Latest news with #microblading
Vogue Arabia
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Vogue Arabia
Microblading, Microshading, Lamination – Which Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Enhancement Technique is For You?
Nothing has had a more dramatic character arc than the eyebrow. The '90s and early 2000s favoured the overplucked, pencil-thin look; the 2010s embraced bold, bushy arches. And now, in the 2020s, we've settled into a soft and natural fullness. And while brow pencils still hold their place, somewhere along the way we found ourselves with a wave of semi-permanent brow enhancements – each promising definition without the daily upkeep and fill-ins. So, amidst microblading, microshading, and lamination, which one is right for you? The brow experts help you decide. Microblading 'It is a form of semi-permanent tattooing where fine, hair-like strokes are etched into the skin using a hand-held blade,' explains Suman Jalaf, celebrity brow artist and founder of Brows By Suman. 'It mimics the look of natural brow hair and is ideal for those looking for more structure or filling in sparse areas.' Arti Bagga, a Dubai-based celebrity brow artist, believes that microblading is ideal for those seeking a natural, hair-like finish. 'It is apt for reshaping or filling in sparse brows,' she says. It, however, isn't ideal for those with oily or sensitive, thin, or mature skin, as the fine strokes may blur over time. The results from microblading can fade unevenly during healing, too. Longevity : 12-18 months with proper care (touch-up after 6-8 weeks) Perfect for: Sparse, uneven brows looking for a more natural result. Ideal for those with dry to normal skin. Lamination Unlike microblading, lamination is a non-invasive technique that doesn't involve pigment. 'It essentially restructures your natural brow hairs to lift and set them in a uniform direction, giving a brushed-up, fuller, and more groomed appearance,' says brow artist Lubna Sharsheer, BrowzHaus. Describing it as a styling treatment that relaxes and resets your natural brow hairs, Jalaf says to think of lamination as a brow 'perm' that gives an instantly groomed look without needles or downtime. 'It instantly lifts and offers fullness and is great for taming unruly brows,' she adds. 'The results, however, are temporary and not suitable for very sparse brows.' Additionally, it can also dry out brow hairs if overdone, warns Bagga. Longevity: 4-6 weeks Great for: Full brows and are looking to enhance shape and lift, giving you a more polished, brushed-up look. Microshading A new feather to the semi-permanent hat, microshading uses a stippling method with tiny dots of pigment to give a soft, powdery, filled-in effect. 'Think of it as a makeup-like finish,' says Sharsheer. 'It's great for those who prefer a more defined or ombre brow.' This technique works well for all skin types, including oily or mature skin. Microshading, however, doesn't leave you with a realistic effect the way microblading does. 'It is less 'hair-like' and may not be ideal if you want an ultra-natural effect,' she advises. Longevity: 1.5 to 2 years (touch-up after 6-8 weeks) Great for: A more bold and defined look, longer-lasting finish with less maintenance as opposed to microblading. Ideal for those with oily or sensitive skin. The experts agree that eyebrows and the semi-permanent treatments aren't one-size-fits-all. Figuring out what works for you depends on your natural brow texture, skin type, and lifestyle. Jalaf advises not to follow trends, but instead to follow your face. 'A thorough consultation with an expert can help you map out the most flattering brow technique based on your bone structure, hair growth, pattern, and daily routine.'
Vogue
11-06-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Microblading or Microshading? Here's The Difference
When it comes to the options for semi-permanent eyebrow makeup, microblading and microshading are usually at the top of the list. Yet few of us actually know what they are—or the difference between them. To make it easier to decide which is right for you, here's everything to know about the two techniques. Microblading or microshading? The two techniques belong to the same family: semi-permanent make-up, which can remain visible for anywhere between one and 24 months, depending on the technique and skin type—although, on average most results last six months to a year. Fans of semi-permanent makeup like that it streamlines their daily beauty routine, allowing them to skip certain steps. With microblading or microshading, the focus is the shape, proportion, and harmonization of the eyebrows. For both techniques, a needle is inserted under the skin to deposit a colored pigment and redefine the eyebrow line. The true difference lies in the way the pigment is applied and the aesthetic that's therefore achieved. The difference between microblading and microshading Although the two techniques are similar, they don't have the same name for a reason. Microblading offers a precise effect in which whisper-thin lines are manually drawn with a stylus fitted with small needles to imitate the appearance of natural hairs. The pigment is inserted into the epidermis via very fine incisions. When done well, the result is hyper realistic—it looks as if real hair has been added. It's recommended for people with sparse eyebrows or those wishing to fill in gaps, while retaining a natural, discreet look. Microshading, on the other hand, offers a more filled-in, blended effect. The technique uses a stylus to deposit pigments in the form of tiny dots, creating a shaded effect. This produces a softer, powdery result, similar to that obtained with an eyebrow pencil or shadow. Microshading is particularly suited to sensitive or oily skin, as the fine lines of microblading tend to blur over time on oiler skin. It's also less invasive and less prone to scarring, and great for those seeking a more fuller, made-up look.
Entrepreneur
23-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
From Beauty to Business: The Rise of Self-Made Beauty Entrepreneur Ashley Aquilina
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a world saturated with trends and influencers, few stories stand out like that of Ashley Aquilina, a British beautician who turned her passion into a thriving beauty business. From a £4 -an-hour job at a spa in her hometown of Manchester, to launching a mobile beauty business in her local area, Aquilina's career trajectory changed when her mother helped her find a lucrative niche. "When I was 23, I had my brows tattooed for the first time, and my mum advised I should learn how to do this. Semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) wasn't big at the time, but I followed my instinct—and it's been the best decision I've made," she says. Before long, her mobile beauty business evolved into a specialist business focused on semi-permanent makeup, servicing clients in Manchester and Dubai. "Four years ago, I expanded by launching my own academy and online SPMU product shop." Looking back at the early days, Aquilina says that the biggest challenge was financial. "Working in salons paid poorly, and being self-employed was risky, especially without consistent client flow," she explains. "There was also the pressure of educating clients about treatments that weren't yet mainstream, like SPMU back then. But I believed in the quality of my work and stayed persistent." Today, Aquilina specializes in beauty treatments for eyebrows (microblading, ombre brows, and combination brows) and lips (lip blush). "Currently, I have a small but dedicated team that helps manage the academy, product orders, and client bookings. I work closely with my staff to ensure the business still feels personal and high quality—something I've always valued," she explains. Ashley Aquilina Academy was borne out of her desire to help aspiring beauty professionals build a lucrative career. In a blog post on her website, Aquilina lays out the full cost breakdown with complete transparency- investing between £1,200 and £4,000 in microblading training can lead to a monthly income of £5,000 to £32,500. "After years of perfecting my craft, I realized there were so many aspiring artists who lacked guidance and proper education," she explains. "I created my academy to empower others—to teach them not just the technique, but the business side of beauty too. My courses are designed for beginners as well as professionals looking to upskill." Ashley Aquilina, founder of Ashley Aquilina Academy. On her main learnings from this part of her business, Aquilina says, "I've learned that teaching is an art in itself. People learn differently, and it's so important to provide not just information, but mentorship and confidence-building. It's also taught me how fulfilling it is to watch others succeed from something I helped them achieve." Her curiosity and ambition eventually brought her to Dubai, a place she had long considered "full of opportunity, especially in beauty." She explains, "I noticed that SPMU was in demand here, and the entrepreneurial culture really aligned with my mindset. I knew I had something valuable to offer, and I wanted to grow beyond the UK." However, entering the the Dubai beauty market was no easy feat. "The biggest challenge was adapting to a new market with different regulations, consumer behaviors, and even cultural expectations," Aquilina explains. "It took time to understand the licensing and legal requirements to operate professionally. I overcame these challenges by researching thoroughly, networking with other professionals in the region, and staying adaptable." When it comes to style and consumer expectations, the markets of the UK and the UAE have its differences, Aquilina says. "The UAE market is more trend-driven and fast-paced. Clients expect a very high level of service and are willing to invest in luxury treatments. In the UK, clients are sometimes more reserved in their approach, and trends can take a bit longer to catch on. However, both markets value quality, trust, and professionalism—which I always aim to deliver." Her future plans include expanding her training courses further internationally, introducing more advanced education options, and growing her online store. "I'm also exploring brand collaborations and product development, especially in the SPMU space." Aquilina is equally passionate about both artistry and entrepreneurship which might be the secret to her success. "I'm passionate about the creative side—brows, lips, pigments—but I also love the business side. I schedule time for both. I treat my artistry like a craft I constantly refine, while also focusing on growing the academy, brand, and online store," she concludes.
