Permanent makeup for brows isn’t a one-size-fits-all technique, and picking the wrong one for your skin type is the most common regret we hear about from people who got work done elsewhere. Here’s the real difference.

Microblading

Uses a hand tool to create fine, hair-like strokes that mimic natural brow hairs. Best for people who want a soft, natural “I just have great brows” look.

Best for: normal to dry skin. Not ideal for: oily skin, where strokes tend to blur and soften faster than intended. Healing: strokes can look darker and bolder for the first week before softening. Longevity: typically 1-2 years before a touch-up, often less on oilier skin.

Powder Brows (ombré brows)

Uses a machine to create a soft, filled-in look, like your brows after a good pencil-and-powder routine, but permanent. Builds up in tiny dots rather than strokes, often lighter at the front and darker toward the tail.

Best for: oily skin, anyone who already fills in their brows daily, anyone wanting a more defined “done” look. Longevity: generally holds up longer than microblading, especially on oilier skin.

Microshading (a hybrid)

Combines hair-stroke technique with light powder shading for texture plus fullness. A middle ground for people who want more definition than pure microblading but softer than full powder brows.

Best for: most skin types, people who want natural but slightly more filled-in. Longevity: similar to powder brows for most people.

How to actually decide

Ask yourself: do you currently fill your brows in with a soft pencil for a natural look, or do you go bolder with powder or pomade? Whichever your daily routine already looks like is usually your answer. And if you’re not sure, that’s exactly what a consultation is for. Your artist can look at your natural brow shape, hair growth, and skin type and tell you honestly which technique will actually hold up for you, instead of just doing whatever’s trendy.

Pricing on PMU work varies by technique and touch-up needs, so the best move is booking a consult where we can look at your skin and give you a real number, not a generic price you saw on some national franchise’s website that has nothing to do with your actual brows.