Hey Hey Babes! It's been awhile since I've posted, and I'll address it more later, but post-weaning depression. It's a thing, and it got me. Look it up.

Today though? Let's chat brows! Guys, I've wanted to get my eyebrows microbladed for literally TWO freaking years and I finally got them done in May, and went in for my perfecting session just a little over a week ago. I first learned about microblading not long before we got pregnant and instantly knew I wanted to get mine done, but quickly found out most estheticians won't work on someone who is pregnant or nursing. So I waited...and I researched, and watched a few friends blaze the trail before me. I learned a lot, then I got mine done, and learned more!

So many of you have asked questions about the process, where I got mine done, etc., and when I polled my IG stories last week about blog posts this topic was hands down the number one request, HA! So here we are!

So what the heck is microblading? The best way I know to describe it that it's basically like a semi-permanent tattoo on your eyebrows, using small strokes (that look like hairs) to help fill in gaps, or even create brows if you're someone without any hair. Google it!

My natural brows were super uneven, very thin, and short. I have tried for 5+ years to grow them in thicker and nothing was working, so microblading was the answer to my eyebrow prayers!

My first tip is to do your RESEARCH!! Research the procedure so you know what to expect (I'll touch on that in just a sec), but more importantly research your esthetician! Each one has likely trained differently and / or has different techniques. Check out their Instagram page for before and afters, make sure to visit their webpage and check pricing, and FAQs, just really really creep in on the person(s) because quite frankly...this is your freaking face and if you're going to have someone tattoo your face you for dang sure want to make sure they know what they're doing. Did you know in the state of Missouri, microblading isn't even regulated yet?? This is why choosing your esthetician is so so important!

I think most of you know this by now, but I chose Kelsi Allen from Bespoke Hair Co because she stood way above any others in the area regarding experience, precision, and professionalism. I'd recommend her 10 times out of 10 to anyone and everyone. You can see her client portfolio on Instagram @kelsiartistry.

So let's chat about the procedure! Any reputable salon you choose should explain the procedure in explicit detail, BUT here's a quick overview :)

I booked my appointment and paid 50% down on the service to reserve my spot. I wore full makeup (including my typical brow penciling) to the appointment so my brow artist could see my current preferences. She then expertly marked out symmetrical brow shapes showing me where she would recommend we fill, shade, wax, etc. (See photo below) The photo on the left is with the symmetry lines expertly measured and drawn on my brow bone, and I've just had the numbing cream applied. The photo on the right is after my initial appointment.


I agreed 100% with her recommendations, but if you have questions, revisions, changes, this is the step where you make those with your brow artist. After that, I sat under some numbing cream for 20 minutes, and then we got to work. It was actually such a relaxing and peaceful experience. The room is warm and inviting, and has a nice table you lay on (complete with fluffy blankets if you are cold) while my brow artist works her magic. You are numb so you can't feel anything other than your skin slightly tugging. There is a faint little clicking noise that you hear, and that I believe, is the blade working away. After a few minutes we waxed some existing bottom hairs to clean up my shape, and then my brow artist applied a few more strokes. With most artists I researched, you have an initial appointment, and then a follow up appointment (or perfecting session) 6-8 weeks later to truly perfect your brows.

After both your initial appointment and your perfecting session, there is a healing process that takes place. I was given a specific all natural organic ointment to use on my brows as they healed. During the healing process the brows get a bit darker, but don't be scared, that's literally your skin healing! The initial healing process takes approximately two weeks total, but the only thing that was annoying for me was my brows itched a bit LOL!! As you know, healing skin tends to itch, BUT it didn't last long and holy moly is my face ever different! Here is a full before and after. The photo on the left side is without makeup and you can see my sparse sad little natural eyebrows, their uneven lines, and awkward shape. [Also note my melasma (discoloration) in the photo on the left, most noticeable on my forehead, as I'll have a blog post about that and my dermatologist's recommendations soon.] The photo on the right is after my perfecting session was complete, and what I look like now.