9D Microshading Brows (Makeup Ready Brows from $550)
I’d heard a lot of good things about Jo Artysan from friends, so I was excited (though still a little fearful!) when I made the booking for Jo to microblade my eyebrows. The new salon in TripleOne Somerset is bright, with white marble and luxe pink and copper accents. It’s clear that Jo has thought through every detail.
The team first took down my details and used an iPad to show me the different shaping styles and processes. Then, they led me to a movie-style makeup desk where Jo assessed my brows using rulers and guides to achieve my desired brow look – strong but super natural, with an arch designed to make my eyes look bigger. You also get to choose your brow style, whether you like a makeup effect with filled-in-colour or natural, hairlike strokes, or a combination of both.
Using her professional assessment and keen eye for measurement, Jo drew on the shape based on my “golden facial ratio”. We decided on a combination of natural strokes and some filler colour, which will make me more “Zoom-ready” with minimal effort.
Next, I’m led through a heavy velvet drape to a special private room where numbing cream is applied; I listen to a podcast for 30 minutes while waiting. My biggest tip for anyone who is a bit squeamish is to wear headphones and listen to music or a podcast during the treatment. This way, you don’t hear the scratching noises of the microblading equipment on skin; it can really grate on you after a while, even if there is no actual sensation or pain.
The whole process takes an hour, with with multiple micro incisions across both brows. I drifted in and out of sleep; the comfortable bed and heavy blanket are spa-like. I expected the reveal to be of reddened, swollen brows before seeing the real effect, but as Jo made me hold a mirror up, I actually gasped. My new brows looked so natural that no one could possibly know that I just got them done!
A take-home kit includes healing cream and an infographic card, which clearly details what to do (or not to do) each day until your touch-up appointment four to eight weeks later.
My brows peeled and healed well. There are now a few small patches that aren’t as dark as others, but Jo assured me via an online photo check on WhatsApp that the touch-up will fill in those and I’m confident that they will. The whole process was very professional, caring and painfree, with great results that should last a year or more with care. Best part was there wasn’t any hard selling, and they were upfront with their advice. In fact, I felt really assured and knew what to expect. And I got a lovely nap too!