Microblading and Permanent Makeup: Answers to the Questions Everyone Asks
Semi-permanent makeup, often called PMU, places pigment just under the surface of the skin to enhance your brows, lips or lash line. Done well, it saves time every morning and gives you natural-looking definition that does not smudge in the heat. Done badly, it can be hard and expensive to fix. Here are honest answers to the questions we hear most at our beauty studio.
What Is the Difference Between Microblading and Powder Brows?
Microblading uses a small hand tool with a row of fine needles to draw individual hair-like strokes into the skin. It creates a very natural, feathery look and works best on normal to dry skin. On very oily skin, the strokes can blur and soften faster.
Powder or ombré brows use a machine to deposit tiny dots of pigment, building up a soft, shaded effect that looks like filled-in brow makeup. Powder brows suit all skin types, including oily skin, and usually last longer. Many people choose a combination: hair strokes at the front of the brow and soft shading towards the tail.
What Is Lip Blushing?
Lip blushing adds a soft wash of colour to the lips. It can even out uneven colour, make a faint lip line look more defined and give the impression of slightly fuller lips. It is not the same as a bold lipstick tattoo; healed results look like a natural tinted balm. Darker lips may need a neutralising session first so the final colour looks even.
How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last?
- Microblading: usually 12 to 18 months before it needs a colour boost.
- Powder or ombré brows: around two to three years.
- Lip blushing: around two to three years.
How long results last depends on your skin type, sun exposure, skincare and lifestyle. Oily skin, frequent sun exposure, swimming and skincare with retinol or acids all fade pigment faster.
Does It Hurt?
Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. A topical numbing cream is applied before and during the procedure. Brows feel like light scratching; lips are more sensitive. The whole appointment, including drawing the shape, takes about two to three hours.
What Does Healing Look Like?
Healing takes about four to six weeks, and the brows go through some surprising stages. For the first few days, the colour looks darker and sharper than the final result. Around days five to ten, the area flakes and the colour can seem to disappear in patches. Over the following weeks, the colour slowly returns and softens. Do not judge your result until the end of the healing period.
A touch-up session six to eight weeks later fills any gaps and adjusts the shape or colour. This is a normal part of the process, not a sign that something went wrong.
- Keep the area clean and dry for the first week. Avoid sweating heavily, steam and swimming.
- Do not pick or scratch the flakes. Let them fall off naturally.
- Avoid makeup on the treated area until it has healed.
- Keep the area out of direct sun, and later use sunscreen to slow fading.
- Stop retinol and exfoliating acids around the treated area.
Who Should Not Get Permanent Makeup?
PMU is not suitable for everyone. Postpone or avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have taken isotretinoin in the last six to twelve months, have uncontrolled diabetes, are undergoing chemotherapy, take blood thinners, have a history of keloid scars, or have active skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or infection in the area. If you get cold sores, tell your artist before lip blushing; your doctor may recommend antiviral medicine beforehand.
Does It Look Natural?
It should. A skilled artist measures your face, maps a shape that suits your bone structure and expression, and mixes a pigment colour that suits your skin's undertone. A good artist will always draw the shape first and get your approval before starting. Be wary of anyone who pushes a trendy shape that does not suit your face, or who cannot show healed results, not just fresh ones.
How to Choose an Artist
- Ask to see healed photos at least a few months old, not only fresh results.
- Check that needles and blades are single-use and opened in front of you.
- Ask what pigment brand they use and whether you can have a patch test.
- Make sure they ask about your health, medicines and skincare before booking.
- Prefer an artist who talks you out of a shape that will not suit you over one who agrees to everything.
You can read more about our microblading and other services on our beauty studio page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can permanent makeup be removed?
Yes, but removal is slower and more expensive than the original procedure. It usually needs several laser or saline removal sessions. Choosing an experienced artist and a conservative shape is the best protection.
Can I get microblading if I already have old brow tattoos?
Sometimes. If the old pigment is very dark or has turned blue or red, it may need lightening first. An artist should assess it in person before agreeing.
How long does permanent makeup last?
Microblading usually lasts 12 to 18 months; powder brows and lip blushing usually last two to three years before needing a colour boost.
This article is general information based on our studio experience and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or dermatologist. If you have a medical condition, allergy or concern, please consult a qualified professional. Read our full disclaimer.
Rishi Verma founded Bombay Beauty & Tattoo in Shajapur and leads the studio's tattoo and hair work. Our guides are written with the studio team from the questions clients ask us every day, and are reviewed by the team member who performs each service. More about our studio.
