What is the difference between "Nano," and "microblading?”

As with anything in the tattoo and beauty industry, technique and technology is changing and improving! Cosmetic tattoos really surged when microblading caught on. Everybody LOVES a hair stroke look and it is the most common request we get here at the studio. However, microblading is not suited for everybody. Microblading uses a hand tool and is a manual tattoo procedure. The blade is made up of needles configured into a blade that is used to drag across the skin to implant pigment. Although the results (when done correctly) look beautiful when freshly done, skin types that are more oily are often not able to heal those beautiful strokes and the result ends up being light, blurry, or something barely existent. This procedure is also not ideal for very thin, mature skin, or clients who may be prone to keloids. There is a misconception that microblading is not an actual tattoo and that it is semi permanent. This has in a way made microblading become viewed as a casual service, with little commitment. It’s very important to know that although pigment may lighten significantly or all together on some clients, on others it may not. That is why it is VERY important to do research and view this procedure as something permanent.

Now lets talk about nano brows!! Nano brows are done by a cosmetic tattoo machine. A single disposable one round liner cartridge is used to safely implant pigment into the skin. There is much more artistic freedom to this technique. As the artist you have control over the saturation of each and every hair stroke you do. Some strokes can be more saturated, and some softer more powdery ones can be created to fill inbetween without over working the desired dimensional result. You get a beautiful tapered look to each hair stroke you do as well. This technique is suitable for any skin type, and the machine allows you to adjust to working on a more delicate, or thicker skin. Touching up cosmetic tattoos as years go on should be less often with this technique, and also safer as the pigment is implanted into the skin and not cut. This is not an easy technique to get down for artists. It takes a lot of practice, but because of the benefits we have committed ourselves to being able to offer it to our clients. It is still possible that an oily complexion will heal lighter than someone normal/dry but the chances of a better healed result are astronomically higher! Depending on your skin, brow hair, and desired result your artist still may suggest a powder eyebrow or combo.

We always suggest looking at artist portfolios to schedule with who’s work best represents what you are looking for. Experience and healed results should also be considered. Nano is (and should be) replacing microblading more and more, and guess what? We are here and READY for it! We believe in being very transparent with clients and giving them quality cosmetic tattoos that last and wear well with time. If we think this technique is going to work best for you…we are here to talk to you about it.

3-D Areola tattooing

3-D areola tattooing is used to help individuals restore breasts to their natural form through the process of “micro pigmentation,” or “tattooing.” After undergoing a mastectomy, and breast/nipple reconstructive surgery, realistic dimensional looking areolas and nipples can be created through this form of art.

If you are thinking about undergoing this procedure, here are some things to expect at your appointment and the healing to follow. You will likely do a consultation prior to this appointment either via email or in person. The shape, size, and color will all be discussed. Photos should be sent via email, or will be taken in person. The day of, a simple drawing will be outlined on the breast in the place and size discussed. The dimension and detail will be done during the actual tattooing procedure. More often than not there should be no pain or very minimal pain in the reconstructed breast. We do have topical anesthetic if there is some discomfort. When your 3-D areola tattoos are completed, you will leave with a dressing on. Laura will provide you with your aftercare instructions as well as the recommended ointment to apply for the healing process. There is no down time to undergoing this procedure, aside from avoiding vigorous exercise for a few days, as well as avoiding soaking in the tub, jacuzzi, pools, etc. A follow up appointment will be scheduled so that your artist can see the healed result and make any minor adjustments that may be desired at that time.

Laura works with The Sauler Institute through a program as a selective artist to provide individuals who qualify to provide free areola tattoos. Please email for more information on how to apply

As with any procedure done at La Marie Brow Club, if you have any specific medical questions as to being a good candidate or ready to undergo 3-D areola tattooing, please consult with your doctor as we are not able to medically advise you. This is especially important with clients that have undergone nipple reconstructive surgery to be sure the area is healed proper and ready.

Previous areola tattoo re done by Laura Mushenheim

Saline Lightening

We often have clients come in for consultations who are unhappy with a previous cosmetic and are looking for our help.

Sometimes we are unable to help these clients because they are dissatisfied with the overall shape, placement, symmetry, and color.

In these cases we reccomend laser removal. If a pigment was used that contains titanium dioxide, the laser cannot identify it as a color and will turn the cosmetic black or grey. There is no way to know how the laser will react to each individual and a test session is usually performed to see how it will react.

To break it down a little bit further, cosmetic pigments are made with different colors, these colors all have different size particles. Titanium dioxide (white, light colors, flesh tones) being the biggest particle and the hardest to remove, Carbon (black) pigment being the smallest and easiest to break down, and then all the colors in between. Think of it as titanium being a big boulder rock and carbon being a small rock, which one will be easier to carry up a hill? Carbon, of course.  

There are a few different methods of removal, Laser being one and saline removal being another, both very popular. However these two removal techniques work very differently. Laser pulsates a light to the pigment, it breaks up the particle and then pushes it back into the body where it is removed by the body’s lymph and waste system.

One benefit of Saline, is that it lifts the pigment up to the surface of the skin and out of the body. Saline does not recognize color, it recognizes pigment uniformly, therefore can remove ANY pigment. Still take into consideration the size of the pigment particle, the bigger the particle the harder it is to remove, however, another benefit of saline is there is NEVER a risk of turning black or grey. It may take longer sessions to remove, but it can be done with patience and time.

Q: How many sessions will it take?

A: How many session will depend on many different variables. It’s determined by, the pigment(s) used, how many times the pigment was implanted into the skin, how deep it was implanted into the skin, if there are layers of pigment over top of one another, if it was done multiple times over years by different artists, if it is deeply saturated in color, the clients own skin and healing process, and how well the client follows the aftercare regimen. An 8 week healing time in between each session is required.

Q: How do I know if I’m a candidate for removal?

A: An in person consultation is required where we will discuss what you currently don’t like about your permanent cosmetic, what your goals are, and what the realistic expectations are based off of you individually.

Q: Who isn’t a good candidate?

A: Anyone who is prone to Hyper/Hypopigmentation, Keloids, Pregnant or Nursing- No Exceptions. Lasers or Facial Peels- Must wait 1 month or longer depending on how strong the treatment, Sunburn, Moles, Skin Tags, or Open Wounds (In the area to be treated), Accutane- Must be off 1 year prior to appointment, Retin A- Must stop 7 days prior to appointment, and wait 30 days after treatment (completely avoiding treated area from then on after), Blood Thinners- 24/48 hours prior to appointment, Any ongoing medical conditions that may affect the healing of removal.

We’re excited to introduce this service to our clients that weren’t successful with laser removal, and will be launching February of 2019!

Please email all inquires to BrowArtistryByDanielle@gmail.com

Healed after one session.

BLUSH lIPS

Blush Lips is a form of cosmetic tattooing done by a machine. As with Microblading, Combo Brows, and Powder Brows Blush Lips are a two step process.

Numbing cream is applied to the area for 20 minutes like any other service we offer.  The lips will then be outlined with makeup around your natural shape. Small symmetry adjustments can be made, but this form of tattooing cannot be done outside of the the natural lip line. The skin differs from the lip line to the outside of your lip and will not heal consistently. 

Lips are done in quarter sections and will work from one side of the lip inward. For clients who are looking for a more defined lip line a liner needle is used to outline the lips. Once the liner is complete we will move onto shading the entire lip with a shader needle. A second numb is applied to the area during the process.

Progress pictures are taken to compare results from before your cosmetic tattoo, to your following appointments.

Lips heal 40-60% lighter then the initial tattoo and will look like a sheer wash of color or a stain to enhance your natural lip tone. These will not look like an opaque lipstick. 

The healing process is super quick and the aftercare is very minimal. 

You cannot eat or drink salty or spicy foods for the first 48 hours and will apply Vaseline or a non tinted chapstick to the area as needed. 

They start to peel within the first few days and are healed within the first week. Color may subside the first week after peeling and will resurface as your skin naturally regenerates.  Touch ups are scheduled 4 weeks after your first appointment. 

Everyone’s skin is different and touch ups can be anywhere from 1-3 years. Depending on how saturated the pigment is, what the color choice is, and the clients personal needs, would determine when to schedule your touch up. 

Clients love this service for summer as it’s fast healing with minimal aftercare.

Anyone who is looking to get their lips tattooed and have ever had a cold sore, will need to consult with your Dr about a preventative medication. This will need to be taken two weeks prior to your scheduled appointment and following your procedure.

Tattooing the lips to anyone who has had a cold sore could result in an outbreak and necessary precautions need to be taken prior to your appointment. 

Danielle is running a promo for July and August of $295. This service full price will be $550. You can book online or call the studio to book your appointment. 

Lash Line Enhancement vs Eyeliner

We get many questions about what the difference is between a lash line enhancement and a cosmetic eyeliner.

A lash Line Enhancement is a thin line that sits at the root of your lashes and gives the illusion of a fuller lash line. When your eye is shut there is minimal trace of the eyeliner as there is with a typical cosmetic eyeliner. This technique may not replace the look of a fuller eyeliner, but for most, will give just enough at the base of your lashes to where women feel eyeliner is not needed. Though the end results are subtle, they are just as permanent as a typical cosmetic eyeliner. Yay for waking up without having to do your makeup! 

Q: What do I need to know prior to booking a lash line enhancement appointment.                                                                                                          A: No lash lifts, lash tints, lash extensions or growth serums for 6 weeks prior to your scheduled appointment.

Q: What is the healing for a lash Line Enhancement?                                                                                                                                                             A: Keep area clean and free of makeup for about five days. Minimal swelling. No mascara for 7 days, at that time you will need to use a brand new tube of mascara.

Q: When can I use a lash serum or get lash extensions?                                                                                                                                                       A: 5-6 weeks after your appointment. At this time you will be completely healed and can pick back up on normal routines.

Q: Can I get the line thicker?                                                                                                                                                                                                    A: Yes we can do it a little thicker but will not do cat eyes or anything that we feel will not wear well with time. You can always add makeup to your permanent cosmetic, but you can’t take it away!

Microblading Vs. Machine work

Not only is every persons eyebrow situation different, but everybody has different skin as well. For that reason, we provide different permanent cosmetic solutions to accommodate a variety of clients.

Let’s start with micoblading. This is definitely the current trend that has brought permanent makeup to the forefront more recently. The results are meant to mimic real hair, and can help improve symmetry, shape, and hair density. Please read our first two blogs that go a little more into detail about the process of microblading and how it works. Microblading will not take the place of makeup for a client who likes a more solid filled in look. The beautiful thing about microblading is that it looks natural when you don’t have any makeup on, and you can always add makeup to them when you have a full face on. Although microblading can be labeled as “semi permanent,” the results can still last for quite a while and it is important to make an educated decision on getting it done. The healing process is very delicate and certain skin does not take as well to the process as others. Medical conditions, skin type, and other factors come into play. Sometimes aftercare needs to be adjusted for different skin types as well. Here are a few examples of microbladed eyebrows.

Next up would be a “combination brow.” There are several reasons as to why we would maybe incorporate some machine work into your eyebrows. A combination brow can be done by microblading some hair strokes, or doing machine/nano hair strokes with a shading or “powdering” effect with them. If there are areas of your eyebrow with no natural hair growth that you would like filled in, we may decide to add some shading to blend in to where your natural hair starts to grow.  If you are someone who has had your eyebrows microbladed by us but decide you want a more filled in look, we can add “powdering,” or shading to your annual touch up for an upcharge. This may eleviate the amount of makeup add to your microblading on a daily basis if you find yourself liking a more filled in eyebrow than just a microblade application. Machine work does last longer than microblading, and some skin tends to accept pigment better with this application. Machine work is a good option for clients who’s skin does not retain or heal microblading as well as others. Here are some examples of a combination eyebrow.

Powder brows are done by shading in the desired eyebrow shape with a machine. There are no hair strokes in a powder brow. This is a good option for clients who like a more solid filled in eyebrow, and also very oily complexions who do not retain hair strokes as well. This would also be a way to work with previously tattooed eyebrows that are faded enough for us to consider touching up. Microblading is not an efficient method to do touch ups on previously tattooed eyebrows, as you will still see the old tattoo through the hair strokes. Here are some powder brow examples.

During a consultation we would be able to make a custom recommendation for your eyebrows based on what hair we are working with, your desired results, as well as your skin type. We hope this little blog has given you some insight as to what your different options are, and that hopefully we can find something that works for you!

Is Microblading a Tattoo?

Is microblading a tattoo?

The answer is yes. Microblading implants pigment into the skin, therefore it is in fact actually a tattoo. This process is done in a way that sits shallow in the skin to create realistic, fine hair strokes. The reason it has inherited the description of being "semi permanent," is because of the frequency touch ups may be needed due to where the pigment sits in the skin vs. a traditional permanent cosmetic or tattoo. However, ALL permanent cosmetics fade with due time and will need touch ups and freshening of color. 

Although the term "semi permanent," gets used a lot when describing microblading, it is important for consumers to remember that the effects of this procedure can actually last for an extended amount of time. Choose an artist the same way you would when going to get a tattoo. Choose an artist the same way you would when looking for a wedding makeup artist. You research these individuals because you will have to look at a tattoo forever, or your wedding pictures forever. Although permanent cosmetics soften and fade with time, you will be wearing the results of your procedure on your face for an extended time frame. Look at portfolios and choose your artist based on talent, not convenience. 

Lastly, tattoos need to be done in a sterile environment. Typically getting a tattoo out of someones home is frowned upon for this reason. Tattooing is not done in salons and spas because it is not considered to fall under cosmetology or esthetics. There are chemicals, hairsprays, acrylics, hair, all circulating through the air in salons that could also make the environment unsterile. Microblading also does not fall under cosmetology or esthetics. It is a form of permanent cosmetic, or tattooing and should be treated the same as such.

Intro to Microblading

Microblading is a two step process. We get a lot of questions about the process and understanding that it can be an intimidating appointment to commit to. We documented this young lady's two appointments from beginning to end to give a better idea of what you can expect, and to also show exactly why microblading is a two step process. 

First things first, MUGSHOTS! These pictures are taken for us to utilize during your consultation and to track your progress from appointment to the next. We can look at your eyebrows together, and determine what we like about your existing eyebrows, and what we would change about them. We incorporate as much of your natural eyebrow as possible to reach a more natural result. 

Consultation time. Your first appointment is scheduled for two and a half hours. A large portion of your appointment will be the consultation. This part of the process you have to use your imagination a bit. We make an outline of a desired eyebrow shape based off of what we discuss in your consultation as well as some measurements. You'll need to picture that the negative space is filled in with hair strokes, and not solid filled in. This outline can look intimidating! Any stray hairs that are outside the desired shape are removed with a small eyebrow razor. It is also ok to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded four days before your microblade appointment.

Microblading is done with a small sterile blade. Each blade is disposed of appropriately after every procedure. Any supplies that touch your skin during the procedure are disposable, and all necessary precautions are taken against cross contamination.

After sitting with a topical numbing agent for twenty minutes it is time to actually microblade. The blade is dipped into pigment and hair strokes are manually placed into the skin. Here it is after one pass. Hairstrokes are placed next to each other but not overlapping. There is very minimal bleeding, as microblading does not go as deep as a real tattoo. We would then apply a mask of this pigment and let it sit for a few minutes. After wiping down the eyebrow a second liquid numb is applied to ease any discomfort while more hair strokes are added to finish the eyebrows.

Finished eyebrows after first appointment! What an improvement! This is a good amount of hair strokes for one visit so we can assess how she heals at the touch up. Compare micro blading to painting a wall. You have to let one coat of paint dry before you can add a second coat. We need to let your one layer of hair strokes heal, before you can add more.

Healed after six weeks! She retained her shape and most hair strokes. During this appointment existing hair strokes are crisped up, and more are added to achieve a little more density to the eyebrows. This appointment is scheduled for just an hour and a half with twenty minutes built in again to numb.

Finished! She will get a hold of us when her brows have faded, but not completely lost their shape. As long as she comes in for touch ups she will never have to do the whole two step process again. Touch ups can be anywhere from 6-18 months.