You finally did it! You got your powder brows procedure done, and now have the brows you have always wanted!
Guess what? Your mornings just got a whole lot easier, and your selfies? Fire!
But you’re likely wondering, “Can I still wear makeup after getting powder brows?”
The short answer: Yes.
But, hold on just a minute. Don’t grab that eye shadow yet.
Before applying makeup, you must ensure your brow skin has fully healed. Makeup around your eyebrows after powder brows can result in contamination, risk of infection, and uneven pigmentation.
Confused? Don’t be. Here is everything you need to know before applying makeup post-powder brows.
What Are Powder Brows Again?
Most of you reading this have likely gone through the procedure, but for those who haven’t, here is a quick refresher.
Powder Brows, or Ombre Brows, are a semi-permanent makeup technique that gives your brows a soft, shaded, and natural look. Picture perfectly filled-in brows without having to use a brow pencil.
This isn’t like traditional tattooing. To achieve the effect, artists at Powder Brows by Claudia utilize a custom tool, resembling a tattoo gun, that punctures tiny holes into the brow skin while depositing pigment.
This allows our artists to create custom looks that are tailored to your face shape, skin type, and lifestyle.
Ombre brows are super popular around the Bay Area. From San Francisco’s trendsetters to busy moms, they all love it!
Let’s just say, if you see someone with flawless brows, in the Bay Area, they have likely had powder brows done by us!
When Can You Wear Makeup?
Not right away. Your skin needs time to heal first. Which usually takes at least two weeks.
You should hold off on applying any makeup during this period or until all scabbing, itchiness, and flaking have fully stopped and your brows feel healed.
The Healing Timeline: Mark Your Calendars!
- Days 1–3: Brows will look bold, maybe a little dark. This is normal. No makeup. Let them breathe.
- Days 4–7: You might see scabbing and some flaking. Don’t freak out. Still no makeup.
- Days 8–14: Flaking slows down, color softens. You are almost there. Just a few more days of patience.
- Days 14-28: Your brows should be more or less healed (no scabbing or tenderness). At this point, you can start applying makeup, but not directly on your brows. Things like lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush are ok at this point.
- Days 28+: You’re now safe to resume your full makeup routine, including brow products. However, make sure that you’re gentle in your application.
Pro Tip:
Always check with your artist, especially if you’re unsure about your healing progress. They can make sure your brows have healed as expected and that they are now ready for makeup application.
What Happens If I Apply Brow Makeup Sooner?
We know it can be tempting to put on full makeup before that night out with friends. You want to flaunt your newly done brows after all.
We get it. We all want glam. But here’s why it’s better to play it safe for at least a couple of weeks:
- Bacteria: Makeup (even the cleanest stuff) can carry germs. Putting anything on healing brows increases the risk of infection.
- Irritation: Foundations, concealers, and powders can all interfere with your skin’s ability to heal. It can also mess with pigment retention and cause further irritation and itching.
- Wasted money: Powder brows aren’t exactly cheap. Trust the process and don’t ruin your now flawless brows by rushing back into your makeup bag.
What About Eye and Face Makeup?
Once your brows stop flaking (usually around Day 7–14), you can go back to eye makeup and face products – just steer clear of your brows!
Use a gentle hand when applying and removing makeup and, once again, stay well clear of the brow area.
It is also a good idea to skip oil-based removers and use Micellar water for eye makeup, which is great for sensitive skin.
You must also avoid using heavy skincare products and fragrance-infused cleansers. Instead, only use non-comedogenic foundations and hypoallergenic fragrance-free skincare products that are high quality and minimize irritation.
Last, but not least, make sure the tools used for eye and face makeup application are clean and hygienic.
A Handy Cheat Sheet To Keep Things Simple!
| Makeup Type | Okay to Use? (During Healing) | Notes |
| Foundation | No. | Wait until Day 10+ and avoid the brow area |
| Eye shadow | Yes. After Day 7. | Be gentle when removing and avoid the brow area |
| Brow pencil/powder | No. | Wait until brows are fully healed (4-6 weeks) |
| Blush/Bronzer | Yes. | Gentle application. Avoid brushing over brows. |
| Lipstick | Yes. | Live your glossiest life! |
| Setting spray | Caution. | Avoid overspray on brows or cover them if needed. |
| Skincare serums | No. | Avoid anything with acids or retinol. |
Other Handy Aftercare Tips & Considerations
Powder brows aftercare involved more than just avoiding makeup application. To ensure the best results:
- Avoid water, especially direct water pressure, until brows are fully healed. You can, however, gently clean your brows using a clean, moist towel.
- Refrain from intense workouts that cause sweating for at least two weeks post-procedure.
- Stay away from swimming pools and hot tubs until your brows have fully healed.
- Once your brows are fully healed, make sure to apply Broad-Spectrum SPF (sunscreen) as this will help prevent pigment from fading.
- Only moisturize your brows sparingly, even after the healing period. Too much moisturiser can dull the pigment and diminish results.
- Avoid skincare products containing glycolic acid, retinol, or any type of exfoliating agent. This can cause pigment fade.
- Make sure to schedule a touch-up appointment 4-6 weeks after the procedure. This way, the artist can make adjustments as needed and complete the final look.
FAQs
Q1) Can I wear makeup to my brow appointment?
Yes, but skip the brow makeup. We need to see your natural shape and skin.
Q2) What if I have an event right after my appointment?
We suggest booking your powder brows appointment at least 2–3 weeks before major events like weddings, photo shoots, ceremonies, etc. Powder Brows isn’t a last-minute makeup routine.
Q3) When can I fill in my brows again?
Once your brows are fully healed (usually by week 2), you can lightly fill them in if you want. But in our experience, our clients don’t even need to anymore.
Q4) Can I use concealer around my brows during healing?
Skip it for now. It’s better to let your skin do its thing.
#1 Premium Powder Brows Studio in the Bay Area
For us girls, it is hard to stay away from makeup. But giving yourself a couple of weeks off from makeup is not such a bad thing, and it is so worth it in the long run.
This small sacrifice will allow you to have brows that look snatched, smooth, and natural, and to top it all, they stay that way for years without you ever having to apply any makeup to them at all!
So, do you want effortless, filled-in brows without lifting a brush every morning? Book your appointment at Powder Brows by Claudia and let’s get your glow-up started!