Three new make-up tattoo treatments – including ‘life-changing’ micro-fine microblading
How would you like to wake up in the morning looking like the most put-together version of yourself? I don’t know any woman who wouldn’t jump at that offer. If you’re anything like me, you probably have a few things that you like to do each morning to make yourself feel good. I have to pencil in my eyebrows or else I feel naked, and I also always like to have a tint on my lips. If I have those two things, along with maybe a dab of concealer on a spot or two, I can go about my day just fine.
So while I was applying my usual make-up the other week, wishing for the millionth time that I was blessed with fuller brows and a rosier lip colour, I got to thinking that we’ve surely reached a stage of cosmetic invention now that could enable me to wake up every morning looking that little bit…better. Indeed we have. Semi-permanent make-up has moved on from the historically blocky brows that faded into orange pigment and the tattooed lip liner that looked anything but natural. These days, sophisticated new techniques and perfected pigments are making tattoo treatments trendier and more natural-looking than ever.
Here, I’m taking you through three new semi-permanent make-up methods that promise to have you rolling out of bed looking your very best…
MICRO-FINE MICROBLADING
What is it? Natural, 3D-looking hair strokes, drawn on with a microfine needle, that blend seamlessly in with your natural brow hairs. Unlike other brow tattoo techniques, microblading only uses strokes instead of shading or powder, meaning your results will be fluffy rather than very defined.
How long does it last? Between 18 months-3 years. If you have oily skin, the pigment won’t last as long as on those with normal skin. The top-up session is offered 12 months after your first booking, and then yearly touch-ups are recommended.
Zoe says: I love the look of laminated, fluffy eyebrows, so I was very keen to keep my brows looking natural rather than perfectly filled-in. Naturally, I have very sparse eyebrows that aren’t even cousins in shape, let alone sisters. It might sound like an overstatement to say this treatment has improved my life, but it actually has. Now, after the session and a top-up (I needed a few more strokes adding on my gappy tails), I only need to use a clear brow gel to set my hair in place – amazing. My only advice is to make sure you get microblading on a week where you don’t have too many plans since your brows will go very dark for a few days while they’re healing!
Price: From £700 for the treatment and top-up session at Nez Hasan London, Nezhasan.com.
GLOSS & GO LIP BLUSH
What is it? A lip tint applied with a small mechanical needle. This needle deposits the desired colour of ink into the lips and along the lip line to create the illusion of volume, restore shape and correct uneven lip pigmentation. The only thing you need to do is add a clear gloss for shine.
How long does it last? After a top-up session 2-12 weeks following the initial appointment, your lip colour will last between 1-3 years. Annual retouching sessions are encouraged to keep the colour looking pigmented.
Zoe says: When I say I’ve been reeling in the compliments about my lips since I had my two blushing sessions, I mean I really have. I chose a semi-deep dusky rose to mimic my favourite lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk, but you can pick any colour you want and they’ll mix it up for you. My lips went very red right after the treatment but that settled after 3-4 days. Now, a month after my top-up session, I wake up looking like I have lipstick and lip liner on. Plus, it’s given my lips more of a defined Cupid’s bow. The only thing I carry around now is some Aquaphor for gloss.
Price: From £595 for the treatment and top-up at Tracie Giles London, Traciegiles.co.uk.
LASH DENSITY
What is it? A micro-shading technique that intensifies the lash line to give the appearance of thicker lashes. A hand-held micro-shading tool is used to stipple particles of colour-matched pigment in push and flick motion throughout the baseline of the lashes. The pigment is diffused in between each natural hair to add subtle depth to the lash line.
How long does it last? Once you have your top-up session 4-12 weeks after the initial application, the pigment should last 12-18 months before you need to go back in for a touch-up.
Zoe says: I didn’t try out this treatment myself because, as a fan of individual lash extensions, I’m already pretty streamlined when it comes to my eye make-up routine (read: I do nothing to my eyes). This Lash Density is something I’ve recommended to friends who hate applying eyeliner but won’t go out without it. It’s the perfect treatment for adding definition without going OTT. You can always add a liquid eyeliner flick if you want more of it in the evening, but having the permanent, diffused pigment in the lashline means you wake up with thicker and darker-looking lashes that won’t smudge or fade during the day.
Price: From £495 for the treatment and the top-up in Karen Betts London Cheshire and Yorkshire clinics, Karenbetts.com.
What's the ouch factor?
Zoe rates having semi-permanent make-up applied as a 4/10 on her pain scale. Many treatments mix in a numbing solution with the pigment, so after the first few minutes any slight pain fades to just a bit of scratchiness.
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