Dream Ombré Powder Brow Transformation
By Kyla Getty with Annie Truong of Ax Art Atelier
If you’ve been following along with our brand for some time now, you’ll know that Annie and Xoey of AX ART Atelier have been friends of ours since the beginning! The talented duo are master makeup and hair artists responsible for so many of the looks printed in our publications and seen right here online! In addition, Annie is a talented brow technician and certified ‘Phibrows Artist’. Annie trained in a number of techniques. Knowing my personal style and penchant for makeup, she introduced me to the Ombré Powder Brow Technique.
This Summer, I was so fortunate to visit Annie to begin my brow transformation… and today I am sharing it ALL with you! I’m introducing my newest IGTV Episode where I bring you along every step of the way, and I’m also diving deep into details here in this article with my personal experience and Q&A with Annie!
Q: Annie, tell us more about Ombré Powder Brows…
Ombré powder brows are a new style of semi-permanent makeup tattooing used to help people achieve those lust-worthy brows. This style features simulated makeup rather than simulated hairs. The technician fills in the brows with a faded technique that starts darker in the brow tails and becomes lighter towards the front of the brows. This process is highly customizable to the individual and can be used to both shape the brows as well as provide the desired ombré effect.
Q: Once complete, how long do they last?
Ombré powder brows lasts anywhere from 2-3 years. It is ideal for all skin types. It’s important to note that how well you take care of your new semi-permanent makeup brows over the 7 days following your appointment ultimately determines their healing, colour retention, final appearance and longevity.
Q: What is Microblading?
Microblading is a modern approach to semi-permanent makeup tattooing. This method is perfect for reconstructing, defining, extending, or filling-in over plucked or sparse eyebrows. Using a handheld microblading tool, we are able to draw natural hair strokes that mimic your own hair to give the most natural looking enhancement. Microblading lasts anywhere from 1-3 years. It is ideal for normal-dry skin. Not recommended for oily skin types.
Q: What are Combination Brows?
Combination Brows is a mix of both Microblading and Microshading. The front or entire brow is microbladed with a manual tool for precise hair strokes. The rest of the brow is shaded in with a tattoo machine to give a fuller more filled in brow. It is the ideal medium between natural microbladed brows and ombré powder brows. This method of semi-permanent tattooing gives the brows a more defined shape and longer longevity than microblading. Combination Brows work for all skin types and can be as natural or bold as the client likes.
Q: Why did you recommend Powder Ombré Brows for myself specifically?
Because you are someone who enjoys wearing makeup often, experimenting with bold looks and wearing eyelash extensions, I knew you would love the result of the Ombré Powder Brows. Your brows are also thin and bare, so we were able to fill them in. A common misconception is that semi permanent brow tattooing can be overpowering. With the technique I use, we gradually build up the layers colour so that we can achieve any look you desire – from quite natural to more of a made-up look.
Q: What is the cost of Ombré Powder Brows at your studio?
It’s important to note that you should plan for 2 sessions. The initial and the touchup which should be about 4-8 weeks afterward. The initial appointment is $400 and the touchup appointment is $50.
I Like Her Style Readers can use the Promocode: ILHS50 for $50 off!
The day after my appointment I woke up happy to the memory that I now had beautiful new brows… however the healing process was only just beginning and ultimately, the final result would come after the touchup had healed. My initial appointment was June 22nd, my touchup was July 19th – and today I would now consider them healed with the final result achieved and ready to share.
The process during the appointment was relatively painless (see video for the appointment). The next day I could definitely feel a bit of tightness and a slight burning – though completely manageable. The tattooing process does cause ‘injury’, so you can expect scabbing to form over the following days. For me, as the brow scabs formed, they looked amazing… getting darker and raised, they became pronounced.
On about the 6th day, I woke up to see that the scabbing had began to flake – specifically one piece on the inner corner. Because the ombre effect applies more pigment gradually across the brow. I believe that since the inner corners had less pigment… they had lighter scabs which flaked off first.
To be completely honest (and as you can see in the photo below), this was not my best makeup day! I would not suggest planning to have your brows done if you know that you have any important events during the following week or so. Definitely plan your brows in advance!
In the video Annie describes how your skin changes while healing. At the point where your scabs flake off, the skin is actually at it’s most opaque beneath – meaning it covers the pigment and your brows will appear quite light. In my experience, I went from being used to the darkest version (scabs) to the lightest version (healing skin) . With the combination of both going on – there was a bit of a contrast! As the skin healed, it returned to more of a translucent finish and will allowed the pigment to show through. My brows darkened a bit from the way they appeared when the scabs first come off.
My instinct was to want to pick the scabs as they became ready to fall off. They slowly lifted and got stuck in my brow hairs. It’s a good thing I wear glasses to distract! You are not supposed to pick the scabbing or flaking as it can cause loss of implanted pigment and scarring. Annie advises to refrain from touching the area except for when applying aftercare cream and with very gentle washing.
During the healing process there are a number of things to avoid. You’ll want to keep them as dry as possible. You are not to use soaps, lotions, creams or makeup over the brow area. Avoid pools, hot tubs, excessive sweating, facials, and saunas for at least 10 days. Skin creams and products contenting Retin-A, AHA or any kind of skin peel must not be used on the tattooed area at all as it can cause fading and colour distortion. Sun block should always be applied to the healed area after 7 days.
The final appearance will take 4-8 weeks. At that point you may have your touchup appointment. This appointment allowed Annie to reshape and augment any areas that were needed. In my case, I found that my brows had lightened up quite a bit. I was initially cautious and had asked Annie not to go too dark, however after getting used to the boldness of them initially after the first appointment, I realized that I preferred them to be darker. Sorry Annie! lol At the second appointment, Annie was able to finalize the look. In some cases, you may choose to have additional touch-up appointments. As these are custom-built brows, the finished look you are happy with is up to you… and everyone heals differently.
Today, I could not be more pleased with the result. I find that my eyebrows frame the face and add dimension. It has been (and continues to be) a game-changer – especially over the summer as I’ve been camping and swimming. I feel more put-together overall and I wake up looking more refreshed (less tired and puffy) which also gives me more confidence to go out without makeup.
If you have any questions for Annie, you can contact her at info@axartmakeup.com or visit axartatelier.com where you can book directly!
AX Art Atelier is located at #218-1868 Glen Drive in Vancouver.
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