Microblading or Permanent Make-up?
The distinctive facial hairs above our eyes define our facial expressions. They determine our charisma and our effect on others. But no matter if bushy or narrow – they must suit our face. And since not everyone is blessed with dense “natural growth” in the right places, plucking is usually not enough.
Today, however, this can easily be remedied. Microblading and permanent make-up are trendy and promise wow-brows after a two-hour application. Our editor Sabrina tested it for us and had her eyebrows pigmented with permanent make-up by expert Jennifer Gabrovec. Why this method is better for our skin and what else is important to know is explained to us by Brow-Queen Jennifer in our interview:
the Curvy Magazine: Perfect eyebrows – what’s the secret?
Jennifer Gabrovec: The secret to perfect eyebrows is understanding individual facial symmetry. It’s not about placing finished stencils on any face or about measuring, but rather about creating the perfect eyebrows for each face with a trained and experienced aesthetic eye.
What influence do eyebrows have on a person’s appearance?
Jennifer Gabrovec: Eyebrows change our face more than we think. The influence of the eyebrow is often underestimated. In the past, very thinly plucked, almost linear eyebrows were the “latest trend”. Today, people want to impress with bushy eyebrows à la Cara Delevigne. Personally, I don’t believe in eyebrow trends. That’s why every face has to be treated individually, according to the customers’ wishes. Scientists have found out that eyebrows are the most important feature for the identification of a person. The eyebrows even make up 70% of the total facial expression!
What is the advantage of permanent make-up compared to microblading?
Jennifer Gabrovec: From an optical point of view one can hardly distinguish between the two methods. What essentially differs between the two methods is the technique. Both permanent make-up and microblading are long-lasting make-up methods. Both methods can be used to create a delicate hair look as well as a shadowy look. Microblading has a durability of approx. 3-6 months, with permanent make-up you can enjoy it for 1-2 years. The method of microblading is very painful, because technically there is a big difference to permanent make-up. The device consists of a pen and a razor blade-like cutting tool at the tip. This cuts into the skin, which significantly increases the pain factor. Later, paint is superficially filled into these skin openings. If there is not enough expertise, the incision can go very deep. Since the blade is guided by human hand, it cannot be guaranteed that the incisions are consistently deep. Often the skin cannot process the incision. Scars are left behind. If one chooses the microblading method too often, one runs the risk that colour can never be pigmented into the scars again. The result can be permanently deformed eyebrows.
Permanent make-up by Long Time Liner is characterised by the fact that no cuts are made to the skin, but rather a fine microneedle is used to guarantee that the depth of the cut does not exceed 0.02 mm. For comparison, a tattoo goes 0.7 mm into the skin. The skin can process the treatment very well. The Long Time Liner method is certified, which ensures that no scarring occurs and the skin can be treated gently.
Another elementary difference between the two procedures is that a Long Time Liner pigmenter has to undergo a minimum training period of three weeks. In order to maintain the license, the pigmenter (my professional title) is obliged to train himself annually and to prove this by a certificate. With microblading, on the other hand, you can call yourself Blader after just one day of training.
Both methods use colour pigments that are very similar to the skin’s own pigments. Nevertheless, as a customer you always have to ask for the origin of the colour in the studio you trust. The colours of Long Time Liner are all manufactured in Germany and have been approved by the German TÜV as very good. If a color comes from China, there might be non-approved ingredients. In the worst case this leads to blood poisoning.
How long do permanent brows last?
Jennifer Gabrovec: The durability of permanent make-up cannot be precisely defined. It depends on the condition of the skin and the care of the wearer. In addition, the eyebrow style also plays a decisive role. If you choose the fine hair style, it is advisable to refresh the eyebrows annually. Experience shows that a shading style, e.g. full shading or ombré look, lasts longer, so that re-pigmentation is only due after 18-24 months. In order to help the durability a little, the use of sun cream (UV protection) is recommended when sunbathing. Oily skin types will definitely have longer pleasure with permanent make-up than with microblading.
Many are afraid of the dreaded “bars” – what makes your look so natural?
Jennifer Gabrovec: The fear is unfounded. Because I focus on recreating nature, not placing an artificial alien in the face as eyebrows. In the context of a free initial consultation, customers always have the opportunity to have a look at the later result by sketching it out.
