Xtrème Lashes Long Lasting Brow Pen

After experimenting with the Long Lasting Brow Pen ($24) by Xtrème Lashes, I was excited. I felt like a kid who had been given a new set of markers. Remember that feeling?

I got extremely excited when I tried the pens for the first time. I don't use brow pens on a regular basis, so it's not that easy to impress me. Xtrème sent me press samples, and because I'm a big fan of Jo Mousselli's products, I "dug" right in.

I found that these pens meet their promise - and more. The Long Lasting Brow Pen is an innovative, soft-tipped, long-lasting (yes, I need that hyphen) "pen" that can help you have perfectly sculpted brows, even if yours are far from perfect. The long-lasting, smudge-proof formula fills in sparse areas beautifully. My brows are full, but occasionally, I'll get a sparse area when all the hairs in a spot decide to end their life cycle simultaneously. For anyone who needs more help, perhaps those who always have sparse brows, lightly colored brows, brows that need shape correction with color, or brows that are going gray, Xtrème's pen deposits natural-looking color - amazingly easily. I really like the way these pens write effortlessly. I've had them long enough to report that they don't dry out, and there's no way for them to break either (big smile).

Imagine a pen a bit larger than the felt-tip pens we use for writing on paper - one that deposits its color perfectly and responds to your touch. Want very light coverage? Use the pen lightly. Want heavier coverage. Apply just a bit more pressure. They apply color consistently and "fluidly." I need to emphasize "effortlessly." I really love the way these pens work.

Another plus, the water-based formula removes easily with any eye makeup remover or cleanser. I like Xtrème Lashes Eye Makeup Remover. It's fabulous - gentle and effective. I recently ran out, and I need a new bottle. It's one of the company's fine products I loved from first use and continued to love, right to the last drop. I kept the bottle to remind myself to order more.

The pens are available in two shades, Light and Deep. Here is a swatch photo of both, taken in full sun. Light looks very red, and, actually, it's a little too red for my brow color. It's not too red to wear (you'll have to trust me on that one), but I'd rather have a true dark blonde shade without the red undertone. These pens are so good, I'll bet Xtrème's already working on more shades.

Light is said to be ideal for blonde, auburn (absolutely), strawberry blonde, and light-to-medium brown hair. Deep is designed for those with rich brown to black hair. It's actually my favorite. Figure that out! It may not be dark enough for those with black hair. More colors, please!

You can order directly from the Xtrème Lashes Consumer site. While you're there, check out the other cosmetic products offered by the company. Jo Mousselli founded Xtrème Lashes, which has grown from a small, family business into an international company - for good reason. You can find out more about Jo and her company at this link.

Update: I am thrilled to report, just as I anticipated, that Xtrème Lashes is working on more shades. You are going to love this brow pen.

Photo at top courtesy of Xtrème Lashes; swatch photo by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Brow Definer

I'm lucky. I have full brows, and I seldom need a brow definer. In fact, I suspect makeup artists of overselling or painting by numbers when they apply one to my brows without inquiring. The great ones look at me and say, "You eyebrows don't need any color."

Every now and then, unfortunately, I get a little wild and crazy and pluck a few hairs with unintended consequences, leaving what I see as a thin area. I had one of those occasions a few weeks ago. When plucking, you need to be careful to understand where the little hairs end, not just focus on where they emerge from their follicle. Pluck too many strays right under your brow line, and you can end up with bald spots.

When I overdid it the last time, I reached for an old Chanel brow pencil. Unfortunately, after many years, it had dried out and was totally kaput. I threw it out and stored the need for a new pencil in short-term memory. I was shopping at Chantecaille.com when I recalled that memory, so I ordered a Brow Definer ($22).

Chantecaille's Brow Definer comes in four shades, and one of them, Ash Blonde, is absolutely perfect for me. Brow Definer is the ultimate tool for creating a modern brow. It allows you to create a smooth line, fill in sparse areas, and define the arches. The application is purposeful, easy, and neat. The long-lasting, non-greasy texture is achieved with a carefully calibrated blend of vegetable oils, along with vitamins E and C for extra moisture and protection without any "grease." I'm particularly impressed with the precise tip and firm lead, both of which guarantee a clean and easy application. I can draw little hairs, making my brows look totally natural.

I drew a couple of lines on my arm and took a photo in full sun to show you two things: the color and how finely you can create lines. I also drew in a thicker line on my arm to show you a decent representation of the Ash Blonde shade. It's hard for those of us with fair features and blonde hair to find a great shade.

Chantecaille has you covered no matter what your hair color. Oak Brown is perfect for brunettes; Cedar Red will take care of redheads; and Ebony Black will work for those with very dark brown or black hair.

You can purchase Chantecaille Brow Definer at the Web site or at your favorite Chantecaille counter. It's not a new product, although Ash Blonde comes in a new pencil color. Remember it tomorrow or the next time you need just one more item to get one of Chantecaille's fabulous gifts with purchase.

Photo at top courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty