This post is so overdue but I am so happy to be sharing this today. This is one of the most highly requested posts through my Instagram page, and I am so happy to be sharing my personal experience with you in hopes that it will give you more information, and also make you feel comfortable when making your decision to do microblading. Before I go into any details I do want to say that this post is NOT sponsored. I simply wanted to get this procedure done, I paid for it, and this is my true and honest opinion on my services. 

My first session was in July of 2018, right before the fourth of July weekend. I remember being so anxious about the experience and wondering how my face would look with my newly sculpted brows. For some background info, my brows were over-plucked as a teen, and I never truly recovered. I’m not really sure why thin brows were ever really “a thing” but they were, and sadly I fell victim to the terrible trend. Fast forward to years later I was doing everything I could to fill them in and find a shape that I liked. Unfortunately when you don’t have much hair to begin with it’s extremely hard to figure out a shape that works for your face.

That’s what lead me to microblading. I loved the idea of having one less thing to do in the mornings, and I also loved the idea of a defined brow with a nice arch. This is not something I was not used to in the past. As a lover of makeup having nice brows felt like it was a must for me and I finally had the courage to do something about it!

Can you explain what you had done? What is microblading? 

I did microblading and microshading. Microblading is a technique using a super-fine pen (technically, a bundle of 12 to 15 needles) to deposit pigment into skin. The needles reach only into the superficial layers of the skin, which is what makes the method semi-permanent. Think of each stroke as a little paper-cut where pigment is deposited. Microshading technique is done using either an electric hand tool or a manual tool, which creates a soft, powdered effect that resembles eyebrow powder. The combination of both of these gives a really nice look to the brow which makes them look filled in and ready to go! In my case I had barely any brows so I wanted the shading to help fill them in. You don’t need to do both, it’s totally up to you, but I opted for the shading because I like a more filled-in look.

Before anything happens you will discuss the shape with your brow artist. Before I scheduled my appointment, I went into Beauty Bar for a consultation. This gave me a chance to chat with my artist and really figure out what is best for me. They will most likely pencil in a sketch of what your brows will look like and you will both decide on what you are looking for. Your artist will make sure that you are happy with the shape/length etc before actually starting the process.

How did you find your artist? Did you do research?

I did research for over a year prior to making an appointment and I went back and forth with whether or not I wanted to do this after reading so many horror stories. After pregnancy and nursing, I decided it was time to really go for it. I looked up different places- all with different price points and different skilled artists. I saw some great work, and some not-so-great work and I finally settled on my place of choice. I got microbladed by Dana Shann at Beauty Bar by Camila Mello. 

I had seen her work on Instagram, and I really loved her portfolio of brow clients. I also read multiple yelp and Facebook reviews, and everything told me this place was the real deal. I do suggest that when making this decision you DO YOUR RESEARCH! I can’t tell you how many readers have messaged me inquiring about different places, and have told me the prices they’ve seen and usually they are extremely low- because the people doing them are not truly skilled in their craft. They could be learning, or they could not be certified so always ask questions and trust your instincts.

Is it expensive?

Yes, and no. In my opinion, getting anything done to your face should cost a good amount of money. You want to know that what you are paying equals the type of service you are getting. In most cases, a really cheap deal is usually some sort of scam, or the person is not experienced enough. Like I said, when someone is doing anything to my face, I want to make sure they know what they’re doing and I don’t mind paying more for quality work. Beautybar charges a little over $1,000 (that can be paid in installments) over the 3 sessions you are given. So you get your initial microblading session, a touch up 6-8 weeks later, and then one more touch up following this. I loved this about Beauty bar and it was one of their selling points! It’s great that all of this was included in the initial price in my opinion.

Does it hurt? 

Not at all! Dana applied a topical anesthetic to my brows which helped keep them numb during the procedure. You feel a weird buzzing sensation on your skin, but as far as pain, I would say it feels more sore towards the end than anything, the numbing cream helps you feel absolutely nothing during the microblading.

How often do you get a touch up?

Most people get a touch up either every 6 months, or once a year. It’s completely up to you. In my case since I did not have a lot of hair I do think the pigment didn’t blend in as well, so for the first year I am getting touch ups every 3 months until I get the desired look I am going for. Again, pigment takes differently to everyone’s skin- so it really depends on the type of skin you have and how your skin holds onto the pigment.

Would you do anything differently? 

I wouldn’t have gotten my first session in the summer, and I would’ve waited for the chillier months. You really need to keep the area dry so excessive sweating is a no-no. This is harder in the summer because of the heat!

Do you have to fill in your brows? 

Yes, but the shape is already there. If I don’t fill them in, I can go about my day and it looks normal. I do like a more filled in brow so I do fill in the little gaps where the pigment is not as dark. This takes only about 30 seconds since my shape is already executed. It’s so simple once the shape is already there!

Are you happy you did it?

YES! I believe it completely changed my face and gave me so much more confidence. I never had thick brows so when someone compliments them I am over the moon excited.

What is the post care like? Does it hurt afterwards? 

You can read the FAQ Beauty Bar has available on their website, here.  The most important thing is that you don’t get them wet right after, and that you keep the area clean throughout the healing process. It’s also important not to pick at the scabs as this will affect the healing process! Overall your brows will just look darker during this process, it’s not overly obvious, and goes away by the second week. In my case, no one even noticed I had it done, it just looked like my brows were filled in.

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