Do your eyes sparkle like jewels or do they simply get lost in the scenery of your face? Your eyes may be emerald pools, but lackluster brows and nearly invisible lashes can fail to set them off to their utmost potential. Create "eye opening" appeal and add pizzazz to those peepers with a popular procedure known as tinting.

The Best Shaped Plans

Most of us spend hours primping and plucking in order to find that elusive ideal brow shape. After all the brows act as the natural frame for our face. But even the best-shaped brows may not set off the eyes if hair is fine, sparse or pale. Brow tinting may be your solution. Just like having your hair colored, brow tinting changes the color, adds the illusion of thickness and dimension.

Keep in mind tweezing or waxing should always be done AFTER the tint. This allows for maximizing the amount of brow hair available for shaping. If tweezing before tinting, the maximum potential of each eyebrow may be missed.

Fair Skin = Light Lashes & Brows

Those with very pale skin, often accompanied by very blond or almost-white lashes or brows may find tinting helps add depth to their facial features. Avoid a drastic change, such as going dark brown or black for the brows. Opt instead for a more natural golden girl look. A honey color brings out the eyes and creates the frame your face so desperately lacks without looking artificial or unnatural. These newly darkened brows help accentuate the eyes, add fullness and create structure.

As for eyelashes, most women gravitate towards a black or dark brown tint. If black mascara is already a make-up essential, choosing the black tint may help benefit your overall look. Mascara may serve a necessary purpose of thickening the lashes, but imagine removing your mascara and maintaining definition of the eyes.

Because Only Your Hairdresser Knows

For those who prefer that only their hairdresser know their hair color comes from a bottle, brow tinting may be a necessity. If the hair color des jour is not naturally blonde, the chances that your brows are in sync with your gorgeous new "do" are slim. Overly dark brows combined with blonde hair can look harsh and unsophisticated.

Brunettes sporting blonde hair may want to tone down the brows (an exact match isn't necessary) in order to create an esthetically balanced appearance.

As for your eyelashes, once again, it is dependent upon what shade of mascara you prefer combined with which hair color you've selected. Since your colorist will have to perform the eyelash tint (this is not something to try at home), ask for an opinion. After all, it's their expertise you're paying for.

Semi-Permanent Beauty

Tinting may be the closest thing to permanent make-up for the brows and lashes. Anyone looking to enhance the eyes while vacationing (who wants to apply make-up on holiday?) or for poolside perfection, eyelash tinting could be just what you are looking for. Imagine that freshly applied mascara look after taking a dip in the pool. And if you fear mascara running during a wedding or date night movie, consider chemically enhancing your lashes.

Only a Day Spa Away

Lash and brow tinting is available in many upscale salons and day spas. An eyebrow tint can run between $10-15, and expect to spend anywhere from $14-25 for eyelash tinting, perhaps more on the Coasts. Some spas offer inclusive packages at a discounted price. Expect the tint to take about 20 to 30 minutes. While the results may vary, just like regular coloring a touch-up may be necessary between 4-6 weeks.

Lash and brow tinting is not for everyone. If you have an allergy to hair dye or are easily irritated by color additives, this treatment would not be for you. Also, if you are currently suffering with an eye infection skip the idea until it clears up. Your salon or spa technician should also advise you to remove your contact lenses before the service.

Latisse

If you prefer to solve the problem of sparse or too-light lashes at home, Latisse may be for you. Latisse is an FDA approved prescription for treating hypotrichosis (inadequate lashes) at home. Those using Latisse twice daily normally see thicker, fuller and darker lashes within 16 weeks, if not sooner. Although Latisse is advertised to create longer, darker lashes, many people using the product also apply it to sparse brows and have said that it seems to improve their appearance. There are some possible side effects to consider, such as temporary darkening of the lash line and itchy, red eyes. Latisse must be prescribed to you by a physician; currently many medical spas and dental offices are able to prescribe the treatment, saving you a trip to the doctor. The cost is around $120 for a one month supply.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope you have found it informative.

Jamie Barber
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

This content is sponsored by DERMAdoctor. The author receives compensation for its creation. All content is the legal copyright of DERMAdoctor, Inc, and it may not be used, reprinted, or published without written consent.


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