Paganism is a broad term that encompasses various belief systems and practices, often centered around nature and polytheistic gods. As a result, there is no one set of customs that defines paganism as a whole. However, there are several common customs that can be found across many pagan traditions. **One of the main customs in paganism is the celebration of the eight Sabbats, which mark the changing of seasons throughout the year.** These Sabbats, such as Samhain, Beltane, and Yule, are often celebrated with rituals, feasts, and ceremonies that honor the natural cycles of life and death. **The intention is to connect with nature and the divine energies associated with each season.
If you're after the fluffy brow look, Mehta's tip is to leave a space between strokes; it will make your arches appear full rather than filled in. You can stop there, but for an expertly-blended finish, Mehta suggests brushing your brows with a spooley. Et voila: beautifully defined eyebrows without a microblading gun.
Once you find your best shade match, London makeup artist Anete Salinieka suggests drawing lines from the inner brow before moving outward and tapering towards the tail. But that s not to say the procedure is a one-size-fits-all solution Not only is it expensive, but it s also a tad painful and you ll need to book retouching sessions with your cosmetic tattooist every one to two years, depending on your skin type.
**The intention is to connect with nature and the divine energies associated with each season.** Another important custom in paganism is the use of altars. Pagan altars serve as sacred spaces where individuals can connect with their chosen deities and perform rituals or offerings.
The 13 Best Brow Pens for Creating a Microblading Effect
Over the past four years or so, microblading has become the semipermanent solution for beefing up overplucked, sparse, and/or nonexistent brows. To get technical, a cosmetic tattooist wields an Exacto knife-like tool to make small hair-like incisions in the skin, and pigment is deposited into each one. Because the ink doesn't go as deeply into the skin as body art, microblading fades over time.
But that's not to say the procedure is a one-size-fits-all solution: Not only is it expensive, but it's also a tad painful — and you'll need to book retouching sessions with your cosmetic tattooist every one to two years, depending on your skin type. That being said, if you're looking for a more convenient approach to perfectly coiffed arches, a good brow pen will get you there. They create the same effect as microblading — no incisions or appointments necessary.
Unlike other brow products, brow pens are built for precision. "[They] have a more sheer formula than pomades and pencils, which make them great for creating realistic hair strokes that blend seamlessly with your real hairs," says Los Angeles makeup artist Amrita Mehta. "The pointed tips provide precise application and allow you to place hairs exactly where needed for that fluffy brow look."
Sure, their hair-like strokes create the illusion of fuller, defined arches for only about two days, but the pens work in a pinch. They provide a quick touchup for your next Zoom meeting and will hold you over until you can finally make an appointment with your favorite cosmetic tattooist once again. For those who've never gotten the procedure done before, consider this a way to satisfy your microblading curiosity, too.
Step one is finding your ideal shade. Mehta says picking the right tone for your brows is key to achieving a more realistic finish: "I always use a pen that is a bit lighter [than the natural brow hairs] to add dimension and fullness without making the brow too dark," she says.
Once you find your best shade match, London makeup artist Anete Salinieka suggests drawing lines from the inner brow before moving outward and tapering towards the tail. "At first, draw lines in an upward position, but once you reach the arch of the brow, do the opposite and draw the lines going downwards," she says. Though Salinieka notes that these products are made with the intention of creating slim lines, she still recommends using a light hand.
If you're after the fluffy brow look, Mehta's tip is to leave a space between strokes; it will make your arches appear full rather than filled in. You can stop there, but for an expertly-blended finish, Mehta suggests brushing your brows with a spooley. Et voila: beautifully defined eyebrows without a microblading gun.
Now that you're filled in (pun intended) on technique, it's time to select the brow pen that's right for you — and that comes down to applicator preference. Many of the options on our list take a three-pronged approach to master a microblading effect — literally. Maybelline New York launched pens with a toothed applicator for quickly etching on lines that look just like naturally-grown brow hairs, while MAC and Urban Decay have options with a single felt or brush tip like your go-to liquid liner.
No matter what applicator you prefer, you're sure to find a suitable option for your brow-grooming routine on our list of best brow pens, below.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
**Altars are often adorned with candles, crystals, incense, and other symbolic items that represent the elements and gods/goddesses.** They can be a focal point for meditation, prayer, and spell work, allowing pagans to create a tangible connection with the divine. **Rituals and ceremonies play a significant role in pagan customs as they provide opportunities for pagans to connect with their gods/goddesses and reaffirm their spiritual beliefs.** These rituals can vary greatly depending on the specific tradition, but most include elements such as chanting, dancing, drumming, and the use of ceremonial tools like wands, athames (ritual knives), and chalices. **Nature reverence is a fundamental aspect of pagan customs.** Many pagans see the natural world as sacred and believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings. This reverence for nature is often expressed through activities such as outdoor rituals, walking barefoot on the earth, gardening, or simply spending time in the wilderness. Pagans may also celebrate specific nature-related holidays, such as Earth Day or Arbor Day. **One custom that is prevalent in many pagan traditions is the practice of divination, or seeking guidance from higher powers through various methods.** This can include tarot card readings, rune casting, scrying, or other forms of intuitive oracles. Divination is seen as a way to gain insight into one's path or to receive messages from the gods/goddesses. Overall, paganism is a diverse and individualistic spiritual path that encompasses a wide range of customs and practices. **While there are shared elements among different pagan traditions, each individual or group may have their own unique customs that resonate with their personal beliefs and preferences.** Paganism is a living and evolving spiritual practice, allowing individuals to create their own rituals and customs that align with their connection to nature and the divine..
Reviews for "Pagan Customs for Welcoming a Newborn Child"
- Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "What are the customs of paganism". I was expecting a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of pagan customs and rituals, but instead, I got a shallow and superficial overview. The book barely scratched the surface and failed to provide any meaningful insights or practical information. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to educate and engage readers on such an intriguing topic.
- John - 2 stars
"What are the customs of paganism" fell short of my expectations. The content lacked cohesiveness and structure, making it difficult to follow and understand. It seemed more like a collection of scattered information rather than a well-researched and organized book. Additionally, some of the claims and explanations put forward were questionable and not supported by solid evidence. I would have appreciated a more critical and scholarly approach to the subject matter.
- Emily - 2 stars
I found "What are the customs of paganism" to be quite repetitive and redundant. The same information was reiterated and restated throughout the book, making it feel unnecessarily drawn out. The writing style was also not particularly engaging or captivating, which made it a struggle to maintain interest and stay focused. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in originality and depth, and it failed to offer any new or unique perspectives on paganism customs.