Before I start this, I want to say I am not great at doing my brows at all. I commend you ladies that can make your brows look on point because I haven't gotten there yet. Even without being a brow expert, I've been looking into options that can help me fill in brows especially after the brow lady gave me uneven brows, with one being what I want and the other being too thin. #thestruggle
Anywho, finding a brow-filling option for the less experienced has been at the top of mind, so when I saw the $12 Iconic Beauty Microblading Tattoo Pen that claims to give a microblade brow look for up to 24 hours with just a few small hair-like strokes.
Iconic Beauty Microbrow Tattoo Pen
24 hours without having to fill in your brows sounds like a dream for even the most minimal makeup lovers. And since some of us don't have the budget or the threshold to withstand the process of the popular semi-permanent microblading beauty trend blessing women with incredible brows everywhere, this tattoo pen seemed like the next best thing. I knew I had to give it a try, but I was a little worried about it being waterproof because what happens if you mess up?
The pen comes in three shades: medium brown, dark brown, and black brown. I went with the dark brown since I know that a pencil that's too dark makes your brows a little too defined.
Now, we talked about how I have no idea how to correctly fill in my brows without making them look a hot mess, but I really did my best.
Bianca Lambert / xoNecole
The brow pen comes equipped with tiny tips that allow you to create strokes that mimic the look of brow hairs. I started with my right brow first (since it was the one that I'm mad at) by lightly moving the pen upward. I could see a noticeable difference with just a couple of strokes, and I left it at that. Next up was my left brow, which is the fuller one. I knew I wouldn't get them to match perfectly, but I wanted to at least fill in the gaps which I think I did an OK job with, by my low standards.
I don't think this could take the place of only having to get your eyebrows done every 18 to 30 months with microblading. But, if you're someone that doesn't like to leave the house without picture-perfect brows, I think this product will help save you some time with your morning beauty routine since its design makes shaping and filling in brows a breeze.
Bianca Lambert / xoNecole
If you're like me and are pretty low-maintenance with your brows, this is a good option for you too since you can control each stroke of the pen, which will keep any mistakes at bay. I'll be practicing with my new pen so that I can get to epic eyebrow status.
One other downside of this product is that if it doesn't work for you, the company doesn't allow returns "due to the low-cost nature of our products," — so if you're someone that likes the flexibility of exchanging products like you can at larger beauty retailers, that's something to consider before you place your order.
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Meagan Good Opening Up About Her Recent Eyebrow Transplant Has Our Attention
How To Achieve Perfect Bold Brows With Any Product
3 Universal Brow Products That Will Simplify Slaying Your Brows
With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
