E ver catch yourself unawares in the mirror? It can give you an awful fright, especially when you consider that’s what others see when they look at you. You’re probably just lost in your own thoughts, but your expression may be perceived as sad, worried or even cross. Naturally, we put our best face forward when inspecting ourselves in the mirror, but it would take an Oscar-winning performance to maintain that countenance all day. The main culprit for “
bitchy resting face” (yes, it even has an official name) are frown lines between the eyebrows, which Botox certainly eliminates, b ut at a price – eventually, a shiny frozen forehea d, or worse, a permanently surprised look.
You can certainly address the situation without resorting to the needle – from something as simple as wearing sunglasses to prevent squinting or taking the time to do this exercise:
Position middle and index fingers directly above the starting point of eyebrows.
Push brows downward using the pressure of your fingers while at the same time try to raise eyebrows using your forehead muscles.
Or try good old Frownies, a simple and effective treatment patch, worn between the brows while you sleep. It trains muscles to lie flat without furrowing. You’ve got to admire a product that’s been around since 1889 and still selling. (€21.39, from feelunique.com)
Thank the Lord there are also immediate ways to improve the look of brow lines. Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, €28, works just like Polyfilla – its paste-like texture is easy to work with and, dabbed into wrinkles, plumps them out instantly.
Of course you needn’t be confined to using it on the lines between brows, it also works brilliantly on nose-to-mouth lines.
For a professional treatment that doesn't involve fillers, the non-invasive Focus Frown Treatment at Akina Beauty softens deep lines and relaxes brow muscles to give a smooth and relaxed look. Salon owner Eavanna Breen found that women are increasingly resisting toxin injections as they "don't like the unnatural, and immobile appearance" that is common with injectable treatments. Treatments cost €80 per session.
See akina.ie.
