What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is a procedure where a qualified and licensed permanent makeup technician implants pigment permanently into the dermis of the skin. This pigment is used to enhance the colors of the face and body. Permanent makeup can be in the form of eyeliner, eyebrows, lip line and lip color, or to camouflage scars, depigmentation of the skin i.e. vertigo, or hyperpigmentation, which is skin with darker spots as a result of too much melanin. Permanent makeup is also used to enhance hair in eyebrows that are lost due to chemotherapy, aging, or disease. It can also restore the breast’s areola after breast reconstruction/surgery.
Most commonly called permanent cosmetics, other names include dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, the latter being most appropriate since permanent makeup is in fact tattooing.
Who would benefit from permanent makeup?
Everyone can from permanent makeup especially the following people…
who do not have time or like to spend time applying makeup
who want to avoid a runny makeup resulting from swimming or other sports, rain, wind, cold or tears
who are allergic to conventional makeup
who wish to correct an asymmetry of their face
wishing to reduce scar, a stain or burn
who suffer the consequences of an accident, surgery (scar) or cleft palate etc.
who suffer from a lack of hair (accident, chemotherapy, baldness) or depigmentation of the skin (hypopigmentation spot, vitiligo)
who have difficulty in applying makeup or who may be visually impaired or disabled
who have health problems such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Macular Degeneration, Arthritis, Alopecia, Vitiligo, and cosmetic allergies find permanent makeup very beneficial
who want to have a natural subtle look without looking “made-up”
who have Male Pattern Baldness
including men and women who have sparse eyelashes and would like them to look fuller without the look of makeup
who have sparse facial hair
Is Permanent Makeup safe?
Yes. The strictest sanitation and safety standards are followed by using only single-use needles and supplies. Also, hypo-allergenic pigments manufactured strictly for the use of Cosmetic Tattooing containing no fragrances, emollients or other irritants are used during the procedure.
How long will it last?
Permanent makeup is long-lasting and will slowly fade over time. As you become accustomed to your makeup it's not uncommon to want more. To keep your makeup looking its best, you should refresh it every couple of years by getting a color boost. The darker the color, such as black, the longer it will last. Natural, delicate colors are more vulnerable to the effects of sun, swimming and breakdown by the body. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding retinols around the tattoo will help to keep your makeup from fading.
I am not sure of the design or color; do I need a consultation before booking an appointment?
Some of our services require a consultation like medical tattooing or body art, but most do not. During your appointment, we will listen carefully to your goals and to recommend designs and colors that will suit your needs. The end result will be a look that allows you to feel most comfortable and look your best. However, if you are shopping around (which we recommend) because you are undecided on an artist, we do offer free consultations by appointment.
Should I arrive with makeup on? We would like to see you in your daily makeup routine so we can get a sense of your personal style. If you typically do not wear any makeup, just come as you are.
What can I expect the day of the procedure? First, you will be asked to complete a medical history form and a consent form if you didn't do that during booking. A discussion will follow to establish accurately what you expect from a Permanent Makeup procedure. Your concerns and questions such as shape, color, after-care, anesthetics, and fee, will be addressed at this time. Next, we will carefully analyze your features and the symmetry of your face. Maybe your eyebrows are too low causing you to look older than you should look. Maybe your eyeliner could be applied in a way that brings emphasis to your eyes and color. Or maybe your lips have grown thinner over the years and you would like to make them appear fuller. Whatever the reason, we will show you how to achieve a fresher, brighter, and often younger look.
Next, we will determine the perfect color to compliment your skin and hair tone. Once the perfect color formula is achieved it will be subsequently recorded in your chart for future touch-ups. Then, using cosmetic pencils, we will create the design to allow you to visualize the end results and to make sure you are happy with the shape, thickness, and color. Once you are happy with the proposed design, your artist will apply the permanent makeup. Each procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours. If you are concerned about allergies, a patch test will be performed by request to try and ensure that you do not experience any allergic reaction to the pigments.
Is it painful?
Permanent Makeup Procedures are of a skin-invasive nature (as they are a form of tattoo) and therefore you may experience slight irritation and some degree of discomfort. This varies according to each individual's pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. However, keep in mind that there are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anesthetic agents resulting in minimal discomfort.
How does permanent makeup mix with other procedures such as laser, peels, dermabrasion, and MRI’s?
Clients should always inform their doctor if they have or plan to get cosmetic tattoos. With their doctor’s advice, you can determine what kind of precautions to take or what protection is needed for the client. Sometimes laser treatments turn pigment to a dark or black color.
Reports have appeared of people having undergone an MRI and experiencing a warming sensation in the area where permanent cosmetics were implanted. The iron oxides in the pigment react to the magnetic fields and radio waves used in an MRI, causing this feeling. As reported on The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals website, clients who had MRIs with permanent makeup on because "the iron particles in the pigment are too microscopic to react as true metal pieces." Clients should inform their doctors of any permanent makeup they have prior to taking an MRI.
I have a scar / wrinkles / uneven skin texture / skin tag, will this still work for me?
During your consultation before the procedure, your technician will address these concerns. It is common to have some obstacles and she will work with the skin to get the best results. Regardless of the issue, there is always a way to design the makeup to overcome the obstacles.
Is it possible to have a consultation and procedure in the same day?
Yes, it is possible as long as you've booked the procedure and are a good candidate for the procedure.
What is the downtime? Can I go back to work after the procedure?
You can go right back to work if you wish but you may not feel like it. The permanent makeup will look darker than normal during the first week. There will be little to no swelling with eyebrows and there may be puffiness with the eyes and lips for approximately two days.
What activities should I avoid after the procedure? You need to avoid swimming and sun tanning for two weeks after any tattooing procedure. You may lightly wash the area lightly with fingertips and take a shower per normal but avoid scrubbing the treated area and DO NOT PICK. Picking at your new makeup can result in color loss, scarring, and infection.
Can I wear makeup after the procedure?
You cannot put other types of makeup on top of your permanent makeup for one week after the procedure. Keeping the area clean and free of bacteria is very important to avoid infection while healing.
Can I drive home after the procedure?
Yes, even after an eyeliner procedure.
Do I need to shave or remove my existing eyebrows before having them applied permanently?
No, in fact please don't. We will clean and trim the existing eyebrows and show you how to groom them in the future. If you have gray hairs, you can remove or color them.
I have permanent eyebrows from the past that are discolored and/or have poor shape. What can be done?
If the color is dark: For best results, you should first have them removed with laser. This can take multiple sessions over 6-12 months. Otherwise we might be able to do a few removals without the laser. Please have a look at my page on A consultation would provide that answer.
If the color is faded/light: We can try to remove most of the color and blend them into the new eyebrows. Please note that the color will improve but will lack the look of individual hair since the old eyebrow tattoo will be in the background. This procedure usually takes 1-2 extra appointments to achieve the camouflage and blending.
I have a history of Cold Sores. Can I still have my lips done?
Yes you can. If you have ever had a cold sore, even if it was just when you were a child, there is a high possibility you will have a breakout. It is important to obtain a prescription of antiviral medication from your doctor to prevent an outbreak of cold sores on your lips. Please call us for the name of the medication and dosage needed. The medication should be taken two days before the procedure, the day of, and two days after. It is wise to ask for a refill for your touchup.
How does Botox or cosmetic filler affect the procedure?These products smooth out the skin and improve symmetry to the face and can be used in conjunction with permanent makeup. You can resume with Botox and fillers two weeks after the procedure.
I am pregnant; can I still get permanent makeup?
We do not perform Permanent Makeup on women who are pregnant or nursing.
Can I get my permanent makeup cheaper?
It saves you money and embarrassment to do it right the first time. This is a time to find the right artist, not the lowest price, especially for something that is going to be permanent on your face. Our prices are very competitive and we strive to make our clients happy with our best work. This is an important decision and we encourage you to shop around because we are confident that we will give you the best service for your investment.
How will I look immediately after?
The color will look much darker and more defined for the first week. The eyes and lips can have some swelling for a couple of days but there is little to no swelling for eyebrows. After one week, the intensity can soften about 20%. Detailed aftercare instructions and after care ointment are provided and reviewed before and after each procedure.
What are the risks?
The following factors may prevent us applying permanent makeup or might not make some people good candidates.
People on certain prescription medication or with an existing medical condition may NOT be able to get permanent makeup.
People who spend a lot of time in the sun or in tanning booths is NOT a good candidate for permanent makeup since the UVA rays will alter and change the pigment tones, sometimes even turning brown brows blue.
People who tend to easily hyper-pigment may NOT be good candidates for Procell Microchanneling.
People who keloid will have a risk of doing so from this process.
Is Cosmetic Tattooing safe?
Yes. The strictest sanitation and safety standards are followed by using only single-use needles and parts. Also, hypo-allergenic pigments containing no fragrances, emollients or other irritants are used during the procedure.
How should I prepare for a Cosmetic Tattoo?
Skin condition and quality are of utmost importance in tattoo results. Please make sure the treated area remains healthy and moisturized before your procedure. No sunburned or chapped, or flaking skin. No active skin conditions i.e. eczema, psoriasis, acne, sores, etc.
For eyeliner, make sure you have no eyelash extensions and that you have been off of any eyelash growing serums for at least 2 months.
For lip procedures, please make sure your lips are nice and moisturized (not chapped) prior to procedure otherwise you may experience color loss. Avoid picking at and neglecting it so we will have a nice, smooth skin surface to work with.
Avoid any blood thinners i.e. Alcohol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Nsaids for 24 hours before your appointment.
Other things to avoid 24 hours before your appointment is caffeine, fish oil, and antihistamines.
Please allow at least 3 days between any chemical treatments to hair on the are where we will be working. For instance, if we are tattooing your scalp and you need to color your hair, please do it at least 3 days before your appointment. A week before is even better. If we are tattooing your eyebrows, and you wanted a brow lamination, please do that at least 3 days before your appointment. If you wanted to get chemical services done after your tattoo, you will need to wait at least 3 weeks after for your tattoo to be healed enough not to cause a reaction.
Also, a lot of people tend to wear white to their appointment. Please try not to wear light or really expensive clothing. Ink has a tendency to travel, and the last thing you or I want, is for me to get permanent ink on your beautiful white top!
If you have scheduled procedures on your body such as Body Art, Procell Microchanneling or Inkless Scar Camouflage, please wear loose comfortable clothes.
It is important to eat and stay hydrated during longer sessions. Please make sure you bring a snack and some water if your appointment is longer than 3 hours.
What is your cancellation policy?We understand that sometimes things can happen that are out of our control and we try to be accommodating, but please try to let us know 48 hours in advance if you can’t make your appointment. With the new booking software, it will ask for a percentage of the appointment. That amount will be forfeited upon canceling within the 48 hour period or not showing up. You would again have to pay another percentage to rebook.
What if I don’t like it?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician. Remember that, initially the color will appear darker and very bold immediately following the procedure, but will soften and lighten during the healing process, which takes approximately a week or longer for the surface to heal; the healing time is different for each individual and for different procedures. That is because initially the pigment sits on top of the skin as well as through the skin. After one week or so, you will only see the color that is through the skin. It can take up to 6 weeks for the final color to stabilize. In lip lightening procedures, the healing process can take up to 12 weeks to see any hyperpigmentation showing through. It is your responsibility to communicate' your desired outcome to the technician. We are experts in our field, but unfortunately that doesn't include mind reading. We will do our best to communicate so you know what to expect.
What if I want to wear a different color lipstick/ eyeliner/ brow color?
That’s the beauty of permanent makeup! It is part of your skin so you can take topical makeup and apply whatever color lipstick or eyeliner, etc. for something different.
Can I have an allergic reaction to the pigment?Documented allergic reactions to permanent makeup procedures are extremely rare. Skin testing may be done by the technician upon request. The test can show if you could have a possible allergy but it cant rule out allergies, and it should be understood that an allergic reaction could still occur at any time.
Cosmedic Ink
Specializing in Cosmetic and Medical Tattooing
204-999-2494
Information and Frequently Asked Questions