Happy Wednesday Babes!
I am team get ready in under 30 minutes in the morning. Forever looking for ways to cut down on my morning routine. Aren’t we all?
A few months ago, I decided I wanted to try Microblading. & it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. You probably saw this on my stories, and were like is Heather ever going to talk about this? The truth is, I never jump on here and sing praises until I’ve really vetted the process and results.
I don’t have any tattoos, so the idea of semi permanent makeup freaked me out for the longest time. So, I’m here for tell you it is 100% a good idea if you do your research.
Let’s jump right in.
Why did you want to try microblading? Good question. My brows pre-microblading weren’t thin or a weird shape. I didn’t hate them, but I was looking for a more defined shape without eyebrow fill. Now, my brows look picture perfect everyday and I do nothing to them.
Where did you go / Where should I go? In my opinion this is HANDS DOWN the most important part of the process. & You need to do some research/ ask some questions. The studio itself needs to be licensed to tattoo by the Board of Heath and you want a certified cosmetic tattoo artist. Pick someone who’s experienced and who is consistently being trained on how to perfect their craft. It’s great to have a bunch of pretty before and after pictures, but remember anyone can tailor which pictures they show you. Always, always go for a consult and if you get a weird vibe, move on. This person is working on your face and I’ve heard tons of horror stories.
I chose Jen at Altered Aesthetics. If you’re in Raleigh this is where you need to go. Jen is a perfectionist and I was BEYOND impressed with her work. She is consistently flying all over the world (yes, world!) to be trained on new techniques in the semi-permanent makeup world.
Does it hurt? This is everyone’s first question. A topical numbing cream is applied prior to the procedure. I always think pain is a personal experience (L O L). I have a pretty high pain tolerance and didn’t think microblading was painful at all. The worst part to me was the sound the blade makes. Jen warned me about this and I got used to it pretty quickly.
How long does it take/ What should I expect? The entire process takes between 2-3 hours. Prior to the actual microblading, eyebrow mapping is done. The shape, arch, length and width of your brows are determined during this process. Jen gave me lots of sneak peaks during this process. You will okay the map before the process starts. The mapping took about 30 minutes for me, but will vary from person to person.
While the topical numbing cream is working it’s magic, you and your artist will pick a color. I trusted Jen and she really came through. After all, she’s the one that does this all day long and what do I know about brow color (nothing, actually).
For the week following mircoblading, your brows will look darker and wider. This is because the pigment hasn’t fully settled into your skin. Pigment will fade and become more natural looking over time. Honestly, I never thought my brows looked ridiculous or overdone at any point in the process.
Some clients scab during the healing process. I heard this and was super nervous about it. I never scabbed or even had dry patches. But, I was super, super diligent about the aftercare process.
How long does it last? This also varies from person to person. Typically results last between 12-36 months. Lighter colors fade faster and sun exposure also causes the pigment to fade faster.
Maintenance? After the initial session, Jen recommends you blot your brows with cottons swabs every 15-30 minutes to remove any fluid. Jen gave me an aftercare kit with very specific instructions. Following after care guidelines is really important to ensure lasting beautiful brows. You’ll wash your brows twice a day with a fragrance free antibacterial soap.
About 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment, you will go back for a touch up appointment. This is where Jen really works her magic. My brows looked good after the first appointment, but my brows look AMAZING after the perfecting session. I get compliments on them all the time.
Right now Jen is offering $50 off her services with CODE: ATTBLOG. Trust me, if you’re in Raleigh go see her. Summer is right around the corner and think about how nice it would be to skip the eyebrow fill forever!
Questions? Email me, DM me, drop em here!
