Permanent Makeup FAQ

   Microblading refers to the most common technique offered for permanent brow makeup. A handheld tool is used individually apply hyper realistic hair strokes, creating a natural, more defined brow shape. An ideal microblading candidate will have dry to normal skin with small, unnoticeable pores. Microblading is maintained with refresh appointments every 1-3 years depending on skin type, aftercare adherence and desired style. Shading can be added to create more overall “density” and for longevity.

   Machine hair strokes are crafted with a machine and single needle. Ideal clients for the service will have very little natural hair to begin with. This service can be adapted for most skin types which may not be candidates for microblading.

    The style is casual and natural, “un-plucked” and not heavily contoured/arched compared to the more defined shape of microblading. There’s more space in-between machine hair strokes for graceful long term results. Machine hair strokes are redone every 2-3 years when they have adequately faded.

   Shading is done with a machine which is used to create tiny “micro-dots” of color. This gives the effect of more density and overall color to the brows, much like brow makeup applied at home. Shading is recommended if there’s uneven hair coverage in the natural brows, if a new shape is being created, or there is very little hair to begin with.

Be advised permanent makeup is a delicate procedure and skin type plays a major role in long term results.

 

Normal to Dry Skin: Microblading is ideal for candidates with dry to normal skin and small, unnoticeable pores. Natural hair would be fine and dispersed throughout the brow. If there’s no hair in areas of the brow, addition of shading is needed. 

Combination and Oily Skin: These skin types can still get permanent makeup while keeping in mind long term results will vary depending on amount of natural oils in the skin. In oily skin, cells turnover and renew faster than dry skin. That means pigment will get softer-looking faster. A touchup may be needed sooner than someone with dry skin. Adding shading is recommended to get more longevity out of the permanent makeup. Refresh appointments are typically made once a year.

Mature Skin: It’s recommended to avoid microblading the entire brow use shading to complete most of the brow shape. If individual hair strokes are pereferred, machine hair strokes will be the preferred style. The epidermal layer is typically thin so there’s risk when using a microblade to implant pigment.

   Eyeliner is highly customizable and heals quickly. Permanent eyeliner is maintained with a refresh appointment every 1-3 years depending skin type, aftercare adherence and desired style.

 

Lash Enhancement: The most subtle option, adding pigment only to the base of the lashes. This give a boost of depth and color to the lashes like mascara without looking like noticeable eyeliner.

Basic Eyeliner:  Thickness of liner is drawn on to the preferences of the client.

Winged Eyeliner: Length and shape of wings is determined by eye shape as well as personal style.

Dusty Eyeliner: This style creates a smokey-eye effect with layers well with eyeshadow. This style automatically comes with a bit of a wing to “hold” the shading within a shape.

Mature Skin: Be advised permanent liner is not ideal for mature clients because the epidermal layer of the eyelid is very thin. There’s risk involved even with an experienced technician.

 

   Most people experience little to no discomfort. While everyone’s sensitivity varies, clients are numbed with topical numbing cream for 15-20 minutes before we begin and another numbing solution is used throughout the process as well.

   As the ink settles in, the skin and pigment will go through a few phases while healing. Initially the new pigment will appear darker than normal for 2-5 days. Then the skin will flake and exfoliate naturally. It’s normal for the color to flake away appearing softer and less visible during the healing process, but the pigment will reappear in the following days & weeks as the skin normalizes again.
    The full healing process takes 4-6 weeks. It will look healed much faster than this, but it takes the full amount of time for under-layers of the skin to fully heal so touchups are done no sooner than 6 weeks.

   Initially permanent makeup is completed in two sittings. A complimentary touchup appointment will be scheduled 6-10 weeks after your initial service. Most clients need more than 1 session to achieve ideal results, so be sure to return for your complimentary 6-10 week touchup.

    The style of permanent makeup I offer is generally refreshed every 1-3 years depending on technique chosen, skin type, and aftercare adherence. Most clients will experience a bold, crisp immediate result that will heal into a diffused and softened version of their initial treatment. There are long-term aftercare instructions to help maintain permanent cosmetics. Proper aftercare will save your pigment from fading.
        Let your permanent makeup fade adequately before scheduling a refresh appointment. This ensures the right amount of pigment is implanted into the skin. Following up too often/sooner than needed can result in blocky areas of color.
    Some clients may desire a refresh appointment sooner than 1 year if desiring to maintain a crisp/dark/bold style. Pricing varies depending on amount of time since the last service.

   Each client is provided with an in-depth mapping and analysis. We work together to outline a shape that compliments both your facial structure, natural hair growth and personal style. We don’t begin without your approval of the shape beforehand. You’ll have the opportunity to look and make changes before moving forward. 

    You may show reference photos of styles you like, but keep in mind everyone’s brows, skin and face are unique, so not all styles are achievable for every person.

   Working over a different technician's makeup can be done on a case-by-case basis. Send photos of your existing makeup for consultation. The previous work needs to have faded adequately before I can work over it
    The style of makeup I offer is soft, not suitable for coverup work from a previous artist that was more heavy-handed because long term, results would fade unevenly.

   To ensure the best possible results for any type of permanent makeup it’s important to prepare in advance. The area being treated must be healthy, non-sensitive and non-irritated.

 

The Prep:

• Don’t tweeze/wax/tint in the area for one week before the procedure.
• Discontinue use of facial products near the area that include Vitamin-A, Retinol, or hair growth serums for two weeks before the appointment. Continue to avoid using them around the area after getting permanent makeup indefinitely.
• Don’t workout the day of your appointment. Prepare to not sweat excessively for 7 days.
• No Fish/Krill Oil, Vitamin E or C, Gingko Biloba, St John’s Wart for at least 10 days prior to the procedure.
• Don’t tan two weeks prior to the service, or have a sunburned face.
• It’s advised to not get permanent makeup before a sunny vacation.
• Don’t have any type of facial or electrolysis for two weeks prior to the procedure.
• Don’t have botox three weeks prior to your brow appointment.
• Don’t schedule a hair appointment within 1 week afterwards.
• Be well hydrated! Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Eat a meal beforehand, don’t come hungry.
• Be well rested and get a good night’s sleep.​​

 

In order to avoid excessive bleeding and poor color deposit:

• Do not drink alcohol 24-48 hours before your appointment.
• Consume very little caffeine before your procedure! Caffeine can increase skin sensitivity and blood flow.
• Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen 24 hours prior.
• If taking prescription blood thinners, have permission from your doctor to stop taking the medication for three days prior to your appointment.

   

• Repeated and prolonged sun exposure/regular tanning will prematurely fade your makeup and can even alter the color. Making sure your daily face moisturizer includes SPF is recommended to protect the pigment. For long days in the sun, wear large brimmed hats and UV protective sunglasses and reapply sunscreen. 
• Facial treatments containing Vitamin A, Retinol, and hair growth serums should be avoided around the area altogether. Using it near the area may prematurely fade and discolor the pigment.
• Avoid using oils to moisturize. Oily skin will need refresh appointments sooner than a person with normal or dry skin.
• Exfoliating and skin lightening products (including acidic facial cleansers like alpha & beta hydroxy acids and chemical peels) promote ink loss. Avoid on the brows.
• After applying makeup/foundation, use a damp Q-tip to clean off your brows. This allows the pigment to show through without being covered or muddled by makeup.
• Come back for a touchups when the ink is adequately faded to maintain the full color and shape of permanent makeup.
• Let estheticians know you have permanent makeup before receiving any kind of treatment.

   If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, 48 hrs notice is required to keep your deposit on file. In the event you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, the deposit will be forfeit. You may reschedule your appointment 1x (ONE TIME). If you need to reschedule an appointment more than once, the original deposit will be forfeit and another will be required to make a new appointment. If you decide to not get permanent makeup anymore, deposits are still non-refundable and non-transferable to any other service, client, or artist.
    This includes but is not limited to: any kind of illness or family emergency, car/transportation issues, childcare issues, pet illness or financial crisis. In the event that you need to cancel your appointment due to pregnancy, you will need to make a new deposit when you are ready to get tattooed again.
       

   Your complimentary touchup will be scheduled for 6-10 weeks after the initial service. If you are unable to keep the followup appointment date within this window, the touchup will no longer be free- price will vary depending on amount of time since the last service and will be considered a "refresh" instead of the complimentary "touchup". Visit the Pricing guide and reference "refresh" pricing as it applies to your specific service.

   Clients over 15 minutes late to their appointment may need to be rescheduled. This is not a punishment but due to other appointments in the day. Appointments won't be rushed nor am I willing to risk running late for following clients. At 30 minutes late, there will be loss of the deposit and another will be required before rescheduling.

    Please be advised permanent makeup is a delicate form of tattooing and there are some medical conditions, medications and circumstances that prevent or delay some clients from getting the service. If you have questions, please send Christina a message.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Under the age of 18.
• Feeling ill or sick.
• Commonly suntan or use tanning beds.
• Have a sunny vacation coming up within 4 weeks.
• Have a hair appointment within 1 week after your makeup appointment.
• Taking Adderall within 1 week.
• Have taken Accutane in the past year.
• Using Retinol, Retin-A, Vitamin A, or hair growth products in the last 6 weeks. 
• Have had peels/laser/microneedling within the past 4 weeks.
• Have had laser resurfacing in the past year.
• Have had botox injections on the forehead within 3 weeks.
• Very dry/flaky skin in the area to be tattooed.
• Acne in the area to be tattooed.
• Skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, undiagnosed rashes or blisters near the area that is to be tattooed.
• Have an active herpes outbreak on the face.
• Taking blood thinning medication.
• Taking any natural blood thinners in the last 2 weeks, including krill oil/fish oil, Vitamin E or C, Gingko Biloba, or St. John’s Wart.
• Have a heart condition or an undiagnosed/untreated heart issue.
• Diabetic.
• Have an active infection.
• Have taken antibiotics in the last 30 days.
• At high risk of infection/must take antibiotics during dental work.
• Have an upcoming surgery within 4 weeks.
• Have a thyroid related condition that requires medication.
• Currently taking painkillers of any kind.
• Taking immunosuppression medication/have been diagnosed with an immune disorder.
• Have tendency to keloid.
• Trichotillomania diagnosis.