Permanent Makeup
FAQs
What is Micropigmentation?
Permanent Makeup is the art and science of implanting color into your skin.
It is putting the right color in the right place, so you can look better naturally.
Specialized instruments allow your Micropigmentation professional to place color into the layer of skin known as the dermis. Because the outermost layer on skin, the epidermis, is always shedding and renewing itself, you are looking at the color through a thin veil of skin.
When a procedure is completed, the color will flake off during the healing process, lightening the overall effect. Because the color is placed in your skin and not on your skin, a more natural, softer look results.
Cosmetic tattoos are a way to save time and make your life easier.
Wake up every morning with perfect make up.
Go for a swim, to the gym, have a run, play tennis, golf, shower or perspire, your make up won’t smudge or run off.
Reasons for Micropigmentation?
*Convenience. You just need more time.
*Sensitive skin or allergies.
*You wear glasses or contact lenses or have had Lasik surgery or watery eyes that smudge your eyeliner.
*Arthritis or painful hands.
*Difficulty applying make up, or you don’t like the way it smears and disappears.
*Aging changes in brows, lips, eyes.
*Active, outdoor lifestyles.
*Alopecia or other causes of loss of hair.
What is a Lash Enhancement?
A lash enhancement involves tattooing an ultra-thin black line through the lashes to create the illusion of fuller, darker lashes for a natural, eye-opening effect.
How long will it last?
Micropigmentation lasts a long time, but not forever, and it does fade.
As you become accustomed to your new make up, it’s not uncommon to want more.
We generally see clients back from 1-2 years for a color boost.
The darker the color, the longer it will stay unchanged in your skin.
Lighter delicate colors are more vulnerable to the effects of sun, swimming and breakdown by body’s natural response.
SPF is a NECESSITY to your color lasting and not changing tones.
For brows and Lips, a lip balm with SPF 30 (we sell SPF lip balms in studio for $2) and use that daily, all year round.
How is a Lash Enhancement different from Eyeliner?
A Lash Enhancement is not an eyeliner as it is not above the natural lash growth line.
An eyeliner procedure leaves you with a perfectly sculpted eyeliner, just as you would wear your makeup, where a lash enhancement won’t leave you with a makeup look, it will just give the illusion of a thicker lash base.
How long will my appointment be?
Color, shade and definition are built up and designed during your appointment. With this approach, color can be accurately blended with a persons undertones. By proceeding cautiously and slowly, we can make adjustments in color, tones and shading. We also believe in a “less is more” approach when proceeding. It is easier to add more later, than be aggressive in the beginning.
The initial procedure will generally take approximately from 1.5 to 2 hours.'
Follow up procedures usually do not take as much time as initial procedure.
This can also vary on service; if you want to confirm the allotted time for your service, please feel free to reach out to us and our scheduling coordinator will confirm the estimated length of your appointment.
What is involved in recovery?
There may be slight swelling or redness in the skin, but usually not much.
There are two full weeks of restrictions after getting your permanent make up done; excessive sweating, heavy sun exposure (tanning, laying on the beach, etc. - we recommend wearing a hat to protect your brows and sunglasses to protect your liner if the weather is nicer and you will be outside), swimming under water (you can swim above water, just do not get your brows wet with any treated water, lake water or sea water) and wearing any make up on your brows or foundation on your forehead (putting foundation on your forehead can cause it to get into your brows during healing, which could cause an infection.)
It takes a full 4 weeks to see the finished result for your PMU. Health indications play a part in pigment retention, as well as how careful the aftercare instructions are followed during the healing process.
What do I use to heal?
Aftercare will involve a gentle scentless cleanser, such as Cetaphil, and a healing ointment, such as Brows-Eyes-Lips Ointment (sold at the studio) or Aquaphor.
If you do not wish to purchase an after-care kit, please ask your artist what alternatives you can use as our healing ointment cannot be found in stores.
Do procedures hurt?
We use excellent topical anesthetics developed especially for permanent make up procedures. These creams and gels are applied to the desired area before and during the procedure to assure you of the most comfortable experience possible.
Some people describe the sensation as a scratching feeling or plucking sensation.
How much pain?
On a scale of 1-10, you will usually be somewhere between 0-4
(everyone has a different pain tolerance and some experience zero pain, and your hormonal schedule will play a large factor in this).
Rarely is anything stronger than a Tylenol necessary for discomfort and you won’t have to miss or take time off to recover.
It is not necessary to take any pain relievers before your appointment.
Do I need to take any precautions?
With the lips, if you EVER had fever blisters/cold sores (even once), we suggest that you obtain a prescription for Zovirax or Valtrex capsules from your physician and begin taking them two days prior to the procedure (5 days total). Not taking this WILL result in your body creating a breakout on your lips and an uneven loss of pigment.
Some clients find taking a Benadryl on the day of eyeliner procedures helps with swelling for eyeliner.
If you have had any previous lens surgeries on your eyes, a doctors note will need to be obtained to make sure you can have permanent eyeliner done.
Reduce alcohol intake for 2 days before your procedure to minimize bleeding.
Taking Arnica tablets before your eyeliner or lip tattooing appointment can make a huge difference in swelling.
What about sterilization & sanitation?
Please be assured that your health and safety are most important to us. Sanitary surroundings, sterile equipment, disposable needles and quality products are a must at Beautiful Ink. We are all extensively trained and certified in Blood Borne Pathogens, cross contamination and safety procedures.
With that in mind, please do not bring outside food into the studio, as we strive for a clean environment for you.
Do I give gratuity?
Permanent makeup is a personalized beauty service, therefore gratuities are given only at your discretion. To give you a guide, most clients give a similar gratuity as they would give their hair stylist.
Gratuities are never expected but always appreciated.
Gratuities can not be accepted on credit/debit cards.