Because of the pigment used and the way it’s applied to the skin, microblading produces a semi-permanent “tattoo” that looks soft and subtle, instead of opaque and bright as with traditional tattoos. Over time, the pigment on your brows will also lighten a shade or two from its original color, whereas a tattoo on your body can have a blue-green tint on the edges when it starts to fade. Who is a good candidate for microblading? If you want a break from filling in your brows—or if you want to experience what full brows look like for the first time in your life—microblading might be your savior. Still, it’ll cost ya some cash, at least seven days without the gym, a morning without caffeine, and a week of potential scabbing. But if you’re the right candidate (and you can afford it), you may want to try it out, just so you never have to spend money on brow pencils again. But in general, Capparelli (and many others) likens the pain of microblading to a cat scratch, noting that “on a scale of tweezing your brows to getting a bikini wax, microblading is more like tweezing your brows.” Basically, expect the pain to be a little uncomfortable, but not unbearable. How long does microblading last? Those who already have some eyebrow hair and just want a lil fill-in or enhancement to their natural brows can get a very natural look with microblading, says Capparelli. However, microblading might not be good for someone with lots of natural eyebrow hair, because all it will do is make your brows look fuller, not brushed up or groomed (only a brow gel or brow lamination can do that). What is the downside of microblading? A good candidate for microblading isn’t necessarily based on how little (or how much) brow hair you naturally have—it’s more based on your skin type. Is your skin super reactive and sensitive? Do you have keratosis pilaris on your forehead? Do you currently or consistently deal with breakouts or cystic acne around your brows?

You’ll also need to skip anything that could have a thinning effect on your blood, so avoid taking aspirin or vitamin E for 48 hours before your appointment, and skip drinking any caffeine or coffee the day of. Not only that, but if you're on antibiotics, you'll need to wait 14 days after your final dose before getting microblading, as antibiotics can make the pigment change color while healing.Microblading aftercare is very important if you want a good result, says Capparelli. Every artist is a bit different, but in general, you shouldn’t sweat heavily, get your eyebrows wet, or be in the sun for seven days after getting microblading. Basically, now’s the time to hit pause on your workouts. If you’re, like, a professional athlete and you absolutely need to work out, Aava highly recommends covering your brows with antibiotic ointment first to protect the pigment and keep the cuts clean and bacteria free. As for showering, avoid exfoliating the tattoo and surrounding skin. Once you get out of the shower, pat the tattoo dry with a towel, don’t rub. You want to keep the tattoo in as pristine condition as possible.

Easy To Remove: The colour can be removed with an oil-based makeup remover. The pen will not work well with oily skin. Tip: Avoid showering or sweating six hours after applying, and wear loose clothing to bed on the first night to prevent the tattoo from imprinting on another part of your body or your bedsheets. Then you may not be a great candidate at the moment, since microblading will initially cause some inflammation that can exacerbate skin conditions and affect your tattoo’s healing process. Similarly, oil can make microblading fade faster, so you’ll get less time with your microbladed brows if your skin is very oily. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare and makeup stories that range from the best magnetic eyelashes to under-eye bag treatments. She’s an authority in all makeup categories but is an expert when it comes to microblading after years of researching and trying it out herself. She regularly tests and analyzes makeup products and treatments for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists and dermatologists to assess new formulas and brands.

If possible, avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading. This is likely impossible if you’re enjoying a temporary tat for a summer festival or concert, but it’s something to keep in mind if you want your tattoo to last.