Tattooed makeup has come a long way. Gone are the days of harlequin eyebrows and overdraw, one-dimensional liner. Today's tattoos look pretty and natural -- and tattooed brows are especially realistic.

The process of brow tattooing -- which is now often called microblading -- is a meticulous art that doesn't puncture the skin as deeply as a traditional tattoo. "Instead of using a machine, I use a more precise hand held tool," explains Piret Aava, better known as The Eyebrow Doctor. And she uses the microblading tool to create thin lines that look like real eyebrow hairs. The end result is unbelievably natural.

You'll want to have the treatment done by someone like Piret, because she's a true brow artist. She'll consider the shape of your face and brows as well as your skin tone before microblading. Other than that, there aren't many reasons anyone who fills in their brows shouldn't have them tattooed. Read on to find out if eyebrow tattoos are right for you.

Eyebrow tattoos have evolved in recent years. Permanent makeup expert Amy Kernahan of Amy Kernahan Studios has been offering brow tattoos for over a decade, and now she does a lot of microblading. "The two methods are slightly different," she says. "Microblading is done with a hand tool that is made up of a small blade that etches each hair stroke into the skin creating a very natural soft looking hair." And Kernahan says it's the hot buzzword clients are asking for right now: "It's taking over the beauty world!" However, she still sometimes uses a micropigmentation machine, which is a digital device that offers a bit more coverage. "Depending on the client's needs and skin type, I usually do a little bit of both microblading and micropigmentation," she explains.

First, you'll discuss the ideal shape and color for your brows with the artist. Then, she will fill in your eyebrows with a brow pencil to guarantee you're on the same page and help you visualize the result. At this point, most microblading pros apply some topical numbing cream before sketching in the brows with their handheld tool and custom-mixed pigments. Some artists, like Piret, start conservatively and ask you to come back for follow up sessions to tweak the color and make the brows fuller if desired. Your brows will look slightly exaggerated and may be a little scabby for a few days before your perfect, new tattooed brows are revealed.

Similar to other tattoos, microblading involves a needle piercing your skin. But a little topical numbing cream goes a long way. "Our clients describe the sensation 'like having your eyebrows tweezed,'" says Piret.

Unlike regular tattoos, microblading doesn't last forever. "Over time they just get lighter and eventually disappear," says Piret. If you want to maintain the look, you'll have to have your brows touched up every six months to a year.