The truth about getting serious about your skincare is just as sobering as it is when you start getting serious about the gym: one session isn’t going to change your life. You won’t get a dump truck from one glute session, and you won’t have 1000% more collagen from one facial. And I know that it feels  like it should. You book the facial, you spend an hour solely on your skin, you leave looking hydrated, smoothed, lifted, maybe even a little snatched… and then a week later you’re like: “Wait. Why are my problematic areas still being.. problematic?” Welcome to the same universal experience we all have after getting serious about skin maintenance. Fun, right? Let’s talk about it. Okay but WTF do #skincarequeens & #gymbros have to do with each other? And is skincare consistency that important? Showing up for your skin really isn’t that different from showing up for your body. The biggest parallel? You can’t expect results from a single session. Close your eyes and imagine this scenario for a sec: you walk into the gym, you do a solid 45 minutes on the StairMaster, and leave expecting visible washboard abs when you get home. If you locate this magical stairmaster let me know, because that would be insane. BUT for some reason, skincare gets treated like magic. One hour-long treatment and you’ve Benjamin Button’ed a few years. A single facial is a boost , not a transformation. It’s a “first day back at the gym” high - it’s not the one and done solution. — So let’s say you commit to the long-term plan and commit to a monthly facial routine. This is a perfect baseline - but could all be a wasted effort without adequate at-home care. You wouldn’t kick ass in a workout class just to go home and polish off an entire bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, would you? Or you wouldn’t hit the gym regularly,  fueled on a diet of iced coffee & a lack of sleep, right? Not if you expected to see muscle definition. Skincare works the same. exact. way. Your routine between treatments: SPF, actives, hydration, and true day in, day out consistency - carries 80% of the load. The facials are the workout, and the skincare and at-home habits are the diet. It takes both to see results. — It’s also very important to remind you that even if you’re doing everything optimally and routinely to near-perfection, it still takes time.  Ask anyone who lifts or does Pilates and they’ll tell you that the changes aren’t noticeable day to day. They compound slowly and gradually, until out of nowhere one day you’ll look in the mirror and say “When did those bicep muscles get there?” or someone will tell you “Wait, you look AMAZING!?” It really doesn’t differ much when it comes to skin. The results kinda sneak up on you out of nowhere. You’ll be consistent for a few months, and the compliment will just hit you on a random Tuesday at Sprouts. This is also why, similarly to the gym, it’s important to take progress pictures! Make sure to grab a few pictures of your skin pre-committing to this routine - and after that aforementioned compliment at the grocery store, you’ll have pictures to look back on and say “Damn, I really AM glowing!” — Let’s talk about the training - ie, skincare - itself. You have to have a varied split for your treatments, just as you’d have a varied workout split in the gym. Just like training, different sessions do different things: Glo2  = your pre-workout oxygen push Procell Microchanneling  = the muscle-building growth factor equivalent PICOSure  = the deep, restorative recovery session Home skincare  = your daily steps + protein intake Combine them for the most well-rounded, holistically-targeted approach. — When people say to me, “I want brighter skin” or “I want to get rid of texture,” it’s essentially the equivalent of saying to your coach: “I want toned arms” or “I want stronger legs.” It’s great that we have tangible goals… but what’s the plan? If you have concrete skin goals you’d like to accomplish, they deserve the same intentionality you’d give to a fitness goal. That means being mindful of: Frequency  (how often you’re coming in) Progression  (stacking treatments strategically) Accountability  (staying disciplined even when you want to sleep in your makeup and call it a night) Recovery  (skincare routine, sleep, hydration) Skincare consistency is the unrivaled winner, every single time - and that really is the most important mindset shift you could have. When you look at the bigger picture; look past the facial for the plan that comes with it - that’s when you’ll actually  see the facial pay off. It’s a crucial player in a larger, all-encompassing strategy - not the whole strategy itself. So book the treatment, of course - but much more importantly: Commit to the plan. Choose the package. Schedule out the treatments. Show up for your skin the same way you show up for anyone or anything you truly care about. If you want the results, you HAVE to view these treatments as a part of a plan you commit to - no ifs, ands or buts. Ready to start? Schedule your gym PT sessions - er, your facials & skin treatments - here , or grab your treatments packages here. I also offer complimentary skin consults, and would be more than happy to curate a custom plan alongside you to help you reach your skin goals. Cheers to our healthiest, happiest skin yet! Xo, Nicole

Hair? It'll grow back. Lash extensions? They'll eventually cycle through & shed. Bad spray tans? Faded within the week. But your PMU brows? Those live on your face for years. The explosion of permanent makeup (PMU) brows - whether that be powder brows, nano brows, microblading, and hybrid techniques - has made it easier than ever to find an artist. But it has also made it easier to accidentally book someone who, respectfully, is not going to give you the natural, safe and/or desired result you're looking for. If you’re considering PMU brows, here are the things I always recommend looking for before choosing an artist. Time in the Industry Matters (More Than You Think) You can't just master the skill of PMU tattooing overnight. Many artists enter the industry through short certification courses, but true mastery happens through years of working with different skin types, pigment behaviors, and healed results . When evaluating a brow artist, ask yourself: How long have they been performing PMU procedures? How many healed results do they show? Do they specialize in brows or do them occasionally? Experience matters, because permanent makeup behaves differently in every person’s skin. Understanding pigment depth, color shifts, and healing outcomes simply comes with time. An experienced artist has seen what happens one year later, not just immediately after the procedure - and they tattoo accordingly. Look at Their Healed Work (Not Just Fresh Brows) Fresh PMU always looks crisp; it's like seeing a T-shirt you've been eyeing online. Sure, it looks great now - but after a few washes, some wear and tear... how is it gonna hold up? That's why the real test is how the brows heal months later. Look for artists who post: Healed results Different skin tones and hair colors Close-up photos without heavy filters Consistent shape + symmetry Well-executed PMU should heal softly and naturally - never blocky, overly saturated or gray. Consistency in healed results is one of the strongest indicators of a skilled brow artist. Word of Mouth Still Reigns Supreme The beauty industry runs heavily on trust. Reviews, referrals, and real client experiences can tell you things that a pretty Instagram post just never will. Look for: Google reviews Client testimonials Friends or coworkers who have had work done Before-and-after photos from real clients Pay attention to patterns. If multiple people mention great communication, natural results, and a comfortable experience , that’s usually a very good sign and a green light to proceed. Your Consultation Should Feel Collaborative A proper PMU consultation should never feel rushed - this isn't about the brow artist, after all; it's about YOU! Your artist should ask about: Skin type Previous tattoos or PMU Lifestyle and skincare routine Brow goals and preferences Medical history or contraindications You should also feel comfortable asking questions. A reputable PMU artist will walk you through the full process: mapping, pigment selection, healing expectations, and aftercare. That way, there are no surprises later. If the consultation feels transactional instead of thoughtful, that’s worth paying attention to and might be a red flag. Hygiene and Safety Standards Are Non-Negotiable When it comes down to it, permanent makeup is essentially a tattoo procedure - that means proper sanitation is essential. A professional studio should always have: Single-use sterile needles Disposable pigment containers Medical-grade disinfectants Gloves and barrier protection A clean, organized workspace Anything that touches the skin should be opened new and disposed of immediately after the procedure . Your safety matters immensely, so this is crucial. Not All Pigments Are Created Equal This is the one most people don’t think about, but it makes a world of a difference. Permanent makeup pigments differ in ingredient quality, color stability, manufacturing standards, and how they fade in the skin. Poor-quality pigments can shift into unwanted tones over time or behave unpredictably during healing. High-quality pigments are designed specifically for facial cosmetic tattooing and are tested for stability and safety. Personally, I love to work with pigments from Biotek Milano, a European manufacturer known for producing some of the most advanced pigments in the PMU industry. Their pigments are: laboratory tested EU compliant highly stable in the skin formulated specifically for cosmetic tattooing designed to heal softly and naturally Pigment quality plays a massive role in how your brows look years later , not just the day you leave the studio. That's why you should ask those questions, and seek out an artist that recognizes just how important this is. The Artist Should Care About Long-Term Results Going off of pigment quality and its importance for longevity; the best PMU artists don’t just focus on the procedure - they focus on the future . They’ll talk about: how the pigment will fade over time when touch-ups might be needed how lifestyle factors affect retention how trends evolve and brows should age naturally Permanent makeup should enhance your face, look natural, and fade + age gracefully. The Bottom Line: Choosing a PMU brow artist isn’t just about finding someone who can create + post beautiful brows - which today in the age of social media, filters & AI enhancement (someone had to say it)... is not that hard to do. It comes down to finding someone who understands skin, pigment chemistry, facial balance, and what it takes to achieve long-term aesthetic results. Take your time, ask questions, and choose an artist whose work you trust completely. Do your homework - it's worth every minute & every penny. Thinking About PMU Brows? I proudly practice what I preach -so if you’re considering powder brows, nano brows, or brow correction , booking a consultation with me is the best place to start. It gives me the opportunity to assess your skin, discuss your goals collaboratively with you, choose the right pigment and technique & design brows that truly fit your face. Beautiful brows should feel effortless, and the right artist makes allllll the difference. xo, Nicole

I'm gonna cut to the chase, because I know you're probably just like me: someone who values their time, because outside of work & life's responsibilities... you probably don't have much of it. I’m pretty selective when it comes to treatments I want to seek out and try. It's my time, my money - and frankly, my face! Working in the beauty industry tends to make you very aware of what’s hype, what’s marketing, and what genuinely produces results. These are just a handful of the treatments and products I've tried over the past year or so; some in the studio, some at home - in order to see what actually delivers. I tried them so you don't have to (or who knows, maybe you'll want to!): my honest ranking of the beauty treatments I’ve tried recently based on effectiveness, long-term results, and whether I’d keep them in my routine. If you’ve been wondering which treatments are worth your time (and money), this is for you. 6. Brow Lamination Category:  Cosmetic styling I love a good lami sometimes. If you've never had a brow lamination before, this treatment temporarily relaxes the brow hairs so they can be brushed into a fuller, lifted shape. When done well, it creates that fluffy editorial brow look that’s been everywhere for the past few years. My only drawbacks are that it has to be redone every 6-8 weeks, it is rather damaging to the hairs, and if overdone... you could end up with that slightly-electrocuted looking brow (which is not quiteee the look you or I are going for, I don't believe) Still, if you love a bold, brushed-up brow, it’s a fun option. Verdict: Great for styling, but more temporary than the others on this list. 5. Copper Peptides Category:  At-home skincare Neova Antioxidant Cream with Copper Peptide Complex Copper peptides have been having a moment in the wellness and skincare spaces lately, and I totally understand why. These peptides help support collagen production, improve skin repair, and strengthen the overall integrity of the skin barrier. In my experience, they’re one of those ingredients that work best when you’re patient. You’re not going to wake up with dramatically different skin overnight, but over time they can contribute to healthier, more resilient skin - and seeing the research behind this ingredient makes it easier to be consistent with it. The biggest benefit I personally noticed was improved skin recovery after treatments, as well as slightly smoother texture overall. Verdict: Slow but supportive; great as part of a long-term routine. 4. Glo₂ Facial Category:  Immediate glow Glo2 Oxygen Facial You want to glow? You've got it - this is the best instant gratification for dewy, plump glazed donut skin (but the best part is, the benefits are more than just vanity & surface level.) The Glo₂ Facial  works through a process called oxygenation, where ingredients interact with the skin to create carbon dioxide bubbles. Your body responds by increasing oxygen delivery to the area, which boosts circulation and helps the skin absorb active ingredients. The result? Your skin looking bright, hydrated & refreshed near-instantaneously . It’s not meant to replace deeper collagen-stimulating treatments, but it IS perfect when you want your skin to look amazing for an event, or when it just needs a lil reset. Verdict: Amazing glow, perfect pre-event treatment. 3. Microchanneling Category:  Collagen stimulation Procell Microchanneling If you're shopping around for treatments addressing long-term skin health - I'm an advocate for Microchanneling. It's given me everything microneedling promises... but better. Unlike traditional microneedling devices, microchanneling systems create extremely precise channels in the skin that allow growth factors and peptides to penetrate deeper while also stimulating collagen production. The results aren’t dramatic, but over time they do compound & add up. I’ve personally noticed: smoother skin texture improved product absorption gradual collagen support overall healthier skin If you’re debating between microneedling & this, I can confidently say that microchanneling is an excellent option. Verdict: A quiet powerhouse for long-term skin quality. 2. Pico Skin Rejuvenation Category:  Skin quality upgrade (pigmentation, WHERE?!) PICO Skin Rejuvenation (1 Session) I mainly brought on the PICOSure Pro laser for laser tattoo removal and Brow Tone (aka, fading old PMU ink), so to say I have been pleasantly surprised with how much I have loved PICO Skin Rejuvenation would be an understatement! The same picosecond technology used for tattoo removal can also be used for skin rejuvenation , stimulating collagen and improving overall tone and texture without the aggressive downtime of other resurfacing lasers. After a few sessions, I noticed: brighter overall skin tone smoother texture subtle tightening and refinement improvement in sun damage What I love about this treatment is that it’s non-ablative , meaning you’re not peeling or hiding out for a week afterward. It gives you that true Hollywood airbrushed glow! It's been trending online for a reason - and I can very much so justify and add to its online hype & virality. Deserved. Verdict: High-tech, subtle, and very much worth it. 1. Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Category:  Long-term transformation PICO Laser Tattoo Removal on TBP client If you know me, you knew this placement was coming. I will never shut up about PICO laser. Number one in my heart, number one on this ranking. She is that GIRL! Over the past year I’ve been removing several tattoos with the PICOSure Pro laser , and the progress & clearance has been absolutely unreal. The PICO lasers use ultra-short picosecond pulses that break tattoo pigment into incredibly small particles, allowing the body to gradually clear the ink. What makes it stand out compared to older lasers is the efficiency. Healing and downtime is basically non-existant, and the progress takes significantly less sessions than your traditional laser tattoo removal options. PICO Brow Tone That's not to say it still won't take time. Tattoo removal is definitely a process, not instant - but this device is the fastest and least painful route you can take. If you have tattoos that don’t feel like “you” anymore, this treatment is one of the most transformative things modern laser technology can offer. Verdict: Slow burn results, but incredibly rewarding. Should you book one of these beauty treatments? Several? All? I will say this: The best results rarely come from a single service . Skin and beauty treatments work the same way fitness does: consistency, layering, and long-term strategy working in tandem. Right now, the combination that’s doing it for me is: PICO skin rejuvenation for pigment reduction & collagen stimulation Adding in copper peptide-based skincare The occasional Glo₂ facial and/or Microchanneling service for glow & maintenance And of course, continuing my Pico laser tattoo removal journey . The beauty industry evolves quickly, but treatments that focus on skin health, collagen, and next-gen & well-researched technology  tend to stand the test of time. That's precisely why those are the ones I keep coming back to. xo, Nicole

It's officially been one whole year since I launched the PICOSure Pro laser  at Brow Project. What's wild is that the launch event feels like it was just yesterday! As exhausting as big events are to plan & execute (hence why we haven't done another one since 😆) I can't deny how much that evening meant to me. So many of my friends & clients came out for this launch. We had giveaways, light bites, and laser demos, and watching the “How does this work?”'s turn into "Holy sh*t this laser is amazing!"'s is something I still experience to this day with PICO. I knew I was investing in cutting-edge technology, but getting to watch it change people’s skin in real time, time and time again, has been absolutely incredible to witness and exceeded even my most grandeur expectations. This is a year with PICO - and what lies ahead for the future: The Launch: Taking the Leap Into Advanced Laser Technology Bringing on the PICOSure Pro laser  was something I thought long and hard about. Obviously, adding a piece of equipment like that into a practice isn't exactly ~low stakes~ but I knew what it had the potential to be. Time and time again, I have clients come to me for corrective work. They've had old work fade, or they had a botched PMU brow that they want fixed, or the coloring has aged into something undesirable. I wanted them to have the best option for removal - and I wanted that option here in my studio. PICO doesn't just tackle PMU brows - it delivers: Next-level advanced laser tattoo removal Brow pigment correction Non-ablative skin rejuvenation All with zero downtime, low inflammation and quicker results . I truly can't imaging opting for anything else for tattoo removal - which is exactly why I knew I needed it here at The Brow Project. PICOSure Pro uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to shatter pigment into smaller particles than traditional nano lasers, allowing the body to clear ink more efficiently while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Your treatments will be more effective with less side effect mitigation - and that right there is the difference. Laser Tattoo Removal: The Case Studies That Sold Me PICOSure Pro Laser Tattoo Removal So I already knew just how incredible this technology was when I brought it on - obviously. I saw the science, the research, the outcomes. But even still; nothing could have prepared me for just how INCREDIBLE my own clients' case studies would be. Over the past year, we’ve seen: Significant fading in even the most stubborn black ink Impressive clearance on older, saturated tattoos Noticeable progress in fewer sessions compared to older laser systems A drastic improvement in skin concerns (even melasma!) Clients were no longer stuck with tattoos. They didn't have to live with faded ink or regretful decisions. They finally had a solution - one that was efficient, precise, and low-downtime. Brow Tone: Correcting and Lightening PMU Safely PICOSure Pro Brow Tone One of the most transformative additions has undoubtedly been Brow Tone using PICOSure Pro . Instead of layering correction pigment over old, overly dark brows, we’re able to: selectively lighten PMU pigment neutralize unwanted tones create a clean slate for modern, softer brows The precision of picosecond technology allows us to target pigment without damaging the hair, which has completely changed the way I approach PMU correction. This really was the number one reason I wanted to bring on PICO. I wanted to be able to do it all: remove the old PMU and redo the work so you can have the brows you always wanted. Correction doesn’t have to mean compromise anymore. Skin Rejuvenation: The Unexpected Star PICOSure Pro Skin Rejuvenation I knew PICOSure Pro was powerful for tattoo & pigment removal - but what truly floored me was its impact on overall skin quality. We’ve seen: Improved texture Brighter tone Reduced appearance of sun damage Smoother fine lines Increased collagen stimulation over time Because the treatment is non-ablative, clients can return to normal life quickly, which is a HUGE shift from older, more aggressive resurfacing lasers such as a traditional C02, IPL or Clear + Brilliant. I've even seen vast improvements in intense melasma cases - just look at this client's results!! People want effective treatments.. buuuut they also want to go to dinner that night (we do live in Dallas, after all.) PICOSure Pro fits into modern life without compromising on results. Why It’s Only Getting More Popular Over the last few years - and especially the last year - there’s been a CLEAR societal shift in the aesthetics industry. We're seeing celebrities, influencers & everyday people alike: Dissolving old, misplaced or excessive filler Softening overly-saturated PMU Prioritizing skin longevity Choosing undetectable over exaggeration, and choosing natural over over-augmented. Laser treatments, especially advanced picosecond lasers like PICOSure Pro, are becoming more popular because they go hand in hand with that shift. They allow you to: Remove what no longer aligns (i.e tattoos and/or botched & dated PMU) Refine what exists Improve skin quality without dramatic downtime The demand for effective laser tattoo removal, brow pigment correction, and non-invasive skin rejuvenation is only growing (I know this firsthand, seeing as miss PICO basically works a 40hr 9-5 at this point) .. and this technology sits right at the epicenter of that movement. What the Future Looks Like So, class - what have we learned? If this year taught me anything, it’s that the future of aesthetics is less about adding more - not in the slightest. We're making precise decisions, and taking advantage of next-gen technology that allows us to: treat pigment intelligently, stimulate collagen strategically, and holistically evolve without overcorrecting. PICOSure Pro: One Year Later I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this was the best decision I made in 2025 (and really, 2024 when I decided to bring it on.) Seeing these case studies, and ultimately seeing clients so happy with their outcomes - has made me so sure about this investment. One year later, and the results speak for themselves. If you’ve been curious about: Laser tattoo removal Brow Tone PMU correction Skin rejuvenation with PICOSure Pro ..let this be your sign to book a consultation and see what’s possible for your old tattoos, your outdated PMU brows, and your skin. This device is precise, effective, built for real life... this device is the future, in my opinion. Cheers to one year, and to the many more ahead with PICO. xo, Nicole

Do you feel it? The itch ? The itch to have a total personal rebrand and basically press "Factory Reset" on your life when midnight hits on NYE? If your feed is anything like mine, it's inundated with posts "Here's how to rebrand in the new year" "2026 is your year to reinvent yourself" and as your resident 10+ year beauty vet & self-proclaimed Permanent Hottie... I figured it was long past time for me to drop my guide to your best year yet. Do one thing on this list, do all the things, do things one at a time, do them altogether... hell, do nothing on this list - it's YOUR year, babe. Too much pressure is put on starting every single resolution on January 1st, with little to no margin for error. The all or nothing mindset is exactly why gyms are a ghost town by mid-January, and the "I'll start again on Monday" mindset runs rampant. If you want to jump in and tackle your entire list of resolutions, by all means do it! Feel free to start with one goal you really want to achieve this year and go all-in on that; it's your prerogative! Rule #1 of the Permanent Hottie New Year's Rebrand Guide: There's no right or wrong way to go about it! Now let's get into the juicy details - if I were to want a New Year's reset, here's exactly what I would do: Consider Tattoo Removal for Tattoos That Belong to Old Chapters Tattoos can be meaningful - and still no longer fit . Let's be clear that it doesn’t deem them mistakes; rather it's a brave acknowledgement that this ink no longer serves you or fits the person you exist as today. if anything, it makes you human. If you have tattoos that feel heavy, outdated, or disconnected from who you are now, laser tattoo removal  can be an incredibly grounding way to reset. It’s a slow process (faster via new methods such as the PicoSure Pro laser - think under 10 sessions for near-full removal!) Starting tattoo removal early in the year gives your skin time to fade gradually and naturally, without rushing the process. Plus, sun exposure is a no-no when it comes to laser tattoo removal, making the colder months the ideal time to get started! You know you're gonna think about wanting it gone in the summer - so save the regret & get it done in the winter. Reset Your Skin with a PICO Skin Treatment Sick of texture, discoloration, fine lines & wrinkles? Did skin dullness & clogged pores plague your 2025? I know the version of yourself that you're wanting to be in 2026 has phenomenal skin. If texture + tone is giving you issue, a series of PICO Skin Rejuvenation treatments  is gonna be exactly what you need to resurface & refine the skin. You'll notice faded discoloration, smaller pores & less noticeable fine lines after a single session (so imagine what a series of 3 would do!!) Healthy skin is gonna set the tone for everything that follows: Products will work better as they're able to penetrate deeper into the skin Subsequent treatments will be more effective (so girl math says this is budget-friendly) Your results will last even longer Stop covering & start clearing. Lighten or Remove Old PMU Brow Pigment Before Doing Anything New Brows age just like we do (unfortunately no one is immune from the wrath of Father Time, it seems) - and PMU styles, pigments & techniques have evolved quite a lot over the years. It's normal for PMU to fade over time. How it fades is dependent on the PMU you had done in the first place. Some brows will fade in a normal fashion, while others will discolor to quite the undesirable hue. You might have even ended up with a fresh set of Microbladed brows that, quite frankly, you aren't happy with at all and want to start over. If you have old PMU brow pigment that you have no desire to take with you into the new year, removing or lightening it might be one of the best decisions you make - made even better by doing so with the PicoSure Pro. It's safe, takes just a few sessions, and can fade or erase any unwanted pigment. Clearing outdated brow pigment: gives you better correction options later prevents muddy color layering leads to more natural, modern healed results Clearing the slate on your old permanent makeup might be just the reset you need this year. Choose Consistent Care Over One-Time Fixes Single services as the cure-all is so not the vibe in 2026. Instead of banking on one big treatment with the expectation of it doing everything, think about what your skin actually responds to: Consistency . That might look like: Scheduling facials every 4–6 weeks instead of once a year Committing to a tattoo removal series instead of opting out after a single session Adhering to a daily skincare routine - morning and evening. Real results come from showing up repeatedly. What you do matters, but the cadence and frequency at which you do it matters most. Build Simple Beauty Rituals You’ll Actually Keep Speaking of skincare routines... your rebranded persona does NOT need a 12-step routine. We are so past the point of doing the literal most when it comes to your AM & PM skincare rituals. First we had the endless serum layering (mind you, some of which layered actives that quite literally negated the effects of one another!) Then we had the "morning shed" which involved layers of masks, eye patches, facial wraps & mouth tape. Are we not tired? Because just watching these morning and night routines exhausts me . Some of the most effective habits are simple, no-frills, and frankly boring... and that’s a good thing. Stick to the basics: Wear your SPF daily Stay hydrated with your favorite moisturizer Use an active that you actually need (no hype-driven TikTok influencer purchases!) Book appointments ahead of time to ensure consistency Rituals work because they’re repeatable, and can eventually become an everyday normalcy of your daily life. Motivation comes and goes, but true habits stay. Be Intentional with Your Time & Energy in the New Year You might be thinking that adding in more self--care, more daily movement, more habits & routines... comes at the cost of any downtime. It might seem overwhelming. But I challenge you to truly audit where your energy is going. What is consuming your time? Where is your energy flowing? Are the people, routines & activities in your life actually serving you? If they aren't a good use of your time, if they're draining instead of rejuvenating - cut em out!! Conduct a full life audit and see where you end up. You might just discover you have more time than you thought, and cutting out energy-drainers might just be the very thing that powers your 2026 rebrand. xo, Nicole

I can’t embed a song to a blog post, but for full effect & adequate scene-setting: Press play on Roses by The Chainsmokers. Turn on HBO’s “Girls.” Put on that plastic black choker necklace, grab your Vans Old Skool Checkered Slip-ons, and get ready to dust off that full-coverage Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. 2016 is here… or at least, that’s what everyone online will tell you.  If you opened Instagram at the beginning of the month, you’d think you had been transported to the past decade. Everyone (and I really do mean everyone ) has posted some form of throwback to their feed, featuring relics spanning from the ubiquitous LA Pink Wall to Penny Boards, all adorned with the Valencia filter. The people YEARN for 2016 (which is a whole separate conversation in and of itself) - but today I want to dissect the inescapable beauty trends of the year. How would they hold up today? Should some of these make a comeback, or should most of these remain 6 feet under, only to be remembered in the cringiest corners of our memory recesses? Well, I’ll be the judge of that: The 2016 Trends I'd Keep - or Banish Forever: Exit Stage Left: Bold, Block Brows Oh, the Instagram brow. The laminated brow’s fuller, sharper older sister. I know you still have an expired pot of Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow collecting dust (& bacteria) somewhere deep in your makeup drawer. We can all remember the steps - brow pomade to fill, brow pencil to define, and concealer to clean up. And babyyy - we were making these brows THICK . They were so time-consuming and multi-step that people were literally doing their brows off-camera for makeup tutorials. There were dedicated videos just for brow routines! Listen, I don’t hate the intention behind it - and it’s certainly head and shoulders over the thin plucked-to-death 90’s brows that are frighteningly making somewhat of a resurgence right now. What I would   keep in 2026 is just fuller brows in general… just not as laminated as the past few years, and certainly not as sharpie-coded as those of the 2016s. Natural full brows = yes. 2016 Instagram Brow = hell no. I’m on the Fence: Lip Filler Let’s be real: 2016 was the beginning of the lip filler boom . This was still somewhat of a hush-hush procedure - we still had Kylie Jenner convincing half the population her suddenly-voluptuous pout was the result of lip liner & a matte liquid lipstick - but this was definitely the start of lip filler adoption amongst us “normies” if you will. And this is a nuanced one, because while I don’t think it’s a “no,” I think how it existed in 2016 IS a "no."  Back then, you had people walking into clinics & medspas asking for filler, asking for the “Kylie” lip, and there was no thought of “does this suit and complement my other facial features?” It was done with no consideration for facial balancing or strategy, versus now I see the shift of this being more of a conversation. People are either getting their filler dissolved or doing it in amounts that complement their other features. I think lip filler holds up because it’s evolved with the times and become something more subtle (if done at all.) However, the act of getting 2 syringes to match Kylie and overfilling to death can stay firmly behind in 2016. Glow, NO: Highlighter Everything, Everywhere, All at Once 2016 was to highlighter what 2022 was to the clean girl aesthetic. You could not escape it. Cheekbones, nose, cupid’s bow, brow bone, inner corner - quite literally, if you could put highlighter there, people did.  To this day, I remember the “full face of highlighter” challenge that was absolutely everywhere , and I swear some people implemented that challenge into their daily makeup routines. Blush and bronzer were really not a big part of the conversation; contour and hella highlight were the 2 main characters. My opinion? The excessive highlight can stay a relic of the past… but if I said I miss the little pops of shimmer? I think we could trade a little bit of the sticky, tacky dew (the “wet” look that so often accompanies a “clean girl” look) for a few swipes of the Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter (and yes, PSA, you can still buy this!!) Not Matte About It: Matte Liquid Lips (No, Thank You) Okay hear me OUT. I, personally, think it’s about time for a soft matte (key word SOFT matte) lip to come back. I love a glossy lip, a lip oil - but I think it’s reached peak saturation and I don’t know about you, but I miss a matte lip look every now and then. I think a lot of us default to that Sahara Desert-dry, mousse-y formula of the liquid lipsticks of the past. You know, those ones that looked so good on the models but emphasized every line, nook and cranny on your lips (only to realize it was because they were all proud owners of 2ml+ of lip filler and that was why.) However - the matte formulas have come a long way since then. I love K Beauty Lip Blurs to achieve a softer version of the matte look. A bit of liner, I let my lip blush peek through, and if my lips are dry just top with a bit of balm and voila! Matte lips can come back - it’s long overdue, IMO. Immediately No: The Zero-Blush Era “This is the skin of a killer, Bella” - Edward Cullen, aka who we all looked like walking around with no blush on. Do I think we might have course-corrected a bit too heavily hence the blush-blindness epidemic we’re all currently living through? Yes. But did we have to be so fearful of touching a pan of blush?? You knew the drill: Cool-toned contour, maybe a tiny teensy hint of pink on the apples of the cheeks, and a shit ton of concealer on the “high points” of the face (but for whatever reason, we put it everywhere.) Blend blend blend, then we topped it with, of course, a blinding strip of highlight. I mean hell, the eyeshadow looks we were creating drew any attention away from whatever whisper of blush graced our cheekbones.  Let’s not revisit this, ‘kay?  Cut the Cameras: Multi-Step Cut Crease Eyeshadow Be honest - how many eyeshadow tutorials did you watch, save & try out that year? I honestly LOVE how creative this era was for makeup; so much experimentation, intention & craftsmanship went into these looks. I do truly miss how much fun people used to have in the makeup world - not to say that still isn’t happening, but you can’t deny that the saturation is nowhere near what it was in 2016.  While I love how it manifested online… I do think what this era lacked was time & place (read in Tati’s voice because we ARE discussing 2016!) Because why were we all in a full beat, cut creases sharp enough to cut glass… in a Tom Thumb buying groceries at 3pm on a Tuesday. I think a large reason why the clean girl aesthetic took off like it did was because people just got burnt out.  I love that we’re seeing fun makeup looks coming back, but I don’t really see myself or a large majority of people going back to this level of full glam on such a regular basis. I think this will manifest as just the return of eyeshadow but in a more messy, laid-back manner. No cut creases. No cleaning up with a heavy dose of concealer. But I do hope fun eyeshadow looks come back into the mainstream - it’s been a bit boring and stale for too long in the mainstream makeup zeitgeist.  Ew, David: Hydrafacials as the “Gold Standard” Oof okay; this one might ruffle some feathers - but it has to be said. And honestly, I’m shocked this has held onto its mainstream popularity for so long. Hydrafacials were ev-e-ry-where in 2016. It was THE facial-du-jour for celebrities, influencers, and your everyday Joe’s & Jill's. Exfoliation, refinement, pore-cleansing - I mean, this bad boy had it ALL! However, since that year we know more about the potentially negative side effects of this facial. It’s not for everybody; the suction can be too stripping & create broken capillaries. The industry has also evolved, with options like oxygen facials such as Glo2 becoming options that rival, and dare I say supercede, the hydrafacial. It truly does shock me that this is still the industry standard, albeit not close to how it was spoken about a decade ago. It’s less trendy and more standard - and I don’t want to see it regain momentum. I would love to see this quietly fade out in favor of better, safer & more advanced options.  Bring Back FUN: Viral Beauty Challenges & Tutorials Yes, viral trends very much so still exist. Yes, copy/paste content ideas and challenges are still alive & well. But if you were there consuming beauty content in 2016, you know  exactly what I mean. The full face of highlighter challenge. The “100 layers of nail polish” challenge. The “power of makeup” trend via NikkiTutorials. This was a TIME. The end goal was still the same: go viral. But something about it felt.. more sincere? Organic? More fun? I don’t know how to explain it, but the 2016 beauty landscape online just felt more authentic. And again - there are still so many creatives out there posting beauty content that is absolutely AMAZING. But I would love to bring back this era in full swing and have it saturate my feed like it did back then. xx, Nicole

Happy New Year! No part of me can fathom that i'm actually typing these words in 2026... mentally the Spice Girls are still together and MTV hasn't stopped playing music videos (or that it exists in any capacity, RIP.) Nostalgia & disbelief aside, I'm so excited to start this new year off and just dive in. I'd be remiss to do so without acknowledging the biggest milestones from last year, both personally & professionally. I also want to introduce the Cherry Globes: aka, my take on a beauty & skincare awards list! Think Allure Beauty meets The Golden Globes - with a dash of The Razzies . We'll unpack, in my opinion, the best of, worst of and everything in between. So without further ado, let's get into it. - - - 2025's Biggest Milestones: PICOSure Pro Laser We Got A Laser: Undoubtedly, the biggest addition to our studio last year was the arrival of the Cynosure PICOSure Pro . This laser is a do-it-all BEAST of a machine, and considered to be the gold standard of the laser tattoo removal industry for a very sound reason. From brow tone and lip neutralization to course-correct and neutralize pigment or discoloration, to skin rejuvenation to address tone, texture & fine lines, and laser tattoo removal to quickly & efficiently blast old ink - this is truly the Rolls Royce of lasers. We can't wait for more of the Dallas & DFW community to discover this hidden gem of a device. Glo2 Made Her Studio Debut: This summer, we officially launched the Geneo Glo2 Oxygen Facial here at the studio! This facial stands out from the standard due to its patented Oxfoliation technology - customizable to your unique needs, that be dehydrated, textured, congested, etc. skin. This facial combines this crucial step with relaxing lymphatic massage & RF technology to create a luxurious, relaxing - and above all, efficient & research-backed - experience. Science meets self-care; that's why I was so excited to bring this on! KBeauty + Neova Smart Skincare Found Their Home on Our Shelves: 2 brand-new bombshells hit the villa this year: clinical skincare line Neova, and an array of my favorite tried-and-true KBeauty products. Neova's line combines ingredient potency with hyper-targeted, research-backed formulations for products that, simply put, WORK. If you're tired of the same overpriced, run-of-the-mill beauty products lining the shelves of Sephora & ULTA, I implore you to peruse the large lineup of KBeauty products I've begun stocking at The Brow Project this year! From sheer, dewy liquid blushes to blurring lip liners, these products don't just deliver gorgeous outcomes - they won't break the bank, either. PMU World Live Miami 2025 I MC'd My First-Ever Event: This was quite a personal milestone for me that I'm so happy to have accomplished this past year. As a speaker at PMU World Live Miami last year, I was ecstatic to have returned this September as a conference MC alongside my twin flame, Marie of Beauty Glam Studios. If you know me, you know I can't help but inject personality & spice into everything I do - so naturally this felt like a perfect fit, and is something I cannot wait to do more of in the future! I Traveled to Vietnam to Lead the US Team of PMU Artists at Wulop: Saving maybe the most adventurous for last; this summer I traveled to Vietnam to lead the US team at Wulop PMU Conference! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that still has me pinching myself & combing through my camera roll to make sure it was real and actually happened. The level of talent at Wulop was incredible to witness - so much expertise under one roof. Being able to extend my trip and explore Tokyo & Kyoto was also such a treat I'll cherish for a long, long time. Japan - you certainly haven't seen the last of me. - - - Cherry Globe Awards: Best of 2025, Worst of 2025, and Everything in Between Best: Neova Smart Skincare For me and my studio, the best of 2025 was undoubtedly Neova . This line has transformed my skin. I've already written quite the love letter(s) to this line, but it truly is the definition of "If you know, YOU KNOW." The DNA Repair Serum is a holy grail, the Daily Peel Pads are the key to unfiltered radiance, and the Creme de la Copper is an emollient dream... I could go on through the whole line, but you get the point. Best of the year, HANDS-DOWN. Worst: AI Ads for Beauty Products This has to take the cake for the worst thing to come out of this year. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest (nearly every corner of the internet at this point) have been inundated with AI ads for everything from pore-removing masks to wrinkle-removing serums. At best, they're AI slop that's obviously selling you a lie. At worst, they're deceptive, predatory and scamming unsuspecting consumers. On top of that, many use AI-generated celebrity endorsements that were in no way co-signed by said celebrities - which correct me if I'm wrong, is majorly f*cking illegal?? And of course the environmental impact AI has on the planet is just the icecap-melting cherry on top. I hope and freaking PRAY this goes away, but with the speed at which AI is advancing and the apathy lawmakers seem to have taken regarding regulations... I have a feeling it'll get worse before it gets better. Most Eyeroll-Worthy: LV Beauty Did Louis Vuitton really think they could drop a $160 lipstick without a soul saying anything?? When this line was first announced I honestly was a bit excited, given that the Creative Director is Pat McGrath herself. However... that excitement hastily soured to disdain when I, and others, saw the prices. $160 for the lipsticks AND lip balms, $250 eyeshadow quads (QUADS!)... not even Prada or Gucci have dared to price their products this high. Yes, the lipstick/balm is refillable - and thankfully the refill sits at the low, low cost of $69!! What a steal!!! Most Likely to Break You Out: Beef Tallow Skincare You are p utting an oil/butter alternative onto your skin. I don't really know what I haven't said about this phenomenon yet at this point to convince you not to do this - the only thing I can really say at this point is that I sincerely hope this stupid, stupid trend finally finds its rightful resting place 6 feet under this year. Biggest Celebrity Breakup: Urban Decay x Skindinavia Not even the Chase Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini breakup compares to the messy mess that was the splitting of this duo. The essential lore: Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray has always utilized Skindinavia's setting spray formula. It's the secret sauce that made their spray so effective. This relationship reached its end this past spring, when UD reformulated their setting spray and ended the 15-year partnership. The problems arose when, to market their new formulation, UD started putting down & shading the old formula. Things continued to escalate when Skindinavia started responding via shady Instagram comments underneath the UD posts. Trouble in paradise, indeed - and unlike Stokes & Ballerini, I don't see these two rekindling anytime soon. Class Clown: The Sunscreen Industry From Primally Pure marketing sunscreen as "poison", to Ultra Violette clapping back in a hilarious social response - to them then having to recall their own sunscreen because the UV 30+ ended up being UV 4 ... it's safe to say there was enough clown behavior to make the entire sunscreen industry look like the damn circus this year. Most Likely to Accidentally Uno-Reverse Themselves: Augustinus Bader x Dua Lipa DUA ; a collaboration between a beloved luxury skincare brand and a high-profile pop star - what could possibly go wrong? Turns out quite a lot, when you set the price point too low, tout the hero ingredient in your main line as carrying over to your cheaper diffusion line, and overall leaving people with one massive question: "Why TF am I paying so much for Augustinus Bader?" Time will tell how much this affects their bottom line, but for now here's my takeaway: Think through every detail of your brand endeavors; you may accidentally reveal just how much you were marking up your core product line. Valedictorian with Honors: Charlotte Palermino of Dieux Skincare If we must have any more skincare influencers in 2026 (which, already questionable if we need that) - pleeease let them be like Charlotte Palermino . If you aren't familiar, Charlotte is the co-founder of Dieux skincare (one of the only brands in Sephora I can actually cosign.) Her takes are pretty much always spot-on, & she's one of the only people that consistently fights against misinformation & tomfoolery in this industry. Keep at it, Charlotte - the industry is better for it. Comeback of the Century: MAC Cosmetics It might be too early to fully say this, but from the campaigns they ran and the year they had, I think we're poised for a major MAC resurgence in the next couple years. Makeup is already trending towards less "clean girl" and more "lived-in grunge" & "fun + edgy" - aka, MAC's biggest strength. The signs are there; we'll have to see what happens next. Most Likely to Give you 3rd Degree Burns: RF Microneedling & Morpheus8 I'm just gonna drop these reports here & here for your research purposes. If you don't want to risk quite literally burning yourself and causing irreparable damage... I suggest skipping out on these. Most Dystopian: RINI Skincare Soooo what stage of capitalism have we reached where we're marketing skincare to toddlers? Because this feels like a very dark, dystopian chapter of a spiral into capitalistic hell (not to be dramatic, of course.) There's truly no reason we need to start making children, let alone TODDLERS, think about their appearance and open the door to develop a complex about it. The marketing was eerie, the concept is half-baked at best , and I really don't know how this was greenlit in any capacity. The Brand Embodiment of a Question Mark: ELF Cosmetics Matt Rife Campaign Speaking of half-baked concepts... who approved this ? who thought Matt Rife even remotely overlapped with the average ELF Cosmetics customer? Why was this so vehemently backed, even post-controversy? So many questions we'll probably never have answered. Such an ill-thought out concept from a brand that's taken a bit of a stumble after explosive growth in recent years. To ELF: "???" - - - This year has been full of milestones, both professionally and personally. Thank you to anyone who's come into my studio, trusted me with their face, or even just supported me through socials - THANK YOU. I appreciate you more than you know, and you've helped make this past 2025 year so spectacular. 2026 - bring it ON.  Happy New Year xx Xo, Nicole

*Checks phone in disbelief * Yep, you read that right. The calendar app on your IPhone isn't lying to you. It's well and truly December 21st, and you forgot to get your niece, your bestie, your work wife - perhaps even your dog walker - a Christmas present. The shipping cutoffs are relics of the past, and now the online ads for the gifts that could have been are taunting you; procrastinator's guilt settling in. If you’re days out from Christmas and starting to feel the gentle hum of panic… take a breath. You haven’t missed the window. Your hypothetical dog walker won't be left giftless. In fact, some of the best  gifts, in my opinion - don't require a tracking ID and aren't shipped via Prime Delivery. They’re unique, thoughtful - and best of all, they’re still very much available in Dallas. Procrastinators & Task-avoiders, rejoice - your gift guide is here: - - - Option 1: For the Beauty & Skincare Lover, A Gift Card to The Brow Project Okay, okay, okay. Yes, I'm biased. But this is also a phenomenal gift - and not only can you still purchase one, but you can purchase it ON SALE. It's exactly what they want, it's still able to reach them by the 25th, and you get a discount?! From now until December 22nd, I'm offering tiered savings on gift cards - so the more you spend, the more you save: | 10% off $1,000 gift cards  → $900 ($100 in savings) | 15% off $1,500 gift cards  → $1,275 ($225 in savings) | 20% off $2,000 gift cards  → $1,600 ($400 in savings) | 25% off $2,500+ gift cards ( endless savings potential) It’s easily one of the best holiday deals in Dallas this season (I had to give you all something extra-special for the holidays!) If you want to give them something meaningful that they'll actually use, you really can't go wrong with this. What Can a Brow Project Gift Card Be Used For? I'm SO glad you asked - because this is where a TBP card really shines. Gift cards can be used on anything at the studio, including: | PICOSure Pro Laser Tattoo Removal in Dallas | Permanent makeup (PMU) brows and/or color boosts for existing clients of mine | Lip blushing | PICOSure Pro skin rejuvenation | Glo2 Oxygen Facials | Procell Microchanneling | Corrective treatments such as Brow Tone & Lip Neutralization | Anything comprising our expansive skincare & makeup product lineup, ranging from affordable, trending K-Beauty to medical-grade skincare. So whether your loved one has been quietly hinting about PMU brows, moaning about their drunk-college-decision tat & wanting laser tattoo removal, or just dreaming of healthy, glowing skin going into the new year - this gift makes it absolutely possible. And honestly? It’s also a great time to treat yourself while your'e at it. Double the gift cards, double the savings, and double the treat-yourself moments. Timing is tight, but believe it or not you still have options: | Virtual gift cards are available for immediate purchase | In-studio gift card purchases include a GWP ( Gift With Purchase) A few important details to know: GWP is for in-studio purchases only and will not be shipped. Due to system limitations, gift cards priced above $1500 must be purchased by emailing booking@thebrowproject.com. Physical gift cards must be picked up by December 23rd Betcha didn't think you'd be rewarded for procrastinating on holiday gift shopping, did you? Purchase your gift cards here (and act fast - this really is your last chance to gift!! ) - - - Option 2: Brick & Mortar, Baby (Shopping Small in Dallas Edition) I implore you not to panic, think Prime Same-Day Delivery is your only option, and line Jeff Bezos' pockets even more. Grab the keys, head to an area like Bishop Arts, Knox/Henderson or Lower Greenville - and support those local businesses!! 2025 hasn't exactly been kind to small businesses. It's tough owning your own store, and the best way to support these small "mom n' pop" shops is to shop from them - and if you're strapped for time, it's time to grab the keys, drive over & shop IRL. Some of the benefits alongside supporting the local community are: | The quality of the item is likely to be miles ahead of whatever drop-shipped item you'll purchase on Amazon | They'll be happy to receive something you went out of your way to purchase from a small business ( I think these are some of my most appreciated & treasured gifts, personally!) | You're more than likely getting them something unique that no one else will have There’s something different about walking into a local studio and buying a gift from a real person, especially one who knows the care, craft, and community behind it. When you shop small and local in Dallas: | You support women and minority-owned, brick-and-mortar businesses | You keep money circulating in your community | You give a gift that actually has a story behind it A local experience often means more than another item under the tree, and it’s remembered long after the holidays are over. - - - Option 3: Thoughtful DIY Touches That Make Any Gift Feel Personal A few days is more than enough time to get your craft on & make them something truly one-of-a-kind. There's nothing more unique, more meaningful & more sentimental than a gift you spent time & hard-work on. It can be as simple or as complex as you'd like - and the internet has given us millions upon millions of free tutorials to utilize. DIY projects not your thing? You can add a sentimental layer to pair with a gift card; something small and intentional: | A handwritten note explaining why  you chose the service/business | A printed “self-care day” voucher for the new year | A simple skincare item alongside the card The saying your parents always said really does ring true: It's the thought that counts. - - - With these Last-minute Gifts, You Still Have Time to Make Their Holiday Special! You didn't miss out. Take a sigh of relief, and now dash dash dash away to secure their present!! A final reminder that my gift card promotion is only available until December 22nd at 11:59 PM . If you’re looking for one of the best last-minute Christmas gifts in Dallas , this really is one of those rare moments where procrastination actually works in your favor. Thoughtful. Local. Luxurious. And still very much on time. Shop here, & shop small. Happy Holidays xx

November really came and went ... I mean, does it not feel like Halloween was maybe 2 days ago to anyone else?? Between the craziness of the holidays and the intensity of the BFCM marketing, I feel like this month has been a blur. Between the craziness of the season, I still found time to reflect on everything i’m so thankful for from this past year. Thanksgiving is a holiday that, for me, provides an opportunity to appreciate things like found family, my incredible clients and the life I’m so grateful to live & experience. --- This month alone has given me so much to be thankful for. Earlier in November, I was lucky to attend the 2-day BioTek Permanent Makeup Pigmentology Masterclass right here in Dallas. Francesca is someone I have immense respect for in this industry, and to be able to learn from her and her team was an amazing opportunity that I’m so glad I had. I always say it’s important to always be a student in the industry you’re in, and to stay on top of the trends & technology within your niche - study up to level up! I attended right alongside my bestie Marie of Beauty Glam Studios in Boca Raton, Florida, as well as Lindsey of Sonder Visual Studios who graciously (and expertly) captured the event as their official videographer (SO proud of you and to call you a friend, Linds!) --- I’m grateful for spaces in Dallas that feel like second homes. Namely, Breathe Meditation & Wellness has become such a safe space for me. My weekly sound baths, specifically with Jacqueline, are non-negotiable appointments because they truly have THAT much of a positive impact on me. I love the atmosphere and sanctuary they’ve built, and am so appreciative of their presence in the DFW community. I’ve found Pilates homes within Niche & Forma . Not only do I get a stellar workout 100% of the time, but the instructors are such gems - and somehow make me look forward to getting my ass handed to me every single week! --- It wouldn’t be a monthly newsletter without mentioning my faves of the month, so these are the Non-negotiable November products I’m thankful to have tried & loved this past month: November Favorite Products: Obagi Nu-Cil Lash Serum | My lashes were arguably the spookiest thing about #spookyszn - thank god for this serum, which revived them from the dead! Exercere Ballet Wrap Tops | Shoutout to my Social Media Manager for putting me onto these - they’re the cutest, most perfect ballet-inspired top to throw on over your outfit for Pilates. Be warned if you’re in the US - there might be duties on your order (speaking from someone who learned this the hard way.) Still worth it, IMO. Neova Power Defense Antioxidant Serum  | We’re keeping our skin barrier INTACT going into the new year. This serum contains a copper complex; copper has been a trending skincare ingredient and for valid reason! November Favorite Misc. Item/Thing: A Gift Card from The Brow Project | Okay okay okay, so maybe I’m a bit biased on this one - but who WOULDN’T want this in their stocking for Christmas?! They can use it on PMU services, tattoo removal, skin treatments, or even retail product (like that 10/10 blush I mentioned earlier.) Best Holiday Gift, hands down. And who knows, maybe there's a promo for our gift cards coming your way in December... --- Lastly, I truly just want to express how much my clients mean to me. I love what I do, because I get to make people feel confident & beautiful for a living. That never gets old. My heart swells every time you grab the handheld mirror and look at your results for the first time - even now, a near-decade into this business. I’m grateful that so many of my clients have gone on to become friends, and truly some of the most important people in my life. I don’t think I can ever tangibly put into words that convey JUST how much gratitude I have for everything The Brow Project has given me, but the least I can do is try. If you’ve come into my space, trusted me with your face, given a gift card to a loved one, or even just supported me through socials - THANK YOU. I appreciate you more than you know, and am just beyond thankful.  I love you all, and hope you had an incredible Thanksgiving weekend. Catch you in December 💋 Xo, Nicole

They say your outward appearance often reflects what’s happening within, and this year I’ve been craving softness. Not just in my appearance, but in my energy, my routines, my boundaries… all of it. 2025 has been a really transformative year that's forced me to step back, strip away anything both tangible & figurative that no longer represented me, and lighten things up - more specifically, lighten up my brows, hair & tattoos. For years I've sported bold brows, dark hair, and an overall more high-contrast look that, for a long time, worked for me! Of course I'll always have love for that version of me - we've been through some shit and she built everything I have today. But I've just grown a bit tired of such a high-contrast look, and as I've started embracing a more mindful, intentional lifestyle (meditation, breathwork, intentional boundary-setting, etc.), I realized that I wanted my reflection to be a.. well, a reflection, of how I’ve been feeling internally. Who knew that tattoo removal would be so healing for me. If you're on a similar trajectory to me, I'm not gatekeeping: here's everything I've done this year to soften my look, transition it into something lower-contrast and fully enter my #softgirlera . I Lightened My Brows with Laser Tattoo Removal x PicoSure Pro after 3 sessions of Brow Tone with PICO My brows have always been a signature - I mean, it's only fitting that The Brow Project owner have some bangin' brows, right? Eyebrow Tattoo Removal upgraded my look ten fold. However, over time even the best permanent makeup can start to feel a bit heavy or dated as your features and style shift. I decided at the tail end of last year that I wanted to soften things up and lighten my PMU brows. Instead of covering old pigment or tattooing over it (which I NEVER recommend, by the way), I turned to the bonafide Rolls Royce of tattoo removal: the PICOSure Pro Laser  , housed right here at my Dallas studio. A few rounds of PICOSure Brow Tone  was all it took to soften my existing ink beautifully. The process was gentle on my skin with zero damage to the existing hair. Within just a couple of sessions, I could see a noticeable shift - not just in their color, but in how much more natural and effortless everything looked as a result. Not sure if you're ready for brow tone? This is a helpful guide to give you some indicators of whether it's time to start your removal or lightening journey. I'm Removing Most of my Body Tattoos with Tattoo Removal Like several of us, I have many tattoos, collected over the years & throughout different stages of life. This year, though, I wanted a fresh start. Hello laser Tattoo Removal, bye bye unwanted millenial impulsive body tattoos and poor decisions, LOL. Once again using the PICOSure Pro Laser (do we see how versatile & powerful she is?!) I started removing a few of my older tattoos; namely the ones that simply no longer aligned with who I am today. If you’ve heard horror stories about the tattoo removal process (hefty sessions required, painful, damaging to the skin... no thank you!) I can assure you those aren't true of the removal process using PICO. the technology has evolved so much, and PICO is at the forefront of this new age of tech . PICO uses ultra-fast energy pulses to break down ink without damaging surrounding skin. You'll be left with no trace of your tattoo(s) with fewer sessions, less pain, less downtime, and no damage to the skin. It’s precise, effective... and honestly pretty empowering to watch your old ink fade away, knowing you're entering a new chapter & era in your life by taking this step. For the most elite laser tattoo removal in Dallas, look no further. I'm Rejuvenating My Skin And once again, this is done utilizing the PICOSure Pro Laser (I rest my case. PICO is simply that girl !) The PICO laser is phenomenal for skin rejuvenation, stimulating collagen and softening the skin's texture. It's been the perfect way to refine my skin, get rid of pesky old spots from my tanning bed days (...we listen and we don't judge, y'all. Baby Nicole has learned the error of her ways 🫣 ) and overall illuminate my skin from within to impart a supple, radiant, youthful glow. If you struggle with pigmentation, dullness, fine lines, acne scarring or simply have skin in SOS mode - you'll love this treatment just as much as I do. I've been loving no/minimal makeup days recently, and having clear, glowing skin makes it so much easier to embrace a natural look. I Switched Up My Hair Before (2022) After years of dark brown, near-black hair, It was time for a change. I mean, I'm lightening my brows, fading my tattoos... so why leave my hair out of the chat? It made sense to have my hair match how I was approaching beauty in other aspects of my life, and thus I decided it was time for the dark brown to go. After (Oct. 2025) I transitioned into a soft auburn red  that instantly felt more aligned with this new chapter & my overall look. It matched the lower-contrast brows, and really just made everything from my brows to my makeup feel more effortless. I honestly think the red suits me, and I can't get enough of the color! One thing I didn't give up, however, was my extensions... just because I'm embracing my soft girl era doesn't mean it can't overlap with my mermaid era 🧜‍♀️ The Bigger Picture: Embracing the “Less Is More” Era with Tattoo Removal I'm not gonna say I'm the first to make this change - in fact, I think I'm a part of something larger. Societally, I think we’re all collectively softening. From filler dissolving & a shift towards regenerative aesthetics, to more natural brows and skin-first solutions, there’s been a shift away from “perfect + polished” and instead towards “fresh + authentic.” In the world of beauty and permanent makeup, that means treatments such as tattoo or brow removal with the PICOSure Pro laser  are becoming tools for transformation, not just correction. They're a part of a bigger story; a bigger narrative. You're gifted the freedom to refine, reset and refresh  - without the downtime or damage of older, outdated methods. And personally? It’s been incredibly freeing to know that I can evolve my look in a way that still feels like me. We're not monoliths; we're meant to grow and evolve as people, and its only natural that we'd want our outer expression to match that internal evolution. Don't be afraid to take the step towards a more confident you. Tattoo Removal isn't as painful as you think, especially with the pico sure pro device, numbing cream, and proper technique. What I’ve Learned Along the Way You don’t need to reinvent yourself overnight. Sometimes the smallest adjustments can shift everything, and these things take time. In most instances the PICO laser requires a few sessions, and if I told my hairdresser I wanted to go from deep brown hair to red hair in one session... I would have been ushered out and not have been welcomed back at the salon. The best things take time, so have patience and enjoy the process! Technology matters. Not all lasers are created equal. PICOSure Pro  truly is in a class of its own, offering the safest, fastest and most effective way to lighten pigment and rejuvenate skin simultaneously. Reinvention ≠ perfection. The more my external self reflects how I feel inside, the more confident and at peace I’ve become. Once you let go of the perfectionistic mindset, you'll start to see the beauty in the imperfection around and within you. There's always space to grow and become 1% better every day, and once you erase that idea of achieving "perfect" in your mind, it'll feel so freeing. Ready to Start Your Own Soft-Girl Transformation? | Laser Tattoo Removal Dallas If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your look, whether that’s lightening old brow pigment , removing unwanted tattoos , overhauling your skincare routine or just embracing a cleaner, softer aesthetic - I’d love to help. Book a complimentary consultation  with me to see how we can curate your unique, personalized journey - whether that looks like brow tone, single tattoo removal or ditching a full sleeve. Sometimes, the most powerful glow-up is the one that feels the most natural. xo, Nicole 💋

When it comes to laser tattoo removal, not all lasers are created equal. If you’ve ever asked someone about or read anything regarding laser tattoo removal, you've probably come across phrases such as: "It was SO painful!" "It took over 10 sessions to even see a result." "I had awful scarring afterwards!" ... they were likely talking about older, traditional nano-second lasers . At The Brow Project Dallas , we're proudly home of the PICOSure Pro Laser - aka, the Rolls Royce of lasers that's setting the new gold standard for tattoo removal technology. It’s faster, gentler, and delivers dramatically better results than older nano laser systems. So which should you choose? PICO & Nano enter the ring to answer the question, and definitively crown the winner for safe, effective tattoo & brow pigment removal: - - - ROUND ONE | The Technology | Tattoo Removal Dallas NANO | Traditional nanosecond lasers  use longer bursts in nanoseconds (one billionth of a second) of heat energy to target ink particles. While this method works per se, it relies heavily on thermal energy - which can cause skin irritation, damage to surrounding tissue, lingering redness, and a slower healing process. PICO | PICOSure Pro, on the other hand, delivers energy in picoseconds  (one trillionth of a second). Instead of heating the ink, it uses rapid, ultra-short pulses that create a photomechanical effect , effectively shattering ink into dust-like particles that your body can then naturally flush out. PicoSure Pro is an advanced laser safe for all skin tones WINNER | PICOSure Pro removes ink more efficiently & comfortably with less heat, less trauma, and better results in fewer sessions. ROUND TWO | Number of Sessions NANO | Traditional nano lasers can require 12–20+ sessions or more  for full tattoo clearance, depending on ink density and color. It's important to note the downtime between sessions as well - you typically have to wait weeks before returning for the next session, so 12-20+ sessions means years before the process is complete. PICO | With PICOSure Pro , most clients see visible fading after just one session and complete (yes, complete!!) removal in fewer total treatments - sometimes even single-digits . The laser’s precision and advanced wavelength technology make it easier to target even the most stubborn pigments. WINNER | PICOSure ensures you a tattoo removal journey with fewer appointments, faster results, and less downtime between sessions. ROUND THREE | Ink Color Versatility NANO | Older lasers often struggle to remove bright blues, greens, and multicolored inks, meaning the capability for full removal could be limited depending on the tattoo, potentially leaving behind faded but noticeable remnants even after the final session. PICO | PICOSure Pro uses a 755nm Alexandrite wavelength , one of the most powerful and precise in the industry. It targets difficult colors while being gentle enough for all skin types, including delicate facial areas like brow tattoos & permanent makeup correction. WINNER | PICOSure Pro clears more ink colors  in a much more safe and effective manner than traditional lasers. ROUND FOUR | Skin Health & Comfort NANO | Traditional tattoo removal lasers rely on heat, which can irritate the surrounding skin and increase the risk of scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. PICO | PICOSure Pro’s pressure-wave technology  minimizes heat damage, while simultaneously stimulating collagen and elastin production. Your skin will look better AND feel smoother throughout the process. This is an unparalleled, advanced laser technology with no downtime, minimal discomfort and no numbing needed for skin rejuvenation or pigment removal. WINNER | PICOSure Pro ensures a more comfortable treatment, while improving your skin texture over time. ROUND FIVE | Recovery Time with PicoSure Pro NANO | After a traditional nano laser treatment, clients often experience redness, swelling, and sensitivity for days . PICO | With PICOSure Pro , downtime is incredibly minimal. Because it uses photomechanical energy instead of thermal energy, the surrounding skin tissue remains intact, allowing your body to heal faster between sessions. WINNER | PICO = quicker recovery, minimal discomfort, and absolutely zero interruption to your lifestyle. ROUND SIX | Long-Term Skin Rejuvenation Benefits NANO | ... PICO | Beyond tattoo removal, PICOSure Pro and the platinum focus lens is also used for skin rejuvenation  and pigment correction/neutralization . It’s clinically proven to improve texture, tone, and collagen renewal, making it the only laser that removes ink and  enhances your skin quality at the same time. WINNER | There's no competition here: PICO is your go-to for clearer, healthier, younger-looking skin - even long after your tattoo is gone. The Verdict: PICOSure Pro Wins Every Time | Dallas Tattoo Removal If you’re comparing PICOSure Pro vs. traditional nano lasers , the difference is crystal clear. Opt for PICO if you want to experience: Fewer sessions Less discomfort An all skin type-friendly option More complete pigment clearance Healthier, rejuvenated skin Platinum Focus Lens Whether you’re removing body tattoos, permanent makeup, brow pigment, or sun damage, PICOSure Pro is the superior choice for modern tattoo removal - so if you're in looking for Dallas Tattoo Removal in the DFW area and tired of staring at unwanted tattoos or faded, discolored brow pigment, this is your sign to book now! The Brow Project's laser body tattoo removal specialist Ross Iallonardo  has heavily researched this innovative technology via an extensive array of science-backed medical papers, clinical studies, and case studies from several of the world's leading experts. Believe us when we say this technology is advanced, extensively studied - and incredibly powerful. During your consult, we'll assess your goals, tattoo size & placement, as well as ink color during your complimentary consultation. From there, we'll create a custom, personalized plan to help you reach your goals. Pricing is based on the size of the area treated, with multiple package options & a Fract-Tat upgrade available. You're not stuck with old pigment. Book your complimentary consult today  and discover why PICOSure Pro is Dallas’s most advanced and trusted tattoo removal technology.

We just leveled up the DFW area's laser tattoo removal options - again. If you’ve been searching for the most advanced laser tattoo removal in Dallas, look no further. November of last year, we made the decision to bring on Cynosure's PICOSure Pro laser. The results have been truly mind-boggling, and our newest launch, Fract-Tat, takes PICO tattoo removal to even greater heights. Fract-Tat combines fractional laser resurfacing with advanced PICOSure Pro tattoo removal for faster fading, smoother skin, and fewer total sessions. It’s the perfect solution for anyone ready to lighten, remove, or correct unwanted tattoos and/or brow pigment without compromising skin health. So... What Is Fract-Tat Tattoo Removal? Fract-Tat  is a cutting-edge dual-laser treatment that merges the power of fractional laser ablation  with the PICOSure Pro laser . Together, they create a dynamic duo that clears pigment faster and promotes healthier, rejuvenated skin by stimulating new collagen for ultimate skin health. It works in 2 distinct steps: STEP ONE | Fractional Laser Pre-Treatment The fractional laser creates microscopic “relief ducts” in the skin, aka tiny pathways that allow gases & pigment particles to escape more efficiently during removal. STEP TWO | PICOSure Pro Laser Tattoo Removal Once the skin is prepped, the PICO laser delivers ultra-short pulses of energy that shatter ink particles into microscopic fragments, allowing your body to naturally flush them out. This two-step process leads to faster pigment clearance, fewer sessions, and visible skin improvement  after every treatment. Our laser body tattoo removal specialist Ross Iallonardo has heavily researched this technology through an extensive array of science-backed medical papers, clinical studies, and case studies from several of the world's leading experts, doctors & dermatologists. This technology is advanced, extensively studied - and incredibly powerful. Fract-Tat Is the Most Advanced Tattoo Removal in Dallas - Why? 3 Sessions of Laser Tattoo Removal | Ross Iallonardo Fewer Sessions = Faster Results | The fractional laser preps your skin so the PICO laser can work more efficiently, reducing the total number of visits needed. Improved Skin Quality | What if I told you your skin could actually be left in better condition post-tattoo removal? Fractional laser energy works to stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping rejuvenate skin texture while simultaneously fading ink. Less Downtime, More Comfort | Those micro “relief ducts” allow pressure and gases to escape, minimizing post-treatment swelling and discomfort. Safe for Brow and Facial Pigment | Fract-Tat works beautifully on both cosmetic tattoo removal and traditional body tattoos. Gentle and Effective | The PICO laser targets pigment without damaging surrounding tissue, making it ideal for delicate skin areas. Fract-Tat vs. Traditional Laser Tattoo Removal Traditional tattoo removal procedures that utilize Q-switched and nano-second laser technology rely only on heat, which can cause inflammation and collateral damage to the surrounding tissue. Not only that, but they can require 15+ sessions for full results - and considering how much time you have to wait between sessions, that time commitment adds up FAST. The PICOSure Pro utilizes ultra-short picosecond energy pulses. This means less heat + more visible difference per session, plus an overall smoother recovery . Your skin will stay calm & in better shape throughout your removal journey than with traditional methods - and when Fract-Tat is added on your treatment journey, you'll experience both skin rejuvenating effects & the chance of an overall speedier removal journey. Why We Introduced Fract-TAT at The Brow Project 3 Sessions of Laser Tattoo Removal | Ross Iallonardo Since adding PICOSure Pro  November of 2024, our clients have achieved incredible results fading unwanted tattoos and PMU (the proof is in the photos - truly WOW Factor!) Fract-Tat builds on that modality for an unrivaled tattoo removal experience that combines efficiency, comfort, and skin rejuvenation. If you’ve struggled with stubborn ink, poor results from older laser treatments, or simply want to opt for the most effective removal method without compromising safety, Fract-Tat is for you . Book Your Dallas Tattoo Removal Consultation Fract-Tat pricing is based on the size of your tattoo, with customized options available. During your consultation, we’ll: Evaluate your tattoo size, placement, and pigment density Create a personalized treatment plan just for you Outline the recommended number of sessions for you based on multiple factors such as skin health, tattoo pigment, & more The combination of PICO technology with the effects of the fractional laser creates the fastest, safest, and most skin-friendly ink removal solution in Dallas. Ready to add on Fract-Tat to your PICOSure Pro sessions, and/or start your laser tattoo removal journey? Book your consultation with us today  to see we're the DFW area’s most advanced tattoo removal studio - no question.