WHAT IS A COSMETIC TATTOO?

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SERVICES FEATHER & BLADE HAS TO OFFER.

You’ve heard a lot about “microblading” or “hair-stroke brows”, and maybe even the phrase “cosmetic tattoos”. It can get a bit confusing, so here is a crash course on cosmetic tattoos and what services Feather & Blade offers under that umbrella.

What exactly is a cosmetic tattoo?

The term “cosmetic tattoo” is any technique that implements tattoo (pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing the restorative appearance of eyebrows, and enhancing lip color among other associated services such as faux freckles. 

Hair-stroke brows

Microblading is a cosmetic tattoo procedure that creates lifelike hair-strokes in your brow area. This is done by inserting cosmetic pigments into the dermis layer of the skin using a manual technique. Microblading is also known as “brow feathering” and “hair-stroke” tattooing. This method is best suited for clients who have dry to neutral skin types.

Nano hair-stroke brows, also known as nano needling or micropigmentation, are created with one single needle and a digital cosmetic tattoo machine. Microblading and Nano machine hair-strokes are different techniques with the same visual end result! Your artist may specialize in one technique or another for hair-stroke brows.

Powder or Ombré

Machine shading is a cosmetic tattoo procedure that creates a more opaque result resembling brow makeup. This is done by inserting cosmetic pigments into the dermis layer of the skin using a rotary or digital cosmetic tattoo machine. Machine shading is also known as a powder brow or ombré brow. While not everyone is a candidate for microblading, most people are candidates for machine shading. Additionally, this technique can be used in combination with our hair-stroke or microblading process for the illusion of more density.

Bespoke Brows

Bespoke Brows are our signature treatment where we create your new brow design using lifelike strokes applied directly onto the skin using microblading, machine hair-strokes, and machine shading techniques best suited for each client’s face. This service is one-of-a-kind and custom to you! The treatment assures well-shaped and balanced brows all day, every day. You can read about the Bespoke Brow healing process in our aftercare blog post.

How Long Does the Result Last?

How long the results last depends on pigment color, skin type, aftercare, and lifestyle. If done correctly, the treatments do not change color and fade naturally with time. While significant fading will occur, you will likely always have residual pigment in the skin. Yearly touch-ups are recommended to maintain the results.

Lip Blushing

Lip blushing is a form of cosmetic tattoo that enhances the beauty of the natural lip color, defining the shape of the lips and giving the illusion of fullness. At first, the color will appear brighter and more vibrant, appearing more like lipstick. Once healed you can expect the color to heal 50% lighter than it appeared immediately after the procedure, which results in a beautiful natural color. The healing time is typically one week.

Freckles

While excessive sun exposure can cause serious skin damage, faux freckles are a safe option to get you looking constantly sun-kissed. The freckle pattern is created in collaboration with your cosmetic tattoo artist and is achieved by using either a rotary motor (machine).

We hope this information acts as a great resource in your cosmetic tattoo research. If you have any additional questions feel free to reach out to the FAB team. We’re happy to support you!

Xoxo, Team FAB