Eyebrows frame a woman’s face, so having a set of perfect arches can spell the difference between looking plain or polished. Given that many women don’t leave the house without filling in their brows, it’s important to know how to get your brows to their most polished state.
Sure, eyebrow trends often change with the seasons. Some styles call for fine, defined lines, while others push for fuller, bushier looks. Regardless, however, of the brow style, the main base of perfect arches is definition—a more intentional shape and deliberate strokes—no matter how full or fine you want them.
If you’re wanting woke-up-like-this eyebrows regardless of the current brow trend, eyebrow embroidery remains the beauty fans’ favorite.
What is eyebrow embroidery?
Essentially, eyebrow embroidery is the semi-permanent beauty process of putting pigment on the skin, mimicking hair strands and brow shadows to reform, fill in, define, and/or give the appearance of fuller brows. It’s been called different things through the years—from tattoo to microblading to embroidery and ombré shading—but essentially, the main idea is to give your brows more shape and definition.
While the beauty technology has been around for a while, it constantly introduces new techniques that update the craft and allow it to match to current brow trends.
For instance, when bushier and darker brows were all the rage, brow artists did combo or ombré techniques where, aside from microblading on individual strands, the brows were shaded full as well. This also works well for women who’ve had previous eyebrow coloring treatments that they want to cover up or touch up.
Why do women (and men!) get embroidery?
“It’s the convenience, really,” says Cara, who’s always had her eyebrows embroidered. It was called “eyebrow tattoo” when she first had it done, and since then, she’s tried all the other techniques on her succeeding retouches. “I never really learned how to do my brows properly and hardly have the time to do so. So when my brows are tattooed, embroidered, or microbladed, I feel I can look polished right away,” Cara adds.
We can’t blame Cara. Doing brows is hard work: It needs precision, skill, and tried-and-tested tools. If you aren’t too comfy with your kilay or kikay skills, having perfect eyebrows in the morning is a dream.
Even men are jumping on the brow-wagon, too, seeking definition to make their arches stronger and more masculine. It also works if you have sparse brows and need the illusion of volume. “I got my eyebrows done because I felt like my eyebrows were too light and made my face look washed out,” says Jed. “I made sure I went to an artist who was used to doing men’s brows, so my eyebrows didn’t come out looking too feminine.”
Nats, an eyebrow artist, says that most of her clients are busy working men and women, mommies who juggle households, survivors of different ailments that thinned out hair, and of course, the poised ones who like being a little extra.
Does it hurt to get eyebrow embroidery?
Naturally, there’s a sting and some pressure when your arches are microbladed with pigment. Think: tiny featherlike tatts on your arches. However, brow artists will have you come around 20 minutes before your procedure, so they can apply a topical anesthetic cream that’ll numb your brow area. If you feel any pain mid-procedure, your artist can pause for a bit to add some cream and proceed when the area is numb again.
We think, though, that getting your brows done is well worth the budget and the slight discomfort. Imagine waking up not needing to fill in and draw every day; your face-framing arches will easily get you out the door in half the time.
How much does eyebrow embroidery cost?
In the US, microblading or eyebrow embroidery can start at $250 but can cost as much as or even higher than $2,000. The average price would hover at around $400 to $600.
In the Philippines, eyebrow embroidery can cost anywhere between P5,000 to P30,000, depending on where you go and the brow artist you choose to do your arches. Of course, the celebrity brow artists cost much more, and have a rich portfolio of influencers and celebrities on their roster. However, with some research, you’ll find great artists that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
So, while budget is a consideration, don’t scrimp. It is, after all, a semi-permanent beauty procedure, so you’ll want someone who knows how to do it right. We at KUBO would recommend that you search for the look and style you want. Most artists have their sample works posted on their social media, so you can check out their online portfolios; the AFTER shots and transformations will give you an idea of the kind of work they do.
Can I get eyebrow embroidery done during a quick visit to the Philippines?
Yes, definitely. But full disclosure: The color of freshly-done brows will be quite saturated until a week after your procedure, so prepare to have darker brows as your arches heal. Be ready for darker looking brows on reunion pics and selfies.
Some balikbayans choose to get their procedure right before they leave for their trips back home. This way, they can heal as they take their jet lag hiatus before going back to work abroad.
The great thing about having eyebrow embroidery done in the Philippines is accessibility to a pool of great artists who do great work. You do have to book in advance if you want to go for the sought-out brow salons, though. If, say, you’re coming over for the December holidays, make sure to book your appointments months in advance, so you can secure a slot during the busy season.
We’ll be posting a list of recommended eyebrow salons and artists soon, so keep scrolling KUBO for your latest in Philippine beauty trends and recommendations.
