Beauty Treatment: Microblading and Shading in Houston

new brows, who ‘dis?

Finding the time, patience or even the knowledge to get all dolled up and keep my makeup fresh and glam isn’t really my thing. It’s not that I don’t like looking like I have my life together and care about my appearance, but some gals were blessed with a steady hand for eyeliner and the line and your girl here wasn’t.

You may recall about a year ago I got microblading here in Houston. I went to Ashley at Beautopia Skin Studio (she recently moved to a darling new office in the Heights) and loved the result. But, like a lot of things, maintenance and upkeep is pretty important with beauty procedures like microblading. Spoiler alert: I didn’t really take care of my new brows.

When I went in for a touch-up this time, Ashley did two things: 1. She strongly reminded me some tips for taking care of my microbladed eyebrows (see tips below) and 2. She did a power combo of shading + microblading.

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what the difference was, so she helped me out there too (which is solid info to know if you’re considering microblading or shading).

The Difference Between Microblading and Shading:

The short version I’ve learned is this: microblading creates a more natural look and shading is a more drawn-on look (perfect for people who almost always wear makeup, which is not me). 

Microblading is a manual technique that creates fine 3D hair strokes in the skin to fill in sparse areas (to help with spotty eyebrows, too thin, etc.) This look is great for those that wear little to no makeup and can typically last 12-18 months depending on lifestyle and skin type  (see tips below).

Shading is a technique that creates a powder-like appearance and is similar to filling in with makeup. This look can be more defined, yet still very natural once it is fully healed. Great for all skin types and can last 18-24 months.

Tips for Longer-Lasting Microblading and Shading:

–       Once completely healed, (2-4 weeks) always apply a layer of SPF 30-50 directly on/in your eyebrows – Keep acne/anti-aging products away from the brows

–       Products that contain exfoliating agents WILL fade the eyebrows

–       If you get facials, microdermabrasions, chemical peels or laser treatments, tell your technician to avoid those areas (tell him/her your brows are tattooed on)

–       If using retin-a, retinol or tretinoin, stay two finger lengths away from the brows as it causes exfoliation and will fade the eyebrows

–       If your eyebrow tattoo feels dry or looks dull, use castor oil to help hydrate, which also helps potential increase in hair growth (tip: do this at night as it’s oily and will cause major shine)

Tips like these and Ashley’s in-depth process for microblading are just a few reasons she’s the best microblading in Houston. Let me remind you – you’re literally getting a tattoo on your face, so going to the best should be your only option. She’s incredibly detailed and knowledgable; not just microblading, but in facials and other beauty treatments in general, ensuring she does the best work for your skin type (because we are all so different!), helping create a plan of action to keep them lasting longer.

If you do visit her for a consultation, be sure to tell her Jayme from The Blonde Side sent you!