What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent cosmetic makeup is the art and science of implanting color into your skin. It is putting the right color in the right place so you will look better naturally. Specialized instruments allow your practitioner to place color into the layer of skin known as the dermis. Because the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, is always shedding and renewing itself, you are looking at the color through a thin veil of skin.

 

Why does it look so dark at first?
When your procedure is completed, the color will appear darker than the final result. This is because the color is in BOTH the epidermis and the dermis. The color in the top layer will flake off during the healing process.

Will I really look like myself?
Permanent cosmetic makeup helps replenish what time has taken away and gives back precious time you normally spend "putting on your face." You can save up to 100 hours in a single year that were formerly spent struggling to draw eyebrows evenly or eyeliner half-way straight. That's 2 1/2 weeks of free time plus the money you'll save buying new and expensive cosmetics that rub off, smear, smudge and disappear during the day. Permanent makeup is not intended to replace cosmetics completely. Because the color is placed "in" your skin and not "on" your skin you'll see a more natural, softer look. When you're ready to kick up your heels and go out for a night-on-the-town, you can apply as much additional makeup as desired.

I'm afraid of pain... Does permanent makeup hurt a lot?
New topical anesthetics have been developed especially for permanent make up for eyeliner, eyebrows and lip color procedures. These creams and gels are applied to the desired area before and during the procedure to assure the most comfortable experience possible. Some people describe the sensation as a "tingling" feeling. Most people experience some discomfort, especially for lip color procedures. It is common to hear that there was not as much pain as was expected. As the anesthetic wears off after the procedure, cool packs are very soothing to the area.

How long is recovery?
You'll look like you've had a good cry for several hours following eyeliner. It is advised to apply ice for10 minutes at a time during these first few hours. Also, it is important to wear sunglasses as your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light. Eyebrow procedures have the least swelling. Lip color often involves temporary swelling. You must let your technician know if you have a history of fever blisters so your doctor can prescribe medication.

How long will my permanent makeup last?
Permanent make-up is long-lasting. However, as you become accustomed to your new makeup it's not uncommon to want more. You will want to freshen up your new makeup every couple of years. The darker the color, such as black, the longer it will stay unchanged in your skin. Natural, delicate colors are often times more vulnerable to the effects of sun, swimming and breakdown by the body. No pigment is FDA approved for tattoos. Both organic and inorganic pigments may be used to achieve the desired color.

Can I remove my permanent makeup if I change my mind?
Because it's easy to add color and difficult to take away, your technician will be conservative in the initial application of your new color. Take advantage of the consultation to discuss your wants and needs. It's also a time where you and your technician choose the right colors and discuss any special requests you may have. Your cooperation will largely determine the end result of your procedures. Remember it is a team effort.


Can I get my permanent makeup cheaper?
Remember the saying: "You get what you pay for." It saves you money and embarrassment to do it right the first time! If you already have permanent makeup and wish to have changes in the shape or color, please call for a consult.

What if I have plastic or laser surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is desirable for many reasons as we age. It's best to complete your surgery before having your makeup applied. Laser surgery or resurfacing may result in color loss or darkening of your makeup depending on the laser and the colors in your skin. Advise your laser surgeon that you have permanent cosmetics so that he or she can perform a "spot test" before they proceed. If either cosmetic surgery or laser causes color loss, then it is a simple matter to have the color replaced. Your technician can explain more about complications of cosmetic tattoos.

 

What happens during a permanent makeup procedure?
Prior to the permanent makeup procedure you will receive a comprehensive consultation during which you will have the opportunity to discuss the results you wish to achieve and how permanent make-up can enhance your appearance. If there is a specific look that you particularly like, you should bring some magazine pictures to show what you desire, as this will help communicate your preferences to the permanent makeup artist. As an expert in the field of color analysis and makeovers, your permanent makeup artist will identify the micro-pigmentation shades that work with your hair, skin and eye color. Using conventional cosmetics your permanent makeup artist will also create your unique look visually so that you can approve the enhancement before the micro-pigmentation pigments are infused into your skin. This ensures the finished result are exactly what you want. Immediately after the infusion process, your permanent make-up enhancement will display mild redness and swelling that lasts no longer than 24 hours. The enhancement will also appear a darker shade than the desired result for approximately 1 week.

 

The follow up session is usually four weeks later and allows your permanent makeup artist to refine the enhancement, paying particular attention to fine detail.The enhancement will gradually fade over a number of years leaving a "barely-there" haze of color in the skin. Most people opt to refresh their permanent makeup enhancements every 12 months in order to refresh their look, referring to their enhancement as ‘low maintenance make-up.'