Beauty
Friends Of ITG Share Their Brow Selfies

Right now, ITG is all about the brow. In celebration of Glossier’s upcoming product launch, we’re hosting Brow Month—a time to explore where those arches have been, where they’re going, and how best to care for yours.
Like everything else, selfies are subject to trends. The main point of reference here is probably Kim Kardashian’s tome, Selfish, but anyone with an Instagram account can probably hack together a vague timeline. It started with the duck face to highlight the cheekbones. That morphed into the subtle pout that makes the lips appear ever-so-slightly enlarged. There was the nose-to-boob selfie, disregarding the eyes and making the argument that a slightly agape mouth and a good neckline are truly the windows to the soul. Now there’s the Snapchat screengrab selfie because who doesn’t want to vomit a rainbow?
A subset of these (and not just because we’re all about brows right now) is the brow selfie. It’s also a perfect segue for some more brow stories (they never get old; keep them coming). Above are some exemplars of the brow selfie genre, coupled with their corresponding brow story below. Got a selfie? Stick in the comments.
Andreea Diaconu
“A makeup artist in Japan suggested I shave [my brows] when I was 15, but luckily I stood my ground. I’ve bleached them a couple of times, but besides the zebra effect that happens if you don’t dye them back, everything was ok. I once plucked them into a upside down ’90s style Nike swoosh, but [my] mother made me put castor oil on [them] everyday and they came back. I was quite young, so don’t count on the castor trick—it works for some.”
Lily Collins
“When I moved to the US at such a young age, I was incredibly self-conscious of my bold brows. I thought they made me stand out when all I wanted to do was fit in. However, the older I got the more I realized that’s a positive thing! Standing out and being different is way more fun than blending in. I embrace them as one of my unique features because they make me, me.”
“I’ve had thick, coarse black eyebrows since I was a wee child, and in middle school and early high school I plucked them, trimmed them and bleached them—I’m surprised they grew back! I had a breakthrough with them recently. I always thought my face was lopsided and that one of my eyes was higher than the other but it turns out my eyebrows were just uneven. I used to pencil them in before my breakthrough. Recently, my friend Paloma Elsesser—another girl with great eyebrows—took me to Pinky’s Village Spa, an eyebrow threading salon in the East Village. I was scared, but in a daring mood, so I let Pinky reshape and dye them. She uses this henna dye, which is meant to stimulate hair growth and it actually works (or at least it worked on me)! My face is way more symmetrical now and I no longer use any type of makeup on my brows. It’s really funny when you have the dye on because it’s thick and black. For the first day you might notice the dye on your skin, but it washes away after a day or two. Anyway, I’ve been going there the whole summer and it’s honestly changed my day-to-day life, and I can get ready so much quicker.”
Aurora James
“I basically abandoned my eyebrows a year ago. After fixating over them for my entire life, I said, ‘Que sera, sera,’ and just let them be. A makeup artist friend of mine gave me a Twinkle, which I will use to trim the tops of them up every now and then if I feel so inclined.”
Shay Mitchell
“Kelley Baker is my brow guru. Brows are so important and I always trust her to make mine look good before any event or shoot.”
Adesuwa Aighewi
“I used to not like my eyebrows because they grow in this weird shape—the Asian male eyebrow—and I would over-pluck them trying to get an arch. One time I dyed them, and I really liked not having to deal with them after that…but I think the look scared babies. Every now and then, I fill them in I’m when going out, but I also have this fear that rain will come and it will just melt off, so for the most part I let them be. I think confidence in your eyebrows is a must—if you like them then no one can tell you differently.”

Beauty
Debunking Common Hair Shampoo Myths

Shampooing is an essential part of any hair care routine, but with so much conflicting information available, it’s easy to fall for misconceptions. From how often you should wash your hair to whether certain ingredients are harmful, numerous myths surround hair shampoo. In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction and help you make informed choices for healthier hair.
1. Myth: Frequent Shampooing Damages Hair
Many believe that washing hair too often can lead to dryness and damage. However, the truth is that the right shampoo, when used appropriately, can maintain scalp health and cleanliness. It’s important to choose a hair shampoo that suits your hair type and follow up with a conditioner to keep your strands hydrated.
2. Myth: Sulphate-Free Shampoos Are Always Better
Sulphates in shampoos are often criticised for being too harsh, but they are highly effective in removing dirt and excess oil. While some people, especially those with sensitive scalps or colour-treated hair, may benefit from sulphate-free options, others can safely use shampoos with mild sulphates without issues. Choosing a shampoo should depend on your hair needs rather than avoiding specific ingredients blindly.
3. Myth: Changing Your Shampoo Frequently is Necessary
There’s a common belief that hair gets ‘used to’ a shampoo, making it less effective over time. In reality, if a shampoo continues to cleanse your hair well and address your concerns, there is no need to switch. However, if you experience changes in hair texture, environmental factors, or new hair concerns, then trying a different shampoo may be beneficial.
4. Myth: Salon-Grade Shampoos Are No Different from Regular Ones
Salon-quality shampoos often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients that provide long-term benefits. Brands like Matrix shampoo offer professional-grade formulas designed to target specific hair concerns such as damage repair, hydration, or colour protection. While regular shampoos cleanse the hair, professional formulas may offer more tailored benefits.
5. Myth: More Lather Means a Better Clean
Many people associate a rich lather with better cleansing, but lather is simply a byproduct of surfactants. While foamy shampoos can effectively cleanse, the amount of lather doesn’t necessarily indicate effectiveness. A good hair shampoo should remove dirt and oil without stripping away essential moisture, regardless of how much it foams.
6. Myth: Shampoos Can Permanently Cure Dandruff
Dandruff is often caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus or an imbalance in the scalp. While anti-dandruff shampoos help manage symptoms, they do not provide a permanent cure. Consistent use of specialised shampoos, such as Loreal shampoo formulated for scalp care, can help control flakes and irritation, but lifestyle and environmental factors also play a role.
7. Myth: Natural or Organic Shampoos Are Always Safer
While natural and organic shampoos can be beneficial, not all are free from potential irritants. Some plant-based ingredients may cause allergic reactions, and certain essential oils can be harsh on the scalp. It’s crucial to read ingredient labels and choose a shampoo based on your hair and scalp’s needs rather than assuming that all natural products are safer.
8. Myth: Cold Water Makes Hair Shinier
Cold water can help seal the hair cuticle, making it appear shinier, but it doesn’t change the overall health of your hair. The key to shiny, healthy hair lies in using the right shampoo, conditioner, and regular hair care routine rather than just adjusting water temperature.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the truth behind these common hair shampoo myths can help you take better care of your hair. Whether you choose Matrix shampoo for professional results or Loreal shampoo for targeted benefits, selecting the right product is crucial. Focus on your hair type, scalp health, and individual needs rather than relying on myths when making your hair care decisions.
Beauty
Harmonizing Nature’s Influence: Bionassay’s Biotechnological Innovations for Skincare

In the skincare domain, the fusion of botanicals and scientific advancements has led to groundbreaking discoveries, revolutionizing the quest for healthy and sustainable skin solutions. Bionassay, a skincare brand dedicated to excellence, stands as a pioneer in this movement, harnessing biotechnology’s potential to craft products that foster skin health while minimizing environmental impact.
Biotechnology’s role in skincare extends far beyond mere product effectiveness; it holds promise for sustainability. By employing innovative methods, biotechnology offers a more eco-friendly approach to ingredient production, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. At Bionassay, we deeply value sustainability and strive to integrate it into every facet of our operations.
Our commitment to sustainability resonates in our ingredient selection. Through the synergy of nature and cutting-edge biotechnological processes, we formulate potent and environmentally conscious skincare solutions. Consider salicylic acid, a potent compound traditionally sourced from aspirin. Thanks to biotechnological advancements, we can now sustainably synthesize salicylic acid from Wintergreen. This compound not only exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells, but also boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In our Neige Éternelle cream, Wintergreen extract revitalizes the epidermis and unclogs pores, revealing a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Likewise, hyaluronic acid, renowned for its skin-plumping properties, is sustainably sourced from chicory root. Found in our Perle D’Eau and Éclat de Lait formulations, chicory root extract serves as a biomimetic activator of hyaluronic acid synthesis. Post-application, it aids the skin in producing hyaluronic acid beneath the surface, ensuring optimal hydration and a rejuvenated appearance.
At Bionassay, transparency and accountability are paramount. Our products bear the Leaping Bunny certification, and we refrain from testing on animals. Moreover, all our ingredients are traceable to their source, guaranteeing fair working conditions and the efficacy of our formulations.
In essence, the integration of biotechnology in skincare signifies a significant stride towards sustainability. By embracing nature’s bounty and cutting-edge science, Bionassay is steadfast in providing skincare solutions that not only deliver remarkable results but also contribute to a greener future for our planet.
Discover Bionassay’s array of sustainable skincare products here.
Beauty
Combining Botox and DiamondGlow in Portland: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Strategy

A skillful combination of multiple anti-aging treatments can build on positive results and bring you the youthful expression you’ve been searching for. One such combination that works beautifully is that of Botox and DiamondGlow.
The two treatments work differently but complement one another. Learn how each treatment works independently and how you can combine their stunning benefits.
Using Botox to Rejuvenate Your Expression
Botox is an injectable treatment based on the natural botulinum toxin. This medication works on the facial nerves, reducing signals that tell the nerves to move facial muscles.
Today’s Botox application is far more subtle than you may remember from the past. Your face will not lose its natural expression, but the muscles controlling your lines and wrinkles will relax.
Botox is a safe medication that doctors have prescribed for decades. It has not only cosmetic applications but also medical applications. When a qualified practitioner administers the treatment, it has a high success rate and satisfies clients.
Taking Advantage of DiamondGlow’s Strengths
DiamondGlow is an exciting update on the traditional facial. It combines exfoliation, gentle pore-cleaning suction, and custom serum application in one quick step. The treatment removes dead skin cells without the excess dryness caused by some peels and scrubs.
The system gets its name from the diamond tips on the facial wand. The tips come in six different particle sizes, allowing a range of exfoliation from gentle to intense.
DiamondGlow refreshes skin, providing a rejuvenated appearance.
A Powerful Combination
Administered together, DiamondGlow and Botox have an impressive list of benefits:
- Exfoliation
- Pore clearing suction
- Tailored serum application
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, especially glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows) and forehead wrinkles
Can I Get Botox and DiamondGlow Together?
Sometimes, clients can receive Botox and DiamondGlow during the same appointment. Providers recommend receiving the DiamondGlow treatment first and then the Botox injection. Other patients prefer to split the treatment between two clinic visits.
Other Treatments That Complement Botox and DiamondGlow
- Dermal Fillers: These valuable medications restore lost skin plumpness and define your jawline. They work well on gaunt cheeks and nasolabial folds, among other cosmetic issues. They use hyaluronic acid, a natural ingredient in healthy skin, to fill wrinkles and lines.
- Medical Skin Peels: Peels can restore sensitive and normal skin. They can affect sun-damaged areas that exhibit melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Enjoying Your Refreshed Appearance
DiamondGlow and Botox can provide a gorgeous effect that calms wrinkles and rejuvenates skin. These two treatments can eliminate years of aging from your appearance. Discover Botox and DiamondGlow’s advantages by calling a well-respected medical spa like Esthetic Medspa Portland.
Deciding to pursue cosmetic treatments can be difficult. Be reassured that these products are safe, effective, and produce a beautiful effect.
esthetic medspa Portland provides multiple medical aesthetics treatments in southern Maine, including facials, injectable fillers, laser treatments, DiamondGlow, peels, microneedling, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion. We offer concierge-style service in a luxury environment. Call our Portland, ME office today at 207-618-5792 or contact us with questions or to make an appointment.
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