'It's my biggest regret in life.' Microblading is officially 'out'.

It's 2018. Cara Delevingne is the 'It Girl' of the moment... and all everyone can talk about is brows. Specifically, what to do with the thin, over-plucked, horizontal lines sitting on top of their eyes. We all want to know how to make them thicker. Fuller-looking. More defined. More... Cara-ish.

Along with an explosion of brow product launches (pencils! powders! tints! pens!) one specific non-surgical cosmetic treatment has started trending — and it promises lasting results without the fuss.

It's called 'microblading'.

But first, watch Amy Clark's Brow Lamination. Post continues below.

What is microblading, and how does it work?

Touted as the next big thing, the cosmetic tattooing procedure hit a whole other level of popularity. Everyone knew someone who had their brows microbladed — and yes, they loved it. The low-effort, timesaving ease of microbladed brows meant you didn't have to fill them in with brow products and mess around with expensive in-salon tinting — you could quite literally just wake up and go.

The treatment, also known as feather brow tattooing, is the process of cosmetically tattooing on natural-looking eyebrows to bolster (or replace) over-plucked or sparse brows. The semi-permanent results (it can last anywhere from one to four years) combined with the natural-looking results are part of why the treatment became so popular.

But then something happened.

Fast forward to 2024, and the people have taken a step back from the popular procedure. In fact, now they're warning others to completely forgo microblading altogether.

So, what happened to our obsession with microblading?

Why is microblading out?

See: The internet.

Search 'microblading' on social media and take a scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you'll find numerous clips of people sharing their 'microblading regrets', including before and afters of faded ink and their costly maintenance and removal process.

Take, for example, influencer Farah Vargas. In a video posted to Instagram, she told her followers: "Do not get your brows microbladed."

Sheesh.

She added, "I know they show you the pretty pictures, but I've yet to meet someone who years down the line is still happy with their results."

In the video, which has hundreds of comments and over 8k likes, Vargas shared how her tattoo has since faded, leaving a grey/green shade behind.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Farah Vargas (@farahpink)

Another influencer by the name Casee Brim, shared how she now has to get her eyebrows laminated every month to cover up the fading ink underneath, calling it her "biggest regret in life."

In the video, she said, "Does anybody who ever got their eyebrows microbladed actually like the results? Or do we all collectively f**king hate ourselves for making the worst decision of our lives?"

"Because I have to, every single month, get my eyebrows laminated to cover up the green/grey/blue s**tshow that is left on my face."

@caseebrim

getting my brows microbladed is my biggest regret in life

♬ original sound - Casee Brim

Not fun.

And the waning popularity of the procedure has made its way mainstream, and into our very own You Beauty Facebook group.

Recently, one member asked the group: "Is microblading out? I’ve been wanting it for years and I want to pull the trigger for my next birthday but… I’m hearing that it’s not the best idea anymore, and there are much better options... I have to do something for my sad brows, will I regret microblading?"

Back in 2019, our very own Leigh Campbell shared her thoughts after undergoing the procedure. "I really like microblading, but I wouldn't get it done again," she shared on the You Beauty podcast.

"Mine didn't last long enough and I had to fill my brows in anyway, and for $1,500, that money can be better spent."

While she said that for some women it can be an "absolute lifesaver", she stresses the importance of really doing your research for best results.

"If you want to get microblading done, ask friends where they got it done, ask if they feel like it lasted and they think it was worth the money because it's a huge investment. Permanent makeup has come such a long way, but ask around because the experiences can really vary."

Leigh's final verdict on microblading was, "Loved the result for the first few months but wouldn't do it again because it didn't last long enough and went a funny colour."

So, is microblading dead?

While the procedure might not be for some people, there are many people out there who are really happy with their results — it's just all in the research and finding an experienced tattooist (and trust us, there's lots of very talented ones out there!).

One comment on a You Beauty thread read: "Microblading is amazing when done by a great cosmetic tattooist. Do your research and go with the best."

Someone else said, "I had microblading two years ago and I still love them."

Whether you're a fan of the procedure or not, the truth is - these days there are more options than ever when it comes to nabbing fuller-looking brows. Not only are there a bunch of game-changing makeup products on the market (there's literally something out there for every set of brows), there's also a slew of different techniques, if microblading isn't your thing.

Take 'powder brows', for example — a semi-permanent alternative that enhances the shape and colour of your brows, minus the cosmetic tattooing. There's also ombré brows - a technique that uses mineral-based pigments instead of tattoo ink to shade and define the brows.

Either way, remember that beauty is a 'you do you' space, and you should do whatever makes you feel great — whether that's getting your brows microbladed, using makeup or going bare, it's totally up to you!

Are you a fan of microblading? Why/why not? Share with us in the comment section below.

Want more beauty & health tips? Read these stories next:

• 'The $12 product that transformed my dull skin in seconds.'

• 'I'm a sleep expert. Here are 6 things you can do for the best sleep of your life.'

• 'The $13 product that makes me look more put together in seconds.'

Feature image: Instagram/@farahpink, TikTok/caseebrim.

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