Microblading: the newest beauty service to make you feel amazing from the second you wake up.
Thanks to celebrities like Cara Delevingne and Karlie Kloss, thick, full eyebrows are officially on trend. But not all of us are naturally gifted with perfectly full eyebrows.. or we just can’t master the 12+ step process by YouTube beauty gurus.. so there’s a service that can help: microblading.
Microblading is quickly becoming one of the most popular beauty services in the world. Eyebrows are such a focal part of your face. Having them look perfect can make a huge impact on your entire look. If you are like me and want to hop on this cosmetic trend train, I highly suggest you do your research first. Find someone who is a certified professional and extremely experienced. Make sure you look through their portfolio or Instagram of their before/after pictures and that you really love their work. Also, have a clear idea of what you would like to accomplish with your brows and see if their work matches that goal. I am definitely not an expert, but I thought I would share my experience with you below.
Spoiler alert: I freaking love my new brows!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup treatment that helps to create fuller looking eyebrows. It can be used to enhance, completely reshape, and even create new brows by drawing on tiny lines that look like individual hairs. The best part is that it leaves brows looking completely natural!
What was my goal?
To achieve more symmetrical, full eyebrows that didn’t need much upkeep. As a busy mom, I don’t have a ton of time to spend getting ready in the morning. I want to feel put together with minimal effort.
Who was your artist?
Her name is Danielle and she is the owner of Lashes To Lashes (@lashestolashesco) in Del Mar, CA. She is literally the best in San Diego! I’ve seen a few girls on Instagram go to her which is how I found her. Since I went, I have referred a few friends who all love their new brows as well! When you are trusting someone with your face, you want the best, and Danielle is that girl. You can book an appointment on their website or email them (info@l2lco.com) for any questions you have. They also do lash extensions and a few other beauty services.
How many visits are required?
I had to make three visits. My first visit was a consultation where she drew on my face what they would look like and explained the process to me. This was very helpful before I made the decision to tattoo my face! The actual application of the brows takes two visits. The first is about 2 hours where she will draw on your face again and then do the actual microblading. Then you will have to go back for a follow up about 6-8 weeks later, to darken any spots that may have faded or to add any extra hair strokes. My follow up appointment was super quick as I didn’t need much touch up.
What is the process?
Danielle spent the first part of the appointment mapping out my eyebrows with threads marked in ink. This allowed her to shape my eyebrows how I wanted and clearly identify where they needed filling in. I was able to approve everything and make any changes to the shape of the brow before she moved on.
Next she applied the numbing cream. Once that starts to work, she then started drawing the incisions. After making the first strokes, Danielle added more anesthetic that works a lot deeper in the skin as the skin is punctured at that point. After the second bit of anesthetic, you don’t really feel a whole lot.
Once the incisions were made, Danielle quickly went over them with a dye she had created to match my brow color. After a few minutes of allowing it to settle into my skin, she wiped the excess away and I had brand new brows!
How long does the procedure take?
About two hours total. But the majority of this time is spent drawing them on and getting them just right. It was only about 20 minutes of actual “tattooing”.
Does it hurt?
It did hurt a little, but not the entire time! They will apply a numbing cream before they start so that really helps. The beginning was the worst pain, but not much more then having your eyebrows waxed. The outside edge on one side was also a little more painful, but I’m not sure if it was because of that certain spot or if there was less numbing cream there.
What tools do they use?
A manual tool is used for application. It kinda looks like a blade that they dip into the ink.
How much does it cost?
The price completely varies depending on where you go, but at Lashes To Lashes it ranges from $600-$750 depending on your technician. I got mine done by Danielle (the owner), who is AMAZING, but all of her technicians are certified and highly experienced. I would say anything under $400 is a huge red flag. Do not choose because of the price, choose because of the results. Remember, this is your FACE!
How long does it last?
Some websites say it last 1-3 years, but I think that’s pushing it. I was told by Danielle that it will last one year. While it’s similar to a tattoo, microblading only penetrates the first layer of the skin. As the bottom layers of your skin regenerate, they push out the pigment. It is therefore semi-permanent, unlike tattooing that pushes the ink much deeper in the skin. I honestly think it all depends on your skin type, pigment and how well you care for them (sun exposure, etc).
What to expect after the procedure:
– They will look VERY dark for the first few days, but don’t worry it will fade!
– Some people experience some scabbing. I didn’t.
– They will be itchy after a few days, but that means they’re healing. Don’t itch them!
– Do not get them wet or wear make-up around the brows for 10 days.
– No exercising or heavy sweating for 10 days.
The entire healing process lasted around 10 days for me. I never really had any down time, they just looked like I filled them in a shade too dark.
Was it worth it?
Yes, yes, YES. The ink has already somewhat faded and it’s not nearly as dark as it was immediately after the procedure. But I LOVE the way they look! I can quickly throw on some tinted moisturizer and feel sufficiently put together for running errands or dropping the kids off at school. Even when I do apply a full face of makeup, this has cut my application time in half.
Here’s my before and after:
If you have any other questions, please ask me in the comments below. I really love how mine came out and highly recommend getting yours done too!
Some really nice stuff on this website, I really enjoy it.