Permanent makeup, also known as permanent cosmetics or micro-pigmentation, is a cosmetic tattooing technique that places custom-blended pigments into the skin’s dermal layer. This creates long-lasting enhancements such as natural-looking permanent eyebrows, permanent eyeliner, or lip color that won’t smudge, smear, or wash off.
Permanent makeup is ideal for people who want to save time on their daily beauty routine or who have:
Asymmetrical facial features
Poor eyesight or difficulty applying traditional makeup
Unsteady hands or physical limitations
Allergies or sensitivities to regular cosmetics
Watery eyes, sparse lashes, or thin eyebrows
Active lifestyles involving travel, swimming, or frequent sweating
This treatment offers a convenient, low-maintenance solution for anyone looking to enhance their natural features with long-lasting results.
Permanent makeup is considered permanent because the pigment is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin, making it unable to wash off. However, unlike traditional body tattoos, PMU pigments are formulated with lighter, more natural metals and are placed more superficially in the skin. Because of this, the color will gradually fade over time.
Most permanent makeup results last approximately 2–5 years, depending on several factors, including:
Lifestyle and skin type
Sun exposure and tanning habits
The pigment color used
Skin care products, especially those with exfoliating ingredients
How well aftercare instructions are followed
As the pigment softens and lightens, a color refresh is recommended to maintain your desired look.
Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing technique that creates natural-looking, hair-like strokes. Unlike traditional permanent makeup, microblading is performed manually using a handheld tool called a microblade. This tool is made up of several tiny needles arranged in a row to form a small, precise blade.
During the procedure, the microblade is dipped into pigment and used to make fine, paper-cut–like strokes in the skin that mimic the width and appearance of real eyebrow hairs. Because the pigment is placed more superficially than in traditional permanent makeup, microblading produces very defined, natural-looking results but does not last as long.
Microblading typically lasts 6–18 months, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare, after which a color refresh is recommended to maintain the brow shape and definition.
The permanent makeup process begins with a detailed consultation where we review inspiration photos and discuss your desired results. You will complete medical history and consent forms, and we will go over all pre-care and post-care instructions to ensure the best outcome.
Your permanent makeup artist will map and outline the brows, eyeliner, or lips to check symmetry and design accuracy. A topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes to maximize comfort during the procedure.
During the permanent makeup application, the pigment is layered in multiple passes to achieve even, long-lasting color. For safety and precision, it’s important to remain as still and quiet as possible throughout the procedure.
After your appointment, follow the recommended aftercare instructions carefully for optimal healing and retention. A follow-up touch-up session is typically scheduled 6-12 weeks later to refine the shape, color, and details as needed.
Plan to be at your appointment for approximately 2 hours. This includes time to complete paperwork, discuss your desired shape and color, map and draw the design for symmetry, and apply topical anesthesia for 20–30 minutes before the procedure begins.
Some procedures may take longer depending on your skin type, pain tolerance, and comfort level. Your touch-up appointment is usually quicker, as the artist only needs to refine and perfect the areas that require additional detail.
Most clients report very little to no pain during permanent makeup procedures. We use powerful, high-quality topical anesthetics that are specifically designed for permanent cosmetics. These numbing creams and gels are applied before the procedure and reapplied throughout the process to keep the area comfortable from start to finish.
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but clients commonly describe the sensation as a light scratching or pressure rather than actual pain.
To ensure the best possible experience, avoid caffeine the day of your appointment, as it can heighten sensitivity and make you feel more jittery. Staying hydrated and well-rested also helps improve your comfort level.
If you have traditional body tattoos or piercings, you will likely find that permanent makeup is far easier to tolerate, as the techniques and depth of pigment implantation are much gentler.
Yes, permanent makeup is very safe when performed by a trained professional who follows proper sterilization and sanitation protocols. All needles used during your procedure are new, sterile, and single-use, and are safely disposed of after each appointment. We use disposable chair covers, gloves, and machine wrapped in barrier film. After every procedure, the entire workstation is thoroughly disinfected with hospital-grade sterilizers to maintain the highest level of cleanliness.
Yes, there are several contraindications and considerations to permanent makeup. Some conditions and medications may increase risks or affect healing. Contraindications can include, but are not limited to:
Blood thinners, aspirin, and certain heart medications
Medications for conditions such as diabetes, lupus, and autoimmune diseases
Being prone to infections or having a compromised immune system
