There's something about having beautifully defined eyebrows that really lifts the face.

And having them with minimum effort is where queen of microblading Karen Betts comes in.

Microblading, if you haven't heard about it, is a form of permanent make-up which involves using tiny needles (instead of a tattoo gun) that make up a small blade to help deposit pigment under your skin.

It's actually semi-permanent, it does fade with time, and top-ups are recommended every 12 to 18-months but until it does, you can throw away the eyebrow pencil and still have perfect brows.

I'd tried tattooed brows before with great success (at LA Perfection in Witney), so was happy to try a different procedure.

I filled in some forms and used the dye sensitivity test I was sent, then headed for Betts' Harley Street consultation rooms.

Once there, numbing cream was applied and I was talked through the procedure. Options were discussed and brows drawn on, to check I was happy with the look.

I found the microblading did sting a little, although others have said it was completely pain-free and they dozed off!

But any discomfort was well worth it. After keeping them out of the sun and as dry as possible for a couple of weeks (don't book just before you go on holiday) the initial, slightly darker tone wore off to leave well-defined brows that I was delighted with.

The treatment (from £895 with Karen Betts) includes a follow up appointment.

Betts trains beauty specialists from Oxfordshire and beyond in the art of permanent make-up at her K.B Pro academies, including one in Milton Keynes.

More salons and individuals are adding the services to their offerings as the demand for microblading and permanent make-up – including lip-lining and blush, and eye-liner – grows.

"Training in these techniques can give a career a new lease of life," says Betts, who has developed two extensive training courses and redesigned the tools used by artists.

T: 01977 652232

W: karenbetts.co.uk

W: kbpro.co.uk