When it comes to the options for semi-permanent eyebrow makeup, microblading and microshading are usually at the top of the list. Yet few of us actually know what they are—or the difference between them. To make it easier to decide which is right for you, here’s everything to know about the two techniques.

Microblading or microshading?

The two techniques belong to the same family: semi-permanent make-up, which can remain visible for anywhere between one and 24 months, depending on the technique and skin type—although, on average most results last six months to a year. Fans of semi-permanent makeup like that it streamlines their daily beauty routine, allowing them to skip certain steps.

With microblading or microshading, the focus is the shape, proportion, and harmonization of the eyebrows. For both techniques, a needle is inserted under the skin to deposit a colored pigment and redefine the eyebrow line. The true difference lies in the way the pigment is applied and the aesthetic that’s therefore achieved.

The difference between microblading and microshading

Although the two techniques are similar, they don’t have the same name for a reason.

Microblading offers a precise effect in which whisper-thin lines are manually drawn with a stylus fitted with small needles to imitate the appearance of natural hairs. The pigment is inserted into the epidermis via very fine incisions. When done well, the result is hyper realistic—it looks as if real hair has been added. It’s recommended for people with sparse eyebrows or those wishing to fill in gaps, while retaining a natural, discreet look.

Microshading, on the other hand, offers a more filled-in, blended effect. The technique uses a stylus to deposit pigments in the form of tiny dots, creating a shaded effect. This produces a softer, powdery result, similar to that obtained with an eyebrow pencil or shadow. Microshading is particularly suited to sensitive or oily skin, as the fine lines of microblading tend to blur over time on oiler skin. It’s also less invasive and less prone to scarring, and great for those seeking a more fuller, made-up look.