Microblading Experience – All you need to know with Brows by Bianca!

So happy to be sharing on my recent microblading experience / semi-permanent makeup with Brows by Bianca, bc I am so, so happy with the results and am really just kicking myself for not doing it sooner lol!! If you know me personally or have been following me for a while, you know that I’m v particular about my brows, but also a pretty low maintenance gal overall when it comes to my beauty routine. If you’re the same, microblading / semi-permanent makeup is the perfect solution bc you always look pulled together (IMO) even for activities where you don’t want to wear makeup… workout, beach day, travel (once we can again), etc. etc. 

I’ve received a ton of great feedback from you guys so far, and the most common concern with getting semi-permanent microblading doesn’t seem to be the final look but more the process, healing, and longevity (fair). So without further adieu I will answer all your questions below and hope it inspires you to bite the bullet! If you do decide to book with Nicole, I encourage you to fill out her mailing list form and be sure to write in the comment box that you heard about her from me, and she’ll take extra good care of ya!

NOTE: Nicole is currently catching up with her covid waiting list clients, but if you add yourself to her mailing list, you’ll be the first to hear about when her bookings open back up to the public!

Ok so here are the answers to what you submitted: 

Can the services be done on dark skin? YES! Nicole is very experienced in customizing pigments to suit every skin type and tone.

Does the service add hair strokes/fill in even where you don’t have hair? YES! This is the exact purpose of semi-permanent makeup. Of course every person is unique and Nicole will recommend which technique is best for you but the main goal is always to enhance your brows using the most natural method (while filling in the bald gaps too). It’s important to keep in mind that the more hair you already have, the more three dimensional it will look! 

Will this ruin my brows long term like lash extensions? NO! I’ve never had lash extensions so can’t speak to that, but semi-permanent makeup only has a relationship with your skin and not your hair. It does not interfere with your hair follicles and having this procedure done will not cause hair loss. In fact, Nicole said that most clients grow more of their brow hair back because they leave their brows alone and don’t need to ‘shape’ with tweezers anymore!

Is it expensive? YES & NO! So quality service with anything isn’t cheap, and considering we’re talking about artistry, skill level, technique, time, education and professionalism, it makes sense. Not to mention something that is going to be on your face, Nicole is very competitive. It’s also important to mention that the price includes a touch up appointment so you’re technically paying for two sessions with her. So in conclusion, its 100% worth the price. All her prices are listed here. Whichever artist you go with, always make sure you do thorough research and ask questions! 

Does it hurt?! This one is tough to answer bc obviously everyone’s pain threshold is different. Microblading (the hair strokes) is the more uncomfortable technique bc it’s like making little cuts (not as terrible as it sounds!) The shading portion (or if you opt for strictly powder brows) is much gentler on the skin and therefore less painful. After the first pass over the brows, Nicole numbs you so even if it is painful it’s just for a few minutes!! Personally for me, it was a bit uncomfortable but totally manageable. I actually don’t like the stinging sensation more than anything lol. If I had to rate out of ten, I’d say a 4.

What is the healing & maintenance like? This is the big one but surprisingly really simple! The after care is basically a week long, and includes wiping the brows with pre soaked pads (that Nicole provides you with) for a two days, followed by a few days of doing nothing lol, and then a few more days of applying a balm (also provided). The key is to let the brows be – no picking if you scab a bit, no makeup on them, no wetting them and no sweating! 

The maintenance depends on a few things. One being which technique you end up doing (microblading, powder brows or a hybrid of the two) and another being your skin type and lifestyle. Also, everyone’s preference is different too! Nicole explained that some clients prefer a bolder look while others are comfortable letting their brows fade before getting their touch up. There’s an included touch up 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment that allows Nicole to check how your skin held the pigment and make any adjustments that may be needed. After this touch up, she offers a 4-6 month touch up option and a 6-12 month option, too! These are the most common time frames but no touch ups are mandatory. 

Will my brows fade to a weird colour over time? I chatted with Nicole about this and she explained the science behind why we see some people with ‘pinkish’ or -blue-ish’ brows. To keep it simple, it’s mostly about the stability and quality of the pigments used. If the artist has top quality (stable) pigments and proper knowledge about how to properly and safety apply pigment into the skin, you’re good. Low quality / cheaper pigments have ingredients in them that the skin absorbs which then leaves what wasn’t absorbed behind (those weird colours you’ve seen). So with a knowledgable artist, who uses and understands quality pigments, your brows will heal true to colour and just simply lighten over time. This is VERY IMPORTANT to me, and precisely why (among many other reasons), you don’t want to cheap out on a service like this.

Lastly, had a lot of questions about my comfort level having a facial service done while covid is still a concern. As you know, I’ve been on the extreme caution side of the spectrum throughout covid, and felt very comfortable. Nicole’s studio is nice and private, spotless and we both wore masks the entire time and she of course wore gloves also. We both also washed/sanitized our hands before we started. Wearing a mask doesn’t affect your brow mapping because it’s all done to be symmetrical anyway! 

So that’s that, y’all!! I hope this really helps anyone considering getting microblading / semi-permanent makeup done, and that you’ll consider checking out Brows by Bianca because she is simply the best!! xx 

Disclaimer: this post is in partnership with Brows by Bianca, but all opinions are my own and truthful accounts of my experience.