BLUSH Estética · Central Málaga
Microblading or permanent makeup: key differences and which eyebrow technique to choose
Both techniques aim for fuller, more defined brows, but they aren’t done the same way and they don’t look the same. Here are the key differences between microblading and machine micropigmentation (what most people call eyebrow permanent makeup or PMU), who each one suits and how we decide with you at BLUSH.
«I want to get my brows done, but should I go for micropigmentation or microblading?» It’s the question we hear most. The short answer: it depends on your skin type, how much eyebrow hair you have and the finish you like. The long answer is below: what is worth knowing before you choose one type of eyebrow treatment or the other.
What do the two semi-permanent eyebrow techniques have in common?
Both are semi-permanent cosmetic procedures and they share a lot:
- Both implant pigment into the skin, in the epidermis, the most superficial layer of skin; neither goes as deep as permanent tattoos with tattoo ink.
- They start the same way: a study of your facial features, a measured eyebrow shape and agreement on shape and colour.
- A numbing cream is applied, so you only feel a small amount of pain, more like mild discomfort.
- Quality pigments are used; mineral-based ones are chosen because they are hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of irritation, although there is always a small chance of allergic reactions. If you have known allergies, we discuss it beforehand.
- They need a few days of aftercare while the brows heal, a touch-up at 4 to 6 weeks and a refresh over time.
- Have them done at a beauty centre with a specialist permanent makeup artist and disposable materials.
Microblading vs permanent makeup: the key differences
What is the difference? Above all, the tool and the finish. Microblading uses a handheld metal pen (also called tebori) fitted with a micro blade of very fine needles that draws individual hair strokes with tiny cuts, whereas machine brows are done using a machine similar to a small tattoo machine (a dermograph): a single-point needle for strokes or several needles for the shading technique.
| Microblading | Machine micropigmentation (PMU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tool | Handheld pen with a micro blade | Dermograph, a fine needle machine rather than a tattoo gun |
| Finish | Hair-like strokes that imitate natural eyebrow hairs | Powder brows (soft ombre), strokes or combination; more defined |
| Ideal skin | Normal or dry | All types, including oily or mature |
| Approximate duration | Around 12 months, a year to a year and a half depending on the skin | Can last 1 to 3 years |
| Areas | Brows only | Brows, eyes (eyeliner), lips |
| Price at BLUSH | €270 | €270 (shading) · €300 combination |
Be careful with what you read online: it isn’t a permanent procedure, despite the name, and microblading does need maintenance. Neither is «forever», and neither uses permanent ink.
Microblading eyebrows: advantages and who they suit
The technique draws each hair, imitating the direction and thickness of your own brow hair, for natural-looking eyebrows. It is ideal if:
- You have brow hair but with gaps, or you want to improve the shape of your brows.
- You want a very natural eyebrow finish that doesn’t look made up.
- Your skin is normal or dry: on very oily skin the strokes blur sooner.
With hair strokes, the colour fades sooner. To keep microbladed brows fresh, a refresh every 12 to 18 months is recommended (€170 at BLUSH). If you’re interested in the machine version with an ultra-fine nano needle, read nanoblading vs microblading.
Machine brows and powder brows: advantages and who they suit
Machine micropigmentation is more versatile: with the dermograph we can create soft shading, strokes or a mix of both. It is ideal if:
- You have oily or open-pored skin, or mature skin.
- You like a brow makeup look, with more intensity.
- You have very little hair or need to fill areas with no hair, for example because of alopecia.
- You want it to last longer between appointments.
The most requested version is the powder or ombre effect: we explain it in microshading powder brows. Powder brows and ombre brows are popular choices for anyone who wants a soft, filled-in look.
Machine work can also be applied to other areas, such as the eyes or lips. Microblading, on the other hand, is for brows only: if someone has told you about this technique on the lips, it is actually a different technique, as we explain in lip microblading.
Which is better, microblading or an eyebrow tattoo by machine?
Neither is better in general; one is better for your face. It will depend on your skin type, how much hair you have and the style you like. Compared with traditional cosmetic tattooing, both stay far more superficial than a body tattoo. A quick summary:
Choose microblading if…
You want natural brows, you have your own hair and your skin isn’t oily.
Choose machine brows if…
You have oily skin, little hair, or you like a more defined, longer-lasting finish.
Choose the combination if…
You want drawn hairs at the front and density through the rest: the best of both, for perfect brows without makeup.
Antonella’s tip: don’t choose the technique by its name, choose it by your skin. Many clients come in asking for microblading and, with oily skin, shading suits them much better. We look at this with every client during the consultation.
At BLUSH, Antonella personally carries out every microblading session and every machine treatment. If you’d like to see how we do microblading in Málaga, start with our home page, where you’ll find the process step by step. We are at C. Constancia 23, near María Zambrano station, and we can help you in English via WhatsApp.
Microblading and permanent makeup at BLUSH
Real photos from @blush.esteticamalaga, no filters. Tap a photo to enlarge it.
Frequently asked questions
Which technique is more expensive?
Prices vary from salon to salon. In some, microblading may be cheaper, but at BLUSH both cost the same: €270. The combination costs €300.
Is permanent makeup really permanent?
No. Although it is called permanent, the pigment fades over the years and needs a touch-up, just like hair strokes.
Which hurts more?
With numbing cream, neither is significantly painful. Microblading feels like a light scratch; the machine, like a vibration.
What are the disadvantages of machine brows?
Seen up close, the finish is less natural than hair strokes, and if the brow colour isn’t right it can change tone over the years. That’s why choosing the right pigment is key.
What is the best technique for sparse brows?
With very little hair, machine shading or the combination usually works better, because it adds density where there is no hair.
Can I switch from one technique to the other?
Yes. Once the pigment has faded, the refresh can switch from strokes to shading or combine them.
Not sure which to choose?
Send us a photo of your brows in natural light on WhatsApp (+34 684 195 381) and Antonella will tell you which technique suits you. We are at C. Constancia 23, Málaga, Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00.