Permanent Makeup FAQs

Permanent makeup, often abbreviated as PMU and also known as permanent cosmetics or micro-pigmentation, is a cosmetic tattooing technique that places custom-blended pigments into the skin to enhance or recreate facial features. This creates a long-lasting, smudgebproof makeup look without needing to apply makeup daily. Some of the most common areas for PMU application are eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips. These procedures offers a convenient, low-maintenance solution for anyone looking to enhance their natural features with long-lasting results.

Permanent makeup is ideal for people who want to save time on their daily beauty routine or who have:

• Sparse brows, light lashes, or uneven lip color

• 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

• Anyone wanting to save time on their daily makeup routine

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 materials and are placed more superficially in the skin. Because of this, the color will gradually fade over time. It is designed to fade gradually allowing for adjustments over time as trends, skin, and preferences change.

Most permanent makeup results will last 1–5 years, depending on several factors, including:

• Skin type - Oily skin tends to fade a little faster then dry

• Procedure - Eyebrows tend to fade faster, particularly microblading because of the small amount of pigment implanted.

• Pigment color - Lighter pigment shades fade more quickly

• Lifestyle - Sweating, swimming, and workouts can affect color retention

• Sun exposure and tanning habits - UV rays accelerate fading

• Skincare products - Retinoids, exfoliating products, brightening serums, and bleaching creams can cause fading faster

As the pigment softens and lightens, a color refresher is recommended to maintain your desired look.

Microblading is an eyebrow tattooing technique that creates the most 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 openings into the skin to implant the pigment into the upper layers of the skin mimicking the width and appearance of real eyebrow hairs. Because of this process microblading produces very defined, soft, and ultra natural-looking results.

Microblading typically lasts 6–18 months, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. A color refresh appointment is recommended to maintain the brow shape and definition upon fading.

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. A topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes to maximize comfort during the procedure. Your permanent makeup artist will map and outline the brows, eyeliner, or lips to check symmetry and design accuracy. 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.

Most initial procedures are 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 more or less time depending on your skin type, pain tolerance, and comfort level. Your touch-up appointment is usually quicker and 1 - 1.5 hours as the artist only needs to refine and perfect the areas that require additional detail but will still require time to numb.

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, pressure, or tickling 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. Considerations 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

If you take vitamins or supplements that may thin the blood, they should only be stopped with approval from your healthcare provider.

You must also wait at least 2 weeks after receiving dermal fillers in the procedure area before scheduling permanent makeup.

You must discontinue lash or brow growth serums (such as Latisse or RevitaLash) 10 days prior to your appointment, as they can increase bleeding.

Everyone heals differently, but it’s normal to experience some redness and swelling after a permanent makeup procedure. Some clients have very little irritation, while others may notice mild to moderate swelling or sensitivity for the first 24–48 hours. Taking an antihistamine before your eyeliner or lip appointment may help minimize swelling and irritation.

Immediately after the procedure, the treated area will appear much darker and more defined. This is completely normal and is due to pigment, blood, and lymph rising to the surface during the tattooing process.

Over the next 7–10 days, the skin will naturally crust, scab, and flake, revealing a softer, lighter color underneath. Most clients can expect the pigment to lighten about 20–30% once the initial healing is complete.

The overall healing process varies depending on your aftercare, overall health, and skin condition, but this early dark-to-light transition is a normal part of permanent makeup healing.

Aftercare is a crucial part of achieving the best results from your permanent makeup. Post-care instructions will be thoroughly reviewed during your appointment and tailored to the specific procedure you receive. Every client is given printed, step-by-step instructions along with a packet of A&D ointment for proper healing.

Use only A&D ointment, as it is gentle, non-reactive, and safe for healing skin. Do not apply Neosporin, Bacitracin, antibiotic ointments, or any other skincare products, as they can interfere with pigment retention, disrupt the healing process, or trigger allergic reactions.

Following your aftercare directions exactly will help ensure optimal color retention, comfort, and overall results.

Even though permanent makeup is considered long-lasting, there is some flexibility to adjust color and shape. It’s normal to need time to get used to your new look, so be patient and allow yourself to acclimate.

After your procedure heals—typically around 6 weeks—you can schedule your touch-up appointment. At this time, your permanent makeup artist can make adjustments to refine the color, shape, or symmetry based on the healed results. Clear communication with your artist is essential to achieve the desired outcome.

While permanent cosmetics can be removed, the process is gradual and usually requires multiple sessions. Often, a few removal or fading sessions are done first to lighten the pigment, which can then be covered up with a new design. Complete removal is not guaranteed, so working with a skilled, experienced technician is important for achieving the best results.