Eyelash Extensions Care

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Eyelash extensions look fabulous, they make your eyes pop and as soon as you wake up you feel like a princess. If you want your lash extensions to look beautiful for a long time there are certain things you need to do and some things you need to avoid. 

DO

  • Avoid getting your lashes wet for the first 8-10 hours after application. Get your shower out of the way before application.
  • Brush your lashes constantly with a spoolie wand to avoid them tangling.
  • Use a blindfold to sleep (not too tight), this will protect your lashes. 
  • Silence your cell phone during the procedure.
  • Take a little extra care when dealing with your new lashes
  • Enjoy the attention you’re going to get
  • Refer your friends

DON’T

  • Rub, pick or pull on your lashes
  • Use waterproof mascara, or any cosmetics that contain any glycol-based ingredients
  • Use oily products near lashes
  • Rub your eye while removing makeup, instead use a q-tip and gently remove any eyeliner or eye shadow. 
  • Worry if a few fall out, it’s normal. If way too many fall out call your esthetician and ask them for a fill. 

Brows Throughout History: Part 3

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10. The Au Naturale 1970’s Brows:
The 1970’s marked the return of the natural brow as the hippie movement took flight — think natural shape and less plucking à la Ali MacGraw and Lauren Hutton. If you’ve let your brows run wild, just call it a ‘70s revival.

11. The More is More 1980’s Brows:
With Brooke Shields and Madonna leading the movement, the more, more, moreness of the 1980’s held true for eyebrow shape. The bushier, the better, baby.

12. The Less is More 1990’s Brows:
The 1990’s had brows of all sizes, but there was still tweezing aplenty. The overplucked look was sported most popularly by Drew Barrymore and Pamela Anderson. Model Kristen McMenamy's career skyrocketed only after she shaved off her eyebrows.

13. The Bold Brow of Today:
The bold brow is back, thanks in large part to model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne and what many are hailing “the power brow.” Whether your brows are the real deal or your just getting crafty with brow fillers, the thicker the better. Our tweezers are on hiatus for now, but if history is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before they’re in high demand once again.

(source)

Brows Throughout History: Part 2

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5. The Needle-Thin 1920’s Brows:
During the Roaring Twenties, women used beauty to liberate themselves. Modeling themselves after silent film queen Clara Bow, eyebrows were severely plucked and penciled in thin, straight, and extended beyond the outer corner of the eye. It was the first time commercially-made products were available and flappers went to town — and then hit the town, of course.

6. The Curvatured 1930’s Brows:
The dark, heavily-tweezed brow trend carried into the 1930’s, but Hollywood actresses like Jean Harlow (pictured) and Greta Garbo used more pronounced, curvature arches to add drama, drama, drama.

7. The Heavier 1940’s Brows:
Brows became thicker in the 1940’s as part of a softer, less severe look. Move stars such as Lauren Bacall and Grace Kelly sported heavier brows with a prominent arch. What would Bacall’s signature expression, “The Look,” be without her striking brows?

8. The Plentiful 1950’s Brows:
Dior’s ‘New Look' called for a full face of makeup, which was often topped off by a strong brow with a high arch. The biggest Hollywood stars of the time, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn, all boasted lush, immaculately-shaped brows. Their eyebrows are up here, boys!

9. The Painterly 1960’s Brows:
Sophia Loren had the most famous brows and unique styling technique of the 1960’s. You might even say her eyebrowwere full of secrets. She shaved them off completely, then penciled them in tactfully with short, thread thin strokes that secured a bold, yet seemingly natural look.

(source)

Brows Throughout History: Part 1

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1. The Ancient Egyptian Eyebrows of Horus, 3500 B.C. - 2500 B.C.
Both Egyptian men and women wore makeup for its supernatural powers. As an homage to the God Horus, heavily-lined eyes were the focal point of the face, which meant that eyebrows needed to be equally as prominent. They darkened, arched, and elongated brows by painting on carbon and black oxide substances. Sorry Cara, Cleopatra was most definitely the pioneer of the bold brow look.

2. The Pure Ancient Greek Brows, 800 BC to 146 BC:
The Ancient Greeks put an emphasis on purity and it was reflected in women’s beauty rituals. Often times married women would sport a natural look, while those who were unwed would touch up their eyebrows with black incense. A uni-brow was recognized as a beautiful trait — not a reason to run to your salon for an urgent pre-date touch-me-up.

3. The Astute Ancient Roman Brows, 753 BC to 476 AD:
Roman women had more freedom in their beauty practices than the Greeks, but the no-fuss uni-brow was still considered the most desirable characteristic. It was a sign of intelligence and worn by the most notoriously beautiful women of the time. Brow-wow-wow.


4. The Barely-There Middle Ages Brows, 1066 - 1485:
Medieval women pointed attention to their domed foreheads, a desirable trait of the time (yes, seriously!), by plucking their eyebrows heavily. While skinny, barely-there brows were the standard, during the Elizabethan era, many women dyed their brows in reddish tones as a nod to Queen Elizabeth (most definitely not Henry VIII).

(source)

7 Reasons You Should Get a Facial

“Getting a facial is important to understand how your skin works and how it reacts to stress, hormones, and the elements,” says Regine Berthelot, the treatment manager at Caudalie Spa in New York City. “People with problematic skin should book a monthly facial. At the least, getting one every season is recommended to keep the skin balanced.”

1. Facials can actually clear your pores. "A professional treatment will fully cleanse your skin in a way that you simply can’t at home,“ insists Dr. Marko Lens, a dermatologist and founder of skin care brand Zelens. "Think about it this way,” offers Kate Somerville, founder of theeponymous beauty brand, “You brush and floss your teeth twice daily, but you still need to go to the dentist a few times a year for optimal health.” Facialists normally utilize a safe and gentle steam to really open your pores and allow them to breathe. It’s a don’t-try-this-at-home kind of cleansing.

2. If something’s wrong, you’ll find out why. "Your skin changes over time depending on age, weather, and even hormones,“ Somerville explains. "It’s a good idea to have an expert who can help you address those changes, identify skin conditions, and educate you on how to treat them.” If you have great skin now, don’t trust that it will last forever! For example, lots of girls suffer from eczema in the winter and simply blame it on dryness. Not treating a serious condition can lead to long-term skin damage!

3. You’re popping your zits wrong. Don’t lie. We know you do it. (And we do, too.) But every time you squeeze a pimple, you’re risking acne scarring and dark marks. “Regular, professional extractions will help keep the skin clear,” Somerville insists. “It will also help prevent long-term damage you might be causing at home.” You may even find that booking a regular appointment will eliminate any reason to pick and pop yourself. “Facials are essential toprevent imperfections,” adds Dr. Lens.

4. It’s better than the beauty counter. You know when you go to a beauty store and someone tells you what to buy based on looking at your skin under fluorescent lighting? That’s not how we should be purchasing things. “A knowledgeable, licensed esthetician will provide personalized skin recommendations and a regimen that will address your individual concerns.” The best way to know your skin is to examine it, cleanse it, treat it, and then assess it. Once you’re on a great regimen, the esthetician will update it by season. It’s like having your own concierge!

5. There are some things you just can't DIY. "You will never have the right products at home to get a professional effect,“ insists Dr. Lens. (Take that steam machine as a prime example!) "We utilize light therapy, using blue and red LED, to eradicate the bacteria that cause inflammation during breakouts,” says Somerville. “It’s also been proven to reduce pore size, stabilize oil production, and promote healthy cell growth.” Unless you’ve got big bucks and the proper degree, you can’t get that kind of treatment at home!

6. You’ll find your happy place. "Facials are so much more relaxing than a DIY,“ says Dr. Lens. In fact, Berthelot uses a mix of high frequency, massage, and hot towels to maximize the pampering experience! Everyone knows stress can cause skin issues, so a facial can cure any breakouts and give you reason to take a few deep, cleansing breaths.

7. Confidence is key. "I struggled with eczema for years,” says Somerville, “and I’ve seen every skin concern imaginable in my clinic. I know exactly what it’s like to regain skin health and feel confident. You should feel comfortable in your own skin!”

(source: www.teenvogue.com)

3 Skincare Tips for a Busy Girl

It’s true that as much as we’d like to dedicate hours every day to take of our skin, sometimes we just don’t have the time to do so. We totally understand the conflict between wanting perfect skin and not having the time to maintain it, so here are three super easy tips that’ll make your beauty routine faster.

1. Take a warm shower.. Rather than applying copious amounts of serious lotion throughout the day, try taking a warm shower instead of a hot one (hot water drys your skin). You should still apply a little moisturizer,our favorite is Quench by Osmosis, this way you won’t be so dry that you have to resort to multiple applications all day long.

2. Put your nightstand to good use.Find yourself tempted to crawl into bed before washing your face? That’s fine. Just stash a supply of your favorite makeup remover and facial moisturizer nearby. We particularly love Osmosis Makeup Remover because it gently cleanse the skin while also removing all makeup residue.

3. Take two.Whatever your busy life may look like, chances are there are plenty of times your skin care routine has taken a backseat simply because you didn’t have your products with you. That’s happened to us too, which is why you should always buy two of each of your favorite products. Keep one in your car or purse, and keep the other in your bathroom. Bonus: You’ll always have a backup should your first run out. 

Smudge Free Summer

 There’s nothing worse than trying to get your makeup to stay in place all day, then realizing that your favorite products are running down your face. So, to help you make your makeup stay put all day long, here are three out eights tips for perfect, smudge-free makeup.

 1. Moisturize: Of course moisturized skin is better than dry for applying makeup, but be sure you’re applying oil-free moisturizer. Quench and Quench Plus are great  moisturizers by Osmosis.

2. Prime, prime, prime: We can’t stress enough how amazing primer really is. Some primers are even great 2-in-1 moisturizers, like our Osmosis primers.

3. Baby powder and eyeliner. The powder will absorb excess moisture from the area, making it easier for the eyeliner to stay in place longer. 

 4. Blot Your Lipstick: Once you’ve applied a coat of lipstick, use a tissue to blot lips. Gently press your lips against the tissue, removing any oil from the product and giving your color staying power.  5. Consider Waterproof Products: Though many ladies aren’t fond of using waterproof makeup because of the difficult removal process, this is one way to make sure your makeup doesn’t budge.

6. Use Stains: Based on its name, a stain has a great staying power because the pigment is so potent. Blush and lip stains, or even using a lip stain as a blush, are great ways to keep your color on all day long. 

7. Carry a Mattifying Product: Powder mattifies on its own, but if you get a mattifying powder, you double your odds at smudge-proof makeup. 

8. Look for the Ingredient Polymer: Polymer as an ingredient helps to reject water and oil as well as camouflage skin flaws. It responds positively to the surface of skin, resulting in stay all day wear.  

Love is Bliss

It’s a rare Saturday here in San Diego, because unlike the rest of the week (more like year) today it’s gloomy and rainy. Now, I’m not complaining because I happen to love this weather, specially when I have to come in to HighBrow to work. 

While I was ringing up a customer for eyelashes a guy with the most adorable puppy walked in to the spa. As soon as I was done with my customer I proceeded to help.

“Michelle has an appointment at 11, I want to pay for that before she gets here,” the guy told me. We took care of the bill for Michelle and he quickly left the place. He came in probably an hour before Michelle arrived. 

Her reaction was great when I told her that she was taken care of already. I only wish her boyfriend could’ve seen it. Michelle was speechless. It truly was the cutest thing I’ve seen today, not only him paying for her service but her reaction, that was priceless. It’s things like this that make my job awesome, because I get to be part of moments like those. Hopefully we have a proposal in here one day, now that would make another great story!