Growing up I was always told that I had eyebrows like Brooke Shields. They were thick at the center of my face and then thinned out towards the end of my eyes. I really didn’t need to do much to keep them even.
However, this was the age of super-thin eyebrows. Like pencil line eyebrows. So I plucked, and I plucked and I plucked and I plucked until some of my eyebrows wouldn’t grow back.
Like this is embarrassing but in sixth grade, I literally had half eyebrows because that’s how much I tweezed them, and looking back it makes me want to crawl into a hole!
Ever since then, I’ve let them grow out as much as I could but the damage had been done! I could fill them in but if you have followed me for a while you know that I didn’t really wear make-up to the office at my old job! So usually my eyebrows were short and stubby and I was self-conscious.
Throughout quarantine, I started learning more about filling in eyebrows more effectively and I actually started researching microblading.
If you’re not familiar microblading is XX. It’s helped so many people get their confidence back from all different walks of life. I felt like maybe this could be good for me.
So I then looked into different studios and what they offered in the Chicagoland area and I landed on Midwest Microblading. From the moment I walked in I was at ease and was happy with my decision.
Some things that are important to look for when you're researching is experience and examples of work - you’re literally getting tattoos on your face! You have to take it seriously! Midwest Microblading had a lot of before and afters on their Instagram which you can view here.
Jen at Midwest Microblading had experience with a wide variety of tattoos and got involved in microblading to help people who have beaten cancer and had permanent hair loss.
They use medical-grade equipment and sterilization techniques (before and especially during covid) so I knew I was in good hands.
We walked through the process (two appointments, an initial appointment, and then a touch-up after they heal) and then mixed the tones that she felt would work best with my skin tone, hair color, face shape, and overall goal! I made a reel you can watch here that goes through the whole process!
Each appointment took about two hours. I truly don’t like needles or anything like that - and although there was some initial discomfort I would rate the pain at maybe a 2.5 out of 10. Truly nothing - it just felt like a lot of tiny plucks from tweezers. Jen prioritizes numbing the area for your comfort and I think that made a world of difference! (Important note: you can't drink caffeine or take vitamins 24 hours before your appointment!)
Post appointment it feels like you have a slight sunburn and then usually I went to bed not too far after my appointment.
It does take a while for your eyebrows to heal but the aftercare is a lot easier than you think! Some of what went into my aftercare included:
- Not working out for 7 days (you can still walk)
- You can’t get them wet for 10 days
- You can’t put products in them (no make-up, creams, serums, face wash, nothing!)
- You have to sleep on your back
- You can scratch or touch them
Eventually, your skin will scar and then fall off and it was very tempting to peel but I stayed strong! (As a girl who loves picking at her skin especially things like sunburn this took restraint LOL!)
About 8 weeks later I went in for my touch-up. Jen and I discussed how I felt they looked based on what I expected and looked at how my skin reacted and went for there! Everyone is different but I ended up actually going way darker the second time!
After another round of healing - I've never been happier with my eyebrows! I often get asked how long it lasts and that really depends on your skin type! It can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years and then you'd get touch-up's as needed.
If you're interested in getting your eyebrows microbladed - I recommend it! It's really improved my confidence and is one less thing I have to worry about when getting ready for the day. If you mention my name at Midwest Microblading you will get $50 off your service! You can reach out via Instagram or email her at contact@midwestmicroblading.com
