education
7 min read

Microblading or Permanent Makeup? Choose the Finish That Fits Your Lifestyle

Compare longevity, maintenance, healing, and cost so your brows and liner look effortless for years.

MM

Melissa Metz

LPN, Advanced Aesthetics Nurse & Cosmetic Tattoo Consultant

Key Takeaways

  • Takeaway1

    Microblading creates hair-like strokes ideal for dryer skin types and soft results.

  • Takeaway2

    Permanent makeup (machine shading) lasts longer and suits oily or mature skin.

  • Takeaway3

    Both require touch-ups: 12–18 months for microblading, 24–36 months for machine work.

  • Takeaway4

    Healing includes 7–10 days of tenderness and 4–6 weeks before true colour settles.

  • Takeaway5

    Choose artists who use single-use needles, patch test pigments, and provide written aftercare.

Microblading: Feathered and Natural

Microblading uses a manual tool to etch pigment strokes that mimic hair. It’s beautiful on normal to dry skin and clients who touch up brows more frequently. Expect a feathered look, subtle colour, and 12–18 months of wear before refresh.

Permanent Makeup: Polished and Long-Wearing

Machine shading or powder brows implant pigment deeper, making them resilient for oily or combination skin. They fade more evenly and can last 2–3 years. Permanent liner and lip blushing fall under this category—ideal if you rarely want to pick up a pencil.

Decision Checklist & Healing Timeline

Day 1–3: bold colour, mild swelling. Day 4–7: flaking, no picking. Day 8–14: colour softens. Week 6: touch-up perfects shape. Book during lighter seasons, pause exfoliants, and follow aftercare to the letter. If you’re unsure which route to take, schedule a brow blueprint consult—we’ll map shapes and refer you to vetted artists.

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