H E A LT H + B E AU T Y
going full brow microblading vs. microshading S TO RY BY L I E S E L S C H M I DT
If you’re old enough to remember the ’90s with a clear head, you probably remember the eyebrows: full, healthy brows that somehow rocked the line between completely natural and meticulously tweezed and gave any of us who made the mistake of over-plucking absolute brow envy. And in as many trends that have come and gone in the past 30 years, we’ve returned to a place of brow love, where we celebrate full brows and will pay top dollar to achieve wowworthy brows. Admittedly, cosmetic companies have come a long way in their brow enhancements: brow pencils and powders and even precision tools that can give the look of full brows without the painted-on look. Even so, longevity remains an issue, and unless you don’t mind the investment of time getting your brows just so every morning, you’re probably looking for a solution that’ll outlast the day. Enter microshading. For those of us who aren’t familiar, microshading is a procedure in which a cosmetic technician applies tattoo pigment to your eyebrows. Essentially a form of tattooing, microshading involves the use of pigment and a handheld tool that places tiny, pin-like dots over the brow area to give a soft brow look. This method helps shape your brow and creates a powdered effect that adds fullness. “The tails of the brow are slightly darker and fade into a light start at the beginning of the brow,” explains Simone Fennell, a visual and master brow artist whose decade-plus experience in the industry is the driving force behind her company, Good Brows. “With microshading, a soft, pixelated shading is created and often times can be blended in with your natural hair to create a seamless look.” For clients with oily skin, microshading can be the best option. One thing to note is that the results generally last one to two years before needing to be retouched. A second option—and one perhaps more well-known than microshading—is microblading. Using a bladed tool to apply pigmentation underneath the skin, brows are filled and shaped
by making hair-like strokes that mimic the look of natural eyebrow hair. “Microblading allows you to apply strokes directly into thin spaces in your brow,” Fennell notes. This gives a more targeted approach to eyebrows that may need specific areas to be enhanced. Like microshading, microblading lasts one to two years before it needs to be retouched. Essentially with either choice, the benefit is longevity. “Anyone looking to enhance their brows, save time on their daily routine or replace brows that have gone missing will love these procedures,” Fennell says. As with any cosmetic procedure, there is healing time to consider. “The healing process you will visually see takes about three to eight days to complete,” Fennell says. “Your skin can take about six to eight weeks to fully heal and rejuvenate.” For the first week after treatment, gently clean your eyebrows daily with a mild soap and your fingertips and allow them to air dry before applying the Aquaphor supplied by your permanent makeup artist. Limit sun exposure. It is also important to avoid sleeping on your face for the first few days after the procedure. Additionally, avoid the use of eye makeup, exercising, saunas and baths for the first week, as keeping eyebrows dry is important.
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