+ Back story: why I wanted to have Microblading/Ombre Powder Brows performed

I’ve always had sparse brows throughout my entire life I’ve only had them waxed like 3 or 4 times ever! Having really thin brows began to be an insecurity for me. You really don’t realize how much your brows frame your face. I went through all of the phases of different brow products like pencils, powders, brow gels and even the famous Anastasia Beverly Hills dip-brow pomade. While getting ready each day I would spend so much time to do my brows. Even if I was running late or even going to run a quick errand, I made sure that my brows were “done”.

I heard about microblading years ago and I knew it was something I wanted to do at some point. So, when the opportunity arose a few months ago, I thought I would give it a shot. I visited Liwei Beauty, here in New York City- lower Manhattan and the first procedure was completed by Master Terry. Liwei Beauty is beauty spa that also conducts master courses and training for those that are in the field of microblading artists, lash technicians and esthetician related work. Prior to my appointment I was asked to send in photos of what my brows looked like while being free of makeup. From there I was advised to get Ombre Eyebrows, which is a form of Microshading along with some microblading for my appointment. This is usually recommended for those that have really sparse brows like myself to start with.

The image below was provided to me by Liwei Beauty as an example of what powder brows typically look like.

Please note: Services were gifted in exchange for a review

https://www.liweibeautyspa.com/

A few things to keep in mind…

+ Microshading is said to last 1 to 3 years

+ Microshading uses pin-like dots of pigmentation to achieve a powdered eyebrow look.

+ Both are a type of cosmetic tattoo procedure. The results of these vary from person to person and for different skin types.

+ I have oily skin and its likely that my results will fade faster than someone who has dry skin due to the oil production of my skin.

Initial Visit 11/12/2022

How I prepared for the visit 11/12/2022

I wasn’t given any prior instructions besides to not wear makeup to the visit. I wasn’t sure how long I would be there, so I decided to dress as comfortable as possible. The appointment started with paperwork and a talk through of what was to be expected during the visit. After everything was signed, numbing cream was applied to my brows and I was given sometime to let it kick in.

After the numbing cream was fully activated, the brow specialist began to start the brow mapping. This part took quite some time and was handled with the utmost patience. I was given multiple opportunities to consult about the shape of the brows. I was asked to look in the mirror multiple times and from multiple angles to ensure that I was happy with the shape that was mapped out for me.

Prior to starting the ombre microshading the excess hair around the brow shape was shaved off. Lastly, the color pigment was determined for my brows. Throughout the process I was asked about the pain levels and I assured both the specialist and assistant I was fine with it.

Timing – From paperwork, mapping and the overall procedure the visit was about 3 hours.

Pain- even with being numbed there was some pain. It was mostly felt towards the front of the brow. Being that I have tattoos on my body and I have a pretty decent pain tolerance I would describe it as not too bad (maybe a 5 of 10 pain level). I requested for microblading hair strokes at the front of my brow and this is an area where the pain can be felt the most. It could be the sensitivity of the area of that this was performed last and the numbing pain had worn off by then.

Afterthoughts/Aftercare

I was told not to get my brows wet, given an instruction paper and a serum to apply to my brows. There serum was packaged in a green tube that didn’t contain any directions or ingredient information. Therefore, it’s difficult for me to determine what was in the actual serum. It felt like a gel facial serum.

Freshly Done 11/15/2022 - the starting of the healing phase

For the first day or so after my brows felt a little sore when I touched them, but the healing process went pretty well. The process of washing my face was a little difficult for the first week or so as the institutions I was given was to not get my brows wet. During this time I tried to only used gentle cleansers- even though I was not getting my brows wet. Also brow makeup is not be worn during this part of the healing phase. The one tricky part I would say is the peeling/scabbing process. Before and during this phase the area and can become very itchy, but it’s important not to scratch or pick at any of the scabs.

Immediately after my brows peeled, I noticed that the left brow looked extremely light. I did some online research and from my findings many sources stated that many time the shading or color pigment may appear very light or even disappear. The overall consensus is that this is normal and to wait 2 weeks for the color to fully develop. I did this, but my left brow still looked extremely light. It looked like mine was barely there and faded as if I had this procedure done many years ago. I knew this is something that I would need to address during my touch appointment.

The touchup appointment 12/29/2022 (7 weeks later)

The video below is what my brows looked like prior to the touch-up appointment.

The touch up visit started off like the initial visit. My brows were assessed to see what needed to be addressed. The first thing I mentioned was how faint the shading was on my left brow. From their my brows had to be outlined again as if I was coming in for my first appointment. I’m not sure how long the touch-up appointments are generally, but this one was like starting from scratch.

In both appointments my right brow was worked on first and then my left brow was worked on. Being that left one had to be done all over and the right only needed a minimal amount to be touched-up, my touch-up appointment was not short. It was actually almost as long as my initial appointment.

12/28/2022 My Brows Immediately After the Touch-up

Afterthoughts

I did notice that after my touch up appointment my eyebrows looked really dark before they peeled. I thought this meant the pigment deposited well and I would finally achieve the results I was looking for, but no. I also noticed that I had some areas of large scabbing, which didn’t happen after my first appointment. I didn’t equate the scabbing as a good or bad measure as I know it’s completely normal for it to happen. I did see that during the peeling process the scabs detached in bigger pieces. As with my first appointment my left brow, specifically the tail end, started to peel first. The right brow fully peeled about a week after this. I’m not sure if something wasn’t done right with the applications, during the heeling phase or if there’s some unknown issue with the skin on my left brow area. But the left brow looks very faint and faded and the right brow looks fresh and fine.

Photo: January 10th, 2023- Left Brow with a faded appearance a few days after the final peeling phase

Overall Results and Thoughts

Overall, since having the microshading / Ombre brows completed I really like the ease of getting ready and not having to spend 5-10 minutes daily to do my eyebrows. I’ve seen others that have had microblading and microshading done and their end results look harsh or the coloring seem to be off. I’m happy to say that I do like how natural the right brow looks. I can literally wake up and go and not have to wear a full face of makeup for the brows to balance out. I love the results from of my right brow, but I don’t love the results of my left brow.

Initially after my first session and healing my left brow barely had any pigment left and after the touch up it still looks the same. I’m sure this is not an uncommon thing to happen, but it is annoying and does look a bit off. My left brow looks like it has already faded and the right brow looks fine. I guess this is just one of those things that you can’t predict.

At the point I’m likely going to just leave it as it is. When my right brow (the good brow) starts to fade, I’ll then look into having the procedure done all over. For now I’m not completely filling in my brows everyday with a brow pencil, but I am using a tinted brow gel.

End Results