Tested & Reviewed: I Tried The Eva Mendes-Approved Brow Lightening Treatment

Our Social Media Manager puts the viral brow trend to the test.

Eyebrow trends are ever-changing and ever-evolving. Scrolling through Instagram, you’d likely see a litany of laminated brows, feathered brows and Y2K bleached brows. So, when I saw a post detailing Eva Mendes’ brow-lightening treatment by the reigning queen of brows Amy Jean, who boasts over 85,000 Instagram followers, I immediately knew I had to try it. “Lighter arches result in the brows looking immediately softer and fuller, and they make our skin appear magically sunkissed,” explains Jean.

While friends have long envied my naturally dark and thick brows, I’ve often felt the shade contrast between my arches and blonde tresses is not in harmony. (Think Madonna in the early nineties.) In fact, I’ve been known to approach maintenance with the same enthusiasm a gardener tackles a weed infestation – Tweezers? Yep. Waxing? A must. Scissors? Sure. Nail clippers? Once – I was desperate. All under the misguided hope of softening my look. As Jean explains, by blunting the naturally tapered hairs, I’ve only been creating the opposing effect (SIGH!).

Are you also guilty of taking brow matters into your own hands? Well, put down the tweezers and keep reading to find out if a brow-lightening treatment was the solution to my life-long pursuit for better brows…

What is brow-lightening?

According to Jean, “Brow lightening is undoubtedly on the rise and rise. We’re witnessing between 50-70% of clients opting for brow lightening rather than tinting their brows darker.”

“Brow lightening is performed in-house using a mild facial lightening crème, not traditional hair bleach.” This treatment is designed to lift any ashy tones and give a subtle warmth to features.

The review

I visited the stunning Amy Jean Brow Agency in Double Bay for a brow sculpt and lighting, which Jean performed together. Now, when I tell you that Jean had her work cut out for her as a result of my aforementioned, er, routine, I’m not exaggerating. Yet, I immediately felt at ease thanks to her expert eye and sense of humour. After rescuing my shape with a gentle hand, she applied the lightening creme for approximately ten minutes. To finish off, Jean showed me how to use a brow powder to fill in my brows so my flat arches regain their natural curve. The entire treatment took approximately forty minutes.

The verdict

While the actual brow lightening is natural and subtle, the difference between before and after is major. The treatment delivers on the promise of softer brows and a sunkissed effect. What’s more? Since my new colour isn’t as dark, I’ve given up the perpetual plucking and trimming, which, quite honestly, was the scariest part for me. Three weeks post-treatment and the regrowth is barely noticeable. Any darker areas closer to my nose are easily blended with a pencil while I wait for my next appointment in a week’s time. Your individual hair-cycle length (how fast your hair grows) will determine how often you need between treatments however, six to eight weeks is average.

Want to lighten your brows without visiting the salon? These tinted brow products will help you achieve lighter brows in seconds.

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