How long does microblading really last?
The honest answer is "it depends" — but a few specific factors do most of the work in determining whether your results fade in 12 months or hold for 18.
Your skin and habits matter more than the technique.
Skin type
Oily skin fades pigment faster than dry or normal skin, since natural oils gradually push pigment particles up and out.
Sun exposure
UV light breaks down pigment. Regular SPF over healed brows or lips noticeably extends how long color stays true.
Skincare actives
Retinol, acids, and strong exfoliants speed up skin cell turnover — great for skin, but it also fades permanent makeup faster.
Lifestyle
Frequent swimming, saunas, and heavy sweating during the healing window can pull pigment out before it fully sets.
Pigment quality
Vixen Brows uses Li Pigments and Permablend specifically because they're formulated to hold true color through the healing process.
Aftercare
Following the healing instructions closely — no picking, no early sun exposure — protects the result you paid for.
General timelines by service.
| Service | Typical longevity |
|---|---|
| Microblading | 12–18 months |
| Ombré brows | 1–2 years |
| Combo brow | 1–2 years |
| Lip blush | 1–3 years |
| Permanent eyeliner | 2–4 years |
Whichever service you choose, a color refresh keeps things looking crisp well before a full fade — that's what the annual retouch and color boost services are for.