Brows are still having their makeup moment. And if you haven't understood the hype of stunting a good brow yet, understand that brows can make or break your whole look. However, with all the brow products available on the market, it can feel a little daunting to decide which brow tool will give you the effect you desire. Still, you don't want to be out here with mediocre brows just because you don't know what product to use to get your perfect brow!
That's where we come in. These four brow products will give you all the versions of achieving the perfect brows, ranging from "I woke up like this" to "This took me two hours." Let's find the perfect product for your brows, shall we?
Which Product Should You Use To Achieve The Perfect Brow?
How to Achieve the Perfect Brow: Brow Gel Review
Brows x Eylure Brow Gel
The Product:
A gel is perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. Your hairs won't be out of place, but your brows won't be filled in at all. It's like your brows, but slightly better.
The Verdict:
My brows are pretty full, so when I want my most natural looking brow, I just brush through my brows with clear brow gel to make them stay in place. I have some unruly hairs that pretty much refuse to be tamed without a gel holding them where I need them to be. My new go-to brow gel is Eylure Brow Control and Shape Gel. The wand is incredibly easy to use and coats my brow hairs well, so I know they won't budge.
How to Achieve the Perfect Brow: Brow Powder Review
Brows x NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder
The Product:
Brow powders are an incredibly easy way to make your brows look fuller when you don't have a lot of time to put them on or don't feel comfortable doing more advanced techniques. Essentially what a brow powder does is fill the little gaps created by the way your hairs naturally grow to make them look more perfect. It looks almost like a shadow underneath your natural brows.
The Verdict:
Powder isn't my favorite product because it can get messy if you get too much product on the brush you're applying it with. Plus, since I already have full brows, it doesn't do much for me. I'll mostly use it on the head part of my brows when I get a little too tweezer happy. NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder has been the only brow powder I've used for a while now. You get a lot of product for the price and they have enough shades to choose from that you know you'll find a good match, but won't feel overwhelmed choosing.
How to Achieve the Perfect Brow: Brow Pencil Review
Brows x Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
The Product:
A step above a brow powder, eyebrow pencils can make your brows look more realistically dense to fill in gaps, instead of just shading in the spaces like a powder does. A pencil is perfect for when you want to go for a "is she wearing brow product or nah" look. Unless they know you.
The Verdict:
I used to hate brow pencils. Then, I learned how to use them properly. I used to try to get them to fill in my brows like a pomade, but I quickly learned that I wasn't letting the product be great in the way it was intended to be used. Once I figured out how to make small hair-like strokes with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz to fill in gaps, the whole game was changed for me!
How to Achieve the Perfect Brow: Brow Pomade Review
Brows x Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
The Product:
Brow pomades will give you the least natural looking brow. Nine times out of ten, a pomade was used to create the pervasive and highly sought after Instagram Brow. They will create that perfectly filled in and shaped brow using nothing but an angled brush.
The Verdict:
I like to use a brow pomade when I need my brows to look like absolute perfection from every angle. To me, that's not special occasions only. Sometimes I just want to look like I'm THAT chick in the grocery store too. The current reigning champ of pomades in my stash in Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. That little tub lasts a super long time and glides on so easily.
There's no rule that says you can only use one brow product at a time. My personal favorite combo is pomade on the tail and pencil at the head with some brow gel to keep everything in place. It's like a toned down, more everyday version of the IG brow.
If you're unsure about what shade of product to get, it's best to use one that's one shade lighter than your brow color. That will look the most natural. Don't let that stop you from having some fun though! Sometimes I like to go a little darker to be dramatic.
Don't forget to clean any uneven edges with concealer and a flat brush or concealer brush if you want an absolutely perfect looking brow and you don't have the steadiest of hands.
Featured image via Giphy
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The Mecca Of Fashion: The Top Street Style Moments At Howard Homecoming
Outfits were planned, bags were packed, and cameras were ready to capture Howard University's collegiate spirit during its centennial Homecoming celebration. Not only does it hold the number one ranking as the most elite Historically Black College and University or its top performing academics, diversity of students and alumni, but the HBCU also leaves a legacy of style and grace.
The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
Why Denver Should Be On Your Travel List: A Black Woman’s Perspective
If someone had asked me if living in Denver, Colorado, for nearly seven years was on my Bingo card, I probably would have laughed in their face. But you know what they say: we make plans, and God laughs. Truth be told — moving to Denver was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was able to find myself and my voice in a city that was somewhat foreign to me, and I am forever grateful.
Denver may not have the largest Black population, but its vibrant community offers plenty of ways to find connection, culture, and self-care. With less than 10 percent of the city's residents identifying as Black, it can sometimes feel challenging to find spaces that truly resonate. That’s why we wanted to offer a guide to help Black women navigate the city, find community, and experience everything the Mile High City has to offer.
Listen up sis, here's how you can live your best life in Denver.
Denver Travel: The City vs. The Mountains
Let’s start here because many people believe that Denver is in the mountains, and while that’s technically true, you still need to travel outside of the city to be in the mountains. Winter Park is a great place to do mountain activities and also see more Black folks. Strawberry Park Hot Springs has the most magical hot springs, as the snow-capped mountains serve as the perfect landscape.
Ski Noir 5280is a great resource for mountain tings as they are working hard to diversify the mountains. They offer training and equipment as a means of support so that more of us take over the slopes.
Wellness and Self-Care Experiences in Denver
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Denver has a variety of Black-owned businesses and wellness services designed to help you prioritize self-care. BodyLove by Tal, for example, offers organic skincare products created to heal, nourish, and restore your skin naturally. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, the Potted Peace Project promotes racial healing through plant love, offering plants and nature-centered events.
If you're more into holistic wellness, Sound Baths with Courtneyoffers guided meditations and sound baths that can provide much-needed relaxation and healing energy.Urban Sanctuaryand Charismatic Movement Yogaalso offer yoga classes to help you find balance, both physically and emotionally.
Beauty and Haircare Services in Denver
Finding a trusted haircare provider can be essential to maintaining your confidence. Denver has a variety of Black-owned beauty salons, including B&B Beauty Supplyin Aurora, where you can find all your hair care needs, from extensions to braids. For specialized braiding, Tay, The Braid Bestie, is known for her work with knotless braids and feed-ins, offering services to both men and children.
If you're looking to keep your hair on point,Official Micahspecializes in sew-ins, frontal wigs, and high-quality hair products, whileStylez by J’Niceat Timeless Designs in Aurora offers a range of hairstyling services, from natural hair to weaves to a buss down boho knotless style. Janice has been getting me together for years, and I adore her hands.
Looking for a MUA? Tatiana Artistry and Angela Ranaeare the best to ever do it. And if you need your nails did, I only trust theNail Transformerswith my fingertips. They also offer pedicures, lash extensions, facials, and more.
Denver Cultural Activities and Nightlife
Denver offers a host of cultural events where Black women can connect and feel represented. One thing that shocked me when I first moved was that the Juneteenth Music Festivalis one of the city’s major cultural events, celebrating Black heritage with music, food, and community. For a unique art experience, visitThe Museum for Black Girls, which celebrates iconic moments in Black culture through its interactive selfie installations.
When it comes to nightlife, you’ll find some great spots catering to the Black community. If there’sMunchies & Mimosas happening while you’re in town, get that ticket. This event that mixes culture, cuisine, and music in one unforgettable experience. If you love a good night out, The Lobbyis another must-attend spot, where you can enjoy great music, hookah, bottle service, and a lively atmosphere.
Vibes in the Parkis also a wonderful space dedicated to connecting us with our roots. From park events to networking, it’s always a vibe with this gang.
If you’re into fashion, you’ll want to check outColor of Fashion. They are transforming the fashion industry by advancing inclusivity, diversity, and racial equality.
Honestly, if you’re looking for specific moves and vibes, follow the Mile High Tribeand Community Keison Instagram — they keep you up-to-date on the Black and brown spaces and events going down.
Shopping Black-Owned in Denver
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Supporting Black-owned businesses in Denver is easy, with several options around town.Be a Good Personoffers streetwear that promotes positivity, while Rachel Marie Hurst and M.Bolden Boutiqueprovide luxury fashion, including custom handmade pieces. For high-quality, eco-friendly apparel, check out The Common Collective, a Denver-based brand committed to sustainability and social impact.
Whether you're looking for unique clothing or just want to support local Black entrepreneurs, Denver's shopping scene has something for everyone.
Green Spacesis also an amazing community hub for Black and Brown folks. From Black & Blossomed, which serves up flowers for the culture to Migas Coffeewith the best matchas, it's a one-stop shop to grab some goodies and co-work.
Food for the Soul
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Denver’s food scene is as diverse as its community, with several Black-owned restaurants offering soul food, BBQ, and Southern cooking. Mattie's Soul Food is a family-owned spot that brings the flavors of the South to Denver, serving everything from collard greens to chicken and dressing. Another great spot is Saucy Southern, known for its delicious southern-style BBQ wings and soulful meals.
For brunch lovers,Mimosas is a retro-inspired restaurant that serves up creative comfort food alongside its namesake beverage. If you're craving a taste of New Orleans,Nola Jane’s, and Four Friends Kitchen have you covered with gumbo, po’boys, other classic dishes, and collard greens to die for.
Living your best life as a Black woman in Denver means finding spaces that celebrate your identity, support your wellness, and connect you with the community. Whether you’re indulging in self-care at a yoga class, enjoying a soulful meal, or dancing the night away, Denver has plenty to offer.
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Featured image courtesy of Joce Blake