Frequently Asked Questions

Microblading or eyebrow embroidery is an art form. It's the skilled, manual process of applying permanent makeup to the eyebrows, improving shape, texture and depth.

Colour pigments are deposited into the skin, using the Phibrows microblading technique, implanting fine hair-like strokes with a hand tool. The transformation can be life changing (in a fabulous way). You'll have a natural-looking and more symmetrical brow shape, created using semi-permanent makeup.

PhiBrows is a manual, semi-permanent Microblading technique of hyper-realistic eyebrow drawing. The shape of the eyebrows is meticulously calculated according to what is known as 'facial morphology'. The highly-skilled technique is intended for qualifying clients who would like to revive their brows, by correcting the aesthetic issues.

When combined with Microblading (aka Blade & Shade), shading is implanting pigment between the microbladed strokes using a digital device (tattoo pen) to give the appearance of depth and a little added definition.  

Machine shading is also used to create an Ombre and Powder brow treatments.

Once healed, the brow will appear very natural with a small hint of powder - such a great combination!

Lashliner is a very fine shaded line that is applied with a tattoo pen to either your upper or lower lids  to give the appearance of  fuller eyelashes.

This is a beautifully subtle permanent enhancement which gives the eyes that instant pop.  This enhancement is not well suited to highly vascular or overly hooded eyelids.

Quite likely, you'd be a great candidate.  The best course of action is a consultation via https://www.facebook.com/TheRefinery1071  by sending 3 clear images of your brows (L, R & Full Face).  And we can take it from there.  

• YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER
• I will not work on pregnant or nursing mothers - no exceptions.  There is insufficient safety data available so please wait until the baby is weaned.
• Cancer treatment, please wait at least six months after your treatment and obtain a Doctor's consent to Permanent Makeup
• Keloid Scarring - microblading & shading cannot be performed 
• Hydrocortisone / steroid creams – Topical steroids thin the skin and may deem it too fragile to undergo Permanent Makeup.  Please obtain a Doctor's consent to PMU
• Please also read Prepare for my Appointment notes below
• Topical anaesthetics are used during treatments, let me know if you are adverse to lidocaine, epinephrine, tetracaine or otherwise

Microblading is so pliable.  However, for the best results, the skin should be in a well hydrated condition and not oily.  If you are not a candidate for microblading, we recommend combination, ombre or  powder brow techniques.

Lash liner suits most skin types, however, if you have highly vascular eyelids or hooded lids (where there is skin folds over your eyelashes) then, this is not for you as there will be difficulty getting the pigment to hold.

• Glaucoma will likely exclude you from having lash liner. Increased intra ocular pressure combined with pressure placed on the eye to apply lash liner could be damaging. It is important to have this condition under control and/or refer to your Doctor for further consent to the application of lash liner

 Lip blush is suited to most.  Naturally dark lips may need to be treated with 1-3 sessions of neutralisation before we work on your desired shade.  If you are prone to herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks, you will need to take the appropriate medication prior  to your appointments to avoid an outbreak and continue meds during the healing period.  (Even if you haven't had an outbreak in years).

If you suffer from  skin conditions in  the treatment area such as: 

• eczema 
• seborrhoea dermatitis 
• acne

You will need to ensure that these have been treated appropriately and healed prior.  

• Scarring sustained in the brow area from accidents will lead to accelerated pigment fading on the scar.

Your initial treatment should take up to 2 hours to complete. 

If you require a perfecting session (after 8-10 weeks) it will take  approximately 1-1.5 hours.  

More details on treatment timings are listed in the Services section.

No.  Just you.

We like to keep a safe workroom, please help us by attending solo.

Our consultations are taken virtually (online) and once we have agreed to treatment, you can book your appointment on our website.

You will have been sent a link to complete a consultation form - please ensure this has been completed with accurate information and signed as we cannot progress without it.

In preparation for your treatment, please AVOID the following:

• Work outs  24 hours before procedure
• Sun and tanning one week prior to procedure
• Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 24 hours before procedure
• Power shakes and power greens, Fish Oil, and "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements 48 hours prior to procedure
• Glycolics, Chemical Peels and Retin-A within 4 weeks prior
• Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products close to the eyebrow area 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after your procedure. Check your moisturizer, facewash BB or CC creams and makeup primers for this ingredient
• Brow waxing or tinting less than one week prior
• Any kind of Accutane for 1 year. NO Exceptions!
• No Latisse / Lilash - hair growth serum (Discontinue for min of 3 weeks prior)
• Stop blood thinning medication 2 weeks prior, through to 4 weeks post treatment. Please consult your medical practitioner for approval prior to stopping any medication

Also note:

• FILLERS - Treatment either 6 weeks prior or 6 weeks after your PMU appointment.
  BOTOX / DYSPORT - Treatment either 2 weeks prior or 2 weeks after your PMU appointment.
• Ladies, you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle as well - oh joy