My Microshading Journey: A Semi-Permanent Makeup Experience with Daisy & Peony Brow Bar (Part 2)
Based on a previous experience with my mother (part 1), I never dreamed of reconsidering semi-permanent makeup. However, my Instagram feed had other plans for me. Once I came across Chloe’s social media account (Daisy & Peony Brow Bar), my interest peaked. I became a lurker and, eventually, I was hopeful that my previous 2015 episode wouldn’t repeat itself.
You see, processes intrigue me. Especially if it’s in a field where I had minimal to zero knowledge of the procedures or techniques involved. It’s like when a non-photographer asks me about my camera or life as a visual creator. They assume I’m the expert because it’s how I make a living. But that doesn’t mean I have all the answers or create content in a style that resonates well with them (everyone has different preferences). I suppose, in some ways, it’s just like my semi-permanent makeup journey. My mother seemed to have no regrets about our 2015 experience… but I certainly did.
It gave me comfort seeing the (daily) before and after posts from Chloe and Jaylynn. Social media (as an artist sharing content) has always been a struggle for me, but I believe it does wonders for those offering great physical services or products.
So, anyways, it’s late January 2022 and I’m ready. Ready to take on the challenge of semi-permanent makeup for my eyebrows. My hope was for this experience to elevate my routine — as I am someone who enjoys feeling confident but has little interest in a lengthy makeup routine.
“Hello! My name is Serena and I’ve been following you all on IG for a couple of weeks. I’m really interested in either microblading or microshading but don’t know much about the difference or what you’d recommend.”
I shared a screenshot of my conversation because I like to be fully transparent when sharing positive experiences. She was prompt and sent over many visual examples to answer my question. Note: I am not being paid to share anything — I’ve simply been thrilled with my results and feel compelled to share. I want to start recognizing talented, hard-working individuals running incredible businesses. Chloe from Daisy & Peony Brow Bar is exactly what I’m talking (writing) about.
After 2015, she was able to rebuild my trust. I went from being skeptical of semi-permanent makeup to understanding how important professionalism and craft are in this field.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and it’s time. Chloe did a fabulous job preparing me for the appointment by sending over some important guidelines and instructions. I genuinely felt at ease and more comfortable than ever.
Josh came along and snapped a few captures before the procedure began. I wanted as much of this experience to be documented, as having these moments to look back on is meaningful to me.
After mapping and confirming my eyebrow design, a numbing cream was applied to the area. There was a waiting period for the numbing cream to kick in so, here I am, snapping a mid-appointment selfie for documentation purposes.
As I sat back down for the procedure, I kept thinking back to 2015. “Will I feel pain?”
It was unbelievable: Turns out, letting the numbing cream set really does wonders. Zero pain and no blood. This was completely unlike my experience in 2015 (lightyears better than I could have imagined). Oddly enough, I felt quite relaxed. I nearly fell asleep and — as it turns out — many of Chloe’s clients actually do nap during their procedures.
Note: No visual captures were taken during the actual procedure (for sanitary reasons).
“Damn, she really did it.” It was as if I was in shock. The shape was exactly what I was hoping for. And, truthfully, I used to attempt my eyebrow makeup in this way but one eyebrow was (more often than not) slightly off-balance. The amount of excitement I had was beyond what I can describe.
No more dealing with eyebrow makeup coming off while photographing events! After a long day of repeat movements (eyecup presses) to and away from my face, the applied makeup would eventually rub away from my right eyebrow. Awkward, am I right?
I realize that it took me well over a year to begin sharing about my journey — but it’s not over yet. (There is, in fact, a part three.)
I’d love to say it was me playing the waiting game for “quality review purposes.” It’s not. It was that I fell away from writing. I wasn’t sure if blogging still had a place amongst the realms of Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and whatever other social media platforms people prefer to spend their time on. (Ironically, I found Chloe on Instagram — so I suppose there is some good in the networking/for-hire aspect of it.)
But I’m glad to share all of this. Sharing is the only way for people to digest what others experience. I’m not an influencer (I certainly don’t consider myself one), but I hope whatever I share can give insight into what I experience. The world has enough individuals seeking fame or popularity. We all intersect with different circles and it’s my hope for what I share to be a positive (or helpful) impact on someone within the circles I pass through.
(to be continued…)