In the world of brow shaping and permanent makeup, Shelly Nguyen stands out as a master of her craft. As the creative vision behind Brows By Shelly, a permanent makeup studio in Long Beach, California, Shelly provides a personalized experience, always ensuring complete client satisfaction. Her studio has become a go-to destination for those seeking beautifully enhanced brows that stand the test of time.
Shelly’s journey in the beauty industry began with an unexpected turn of events. Initially studying dentistry, Shelly found herself captivated by the art of brow shaping and permanent makeup. As she dedicated herself to mastering the craft, her focus shifted, and she realized that this newfound passion was her calling.
"It started with a simple curiosity that evolved into a passionate pursuit. I truly fell in love with it and became addicted,” Shelly says. “It’s very fulfilling to have somebody sit up, look at themselves in the mirror and love what they see.”
Shelly's skillful approach to permanent makeup includes applying thin layers of pigment — specifically, ombre powder — with a tattoo gun. She achieves a makeup-like or powdery finish by delicately placing tiny pixels onto the skin. Her approach ensures a beautiful result, and she stresses the fact that it is a safer alternative to the popular cosmetic procedure microblading.
“With microblading, there is a higher chance of scarring since the skin is cut with a blade before the pigment is deposited,” she says. “On the other hand, ombre powder is less invasive and doesn't lead to scarring over time."
Additionally, Shelly's expertise lies in shaping brows that complement each client's unique facial features. She meticulously maps out their bone structure, eye placement, temple area, and natural eye shape to create brows that enhance their overall appearance. Unlike using stencils, Shelly takes a personalized approach, dedicating time to ensure perfect symmetry and shape for the client’s specific features. To provide clients with a preview of their future brows, Shelly fills in the shape with color and conceals it, allowing them to visualize the end result before the tattooing process even begins.
“I always have my clients check their brows in the mirror. I want to ensure they are satisfied with the shape before continuing,” she says. “This step provides them with an ideal representation of what their brows will look like, giving them a sense of confidence and reassurance.”
One key aspect that sets Shelly apart from her competitors is her meticulous attention to detail in color selection. By carefully considering the longevity and harmony of the color with the client's face, she ensures that the pigment fades into a more natural shade over time.
"We go the extra mile by custom mixing colors to ensure they perfectly match both the client's skin tone and undertones,” Shelly says.
For those with paler, warmer undertones or features such as blonde hair, blue eyes, green eyes, or red hair, Shelly aims to match their brows to a warm tone. However, she always considers the client's preferences and adjusts the color accordingly to achieve a natural look. By gradually building up the color over time, Shelly ensures clients' satisfaction and provides them with the opportunity for personalized customization.
One of the most common questions clients have is about maintaining their brows. Shelly explains that most clients typically don't need to return for touch-ups until a year or two has passed. However, factors such as oily skin, exposure to UV light, and improper aftercare can cause the pigment to fade more quickly.
“In some cases, we advise clients to come back between six to twelve weeks for a touch-up,” she says. This timeframe allows for complete healing of the skin after the first session and it allows clients to make any desired changes or adjustments, including going darker if they wish.”
Shelly's commitment to her clients goes beyond the technical aspects of her work. She has fostered a loyal clientele who have been with her since the beginning of her journey five years ago.
"I believe it's a matter of trust,” Shelly says. “When clients who have been with me since day one come into the studio, it's amazing to see their loyalty."
Shelly Nguyen's artistry and dedication to her craft have redefined the world of brow shaping and permanent makeup. Her expertise in color selection, the use of ombre powder, and her emphasis on client satisfaction set her apart from the rest. Shelly’s passion for her work shines through in every client interaction, making Brows By Shelly a trusted destination for those seeking long-lasting, natural-looking brows.
Written in partnership with Sally Mae
