Change your relationship status with the sun!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, (unofficially) THE Summer Kickoff!
It is supposed to be a time of remembrance and gratitude. Somehow it became the start of the summer season- for many it heralds beach, BBQ and a fast, fun weekend getaway. Either way you're going to be outside, reuniting with our old friend the sun!
Now I know many of you. If you had a Facebook relationship with the sun - the status would be "it's complicated." But do we needlessly bring drama to our "al fresco" table?
I say we bring some "sunny disposition" back to the relationship, and rekindle a coy courtship with our summertime love. Let's not take it too seriously. A short, fun fling can be good for body and soul!
As in ANY healthy relationship- balance is the key. Let's not get obsessed people. That's where the trouble always starts. So stop looking for every scary thing in your sun's past. Start a new and have some fun, just with some sense and caution! Now go ahead. Get excited about your date and pick out your finest shades, sun frock, suit and floppy hat. Go frolic and flirt. Here's how NOT to get burned this time 😘:

FACTS About Sun Protection:

Avoid oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that contaminates the body. Zinc & titanium dioxide are minerals that reflect rather than absorb rays. Chemical blocks absorb, rendering rays invalid upon contact. These chemicals penetrate deeper & also trap the heat, creating inflammation. Inflammation= sunspots, cancer, etc. Mineral SPF provide both UVA & UVB protection & they are non-irritating as well as non-allergenic.

Eating vitamin A-laden veggies is good for you, but spreading vitamin A on the skin is not. New data shows that tumors and lesions develop sooner on skin coated with vitamin A-laced creams. Vitamin A, listed as “retinyl palmitate” on the ingredient label, is in 41 percent of sunscreens. Avoid them. It makes your skin burn. Think yabout it. What is the first thing a dermatologist tells you when they give you Retin-A? Stay OUT of the sun. So WHY would you put such an ingredient in your sun protectant?! 🙄

"Government test data shows more skin tumors and lesions on animals treated with this ingredient and exposed to sunlight. In 2010, when EWG first voiced concerns about this additive, nearly 40 percent of the products we reviewed contained vitamin A. Since then, the use of this troubling ingredient in sunscreens has dropped by more than half, and it was in only 14 percent of the products we surveyed for 2017. 👏🙌w

In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration set new sunscreen rules that removed some of the most egregious false marketing claims, like “waterproof” and “sweatproof,” from product labels. But the FDA allowed most sunscreens to claim that they play a role in preventing skin cancer. There is little scientific evidence to suggest that sunscreen alone reduces cancer risk, particularly for melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Despite a growing awareness of the dangers of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, and a multi-billion dollar sunscreen industry, melanoma rates have tripled over the past three decades." - The EWG

$eal of approval?

The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) lends its logo to 100's of spf's. SCF approval is easy: product is at least SPF 15 & water/sweat resistant,(if such claims are made), then PAY a $10,000 donation to join the SCF’s “Corporate Council”. 

According to the latest science, sunscreen likely protects against only one of three kinds of skin cancer, and not against melanoma, the deadliest form. Melanoma is responsible for 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths.

“FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer”. The International Agency for Research on Cancer agrees. IARC recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes that “sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun”.

STOP the fake & bakes and nasty self tans! Tanning parlors expose the skin to 15 times the UV radiation of the sun and contribute to melanoma. Many chemicals in self-tanning products have not been tested for safety; the major self-tanning chemical, dihydroxyacetone, is not approved by FDA for use in cosmetics around the eyes. 

So stay pale & proud with a touch of nice bronzer and get 10 minutes of some safe sun! Don't be a vampire! Most people don’t get enough vitamin D, which skin manufactures in the presence of sunlight. 

In addition to food, yes food! A diet high in good fats, antioxidants and vitamin c can dramatically reduce your risk of sundamage AND getting a sunburn. It has been clinically proven that such a diet really does work in preventing the negative sun scariness, so many of you fear!  A few minutes of sun daily on your bare skin (without SPF) is healthy. It helps prevent cancer, improve muscle & immune function, reduce inflammation, promotes the absorption of calcium from the small intestine, & maintains blood levels of calcium & phosphate needed for bone health. You can get a lovely sun-kissed look and your dose of vitamin D if go out in early morning (before 9am in subtropical sun like FL, before 10 am in normal places) or late afternoon (after 2pm in FL, 3pm in normal places) when the sun is lower in the sky. UV radiation peaks at midday, when the sun is directly overhead. This is also peak crispy critter time.Now for the moment you have all been waiting for!

2017's browpixie Top 5 Sun Protectant Picks:

American Horror Story: #browsofhorror.

It's that time of year again... Autumn is upon us with it's beauty and pizazz. It is also time for all things frighteningly fabulous! Yes, it is my most favorite time of  year and Halloween happens to be top on my awesome list. My studio, Browtopia is transformed to match. So are my treatments, music, scents and... social media contests?
Yes, we are talking about everyone's favorite Facebook event, "Brows of Horror: Halloween Edition."
Each year my clients and fans post the most scary pictures of brows gone terribly wrong for a prize. All the while I try to educate everyone on the perils of bad brow habits, waxing, nutrition, and this year's theme: ingredients. Who knows what horror is lurking in your favorite brow products? The browpixie does, and that is why she created her own line in the first place. So sit back, grab yourself some hot apple cider, pumpkin spice treat, or even a nice glass of red, as I regale you with tales of product terror... 😱

*Parabens 
These preservatives in cosmetics are used in order to prevent bacteria from growing in mascara. The hygienic preservatives have been linked to mimic or disrupt estrogen in the body, also known as an endocrine disrupter, says the Breast Cancer Fund. High concentrations of parabens have been found in human breast tumors by Dr. Philippa Darbre, a research scientist at the University of Reading in the UK. In a study that mimics Dr. Darbre’s original 2004 study, Darbre and her research team found one or more types of parabens in 99% of the tissue samples, and all five were measurable in 60% of the samples. Parabens found in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are getting into the breast at high rates. But we know this, so there are many superior alternatives, yet the top, mainstream brands are still using them.

*Propylene/Butylene Glycol
This common ingredient, although deemed safe by the FDA, appears to cause severe skin irritation and sensitization in most people. Individuals who may be sensitive to this product can be exposed to a special form of irritation – allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction caused by direct contact with an allergen. According to dermatologists, this allergic reaction will show up as a red, inflamed rash that is accompanied by itching and minor pain. In severe cases, painful blisters may form on the skin and could potentially spread to other areas of the body.

Hmmmm, a key component in almost all popular brow gels on the market today. Also more than half of my 
clientele has reported this same irritation in their brow area, myself included. Yet it took us a little while to figure out that it very well could be our precious brow gel as the cause. Ultimately irritation of this kind will lead to sparse brow hair. Also a high complaint among you. Coincidence?

*Polybutene
 This is a good one. Used as a tackifier and plasticizer. It is derived from petroleum and is also used for manufacturing adhe sives (glue). Glue. On my eyebrows. Awesome. Out of brow product? No prob, just reach for that glue stick! Said no one ever. 

*Polymers
While low on a toxicity scale, I admit, still not something that you want smothering your eyebrow area since most are derived from vinyl. This is done to inhibit the hair from absorbing moisture, thus holding a "style" longer. This paired with probably at least 3 cheap alcohols that are found in most brow gels, mousses, waxes, etc. is the cause for that dry, flakey situation at the end of the day. What happens to hair that's too dry? It breaks. Not very healthy and a bit counterproductive for those buying it for "bolder, more beautiful, thick brows."

Now for my personal favorite: 🙄

*Imidazolidinyl urea
This is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. It is chemically related to diazolidinyl urea which is used in the same way. Imidazolidinyl urea acts as a formaldehyde releaser.  
That's right. Embalming fluid. Brows now fit for the UNDEAD. Frighteningly fabulous indeed. 

                                                         

"Boris the Bargain Brow Gel Monster"

Sure, he's the latest and greatest. Ever SO popular. 

Those brows tho.

Summertime Brow Sadness? Not in Browtopia...

While we all don't go to the beach and pool looking like Lana Del Ray. A glam style departure is healthy... That doesn't mean that you have to suffer from what I refer to as "summertime brow sadness". In fact summer was made for embracing lightness! Lighter colors, food, clothing, even wine! The PERFECT time to detox, revive and refresh, right? So don't forget your brows and skin are in need of lightening up as well!

I say don't fear the makeup reaper. When it comes to your eyebrows and skin, the summer months are simply crucial to their health and beauty, by letting them breathe. Yes, breathe. Now all together as you're reading this, take a deep breath in through your nose and out through the nose. Doesn't that feel good? Of course it does! So don't suffocate your skin by piling on the cosmetics. Dare to bare! Expose them to the beauty of the season. 

☀️ Sun- Vitamin D, a game changer for aiding eyebrow hair growth. Since so many of us are deficient, this is a concern for regarding hair growth as a whole. So for heaven's sake, you don't need to be putting sun protectant over your eyebrows, leave them be.

🌬 Oxygen- Breathe life into dull brows and skin. Hair follicles need oxygen. Keep them bare and clean. The hair will have a hard time pushing through that follicle if there is debris present. Certainly the hair won't be healthy and stick around if the environment is bad for growth. Just like a plant. Speaking of our green, botanical friends...

🌱 Go Green. No need to pile on the product when you have bold, beautiful brows naturally! I say slurp, slather and munch your way to better brows with this Summer Fruit Guide!

Cantaloupe: This melon contains inositol, a form of Vitamin B required to control hair loss and stimulate growth. Cantaloupe puree is a perfect hair conditioner for the summer. Mash or puree a cup of cantaloupe and apply to eyebrows. Rinse and reveal smooth and manageable brow hair. You can do this with all of the fruits listed (or at least their juice), as a matter of fact.

Watermelon: My personal favorite and go-to for happy brows and glowy skin! High in citrulline, a great amino acid for your body, stimulates blood flow and balances the sebaceous glands, contributing to healthy hair growth. At 92% water, watermelon helps you detox while ingesting vitamins and fiber. Everything you need for awesome eyebrows and complexion. 

Cucumber: Love thy brows. Love thy cucumber. Beauty is in the crunch of the beholder! Silica, a mineral that is essential for happy brows and glowy skin, will add strength to your precious eyebrow hairs!

Blackberry and Blueberry: Go to the dark side for amazing brows. Dark berry deliciousness combats damaging effects with it's one-two punch of antioxidants! High in Vitamin C, it is responsible for both coollagen production and strength. No broken brow hairs here!

So go ahead! Indulge in these timeless summer favorites- Eat, drink, and slather it on this Labor Day weekend! Do it in the name of beauty! Tell people it's #browpixieapproved. 😘✨🍹🍉

For more fast and fab tips, tricks and recipes, "get social" with the browpixie on Instagram and Facebook!

Welcome brow beauties to the next installment of  the "Spring into Happy Brows and Glowy Skin" series... Fun, fast and fabulous tips for "brows on the grow and skin on the glow!"

I hope you are all doing well in self-imposed "brow rehab", I know it's hard, but it really is for the greater good! 

In April, those of you who were social with the browpixie on fb and instagram, found yourselves trying some new and rather strange eyebrow masks for regrowth. Everyone will have a different experience depending on what your brows need for optimal health, which will lead to regrowth. Now I'm going to reveal to you WHY these mask recipes are supposed to work. Remember, for the best results, use organic ingredients only. Let's begin with my first post, Aloe. 

* Aloe vera has moisturizing properties and natural enzymes that help to nourish the follicles of your hair, as well as the skin underneath. Thus making your eyebrows grow thicker and faster. The conditioning properties will also soften the hair, smoothing your brows- making them more manageable. 

* Next up- The "incredible, edible egg! What your brows could be needing is protein! 

Eyebrow hair is made up of keratin protein and egg yolk is an excellent source of protein. Eggy goodness can provide complete nourishment along with enhancing and improving the length and thickness of your brows. Get cracking, and make sure the "yolk is on you!"

* Fenugreek seeds. Cultivate thicker, healthier eyebrows. Also a rich source of proteins, along with lecithin and nicotinic acid assisting in super-powered growth. These seeds also help in rebuilding the follicles of hair, making them a go-to for those with traumatized brows! 

* Onions. A strange, but true remedy for dull and thin eyebrows. Who knew? Onion contains sulphur, which produces collagen tissue- required in the healthy growth of eyebrows. It will in turn also prevent sparseness by strengthening the follicles of precious brow hair... Juice that onion! 

* Blood Oranges. Essential for proper hair growth. For thick eyebrows, this orange juice is also recommended because of it's amount of vitamin C and folate. Increasing the amount of vitamin contained foods in your diet and your eyebrows will naturally grow. Using the juice as well topically can really speed things along!

In addition to these fast and fab brow masks- golden slumbers are integral when trying to achieve happy brows and glowy skin. They don't call it "beauty sleep" for nothing!  The original brow beauty, Sleeping Beauty, knew what was up. Proper rest is crucial to bold brow game! Sleep loss is awful for eyebrows! Still sparse? Get checked for an iron deficiency and/or thyroid problems (both natural reasons for hair loss); diet, and stress, can also cause a negative change in your eyebrows. 

Faith, trust and a bit of browpixie dust never hurts. My specially formulated, organic brow gel does wonders for regrowth when applied at a minimum of 2-3 times a day. Available for purchase in cool salons, spas, boutiques and of course, online at Browtopia.com! Say goodbye to hard, flakey and dull eyebrows! Browboo gel is "good-for-you-grooming"! Created with the very best in organic ingredients, (which are 30% higher in antioxidants than non-organic), this gel does more than keep brows in line. Formulated with bamboo extract, "Browboo" gel is naturally high in silica, which adds strength and  luster to hair. Flax seed, sage and aloe soothes, nourishes and protects the eyebrow hair to keep them healthy, lush and looking great.  Fabulousness in a bottle? Could be...

That's all for now my brow beauties! Be sure and keep up with me for more tips, trends, and the latest fun on Instagram and Facebook! 😘💛✨

I'm baaaack!

I'm baaaaack... Spring time greetings my brow beauties!
It's been quite some time now and SO much has changed since Fall of 2011, I must have lived three lives since then! I know it seems as though I have abandoned you, but I haven't! Just the blog, as I have been busy with social media, building my browboo product line, creating training programs and generally taking over the world, one set of brows at a time. The crusade against brows of horror is never ending my pretties, and the struggle IS REAL.

First let me start by saying I care not how thick or thin your eyebrows are, but one thing we should all agree on is making sure your arch is in it's proper place.
What IS this? And who in the hell is perpetuating this shape, waxing it over and over on the masses, saying "oh yeah, this looks good!"

But I digress. 

Let's get to the "root" of the problem, shall we?

After all, what's done is done. It is what it is. Or is it?

Which brings me to the awkward topic of growing those suckers out. 

Tedious? Yup. 

A true test of self retraint? You bet. 

But I am here to tell you, and I am not just saying this to fuel my crusade... No one notices like you do. Or notices like myself for that matter. Now before you all riot and shake your angry, tweezer-clenched fists at me- for heaven's sake put down that damn magnifying mirror! If poorly shaped brows are the root of all evil, then that mirror, along with the severely misguided soul who "shaped" them that way... is the devil! (I will add that after shaping brows that way, whether or not they have a soul is questionable to me)

Unless you have one of those fine, fuzzy hairs in your eye, step awaaaaay from the mirror. 

Give your tweezers a break. They are suffering from an acute case of exhaustion. Lock them up. Give them to a trusted buddy. Someone who will not give into your desperate pleas. You can not be trusted at this point. Welcome to brow rehab. -insert Amy Winehouse singing here- 

You do however, have the time. And for the record, your daddy does not think those brows look fine, he just doesn't want to hurt your feelings.

Ok. Now that we've got that out of the way, so begins the tedious process of resuscitating the follicles. Be patient. They're traumatized. Patience is key. I have clients in recovery ask me all the time: "How long will they take to grow in?" This is the equivalent to the question asked of the Tootsie Roll Pop Owl. "The world may never know." Why you ask is your friendly browpixie being as evasive as that lollipop-loving owl? The answer is simple. Everyone is an individual, therefore so is their rate of hair growth. What takes one person a matter of weeks, takes another months. And all too often, quite a few of you, years. Yes, years. I know. I can hear the deep sighs of hopelessness from here. But do remember guys and gals- how many years have your poor brows been enduring such abuse? Ok then.

But before you reach for that cocktail in the middle of the day... This is SPRINGTIME!! The season of renewal! Rebirth! RE-GROWTH! YES.YOU.CAN. (Each and everyone of you should be dong a happy dance, frolicking among daffodils.) 

Why daffodils you ask? Why it's the flower of hope, and just so happens to be the browpixie"s fav flower...

Check out my website for "The browpixie's Tips for Happy Brows" to get yourself started. Socialize with your pixie! Check out my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts for the "Spring into Happy Brows and Glowy Skin" series... Fun, fast and fabulous tips for "brows on the grow and skin on the glow!"

Cranberry: The ninja fruit.

My holiday guide to de-stressing skin continues with the incomparable cranberry:
EAT, DRINK AND SLATHER YOURSELF IN CRANBERRY!

Cranberries help to rejuvenate the skin and are rich in antocianos, caroteinoids, vitamin a which are the pigments responsible for its color and very high antioxidant properties. They are also rich in vitamin c , helping with collagen production, and delaying cellular oxidation.  This helps to delay the aging process. 
The perfect solution to unwelcome breakouts? Cranberries. The infection fighting, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging fruit is full of Vitamin-C. The moment you step out of your door your skin has to defend itself against the elements, stress, pollution and the occasional looming cloud of cigarette smoke. 
If you can get your paws on some organic cranberry oil, HOARDE IT!  Cranberry seed oil penetrates the skin with ease and is highly moisturizing. It is rich in tocopherols (vitamin E) and other antioxidants that I named above. It possesses the highest quantity of tocotrienols of any other vegetable oil. It also has a unique balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9, that are not found in any other oils. This will most certainly aide in the relief of itchy, scaly,irritated skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. With it's high levels of vitamin A, it is also a excellent choice for acne suffers.
This is why I call cranberry the ninja fruit. It quickly, quietly and effectively does everything you need for super-fab skin. It is sort of like Mother Nature’s apology for the cold air, harsh winds and your in-laws being stuck in your home for another 4 days due to their flight being cancelled. This season, the remedy for blah skin comes from the rich antioxidants and awesome enzymes found in fruits like pumpkins, pomegranates and cranberries! All of which I will be covering in the weeks to come!


All-In-One Cranberry Facial: 
Makes a face mask, toner, and eye treatment


1 cup of fresh organic cranberries (you can use a whole 12 oz bag if you want to make a larger batch.)
2 green tea, teabags
2 cups of distilled water
Add the cranberries to the water.
Bring to a boil and then quickly reduce your heat to a simmer.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat.Add the tea bags.

When at room temperature, remove the tea bags. Place in freezer until thoroughly chilled but not frozen. (This is your eye treatment). Strain berries and add to food processor. add some of the liquid. Puree until you get a smooth consistency. Add more liquid if needed., but it shouldn't be. Store remainder in an air-tight tupperware container and refrigerate.

After cleansing your skin, hang your head over the pot for a proper facial steam. 7 minutes. Then apply the cooled, pureed berry mixture evenly. Go lay down somewhere comfy with a towel under your head so you don't stain anything if this facial drips.... Apply chilled tea bags to eyes. You can then take a soft paper towel or cheese cloth and dip it directly into the remaining solution and then apply over your face. (don't forget to tear a little hole so you can breathe). Chill out for 15-20 mins. Rinse your face with cool water.
When you strain out the berries from the solution, pour the liquid into an airtight container. Place in fridge. (This is your toner, use as much as you wish) You can do a compress of this on freshly cleansed skin and leave it on for about 10 minutes or apply as a toner, then apply your moisturizer over it. You'll actually feel the skin tightening slightly with the solution on your skin. Try doing this after you wash your face in the morning or before going to bed. Great antioxidants for your face! Your pores will be less noticible and your skin will feel great! If you don't have green tea, white or red tea is fantastic too! 

Holiday stress? Yeah, your skin isn't happy either...

When emotions run high, your skin can and will freak out. Neuropeptides, which make the skin feel sensitive and reactive, are partly to blame. What is a neuropeptide?


 First, a peptide is a compound that possesses at least two amino acids that are linked by a peptide bond, which is a link that forms when two molecules undergo a chemical reaction. Meanwhile, neuropeptides are a specific kind of complex peptide containing up to 30 or 40 different amino acids. Neuropeptides are found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. The “neuro” in neuropeptides tells us the function of type of this particular peptide. Neuropeptides act as either hormones or as neurotransmitters (NTs). Neurotransmitters are small molecules that send signals from neurons to other cells located across the  junctions, between the cells. Essentially, neuropeptides are like tiny information superhighways for the cells in your body. In terms of inflammation, neuropeptides can be either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. 


Obviously, we want the latter of the two. Studies have shown that stress, (the inflammatory neuropeptide harbinger), increases trans-epidermal water loss in the skin. The upper layers of the skin become dehydrated, cells that were once plump and tightly pressed against one another shrivel and shrink.  The gaps that form between cells invite irritants, suddenly making you a hivey, rashy, or even zity scarefest. Worried about someone making a comparison between the cranberries on the table this Thanksgiving to the spots on your skin? Terrified of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" on your face? YET ANOTHER REASON TO DRINK MORE WATER!!!! In the meantime here's some other tips...

SOLUTIONS:


• Take your supplements and eat well. Get the intake of these as much as you can in your diet, but add to it too! Take ALL of the omega fatty acids (in fish, flaxseed, and evening primrose oils), particularly the evening primrose if you are a woman. Helpful hint: double your dose around "that time of the month". This will be your insurance against nasty hormonal breakouts and the need to harm someone. Silica, cranberry and vitamin D³( the D especially if you are an eczema and psoriasis suffer). These are crucial for repair and the care and keeping of good skin generally.

• Avoid things that overstimulate the skin, like retinoids, acids, harsh scrubs, and heavily fragranced products. Use only mild, hydrating cleansers with soothing ingredients, like licorice, willowbark, green tea, red tea or white tea extract. A word about "scrubs"- you are NOT a tub. Do not scrub. Lightly buff. Please.


 • It is somewhat ironic that the time of year, known for wreaking havoc on our skin, has the best fruits and veggies helpful to reversing the damage. SO TAKE ADVANTAGE. Make some homemade facial masks. I will be sharing some on this blog, but I have video tutorials (youtube, my website and fb) and written recipes on facebook too.


• Moisturize. Hyaluronic Acid is wonderful. Humectants are your friend. Humectants draw moisture to your skin. This will help protect and repair that precious outer barrier of your skin. Please read your ingredients, make sure they are good for you. Google, get a cosmetic dictionary, read some of my posted notes on fb. Educate yourself.


• DON'T PICK! (swats hand away from your face) You are spreading the evil bacteria EVERYWHERE. Feel the need to attack any little flake or bump? STOP. Do so by safely smoothing and deep cleansing your skin with a clarasonic facial brush. This way will satisfy your urges and fulfill your needs to get rid of the "ick". Still want to pick? Occupy your hands. Get some stress toys, or buy a new app for your phone and play with it when the need arises.  


• CHILL OUT. Seriously, this is crucial. YOU DO HAVE 10 minutes in your day. Find them. I don't care where. Take a walk, do some yoga or deep breathing exercises. Remember breathing? Oxygen intake? It misses you too! Get in your tub and take an epsom salt bath (drink lots of water while you're doing it.) No tub? Run a hot shower, (but keep your face out of the direct stream of water, protect those capillaries!)  and add a few drops of a high quality essential oil like peppermint or lavender... Still freaked out? Have a glass of a good red wine. 1 glass guys, not the bottle. AND be sure to drink lots of water! I repeat myself, I know...