Thinking about getting your eyebrows microbladed?

I’ve Always Been Insecure About My Eyebrows

After some intense 90’s overplucking and an unfortunate incident with a cat when I was a toddler, I finally got my eyebrows microbladed. For years, I was so paranoid about carefully colouring my eyebrows in every morning, after swimming, and even while camping. I don’t want to even think about all the time I devoted to my eyebrows and how much could have been saved if I had just gotten this done earlier! As you can see from the below photo (which were taken less than two hours apart), getting my eyebrows microbladed made a world of difference.

1. Make SURE You Do Your Research First

• Check out whether or not they’re approved by the Fraser Health Authority

I was surprised to learn that not all shops that offer microblading are approved for health and safety. Don’t be afraid to ask!

• Ask to see their portfolio, scope their social media + read reviews

Makes sense, right? I became obsessive about looking at social media and consistently liked what I saw on Avenue 42’s instagram.

• Talk to people who’ve had it done

Word of mouth is HUGE. Why not ask people who you already know, like and trust? Or do a shoutout on a local facebook group to see if people have recommendations.

• Talk to the owner

Mandi Trickett-Wasylesky is owner of Avenue 42 and found out that she’s been in business herself for 10 years. “I trained in cosmetic tattooing originally in Vancouver at Biotouch Canada. I worked for three and a half years. Then I went to Toronto to The Micropigmention Centre for advanced courses in colour theory, eyeliner, powder brows, microblading and lips”.

How Do They Give Back?

Note: I also look for what businesses are doing to give back to their communities. I actually first connected with Mandi when I was working with Fraser Valley Lifestyle Magazine and wrote an article on Avenue 42’s #SheIsStrong Campaign, which provides women with cancer with cosmetic tattooing.

Mandi says, “#SheIsStrong By Avenue42 started because I have a very good client & friend who is a cancer survivor. She’s one of the most inspiring women I know. We were talking one day, and she expressed a desire to have her eyebrows done. She explained that they had never grown back quite the same since undergoing chemo. It was a constant reminder when she looked in the mirror. She said it was a way for her to take some more power back.”

Every 8 weeks, Mandi now sets aside a full day to do microblading or eyeliner for women who are cancer survivors, free of charge.

“I love doing this for these wonderful women. I honestly get just as much out of it as they do.”

2. You Will Feel A Bit Nervous

Yes, it’s normal to feel hesitant and nervous going into this. I quickly relaxed as Mandi is an ace at making me feel comfortable with a combination of music, cozy blanket and warm laughs.

2. Prepare To Look Silly. Like Santa Claus, in fact.

The numbing solution needs to sit on your brows and do its work so things will be pain-free later on. It looks funny… but it WORKS.

3. Anticipate Feeling Pressure, But Little To No Pain

I was surprised there wasn’t a tattoo buzz! As you can see in the video, microblading is done one stroke at a time in a feathering technique. It’s not often that moms get to lay down, wrapped in a soft blanket, and listen to music. I actually felt really relaxed during my appointment!

4. Block Out About 2 Hours For Your First Appointment

To ensure a one-of-a-kind experience, it takes a bit of time to get to know your goals, measure and draw the shape of your new brows, apply the numbing cream and do the microblading. It is an investment … but it also saves me SO much time in the long run!

5. As Things Heal, There’s Some Itch and An Aftercare Routine

Yes, when things are healing there can be some itch. Resist the urge as scratching can actually remove patches of the ink! I didn’t experience much of this, as Mandi had me on an easy routine of cleaning, calming, and moisturizing with set of all-natural Canadian products that she gave me at the end of the appointment.

My brows were a little darker immediately after the microblading, and faded a bit as they healed. I didn’t experience much redness, even right after my appointments.

Also prepare for no hot baths, direct sunlight, swimming, or retinol cream for the next ten days. 

6. Know That You’ll Likely Need A Touch Up

Once things have healed after the first appointment, you will probably need to go back for a touch up to perfect things.

7. You Will LOVE Your New Brows

I mean… what’s not to love about eyebrows custom-designed for your face shape? I always felt like my natural brows didn’t fit my face, and love the look of my new fuller microbladed set. I get out of bed every morning confident that my brows look good. I’m now a HUGE fan of microblading and plan to be a ‘lifer’.

8. Enjoy Your Results For A Year (Or Two)

Everyone’s skin is different, but prepare to have stellar eyebrows for at least a year after getting them done. Mandi has recently taken on a new Canadian pigment line that has a reputation of lasting longer and staying true to colour.

Avenue 42 Before + Afters

Then: First Round, One Year Ago

Then: Touch Up One Month Later

Now: One Year Touch Up

The Photos Speak For Themselves

I couldn’t be more happy with my new eyebrows, and am so grateful to have found Mandi and Avenue 42! I’d highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to make the switch to microblading … or to get your less than stellar results from other places fixed up!

Learn More About Avenue 42 + Book Your Appointment Online

Approved By the Fraser Health Authority

Update: May 2019: I’ve since decided to get Powder Brows instead of Microblading. Read about WHY I made the switch here. 

Despite the fact that this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.