Recently, I was introduced to the latest brow craze from Mandi Trickett over at Avenue 42 called powder brows, aka ombre powder brows, and now I am totally obsessed with the shape and colour of my brows. Avenue 42 is a fully licensed, Fraser Health-approved boutique studio in the heart of Brookswood, Langley. This fellow Valley Mom has been an esthetician for over 18 years and a permanent makeup artist for over seven years. I follow her on Instagram and have noted that several of my favourite local bloggers have trusted her with their brows– their results have been totally transformative!
I was inspired to take the plunge and try my luck with microblading again, but Mandi convinced me to let her try Powder Brows, which is achieved with a tattoo-pen (smaller than a traditional tattoo machine). They earn their name because the soft layers of shading create a ‘powdered’ filled-in look.
I arrived at her beautiful home-based studio in Brookswood armed with a ton of questions, not just from myself, but many of you readers, friends and family who knew I was going to brave the procedure. For all you babes wanting to up your brow game with powder brows, Mandi has given us the scoop on exactly what you need to know before you book your appointment.
First, tell us about your background. How did you get into this industry?
I started as an esthetician in 1997 and opened my home studio in 2007 when we bought our house. I ran a busy esthetic and nail business for six years, but in 2013, decided I wanted to do something different. That’s when I took my first of several cosmetic tattooing courses. Ever since, I have been doing brows, eyeliner and lips full time.
What services do you offer?
Microblading, Powder Brows, Combination/Hybrid Brows, Permanent Eyeliner, Lip Blushing and Teeth Whitening. I would have to say that brows are the most popular of my services. Eyeliner would be the second most popular.
When it comes to Powder Brows vs Microblading, which method do you prefer?
Powder Brows tend to last a bit longer than Microblading. They also tend to age better i.e. fading more evenly. Also, there is much less of a risk of scarring with Powder Brows vs Microblading. Powder Brows can also be done on every skin type, whereas Microblading is not suitable for oily or thicker-skinned clients.
I came into your studio requesting bigger, bolder brows, but we reached a happy-medium. How do you determine the perfect shape for your clients?
I like to incorporate the client’s natural brows whenever possible. Just tweaking them to get the best possible shape. I also use certain measuring points to determine the best shape for their face. If they have little to no hair, I use the brow bone and measuring points to shape their brow. I find if you deviate too much from a client’s natural brow bone, it can look strange on their face.
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Right now, I think the thick bushy brows are the trend. But let’s face it, they don’t suit everyone. I like to find a brow that is individually suited to each client rather than following a trend. I advise my clients against tattooing trends on their faces. That being said, if someone has full thick brows already, I am happy to fill them in to make them look better.
I am absolutely thrilled, okay, OBSESSED with my results. How do I keep my new powder brows looking fresh?
- Always wear sunscreen on your brows.
- Try not to use exfoliating products directly on them.
- Wipe your brows with a wet Q-tip or cloth after you apply your foundation. The foundation covers the colour of your brows and can make them look cloudy and greyish.
What can a client expect at their first appointment?
When a client comes for their first visit usually there would have been some communication between us either by email or an in-person consultation. I ask some general health questions (typically if a client is older). When they arrive, I have them wash or sanitize their hands and fill out some paperwork.
Next, I bring them into the treatment room and take some before photos. After the photos, I clean the brow area and do a thorough assessment of their eyebrows and skin.
Then I start designing the brows for them, taking into consideration their natural brows, face shape, brow bone and whether their eyes are close set or wide apart.
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Once we have agreed on a shape and colour, I apply a topical numbing cream on their brows and wait 15-20 min to start tattooing their Powder Brows. After a couple of passes on each brow, I will sit them up and make sure everything is looking good and do adjustments if necessary.
Once we have finished to both of our satisfaction, I take some after photos, go over the aftercare instructions with them, and give them their aftercare package. A follow-up appointment is usually booked for 6-12 weeks later.
Is it better to get your brows done in the winter?
Fall and Winter make it much easier to stay out of the sun. That is definitely one of the main concerns. Also, the cooler temperatures make it easier for people not to sweat (another concern). However, If people are mindful of sun exposure and sweating, however, Spring and Summer are perfectly fine times to have Cosmetic Tattooing done.
My two cents
It’s been over a month since my touch up and my brows have completely healed. I had to sacrifice around a week of exercise because sweating isn’t allowed, but it was totally worth it. When I wake up in the morning, I don’t have to do anything at all to my brows, except maybe a little gel if I’m feeling fancy. They frame my face perfectly and I am so happy with the colour and the wonderful experience I had at Avenue 42.
The Cost for Powder Brows
New Service: $450.00
Yearly Touch Up: $175.00
VM PROMO *** SAVE 10% ON ANY NEW COSMETIC TATTOO SERVICE***Touch up services do not qualify for the promotion. All you have to do is simply mention this blog post. Warning: book asap because her schedule fills up fast. I had to wait a couple of months for my first appointment, but it was totally worth the wait!
AVENUE 42
20030 42nd Ave. Langley, BC
604-825-7494
Disclaimer: My tattoo service was a gifted experience in exchange for an honest review. I reserve the right not to promote any products or services that I wouldn’t 100% recommend to my friends and family.
