Fashion leaders and famous faces have enthusiastically embraced the power of the brow. Lucky them with their easy access to makeup professionals. But what if you’re not? What if the brows are skinny? Or shapeless? Or no longer exist?

Christchurch cosmetic expert Nicky Blue has the answer: ‘micro-pigmentation’ the cosmetic tattoo. Nicky Blue has been in the cosmetic industry for over 20 years and has established an enviable reputation for her expertise. “It wasn’t part of the plan when I was working in the music industry”. Her initial experience was in rock and roll stagecraft, travelling with the band – many bands – in charge of singers and musicians stage wardrobe and stage appearance.

A world tour with Sinead O’Connor was the step-changer. O’Connor’s makeup artist on tour was the famous Terra Bennett.
“Bennett’s work blew me away. She was so knowledgeable, so creative and very good with the free advice. She offered me an apprenticeship when the tour finished and it gave me a strong advantage when I moved into formal training in London.”

Since her return to New Zealand, Nicky Blue has established her own business, and worked in consultancy and marketing roles with cosmetic companies.
She was an early advocate for micro-pigmentation. “Whether by instinct or training I can ‘see’ a face and know how to improve it. When it comes to eyebrows, yes makeup knowledge can help, but the results from a cosmetic tattoo are so much better”.

It is the placement of pigment into the skin to give a realistic colour or hair effect. The procedures augment or create. Micro-pigmentation can create Areola/Nipples following breast surgery. It can improve or create brow and lash lines. It can improve lip shape/definition. It can create beauty spots. It will fade but it will not wash off.