sculpted, he shared with me several nuggets designed to help me fight the good fight. For example, Ramy recommended I keep a pair of tweezers by my toothbrush, plucking any stray hairs I may see in between appointments. The idea is that the brows will fill out a bit, but the shape will more or less be maintained. Great idea, right?

Fifteen minutes later, Ramy had worked his magic and it was time for the big reveal. Not only did he slay the caterpillars, but my brows were in the best shape I think they have been, ever. The line of my brows was clean, my arch was sky high, and the thickness was absolutely perfect. With very little guidance from my end, Ramy gave me results that I could only dream of previously. Naturally, I am over the moon.

The obligatory before/after shot.

For brows that are nothing short of amazing, be sure to visit the Ramy Spa in New York City. Ramy will change the way you think about your brows, I promise.




*Service was provided complimentary for review purposes.

Beauty Wishes Do Come True- New From Smashbox

So a bit longer than a while- but not quite a looong while ago, I reviewed an amazing set of eyeliners from Smashbox for the holiday season.

These liners have literally become my go-to's for daily use because they are just that perfect. Pigmented, long lasting, and ultra smooth, these liners glide on beautifully rich and last all day. I am talking little birdies chirping whenever I uncap these people. Anywho, given their limited edition status, you know that I cried and prayed to the heavens every single day to bring these to me permanently. Seems that someone up there heard me, because look what I just spotted on Sephora's website?

The liners are back, yessir they are! Now called Limitless Liner, these beauties seem to match the exact description of the holiday liners. Better yet, they are here to stay, and come in color(!). These are available in five shades, and I want- nay, I need them all.

Another favorite that has come back to us both bigger and better than ever is brow tech. Brow tech traditionally is a dual sided pot with brow wax on one side, and brow powder on the other. It was the first brow product that I had ever purchased, and I loved it to pieces (till hitting pan did us part) despite the fact that it wasn't all that portable. Smashbox must have spies in my brain or something like that, because they have considered my girl on the go status and have created Brow Tech To Go- a dual sided tube with a brow pencil on one side, and brow gel on the other. Super compact and just as lovely as the original, this has WIN written all over it.

Last but not least, we can file this under the great ideas category. Designed to instantly change the look of an eyeshadow, think of Eye Illusion as an eyeshadow topcoat. A trio of super light duochromes, this product has the ability to completely change your eye look. As a lover of smoky eyes, you know I am all over this one. Need it even.

Have you ever wished for a limited edition product to become permanent? If so, did it happen?

Tarte does Hayden Harnett for Spring 2010

For Hayden-Harnett's Spring 2010 Fashion presentation, the Tarte artistry team was on the scene to create the look.

Hayden-Harnett's collection was inspired by a nomadic journey through lava fields and desert landscapes. Tarte's makeup artists used this inspiration to create a warm complexion with a strong, geometric brow and soft lip. The look is soft and natural, with just a hint of healthy, dewy glow action. The eyes remain muted with a major focus on the brows.

Here is how to get the look yourself (click on the pic to make it bigger).

Strong brows are in for Spring, and I am loving it!