If you are looking into permanent makeup in Orlando, the first decision is usually microblading or powder brows? Both are types of cosmetic brow tattooing, both last for years, and both are excellent — but they look and heal differently. Here is how to choose the right one for your skin and the look you want.
What is microblading?
Microblading is a manual technique. The artist uses a fine blade to draw hairlike strokes into the upper layer of skin, depositing pigment that mimics real eyebrow hairs. The result is extremely natural and lives best on people with sparse or patchy brows who still want a soft, hair-by-hair look.
Best for: normal to dry skin, people who want a natural, undone brow, and anyone whose existing hair pattern needs filling in rather than full reshaping.
What are powder brows?
Powder brows (also called ombre brows) are done with a digital machine that places thousands of tiny pigment dots into the skin. Heaviest at the tail and softer at the front, the result looks like a soft, filled-in brow — like wearing a tinted brow product every day.
Best for: oily or combination skin, people who already wear brow product daily, anyone wanting a more defined or “makeup-on” finish, and anyone whose previous microblading did not heal well.
Combo brows: the best of both
Combo brows blend the two: hairlike strokes at the front of the brow for natural detail, and a soft shaded fill through the body and tail. For many clients in Orlando this is the sweet spot — defined enough to skip daily product, natural enough to never look stamped on.
How skin type changes everything
Oily skin spreads pigment over time, which makes crisp microbladed strokes blur into a soft shadow within a year or two. If you have oily skin and choose microblading, you may be disappointed by how the strokes heal. Powder brows handle oily skin much better. Dry skin holds microblading beautifully.
At your consultation we look at your skin type, the brow shape that will flatter your features, and your day-to-day routine before recommending a technique. There is no wrong answer — just the right answer for you.
How long does each last?
- Microblading: typically 1 to 2 years before a refresh, less on oily skin
- Powder brows: 2 to 3 years on most skin types
- Combo brows: 2 to 3 years
Florida sun is hard on pigment. Daily SPF on healed brows is the single best thing you can do to keep your work looking fresh.
Book a brow consultation in Orlando
Not sure which is right for you? Come in for a consultation. We will look at your brows, your skin, and your goals together and walk you through every option. Book your appointment or learn more about permanent makeup at our Orlando studio.