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FAQs
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattooing technique that uses specialized pigments to enhance facial features, like eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips, for long-lasting results. Unlike traditional makeup, which washes off daily, permanent makeup lasts for years, fading gradually over time. It’s designed to look natural and eliminate the need for daily application.
What is permanent makeup, and how is it different from traditional makeup?
Permanent makeup is suitable for most people, especially those who want to simplify their beauty routine, have allergies to traditional makeup, or experience hair loss due to medical conditions. However, individuals with certain skin conditions or health issues should consult their doctor before undergoing the procedure. Please read below to see if you have any contraindications that would prevent you from receiving permanent makeup services: • Accutane: You need to be off of Accutane for at least 12 months • Cancer: With cancer and cancer treatments, the body & the immune system are compromised and we want to limit any additional risk. Client must wait 12 months to receive any permanent makeup service after treatment is finished • Heart/Blood Condition: Hemophilia or any blood clotting disorders • Severe Heart Condition: Individuals with heart diseases are often on medications that thin the blood which will cause excessive bleeding. • Pregnant or Nursing: There aren’t enough research to understand the effects of pigment or numbing agents on individuals who are pregnant or nursing as they can enter the bloodstream. In addition, there is a risk of infection and blood-borne pathogens. Due to hormone fluctuations, the retention rate will also be decreased. • Sick (cold, flu, etc.): If your body health is compromised, the inflammatory response from even small injuries to these areas will be elevated. • Retin-A / Retinol: Use of Retin-A and retinol OTC products should be discontinued 30-60 days prior to service. • Non-prescribed drugs: If a client is knowingly under the influence of drugs or any mood-altering medications that are not prescribed. • Minor: Younger than 18 years of age. • Keloid scarring above the chin.
Who is a good candidate for permanent makeup?
How long does permanent makeup last?
1. Nano Brow Duration: Nano brows last approximately 1-2 years, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. 2. Ombre Shading Duration: Ombre shading generally lasts 1.5-3 years. 3. Eyeliner Duration: Permanent eyeliner typically lasts 1-5 years, depending on the style and pigment used. 5. Lip Blushing Duration: Lip blushing lasts between 1-3 years, gradually fading over time. *Each of these procedures benefit from careful before/aftercare, which can greatly affect how long they last and how evenly they fade.
Is the procedure painful?
Pain levels vary among individuals, but most people experience only mild discomfort. Numbing creams are often applied before and during the procedure to minimize any pain. The sensation is often described as a light scratching or tingling feeling rather than outright pain.
Yes, once the area is generally healed (usually after 10 days), you can apply regular makeup over your permanent makeup if you wish. Many clients find they need less makeup because the procedure enhances their natural features.
Can I still wear regular makeup over permanent makeup?
Right after your appointment, your results will look bold and vibrant — that's the fresh, just-finished look. Over the following 2-4 weeks, the color softens and settles, and the shape blends naturally with your own brow hair (or lash line/lip color, depending on the service). The healed result — soft, natural, and blended — is the true final look, not the fresh appearance on day one. A touch-up session 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment perfects the color and any small gaps.
What's the healing process like, and when will it look "healed"?
Do I need a touch-up? How often?
Yes — a touch-up appointment 6-8 weeks after your initial session is recommended to perfect your color and shape, and helps set you up for the full 1-3 year longevity most clients see. After that, annual touch-ups are optional and really come down to your skin's retention and your personal preference. For example, if you love the soft, gently faded look, you might choose to wait longer between touch-ups to keep that subtle result rather than refreshing it right away.
These are different techniques, and the right one depends on your skin type and the look you want. Microblading uses a hand tool to create fine, hair-like strokes for a natural, textured brow — it works best on normal to dry skin, since oilier skin types can cause the strokes to blur or fade unevenly. Nano brows use a machine-based technique to create similarly delicate hair-like strokes, but with more precision and consistency, and they tend to hold up better on a wider range of skin types, including combination/oily skin. Ombré (powder) brows use a shading technique that creates a soft, gradient, makeup-like fill — similar to the look of filled-in brow powder — and are a great option for oilier skin types or anyone who prefers a fuller, more defined finish over a hair-stroke look. We'll help you decide which technique fits your skin and goals best during your consultation.
What's the difference between microblading, nano brows, ombré/powder brows?
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
A little prep goes a long way for your results and comfort. In the 4 weeks before your appointment, avoid retinol, Retin-A, or other exfoliating skincare on the treatment area. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinning medications (like ibuprofen or aspirin, unless prescribed) for at least 24-48 hours beforehand, since these can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention. Avoid sun exposure or tanning in the days leading up to your appointment. If you'd like, you're welcome to bring reference photos of the shape or look you're hoping for. Please read through the full before-care instructions on our care page!
Permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing, but it's not the same as a traditional body tattoo. We use specially formulated pigments (rather than traditional tattoo ink) designed to fade gradually and predictably over time, which is why touch-ups are part of the process. Traditional tattoo ink is designed to stay put permanently, which is part of why older tattoos can shift toward blue or gray tones over many years — cosmetic pigments are formulated specifically to avoid that kind of color shift as they soften.
Is this a tattoo? Will it change color over time?
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