The winning formula

By Charmaine Soljak

I've always believed your eyes are attention grabbers and if they're framed by great brows, that's a winning formula! I was super-excited leading up to my appointment with Nina, owner of Skin Image in Waipu.

I jumped online to read testimonies from many satisfied women who had enjoyed the results of Nina's talent.

I was super impressed to read Nina's background in 'Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry' - whoa - fancy!

Her whole approach to skincare is science-based, addressing root causes of skin issues and inflammation rather than just treating symptoms. Skin Image specialises in skin analysis and skin management for acne, rosacea, pigmentation and ageing.

I was here to frame my eyes with great brows - Ombre brows.

Although I've often adored the shape of brows from the fashion of the 1940's and iconic brows from women such as Madonna, Tyra Banks and Elizabeth Taylor, I'm always keen to try new products, services and treatments so I can share with our massive NZME radio, print and digital audiences.

I'd been having trouble with one of my brows. One was how I liked and the other was sort of like a clown brow.

As soon as a woman says to girlfriends: "I'm going to get my brows feathered, tattooed, bladed and microderma-pigmentation", and the many other ways we say this, the questions return quick and fast.  So, let me walk you through this super satisfying treatment.

Before the procedure, Nina and I talked through my expectations, my natural shape and colour and discussed any allergies I might have.  Ombre and feathering involve two sessions about six weeks apart.

It takes about two and a half hours for your first appointment where the majority of time is spent measuring and drawing. This is where you get super comfortable and confident you are in the right hands. Nina is absolutely committed to perfection.

She would be more humble about her talents but there is no denying her attention to detail is super impressive.

She will not start the procedure until you get the shape absolutely right for your face shape. This part of the procedure is not rushed or underestimated, as preparation is key to achieving perfect brows. Nina measures, marks and draws it in meticulously to give shape and fullness to your eyebrows.

No, it is not painful. Nina uses a topical anaesthetic before starting. It is an exciting experience and I use the term exciting as many would say they are nervous but in my industry, nervousness and excitement have the same physical manifestation on the body so I choose to use the term exciting as it leaves me without fear. In saying that, I did need to calm myself and slow my breathing as I got excited before we started with the ink.

Although the effect is permanent, ink is only implanted superficially in the epidermis and as our skin sheds and renews itself all the time, your brows will fade over time. It's usual to have them touched up every two years. In contrast, my ta moko (tattoo) on my arm is much deeper which is the difference. Superficial versus deep. Nina armed me with instructions and balm to look after the brows after I got home. They looked super dark for the first four days probably because of the shine from the balm. They are healed and looking 'on Fleek' now.

Normally in the mornings I'll brush on brow wax and powder - to draw and fill my brows. The best thing is this saves me precious minutes in the mornings when I'm time-poor.  I've noticed as I mature the second half of my brows started to look sparse. Now they're present and I really love the definition.

I've another appointment in a few weeks. Nina calls this a perfection session where she perfects the brows, filling in any gaps and giving them a finished look if they need it. This procedure is fashionable because it is a time-saver, it does make your eyes pop and perfect for women with fine light brows, women who have had an accident, illness or where aging has taken away that definition.

Maybe you want Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn brows or you just do you. Get an appointment, like me you'll love them!

Enjoy $100 off when you book a cosmetic tattooing treatment with Nina in August. Skin Image is located at 86 The Centre, Waipu. Call 022 394 1184 or visit
skinimage.co.nz for more.