Tips to Killer Brows and Lashes With Nick Lujan of Kevyn Aucoin
When it comes to maintaining our brows and lashes, we turn to one of our favorite makeup brands, Kevyn Aucoin.
We've been fans of the brand for years, and when we found out some new products were being launched today (Feb. 1), we knew we had to try them out for ourselves. We were sent the Indecent Mascara as well as the True Feather Brow products ahead of the launch so we could see how they work.
We also had the opportunity to chat with Nick Lujan, Global Director of Artistry & Education at Kevyn Aucoin, and he had some stellar advice when it comes to the application of the new products. We can tell you firsthand we're hooked with the products, and if you decide to get them for yourself, Nick's tips will become your new holy grail. Keep scrolling for our full interview with Nick Lujan of Kevyn Aucoin!
Sweety High: How important are lashes and brows when it comes to makeup?
Nick Lujan: If your eyes are the "windows to your soul," then, your eyelashes and eyebrows would be the frames to the "windows to your soul." Styling your lashes and brows will make a big difference in the current days of wearing masks.
SH: What are your pro tips when it comes to using the True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo?
NL: True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo is a convenient, and user-friendly way to groom and fill in your brows with a natural result.
Before applying any brow products, I suggest cleaning the eyebrow with a cotton bud (Q-tip) and a little bit of water-based makeup remover or alcohol. This will remove any skincare, makeup or powder that has settled into the brows, which will prevent brow product from adhering to skin. Sometimes the residual powder/makeup in the brows can create a grey overcast to the brows, which dulls the brow color.
Start by brushing the brow hairs upward, using a brow comb or your fingers. This will allow you to identify any areas of missing brow hairs. These sparse areas are where you want to concentrate your application of the marker end of True Feather Brow. Sketch in one hair at a time to create a microblade-like result.
(via Kevyn Aucoin Beauty)
SH: How do we attain full and softer-looking brows?
NL: For a fuller brow effect, start by sketching brow hairs from the arch of the brow, through the tail of the brow. The arch is traditionally the darkest point of the brow.
For a soft brow look, avoid starting your brow fill at the front (head) of the brow. If you concentrate too much color at the head of the brow, it creates the illusion that the brows are closer together and lower on face. This tends to read as masculine or angry.
SH: Any other brow tips?
NL: Once you have filled in the brows with a bit of color, it is time to style the brows and lock them in place with the clear brow gel.
I suggest starting by grooming the hairs at the head of the brow straight up. Next, style the body of the brow outward towards the end of the tail of the brow.
If you don't care for the feathery upward look at the head of the brow, simply style the tip of the brow hairs to align with the direction of the hairs on the body of the brow.
To create the illusion of a higher arch, use a small amount of your favorite highlighter to create a "point of light," under the arch of the brow.
SH: What are your pro tips when it comes to using the True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo?
NL: Always start every mascara application by brushing through the lashes with a clean lash comb or spooley. This will help to separate the lashes and remove any eyeshadow fallout, which can affect the mascara application.
Start by curling your lashes. This will give the ultimate lift to the lashes while opening the eye shape for a fresh awake look.
Never pump the mascara brush in the tube of mascara. Rather, swirl the brush in the tube to avoid introducing air into the bottle, which will dry the mascara too quickly.
I suggest swiping the brush on the tip of the open mouth of the mascara tube. This will remove excess product into the mouth of the tube. Later when you push the brush back into the bottle, it will push the unused product back into place.
(via Kevyn Aucoin Beauty)
SH: How do we attain feathered and dramatic lashes?
NL: For feathered, separated lashes, avoid wiggling the brush side to side while applying. Instead, apply the brush at the base (roost of the lash) then stretch the brush upward, without wiggling. This will keep the lashes separated.
If you prefer more dramatic, "spidery" lashes, wiggle the brush side-to-side as you stretch the brush upward from root to tip of the lash. This pushes the lashes together, making the lash look dramatic.
SH: Are lash primers necessary?
NL: Lash primers are a great addition to the makeup wardrobe if you struggle with shorter or sparser lashes. The primer is a quick fix for creating the illusion of fuller lashes.
Fortunately, with the new Indecent Mascara, no lash primer is required. This mascara is designed to create the look of fuller longer lashes.
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