Six glorious weeks ago, I made the best decision of my life to date: I got two tattoos on my face.
After years of suffering the aftermath of my teenage self’s overzealous plucking, I finally — after months of research and convincing that it wouldn’t be the most painful thing ever — booked myself in for the feather touch brow treatment.
This involves the application of semi-permanent pigment that appears like fine hair strokes to make your eyebrows appear fuller and more defined.
I arrived with skinny, asymmetrical, unflattering brows, and walked out less than two hours later looking and feeling like a total goddess.
Before and immediately after. Image supplied.
The transformation was immediate, relatively painless, and changed my life almost instantly.
The appointment itself was simple — after a consultation with the brow artist to determine that I was an appropriate candidate for the process, and the shape that I desired, it was time to start.
After a quick break for a nervous wee, a topical anaesthetic cream was applied to my eyebrow area to minimise pain throughout the procedure. My new eyebrow shape was then measured and sketched onto my face ready for Stephanie from LeBeaute Salon to work her magic.
And work it she did.
Using a manual hand tool, which has a series of needle tips on the end, Stephanie created my brows stroke by stroke. And voilà — the before and after photos don't lie. (post continues after gallery).
The best celebrity eyebrows for your browsing pleasure.
My new brows were a little sensitive for the first few days, and like any normal tattoo there was some itchiness as the skin healed. It was also really important to look after the area during this time, ensuring I applied soothing cream and avoided contact with any cleansing products and exposure to water where possible.
The effort was worth it, though — I couldn't be happier with the result, and not only because my brows now fulfill their purpose of keeping sweat and moisture out of my eyes. Here are the other benefits:
1. Less makeup.
I've never worn a whole lot of makeup. Pre-Feather Touch Brow, however, I was very conscious of my eyebrows and spent too much time and money on various products to try and improve the situation. Pencils. Powders. Enhancers. Magic potions.
I dove head first into a pool of eyebrow products and I had no freaking clue what I was doing. Zero. Nada. Nothing.
Sometimes I nailed it, but more times than not I failed on an epic scale. Since my appointment, I have entered an eyebrow product-free zone and the world is better for it. Trust me.
Me most days. It was rarely pretty. Image via Giphy.
2. More time.
I wake up every morning and my brows are ~on fleek~.
A quick cleanse, mascara, a tiny bit of foundation, and I am ready to take on the world. Less time getting ready means more time for morning exercise sleep. More sleep equals a happier me. A happier me...I think you get the picture.
3. More money.
If the old adage that 'time is money' is true, I should be rolling in it right now.
Although I've not noticed a major increase in my bank account since getting my brows done, I have noticed some savings.
Aside from the initial investment - anywhere from $700 - $1100 depending on where you get the procedure done - I have saved money on brow products and maintenance and makeup in general. As my skin has cleared and my confidence has grown with my new look, I have found myself leaving the house sans makeup on more than one occasion. Less makeup worn means less purchased. I can see the money rolling in now.
Don't mind me, I'm just counting my savings. Image via Giphy.
4. Improved skin.
Since my appointment, my skin has cleared up. It's the best it has been for as long as I can remember, possibly ever.
I didn't have terrible skin before the procedure, but I was incredibly lazy when it came to cleansing. What I thought cleansing was and what it actually is are apparently two very different things — and I now know the difference.
I put this new educational development down to the fact I was advised not to wet my face following the procedure, so my normal routine of 'cleansing' by splashing water on it in the shower would no longer be acceptable (if it ever was). I was forced to buy cleanser and apply it before showering, and holy moly that stuff works.
My eyes have been opened to a whole new world and a whole new aisle in the supermarket. It's quite magical, really.
Confidence.
Most importantly, I feel great with my new brows.
I'll admit I was very nervous leading up to and during the procedure, considering every reasonable possibility. What if I looked ridiculous? What if my research was a total shambles and the salon I chose had no idea? What if the artist slipped and I ended up with a wonky eyebrow? What if a dragon burst into the room during the procedure and I was left with only one brow completed for the rest of my life?
The moment the procedure was complete, I gasped, stared at myself in the mirror and almost cried because I looked so different. As I was driving home I vowed not to look in the mirror, just drive, it would all be fine, remain calm.
And it was fine, because unless I'm looking at a photo, I can't even remember what my eyebrows looked like before. When I do look at these photos, I'm shocked that I lived with poorly constructed brows for so long.
I never knew how much a well-shaped brow could define your face, enhance your eyes and generally improve your look, but I certainly do now.
Eyebrow goals unlocked. Image via Giphy.
The only thing I regret is that I didn't get it done sooner.
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