THE BROW IS THE NEW FACELIFT CEO + FOUNDER OF WINK BROW BAR EXPLAINS WHY
As with most features on our face, our eyebrows change as we age, and not always for the better. One could say they become our “arch enemy” without the proper arsenal of tools and tricks. They can become sparse, droop, turn grey, change color, length and thickness. To add insult to injury, aging eyebrows often cease to regrow, so a single overzealous tweezer session can leave you with almost nonexistent brows. The good news is, “all of these “ills” can be reversed with some skilled brow work, the right products and at home tips,” says Umbreen Sheikh who is the founder+ CEO of Wink Brow Bar/Salon with locations in New York and London as well as an eponymous line of eye and face products.
Shape
Umbreen says that, “Brows can visually lift or droop the face—they are defining attributes that complement not only your face but the way you want the world to see you. The shape of your brows plays a big part in the appearance of your overall look. You can appear younger by having a fuller brow. Thin brows typically age the face, so opt for fuller brow shapes and use makeup to make the brows appear fuller.”
Eyebrow Threading
Threading is the easiest way to shape your brows by a professional. They will help determine the best shape for your face and also make your brows defined and crisp. Threading is the best way to do your brows if you have sensitive skin or allergies to waxing products. Threading is also fast, so you will be in and out of your appointment in no time.
Pencil
If you have naturally thinner brows with less hair, consider filling in your brows to create a fuller look. Pencil is a better choice over other makeup such as pomades or waxes because pencil looks very natural and you can achieve a precise shape to the brow. Make sure to keep the pencil tip sharpened so that you can have complete control over your application.
Take the Tweezers out of your Hands
We’re all guilty of doing this at times. We’ll try to get the perfect arch and end up with eyebrows that are way too thin. The best thing to do is to hide your tweezers and leave the plucking to the professionals. I know, it’s hard to do especially in-between salon appointments, but your brows will thank you in the end.
Color
The eyebrow makeup color should match your brows and not the hair on your head. Matching the makeup color to your existing brow hairs will keep a youthful appearance. Don’t go too dark in color for the brows because darker colors will age you if you don’t have naturally dark brown hair.
Highlight
Another trick to use for your brows to help you appear younger is to highlight them. Use a lighter colored pencil or eyeshadow that’s ivory or beige to highlight the arch of your brow. This will make your brow appear lifted for a younger look. Also consider highlighting on top of the brow arch to further define the arch shape.
When Brow “Tails Fade at the Edges
Brows naturally thin at the outer edges (by your temples) first, but fading can also be the result of overplucking. “The tail of the brow is the part that sets off the arch, which makes eyes look youthful” says Umbreen. “Without it, eyes seem droopy and tired.” The Solution: Lengthen your brow tails with a pencil.
Trim
If your brow hairs are long in some spots, try to trim them with brow scissors. Trimming the brows will further enhance the shape and keep the brow hairs looking very groomed and in place for a youthful appearance.
Avoid Wax
In my opinion, threading is best for your brows, not waxing. I see a lot of people make a mistake with waxing. You shouldn’t be stripping your skin so close to the eyebrow with wax. It can make your skin soften earlier and make your skin wrinkle sooner.
Brush Out Your Brows
I don’t know why people don’t do this. Just brushing your brows changes the shape and stimulates growth. There’s [nothing] more stimulating than brushing your brows.
Lash Serums
If you have sparse or thin brow hairs, consider using a lash serum to help grow more hair for a fuller and younger style. All-natural castor oil or protein packed serums sold in stores can help strengthen your eyebrow hair. It may take a few months of daily application, but the results will be worth it. Stronger & fuller brow hairs mean less time filling in the brows with makeup for a fuller look! Here’s a great serum to try from Wink: https://winkbrowbar.com/collections/our-products/products/flash-eye-lift-serum
ABOUT UMBREEN SHEIKH LICENSED COSMETOLOGIST
FOUNDER + CEO OF WINK BROW BAR
For London born Umbreen, beauty is in her blood. Her mother was a huge influence, having attended cosmetology school and owning London Salons that encompassed all areas of beauty in addition to eyebrow threading, which was quite rare at the time. Umbreen learned to “thread” brows at an early age. Umbreen jokes that her mother taught her, “The birds, the bees and the brows.” Growing up, Umbreen spent much of her time in her mother’s salons while also attending University at King’s College London and graduating with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. After marrying in 2003, Umbreen moved to New York where she became PR Director of a niche magazine. In 2005, Umbreen had a son, and in 2011 her daughter was born. After her children were in school, she decided to fulfill her lifelong passion for beauty, brows and product development.
While living in New York, she realized that there were no brow salons that catered to threading and focused on understanding face shapes and how to achieve the perfect brow shape in a way that did not damage the eye area. Although many salons offered waxing, this was not a method Umbreen wished to pursue. She was dismayed by existing salons that offered one size fits all, unhygienic, or painful brow/eyelash treatments.
As someone who learned the reigns of beauty and brows from an entrepreneurial mother, the concept of women’s “Embrowerment” was essential to Umbreen. In 2014, she developed the concept for Wink. Today, her empire includes three Wink Brows Bars in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn and one in London. For those who can’t make it to the salon, Wink has an eponymous line of brow, lash and facial products available for purchase online.
Philanthropic pursuits play a significant role in Umbreen’s life. She is a committee member of “Developments in Literacy” that educates 27,000 girls in Pakistan. She is also a Lotus Circle Advisor for The Asia Foundation a non -profit international organization that works across Asia advancing the rights and opportunities for women through their empowerment program.
Umbreen resides in New York with her financier husband and two children.
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