What is Microblading?
Microblading is a manual method of cosmetic tattooing that is used to create natural looking hairstrokes that shape and fill in thin brows, brows with bald spots, or can be used for a total brow reconstruction. Whether you have naturally bushy brows, or little to no natural brows at all - microblading can be used to create the brows of your dreams and allow you to finally throw away your brow pencil. Microblading tends to lighten over time and requires a touch up every few years to maintain the shape and saturation of pigment (frequency of touchups will vary between clients, aftercare is key!). The pigments I use are designed for permanent makeup, which means you won't be left with the dreaded blue/grey eyebrows that are typical of old school brow tattoos.

Microblading is best for clients with normal-dry skin who want the most subtle/natural result.

Microblading may not be suitible for clients with oily or mature skin. 

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What is A combo brow?

Combo brow is my most popular type of eyebrow tattooing, I combine microblading with shading to give the illusion of fuller more defined brows. While microblading alone gives an extremely natural, subtle effect that is almost undetectable, shading gives the illusion of density and a more "filled in look". For clients with little to no natural brows, shading helps me create dimension while still looking natural. Shading may not be necessary if you have a lot of natural eyebrows.

All brow services are customizable, for some clients a blade and shade will look like full natural brows while others may want to create the effect of filled in brows similar to the way they do their makeup - it's up to you!

If you are unsure if you would like to add shading you can book for microblading and decide to add shading at your microblading appointment or touchup. 

Combo brow works well for most skin types.

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What is A powder brow?

Powder brows are created using a shading technique without any hairstrokes. Powder brow will give you the most filled in or "made up" effect. Powder brows typically require less frequent touch ups.

Powder brow is the most ideal method for clients with mature skin.

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are your pigments vegan?

Yes! ​The pigments that I use are cruelty-free and vegan!​
The pigment lines I use are: Tina Davies & PermaBlend

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how long does it last?

After a couple of years without any touch-ups, your eyebrow tattoo may start to fade, this varies from person to person and there is no guarantee that your tattoo will fade with time. Touch ups are recommended no less than every 12 months to retain shape and saturation. I personally recommend that clients come in for touch ups less frequently. Pigment retention depends on skin type, age, aftercare, sun exposure, use of certain skin products, immune system, medications and many other factors. Although microblading is sometimes called "semi-permanent" it is still a permanent change to your appearance, while some of the pigment may eventually fade there is no guarantee that it will fade or completely disappear without tattoo removal. "Semi permanent" does not mean temporary and the term is misleading. Microblading is a method of cosmetic tattoo, tattoos are forever.

I price my touchups a little different than most artists, I do not require my clients to come in within a certain timeframe to qualify for a touchup. Touching up less frequently is better for your skin, any tattoo is going to cause some trauma to your skin and over time can cause scar tissue. I recommend waiting 2+ years, this should be doable with proper aftercare. As long as the general shape of the tattoo is visible and I am not starting over completely with the design you will pay the touch up price, if you wait so long that your tattoo has faded to a point where it isn't visible and I am starting from scratch essentially then it will be the new client pricing.

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does it hurT?

I use a very effective numbing agent before and during your procedure, so you should be comfortable during your appointment, experiences vary depending on the customer and their pain tolerance. Most of my clients say that they feel no pain during this procedure, this has been my personal experience as well. After the procedure, and during the healing process, your eyebrows may feel tight or itchy (almost like a sunburn).

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what happens in an appointment?

Before we begin the procedure, I will work with you to outline the desired shape of your brows with a pencil and together we will agree on the best color and shape to fit your face and natural features. Cosmetic tattooing does not require your entire eyebrow to be shaved and does not damage your natural hair. A cosmetic tattoo will not eliminate the need to wax/pluck your eyebrows if you already do so as unwanted hair will still grow normally. To keep discomfort to a minimum, anesthetic creams are used before and during the procedure. A touch up appointment is required 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment (excluding powder brows), this touch up is complementary. 

 

is microbLADING FOR EVERYONE?

No. Please be advised that there are some medical conditions and medications that prevent clients from getting this service. Occasionally, a doctor's note may be accepted on a case by case basis please contact me about this prior to booking your appointment.  You must be at least 18 years old WITH ID.

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Permanent cosmetics services cannot be performed if:

You are under the age of 18, or cannot provide government issued photo ID

You are pregnant or breastfeeding

You are taking immunosuppression medication

You are taking blood thinning medication (including aspirin)

You have taken accutane within the last 12 months

You are prone to keloids/scarring

You have had peels/laser/microneedling within the past two months

You have had laser resurfacing in the past year

You have had botox injections within the last 2 months

You undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy 

You have used products containing retinol within the last 2 weeks.

* Covid vaccine: it is recommended that you wait at least 2 weeks after your final dose, it is not recommended to be tattooed between doses.

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Permission from your doctor will be required if:

You have been diagnosed with an immune disorder

You have any condition that compromises your immune system

You are diabetic

You are someone who is at a higher risk for infection

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If you're still not sure if this service is right for you, or have any questions at all...

please feel free to email me at hello@marinaporter.com

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HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

Stop using any products containing retinol 2 weeks before your appointment, and throughout the entire healing process. For the best results I do not recommend using retinol anywhere near your permanent makeup, even after it has healed.

Do not take any blood thinners, pain killers/relievers, aspirin, ibuprofen, niacin, fish oil, or Vitamin E prior to your appointment. If you are unsure about medication you are taking, please consult your doctor before booking an appointment. 

Do not consume any alcoholic beverages the night before or day of your appointment.

I will refuse service and you will forfeit your deposit if you arrive to your appointment intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Avoid caffeine the day of your appointment, a cup of tea or coffee in the morning should be fine if you normally drink it. 

Avoid waxing within 2 weeks of your appointment.

Wear something comfortable as you will be laying down during your procedure.

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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?
Your brows will typically take 10-14 days to heal but it does vary person to person. During that time they will become flaky,  you must allow them to flake off naturally, picking or exfoliating will result in patchiness and loss of pigment. You will need to avoid getting them wet, this includes sweat, steam, swimming, etc. Once the flaking phase passes, your brows will appear a lot lighter due to new skin healing over the tattoo, don't worry, their true color should come out after 4 weeks! A follow-up session is required 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment (except for powder brows), as long as the follow up takes place within 8 weeks of the initial appointment it is complimentary.

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CAN MY MOM/CHILD/FRIEND/DOG/ETC COME WITH ME TO MY APPOINTMENT?

No. While I understand your friends or family may be interested in coming to your appointment, my space is limited and in order to maintain a sanitary environment and minimize distraction I will not allow anyone other than myself and the my client to be in the treatment room. There is a small waiting area available but as this space is shared and many of the services provided at the spa require a quiet and peaceful environment we ask that no children be left unattended during your appointment.

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Service animals are always welcome. Unfortunately, emotionally support animals and pets are not.

 

CAN'T FIND THE ANSWER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?

If you still have any questions, please feel free to email me at hello@marinaporter.com prior to booking your appointment. If you book a microblading appointment and it is determined during your pre-procedure consultation that you are not an eligible client for any reason listed above, I will be unable to refund your $100 booking fee and a no show will apply.

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