Transform Your Look: A Comprehensive Guide to Eyebrow Art Makeup Types and Fascinating Before & After Examples!
2020.10.02 published
Everyone is Doing "Eyebrow Art Makeup" for a Beautiful Look
Eyebrows are an important part that influences the impression of the face.
There have been methods for doing art makeup on eyebrows since a long time ago, but it used to have a somewhat heavy application impression. (You can kind of tell when celebrities in their 50s and 60s have had art makeup, right...?)
However, in recent years, the technology for art makeup has advanced, allowing for natural and gentle application that has such high quality, you wouldn’t know it was done unless someone told you!
(Instead of the bold, clearly defined art makeup like the Kanou sisters, you can achieve naturally soft eyebrow art makeup like that of Keiko Kitagawa and Satomi Ishihara♩)
The benefits of eyebrow art makeup include:
✅ Shorter makeup time
✅ Confidence with a bare face
✅ Eyebrows won’t wash away in hot springs or pools
✅ Attaining your ideal eyebrow design
✅ Correcting asymmetry between eyebrows
These are just a few of the perks!♡
In this article, we will easily introduce the details of eyebrow art makeup that you might be curious about.
① Types and costs of eyebrow art makeup
② How long does eyebrow art makeup last?
③ What design should you choose?
④ Before and after examples
⑤ Recommended places
Please use this as a reference before you undergo art makeup!♡
【Caution】 What are the drawbacks of eyebrow art makeup?
While you can obtain beautiful eyebrows through art makeup, it certainly has its drawbacks. (Art makeup involves inserting pigment into your facial skin, so you should understand the disadvantages before proceeding*)
✅ It can’t be easily removed
✅ The procedure may involve some pain (anesthesia is often used)
✅ Swelling or redness may occur
✅ You can’t change the design for a while
✅ It can be expensive, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen
✅ It can fade over several years
✅ There is a risk of failure
Make sure to understand both the benefits and drawbacks before undergoing the procedure*
① Types of Eyebrow Art Makeup
Eyebrow art makeup can be broadly categorized into three types.
<①> Powder Brows (Machine Tattooing)
Powder brows (machine tattooing) are a technique that involves using a specialized machine to insert pigment into the skin. A fast-moving needle applies color gradually.
True to its name, it produces a fluffy and natural finish, much like having applied powder eyebrow makeup*
The shape can be finely adjusted, and it’s possible to apply color lightly or heavily. This method is easy to customize and is recommended for those who are new to eyebrow art makeup!♡
<②> 3D Brows (Hand Tattooing)
3D brows (stroke eyebrows/hand tattooing) are a technique where color is applied strand by strand, mimicking the appearance of actual eyebrow hair. This one-by-one drawing technique results in a three-dimensional and natural finish*
While powder brows look like makeup has been applied, 3D brows are more about filling in sparse areas of your natural brows. This method is ideal for those looking to enhance their natural eyebrows while maintaining a natural look even without makeup♩
There seems to be a method called 6D brows (6D strokes), which uses even finer needles than those used in the 3D technique.
This allows for perfectly realistic, three-dimensional, and beautiful eyebrows♡
<③> 4D Brows (Mix of Machine and Hand Tattooing)
There is also a method called "4D brows (combination)," which mixes powder brows and 3D brows.
The overall look is beautifully set with powder brows, while individual strokes are applied with hand tattooing for a structurally enhanced appearance*
While the results are very beautiful, the downside is that utilizing both techniques tends to increase the cost.
Which Art Makeup is Best?
✅ Powder Brows (Machine Tattooing)
✅ 3D Brows (Hand Tattooing)
✅ 4D Brows (Mix of Machine and Hand Tattooing)
While there are three main types, there isn’t one that is definitively better than the others; each has pros and cons. Choose a method that suits your natural brow growth and ideal eyebrow shape♩
<Recommended for Machine Tattooing>
・Those who want lighter colored eyebrows
・Those who want to match their eyebrow color with their dyed hair
・Those who want beautiful art makeup that looks freshly done
・Those with uneven natural eyebrows
<Recommended for Hand Tattooing>
・Those with sparse natural eyebrow hair in certain areas
・Those with thin natural eyebrows
・Those who want brow color to match their hair
・Those who desire a natural eyebrow look
What are the Costs of Eyebrow Art Makeup?
Since it can be difficult for color to take well and it can fade, art makeup is typically performed 2 to 3 times with a gap of 1 to 2 weeks in between. Therefore, many clinics offer a set price for the initial two sessions*
Generally, powder brows tend to be less expensive than 3D brows:
✅ Powder brows cost around 50,000 to 120,000 yen (for two sessions)
✅ 3D brows cost around 100,000 to 150,000 yen (for two sessions)
✅ 4D brows cost around 120,000 to 180,000 yen (for two sessions)
These are the typical prices.
For retouching within two years, many clinics charge around 30,000 to 50,000 yen.
Compared to eyebrow products that last about half a year for around 1000 yen, it is indeed high at about 100,000 yen per session, but considering that it remains beautiful for two to three years, feedback is extremely positive with comments such as "It made my daily makeup so much easier!", "I’m free from the stress of drawing asymmetrical brows!", and "Thanks to art makeup, I look great even without makeup!"
So I believe it’s worth more than what you pay for it…?
➡ Recommended clinic: "M Beauty Clinic"
② How Long Does Eyebrow Art Makeup Last?
Eyebrow art makeup is said to remain beautiful for about 2 to 3 years and then gradually fade.
The procedure involves inserting pigment between the surface layer of the skin and the deep dermis, but since the surface layer periodically renews itself (turnover), after several years, the pigment at that layer will fall off and fade.
By the way, while art makeup is often compared to tattoos or ink (embroidery), they are similar yet different. Art makeup fades over a few years, eventually disappearing in over a decade, whereas tattoo ink is inserted deeper into the dermis and does not fade permanently.
To Make It Last Longer,
✅ Don’t touch the treated area
✅ Don’t use peeling treatments (this could speed up the turnover)
✅ Avoid skin irritation
✅ Refrain from washing or cleansing for the first week
✅ Don’t forget to keep the area moisturized (thoroughly hydrate with petroleum jelly or similar)
It is crucial to avoid stimulating your eyebrows!
Generally, after a week post-procedure, you can resume washing and cleansing, with no need for special care. However, be gentle to avoid removing the pigment (though it's not easily rubbed off) to prevent irritation*
③ What Design Should You Choose?
Once you've decided to get eyebrow art makeup done, you need to determine:
✅ Design
✅ Color
These are essential considerations*
<About Design>
Eyebrow design trends exist, and it may not be wise to just go for thicker eyebrows just because they are in style.
To avoid regretting your choice later, it’s better to select a shape that suits you rather than simply following the latest trends*
There is a shape known as the "golden ratio" for eyebrows, so aiming for it can give you beautiful eyebrows that look great to everyone♡
——— Golden Ratio of Eyebrows ———
Eyebrow head: In line with the extension of the nostril
Eyebrow arch: Between the outer edge of the pupil and straight up from the outer corner of the eye
Eyebrow tail: In line with the extension from the corner of the mouth to the outer corner of the eye
Thickness: The head is the thickest, tapering slightly towards the tail
———————————————
Based on the golden ratio, the eyebrow shape that suits you may differ according to your face shape, so consult with your technician to achieve your ideal eyebrows!*
<About Color>
It is often said that eyebrow color should be a bit lighter than your hair color for a more chic look, but since you may not change it for 2 to 3 years, you should choose carefully.
For those who don’t change their hair color often, aiming for a shade slightly lighter than your current color is a good idea. For those who frequently change their hair color, opting for a lighter pigment initially and darkening them with brow products when their hair is dyed dark is recommended.
You can customize by adding gradient and depth, as well as varying the intensity of the color, so find the brow color that works for you!*
④ Before and After Examples
Now, let’s introduce some before-and-after examples of art makeup!*
Transforming brows from a messy impression to defined ones. It can be challenging to draw fine lines at the tail symmetrically when doing it yourself, but with art makeup, even such fine lines can be perfectly achieved!♡
Transforming uneven brows into beautiful, defined ones like a news anchor. Changing the shape can significantly alter the face’s impression. It can be difficult to perfectly draw beautiful brows each day, and being free from the stress of doing so is another great aspect.
Making overall thin brows look defined.
If you have naturally thick eyebrows, opting for brown art makeup can instantly lift your look!♡
Shaping thin and messy eyebrows to achieve the golden ratio!*
Male Art Makeup Examples*
Eyebrow art makeup appears to be gradually becoming popular among men as well.
Don’t you think having eyebrows makes one look more dignified and attractive…!?
Having previously shaved the lower part while young, here is the beautifully restored area that failed to grow back!
Just thickening sparse brows can change the impression entirely. It enhances the overall appearance, making the eyes look sharper.
⑤ Recommended Clinics
The most important factor in choosing a clinic is that "since art makeup is a medical procedure, it should be performed by properly trained medical professionals."
Be cautious of any beauty salons that might illegally perform art makeup; they are rare but do exist. (Clinics typically provide anesthesia cream to reduce pain, making it safer for those sensitive to discomfort.)
Many clinics offer art makeup services, but I recommend "M Beauty Clinic," led by Mayu Nakasogabe, an assistant professor at Juntendo University School of Medicine and also the president of Juntuma Medical Corporation.
Using a combination of hand-drawn 4D strokes and machine powder techniques, they design brows based on the golden ratio, tailored to your skin texture, hair color, and bone structure!♡
The cost is around 100,000 yen for two sessions, which is slightly lower than the average for 4D brows, making it a very appealing choice! Since the director is a president of a medical organization, you can trust their expertise throughout the process!*
➡ Official website of M Beauty Clinic
I Want to Try Eyebrow Art Makeup!♡
We introduced the intriguing world of "eyebrow art makeup"!*
Eyebrows are essential in shaping the impression of the face. Especially for brides looking forward to their wedding, spending time crafting your ideal brows through consultations and art makeup can prevent makeup mistakes on your big day.
(It would be shocking if the hairstylist didn’t understand your ideal brow on your wedding day…><)
For those who are about to experience pregnancy and childbirth, having art makeup done allows you to look beautiful even with a bare face, which is fantastic!♡
➡ Recommended clinic: "M Beauty Clinic"
➡ 6 Clinics/Saloons to Consider for "Eyebrow Art Makeup"