Microblading, permanent eyeliner and lip liner are all forms of popular cosmetic tattoo treatments. With cosmetic tattoo treatments still on the rise, The Beauty Book spoke with Judy Nguyen – Phibrows Master, to gain an insight into this growing industry.
What initially sparked your interest in cosmetic tattooing?
I was in USA for Cosmoprof in 2016 when I came across Phibrows and was introduced to the newest form of cosmetic tattooing that was just launching in America and rapidly
gaining exposure. This new technique was microblading. It worked by depositing colour pigment in the superficial layer of the skin creating a natural hair stroke look and would last for 12-18 months. This was at the time very different to the traditional technique and I wanted to learn more. Never in a million years did I envision that I would become a semi-permanent makeup artist one day!
What initial training did you have?
After Cosmoprof and taking time to research, I decided to join the Phibrows Training Academy (PhiAcademy). This was in Las Vegas and was a two day workshop followed by a six month online training course via Phibrow’s software called The Craftmaster App.
What additional training did you have to do, to be given the title of Phibrows Master?
Microblading is a beautiful art of semi-permanent make up which requires a lot of
practice to be able to achieve the best healed result. After the initial training, I would practice a lot on latex and was also lucky enough to have many volunteer models. Due to the practice, I improved my skills very quickly and was passionate about creating beautiful natural looking brows.
I then returned to the PhiAcademy to do an advanced training with the world Grand Master for PhiAcademy and then joined a number of master classes around the world. I was given the title Phibrow Master when my quality of work passed the assessments and I was in a position to be able to share my knowledge and expertise with others. I was then approached by PhiAcademy to represent and teach the technique here in New Zealand and started running my first training by the end of 2017.
What has been your highlight of partnering with Phibrows?
The company is very professional and I have found the quality of the products to be exceptional and easy to work with. In addition, the PhiAcademy was extremely supportive from start to finish and always there to support the students with many free up-skilling courses to ensure their success as an artist and business.
Are there many artists across New Zealand using Phibrows?
There are currently 164 Phibrow artists in New Zealand, two of which are masters. If you are searching for a Phibrows artist, their locations and details can be found on the World Community Map
What is the most popular cosmetic tattoo treatment?
While there are many different treatments available, I still find eyebrows to be the most popular. There are many different styles now, from microblading (hair stroke look), powder, ombre to a combination brow.
What trends are arising that we may want to know about?
Lip blushing is probably the rising trend at the moment. It is a semi-permanent makeup technique designed to enhance the colour of your natural lip as well as improving the shape of the lips, giving definition to create the illusion of fullness. Lip blushing can also be used to neutralise a darker lip, bring out a warmer colour in some or even brighten a lip to match a favourite lipstick.
What is your advice for anyone looking to have any cosmetic tattooing done?
Do lots of research on the treatment you would like to have done. It is good to know what to do before and after the treatment and what to expect in terms of the healed result. Do research on the artists around you and make sure to check their actual work via before and afters as well as customer reviews. A tip is to ask to see examples of healed results vs immediate before and afters as it’s the healed results that matter. Make sure your artist has their accreditations visible and remember that price should the last factor to consider. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
For more information on Judy visit www.judynguyen.co.nz
Words: Amanda Basher Images: Supplied, Pinterest