Disclaimer: I partnered with Erin of The Perfect Feather and received a Powder Brow session to highlight my experience with the differences between Powder Brows and Microblading!
By now I’m sure you’ve heard the term Microblading and you may have even heard of Powder Brows and like me asked: “What’s the difference?” After 2 rounds of microblading, I began researching Powder Brows and I’ve never looked back. So I’m here to share what the big deal is anyway!
Pre-2006, a filled-in eyebrow meant nothing to me. Then I attended Blanche Macdonald for the Freelance Makeup Artist course. We learned how much our eyebrows affect our appearance and my obsession was born. Each one of us has things that we must do before we leave our house and filling in my brows became that thing I did.
Tired of the constantly filling in my brows, I began my search for the perfect brow. After two rounds of microblading from an amazingly talented artist Adele of Bee Pampered in Fort Langley, I knew I was hooked. She gifted me with the best shape and the most amazing natural brows a lady could ask for. But there were times when still found myself filling in my brows!
It wasn’t until I was on Instagram stories one day and stumbled upon Erin at The Perfect Feather showing off a recent set of Powder Brows. I messaged her right away asking her many questions which she happily answered. Then I began to watch her journey closely.
So what is the big difference between Microblading and Powder Brows?
“Microblading is a permanent makeup technique that uses a small hand tool with tiny, sterile needles to draw fine, hair-like lines” Microblading is the perfect solution for anyone wanting to fully reconstruct, define, cover gaps, or fill-in over plucked brows while maintaining a soft, natural look. Microblading lasts roughly between 6 – 18 months.
Powder Brows, unlike microblading, the artist uses a rotary tattoo machine that implants the pigment deeper into the skin, resulting in a longer-lasting tattoo. Powder Brows also last roughly 2 to 3 years!
Personally, Powder Brows would help me achieve that more filled-in look that I wanted. Do not get me wrong, I loved my brows microbladed but based on my own personal taste I wanted the filled-in look that would last longer. Since having my brows done by Erin, I have not filled my brows in once. I couldn’t be happier with the shape and color.
One of my favourite things from my appointment with Erin was how confident I felt leaving her place with my new brows. Not only is her studio immaculately clean, warm and inviting, but Erin herself is talented, accommodating and very knowledgeable. While everything was my choice, Erin was right there with me to help me ultimately decide on the best color for me based on her knowledge and my preference.
After fully mapping out my brows, we knew that one brow was slightly higher than the other and working with me, Erin mapped out my brows to compliment my face and my preferences. I know many people who have had their brows done and ultimately had a moment of “What did I do?” because brows can appear slightly bigger or darker than you would like.
For me, this worry never crossed my mind, partially because I’d had my brows done previously but this was a new technique for me. I haven’t been around a tattoo machine in a while so I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I had worries at first. Erin made me feel so comfortable and confident in our choices that I left loving them every single day thereafter, even when they were scabbing.
So what else is so different about microblading and powder brows? A big part was the color matching process, it felt a bit more in-depth for powder brows. Perhaps it’s the difference from one artist to another but my thoughts were that something that was a bit “more” permanent than the other, you really want to make sure you get it correct. Please note both procedures are permanent, and the length of the color stay may vary from person to person.
Pain wise? I personally found microblading to be a bit MORE painful than the Powder Brow technique. However, I will say that I didn’t find either procedure particularly overly painful. Maybe it’s cause I have a tattoo that I knew what to expect. I will say that I was more aware that the microblading was being done then Powder Brows.
Perhaps the lull of the machine was enough to relax me while getting Powder Brows or maybe it was the comfortable studio space mixed with an amazing artist and wonderful conversation.
The healing process from microblading to powder brows was much different as well. I noticed that I did have a bit more scabbing with powder brows than with microblading. Additionally, the aftercare procedures were different, for powder brows. The importance lay more with keeping the brows cool for the first 24hrs whereas this was not important or done at all with microblading!
Ultimately the biggest difference between the two procedures are that one uses a machine where the other is a tool. Secondly the appearance, Microblading is softer and more natural in appearance with the fine lines filling in your brows. Powder Brows deposits the color deeper via tattoo machine for a more filled in look.
Not ready to make the commitment just yet? Erin also does Henna Brows which are perfect if you’re just wanting to test out the waters or for someone who simply doesn’t want a permanent brow but loves the filled-in look.
Brighter Whiter teeth? Permanent eyeliner? Lash lift? Give Erin a call, not only is she incredibly talented but she’s also reasonably priced and I truly cannot say enough good things about The Perfect Feather. I clearly trust her as I put the fate of my brows in her hands and I LOVE them!
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