In the world of beauty and cosmetics, there are constantly new trends and techniques emerging that claim to enhance one’s natural features.
Two such techniques that have gained popularity in recent years are eyebrow microblading vs permanent make-up. While both methods involve the use of tattooing to enhance the eyebrows, there are distinct differences between the two.
In this article I’ll delve into the world of eyebrow enhancements and explore the three major differences between microblading and permanent make-up.
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Due to over plucking my brows at home, they aren’t as symmetrical as they used to be. The one is thicker than the other.
Plus, I have some gaps. Needles to say this has an effect on my expression and facial features.
As a result, I wondered if I could influence the symmetry of my brows with the use of microblading or any other form of permanent makeup. Let’s have a look what this means.
Permanent make-up has been around for decades. Years ago, women got a liner tattooed on their lids, but more recent advancements in cosmetics have made permanent makeup look as natural as possible, almost like real hair.
You may now be asking yourself, though, what is the difference between permanent makeup (the old style) and microblading (the new style)? Here’s a quick answer:
Microblading is a semi-permanent technique where pigment is inserted into the upper layers of your skin to fill in thin or sagging eyebrows and reshape them.
Permanent make-up, on the other hand, is a more permanent procedure, where pigment is implanted under the surface of the skin to change the shape of your eyebrows.
| Not ready for any form of eyebrow tattooing? Try these brow products instead: |
| 1) Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Fiber |
| 2) Maybelline New York Brow Tattoo Longlasting Tint |
| 3) Urban Decay Brow Blade (Waterproof) |
Whether you’re a makeup junkie or too lazy for makeup, you always want to look your best. Unfortunately, your eyebrows can get out of shape over time, or you may suffer from thin or over plucked brows that don’t look natural.
More people are choosing (semi-) permanent cosmetics to increase their eyebrow look. This saves you time in the morning and the best part is: you wake up with perfect eyebrows!
Table of Contents
Eyebrow Microblading vs Permanent Make-up
There are quite a few different techniques that can be used to enhance the way your eyebrows look. Some of them have been around for a while and some of them are fairly new.
Eyebrow microblading and permanent makeup are the two popular new cosmetic procedures that have recently gained popularity.
Although both procedures create more natural looking eyebrows, they are very different. Let’s look at 3 differences between microblading and permanent make-up.
In this blog post I’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting the perfect brow shape with:
- microblading technique,
- permanent makeup
- and the difference between these two.
I will dive into it and tell you more about the different techniques and the major differences between them, since it’s important to know the differences before you commit to a certain procedure.
What is Microblading & how long does it last?
Microblading is a type of eyebrow tattooing that creates the illusion of fuller, natural-looking brows.
After applying a numbing cream, your aesthetician will make tiny incisions in your brows that mimic your natural hairs. These incisions will then be filled with pigment to give you the look you desire.
Unlike traditional eyebrow tattooing, which involves a machine and a single needle, microblading uses a handheld tool with multiple needles to create thin, hair-like strokes. These will fade within 1 to 3 years.
Originally designed for women who have lost their brows due to alopecia or chemotherapy, microblading is a popular semi-permanent procedure.
This technique allows for more precision and gives brows a more natural appearance. The process is generally quick, taking only around two hours.
What is permanent make-up & is it really permanent?
Permanent make-up, also known as micropigmentation or PMU, is a type of cosmetic procedure that involves implanting ink into the skin.
It’s usually indelible, waterproof, and non-toxic. It’s also the same ink permanent makeup artists use to create permanent eyeliner, lip liner and lip color.
Permanent make-up is similar to tattooing in terms of technique, as both involve the application of ink to the skin.
However, permanent make-up is less permanent than tattooing as the ink is only placed in the upper layer of the dermis. With a tattoo, the ink is placed in placed in the lower layer of the dermis.
[foto huid]
So, your permanent eyebrows aren’t quite as permanent as you might hope. It typically only lasts for about 3 to 5 years before needing to be redone. This is different from traditional tattoos, which are permanent.
3 Main Differences
Main differences between a semi-permanent makeup treatment (microblading) and permanent solutions like cosmetic tattooing are the tools and technique that are used.
| 1) Technique Microblading | Permanent make-up |
| With microblading, your esthetician will use a special hand tool that gets the special pigment into the upper layers of your skin with a sharp blade to fill in thin or sagging eyebrows and reshape them. | Cosmetic tattooing involves placing tattoo ink under the surface of your skin to change the shape of your eyebrows. Although a tattoo machine is used, the pigment is placed at a shallower depth than with traditional tattooing. |
| 2) Result Microblading | Permanent make-up |
| During microblading, tiny hair strokes are applied to your natural brows with a manual blade. These hair strokes blend right in with the other hairs. This makes the work precise and can create a very natural look. Also, ombre brows or powder brows can create a really natural and long-lasting look with minimal healing time required. The result is a natural brow look that can last up to 3 years. | Cosmetic tattooing involves placing pigment into the skin using a tattoo machine. The pigment is placed at a shallower depth than traditional tattoos. Luckily permanent make-up techniques have changed throughout the years. So nowadays you can get a variety of looks and also beautiful results with PMU. Nowadays, the application is often done with a feathering technique to create a natural look. |
| 3) Touch up: Microblading | Permanent make-up |
| On average microbladed brows will disappear completely after 1 to 3 years. Also, keep in mind you’ll most likely need to touch up your microbladed brows 1 to 2 times a year. | Permanent eyebrows on the other hand, last a lot longer than microbladed brows. They’ll fade after 3 to 5 years. Although it fades, it might not disappear completely. |
What kind of techniques are Powder Brows & Ombre Brows?
When you’re considering semi-permanent or permanent makeup, you’ve probably stumbled upon powder brows and ombre brows also. What are these techniques and what makes them different from microblading and cosmetic tattooing?
When it comes to powder or ombre brows, the name already tells you a lot. This technique gives your eyebrows the same makeover as you would with powder makeup. They’re shaded to give them a soft powder effect, which creates a natural look.
A special device that resembles a tattoo gun is used for this. With this device, tiny dots of pigment are placed in the skin. An ombre effect is created to give the eyebrows a natural look. The effects can last between 2 or 3 years, depending on your:
- exposure to sunlight,
- skin tone
- and your skincare regime.
Things you need to pay attention to
As you can see, there are different solutions to cover up thin or patchy eyebrows. Permanent or semi-permanent makeup are a great solution if you don’t have the time or skills to correct the symmetry of your brows.
Also, it can be a great solution when you’ve lost your eyebrows due to an illness or if you can’t put on your own makeup because of physical limitations.
Whatever technique you choose, it should also depend on your:
- pain threshold (microblading is known to be more painful, although they do use numbing cream),
- skin type (don’t choose microblading if you have an oily or sensitive skin)
- skin health,
- age
- and patience because the healing process may take time.
There may be some initial inflammation from microblading, which could make skin conditions worse and affect the healing process.
Some people even experience allergic contact dermatitis after microblading which results in a rash that itches and becomes scaly or cracked.
According to Master Trainer Kim Loy from Microblading Amsterdam:
“If you have mature skin, in my opinion there is no other PMU option for you other than Machine Hairstrokes.
Microblading is too traumatic for mature skin and Powder Brow technique I believe is too bold.
Machine strokes (Feather brows) provide a much softer appearance.”
Which is better Microblading or Permanent Eyebrows?
So, what procedure is better: Microblading or Permanent Eyebrows? Microblading and permanent eyebrows each have their own set of benefits, so it’s not a matter of one being better than the other.
In general, if you like a natural result microblading might just be your ideal solution. Especially if you have thin eyebrows or gaps, this could be a great solution to create full brows.
If you love a solid look that looks like your eyebrows have have been touched up with brow makeup, PMU brows will suit you better.
Also, if you don’t want anything permanent, you’re better off with microblading. Yet, there may be some differences in results based on skin type.
Those with oily skin may not experience a very successful result with microblading, as the strokes may blur after application and appear less natural and long-lasting.
Accordingly, if you have an oily skin or mature skin, your best choice would be microshading or a different form of permanent make-up brows, such as machine hairstrokes. This will create a longer lasting result and prevent your new brows to fade faster.
Wrapping up, although personal preference plays an important factor, it’s also very important to determine how long you want the results to last.
So before you make any choice, consult a a licensed esthetician and choose the appropriate technique based on the outcome of your consultation.
About the author
Angela is a curly girl and has been a beauty blogger since 2012. Because of her passion for beauty and hair, she has been a certified makeup artist since 2016 and has done multiple hair styling trainings. As a cosmetics lover, she writes reviews on cosmetics and provides different solutions that facilitate your daily beauty and curls routine.