Although Permanent Cosmetics is one of the top beauty trends of today, it has really only become mainstream in the last few yearsWhile people have been using permanent makeup and cosmetic tattooing to enhance their appearance for decades, any new beauty trend is bound to bring up questions.
So since Permanent Cosmetics is such a popular beauty procedure, many clients still have A LOT of questions about the process. We’ve heard it referred to as Permanent Cosmetics, micro-feathering and micro-pigmentation, but these words are not as interchangeable as one might think. Here are a few of our most frequent Permanent Cosmetics Q&A’s.
Permanent Makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing, also known as micro-pigmentation. It has been around since at least the 20th century, but maybe even longer. There’s even evidence that Queen Cleopatra of ancient Egypt had cosmetic tattooing! It is a cosmetic technique where pigment is inserted into the skin to resemble makeup. It is typically achieved using a machine or manual hand tool to create permanent enhancements to the eyebrows, eyes, lips, and body.
Permanent Cosmetics and in particular Microblade is a technique of cosmetic tattooing performed specifically on the eyebrows. Like earlier methods of cosmetic tattooing, it is done by manually depositing pigment into the second layer of the skin (dermis). But what makes it truly unique is the hand tool used. The unique formation of needles allows the artist to create the look of real eyebrow hairs by tattooing very fine hair-like strokes in the skin.
Permanent lip liner and color can improve the appearance of lips for women and men. It helps lips appear more defined without surgery or fillers and restores color to lips that are too pale. Permanent lip liner eliminates the daily use of pencils to outline, fill-in, or reshape lip borders. Permanent lip color decreases the need to reapply lipstick or lip gloss. Lip tattooing helps correct and balance the symmetry of lips that are uneven, too thin, too thick, or scarred. It can also enhance the natural color and shape of “perfect” lips.
Permanent eyeliner or eyelash enhancement helps women and men enhance the appearance of their eyes. It eliminates the need to outline eyelids with liquid liners or pencils and improves the appearance of missing, thin, or light colored lashes. Permanent eyeliner allows people to swim, shower, or exercise without having makeup
smudges. It provides safety and convenience to people with oily skin, vision problems, or unsteady hands. Eye doctors (Ophthalmologists and Optometrists) also recommend permanent eyeliner to patients who wear contact lenses, have watery eyes, or are allergic to regular makeup.
No. Permanent Cosmetics itself will not cause scarring. What can cause scarring after a Permanent Cosmetics procedure is picking at the healing skin. This is why it is extremely important to make sure your client knows to NOT pick at any scabs or flaking skin after they have had a Permanent Cosmetics procedure. Picking could result in the
loss of pigment as well as scarring.
Having a Permanent Cosmetics procedure can be quite costly. A procedure can cost anywhere from $300 – $1500, depending on the skill/experience of the artist, where you are located, and on the demand for this procedure in your location.
The healing process after a Permanent Cosmetics procedure varies from client to client based on many factors. This could include, but is not limited to: the artist’s technique, pigments used, aftercare instructions, whether or not shading was done, as well as just overall how someone’s body and skin reacts to the procedure. Some of the most
common things clients can expect after a Permanent Cosmetics procedure are:
As with any cosmetic or tattoo procedures, the best way to find a certified, reputable artist in your area is often by word-of-mouth referrals or legitimate customer reviews. You can also do some investigative research of your own on local artists.
It really depends on the client and the health of their skin, but Permanent Cosmetics procedures should last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. Permanent Cosmetics is not supposed to last forever and will require touch-ups when the pigment begins to fade. Permanent Cosmetics is a form of permanent makeup and is subject to fading over time
due to exfoliation, sun exposure and skincare products that may increase exfoliation of the skin.
Just like a typical skin wound, Permanent Cosmetics takes about 10 – 14 days to heal before it can get completely wet without disturbing the skin or the healing process. This includes heavy exercise and sweating, showering, and face down swimming. The area will be fully healed 30 days after the procedure was done.
Because you are numbed prior to the procedure, the level of pain experienced can be minimized, but in all honesty, there is definitely some discomfort involved. The best way to describe the discomfort felt during a Permanent Cosmetics procedure would be similar to that of a mild cat scratch.
The skin near the front of your eyebrow is thicker, so this will likely be a lot less painful than the tail of your eyebrow. The tail of your eyebrow sits very close to the temple, where the skin is very thin. The thinner the skin, the more likely you will experience a higher level of discomfort. That being said, everyone’s skin and pain threshold is different, but during the procedure, there shouldn’t be a point where the pain becomes unbearable. It is of utmost importance to me that my clients feel comfortable. I numb throughout every procedure and strive to keep you comfortable.
Am I a good candidate for Micro blading & Permanent Cosmetic Procedures?
Eyebrows are easily one of the most defining features of the face and have become a focal point of recent beauty trends. Whether you prefer yours thick and bold, or arched and precise, it seems that everyone is obsessed with having his or her “brow game” on point. The Brows truly frame the face and help to give us a youthful and refreshed appearance.
Thanks to microblading and advances in permanent cosmetics techniques, we have been given a solution that allows us to have the brows we have always dreamed of by having them tattooed in a very natural and discreet way.
Therefore, now that microblading has piqued your interest, you are probably wondering, “Is microblading right for me?”
The process goes far beyond finding the right artist. It is just as important to determine whether your skin is fit and ready to be tattooed. From your age, sensitivity to the condition and quality of your skin, a lot goes into the safety and effectiveness of the microblading and Permanent Cosmetics process.
As an artist, my goal is always to ensure that you receive the best possible results from your treatment. This is heavily reliant on your skin being healthy, strong, and calm.
Sometimes, pre-existing skin conditions and skin treatments can heavily compromise the effectiveness of microblading and permanent cosmetics. So, before you go ahead and book your appointment, read the pointers below to find out if microblading and Permanent Cosmetics is for you.
SKIN CONDITIONS (FACE ONLY)
• Skin Complications – If you have skin which is prone to complications with eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris and dermatitis (i.e., your skin is constantly flaking, itching, or aggravated), chances are your skin is in a constant state of unrest and shedding and is not necessarily suitable for tattooing and therefore may not hold the pigment well. A consult is the best option to determine what treatment would be best for you.
• State of Skin – If your skin is sensitive, it is likely to be easily aggravated and bleed easily. A good way to know if your skin is sensitive is if turns pink very easily from a little scratch. If your skin has large pores, specifically in the region of the eyebrows and forehead (aka the T-Zone), the color can blur and result in a powdered look. Along similar lines, tattooed hair strokes will not lay properly on skin with deep wrinkles, which can make the overall look appear uneven. Moles, bumps, piercing, and generally raised skin around the eyebrows will also not be able to retain color well. In this case a powder brow or combo microblade and shade brow may be a better option.
• Sunburn – If you are hoping to get microblading done but have a deep tan or a sunburn, it’s best to wait until your skin has resumed it’s normal color and wait until your skin has healed before booking in for a procedure.
• Previous Permanent Makeup – People who have previously had permanent makeup may want to change or fix what they have previously had done. Clients may have to consider removal prior to a procedure or ask the artist if they can work with their existing permanent makeup to incorporate the old design and colors into the new one. A complimentary consultation is necessary to review your options.
• MEDICATIONS
• Latisse – Eyelash and eyebrow growth serum bring extra circulation (aka blood flow) to the area resulting in more growth of hair/lashes. Do not underestimate the power of these products! If you have been using Latisse or any other eyelash or eyebrow growth conditioners, the skin in that area is in a hypersensitive state and will bleed easily. Be mindful to discontinue using these at least 4 weeks before a treatment.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
• Autoimmune – if you have an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, or frontal fibrosing alopecia, you may not be a good candidate for Microblading due to your compromised skin health caused by these disorders.
• Other Conditions – If you are pregnant, nursing, have hemophilia, a serious heart condition, it is absolutely not recommended that you get any form of permanent make up.
• REACTIONS TO TREATMENTS
Below is a list of medical conditions that often cause skin irregularities, making microblading an unsuitable procedure for you:
• Trichotillomania (i.e., the compulsive pulling of body hair) can causes scar tissue in the skin to be prominent, which does not allow the color to heal properly.
• Glaucoma-If you hope to get eyeliner tattooed, the use of glaucoma eye drops makes eyelash follicles and eyelids hypersensitive. This can cause bleeding and poor color retention.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
• Botox- Get Microblading or Permanent Cosmetics BEFORE you get Botox so your muscles will be in a normal state of movement. Alternatively, if you regularly use Botox, you will need to wait at 3 weeks after, in order to allow the Botox to settle in at its full effect.
• Vacationing- microblading is a tattoo and therefore is a mild injury to the skin which takes time to heal. If you are planning to go hot vacation involving sun, sweating, and swimming, make sure you give your skin two weeks to heal post microblading before showing off your new look on the beach!
Therefore, if you are thinking you are ready for a microblading, or a permanent cosmetics procedure, it is important to know that the results of your permanent makeup will be based on the health and quality of your skin. Results will vary from person to person, and if you have a pre-existing skin condition or are on medications, this can affect the outcome of a procedure to some degree.
For any questions regarding the above information or if you have other considerations, I recommend and welcome that you book a complimentary consultation so that we can best determine the most appropriate treatment for you, to get you the results that you desire.
Below is a list of medical conditions that often cause skin irregularities, making microblading an unsuitable procedure for you:
Therefore, if you are thinking you are ready for a microblading procedure, it is important to know that the results of your permanent makeup will be based on the health and quality of your skin. Results will vary from person to person, and if you have a pre-existing skin condition or are on medications, this can affect the outcome of a procedure to some degree.
Pre Treatment Advice
Congratulations! You are making an investment in yourself. We are excited and confident that this procedure will put a pep in your step and help you feel great about yourself. Flawless Permanent Cosmetics mission is to enhance your natural beauty, increase your confidence and provide results that are long lasting and beautiful! Before beginning, let’s make sure you are a good candidate for micropigmentation and help you understand what to expect. We strive to provide all of our clients with impeccable service and the very best experience: This requires that you follow appropriate pre- and post-care instructions.
Since delicate skin or sensitive areas may swell slightly or redden, some clients feel it best not to make social plans for a day or two following any procedure. Wear your normal makeup and bring your lip or brow pencils with you the day of the procedure.
Please be aware that in order to ensure we choose the right color pigment, we may need to remove any foundation or concealer you are wearing to see the true undertone of your skin. You may choose to bring your makeup to touchup after your procedure.
If unwanted hair is normally removed in the area to be treated, i.e. tweezing or waxing, the hair removal should be completed at least 48 hours prior to your procedure. Electrolysis should not be scheduled within five days of the procedure. Do not resume any method of hair removal for a week after the procedure.
If eyelashes or eyebrows are normally dyed, please refrain for at least 48 hours before your treatment. Wait at least one week after the eyebrow or eyeliner procedure before dying lashes or brows.
Please refrain from using any Retinol products for at least 7 days before and after a treatment.
Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen for 3 days prior to your procedure.
We recommend taking an over the counter pain reliever about 30 minutes before your arrival at the practice. You may contact your physician of you feel you may need a prescription. Client comfort is our priority and topical anesthetic will be applied consistently throughout your treatment to support this.
EYEBROWS:
Avoid tweezing, waxing, electrolysis, and coloring your brows for two weeks prior to the procedure. This
will allow your technician the most flexibility to achieve optimal results.
Please be aware that we will remove your foundation and concealer to determine your true undertones.
This is vital for us to choose the right shade of pigment for you.
We offer several different options of eyebrow pigmentation to support your desire and to achieve the long lasting look of a natural brow.
(Microblading vs. traditional micropigmentation). We offer traditional microblade hair strokes, hair strokes with shading and fully shaded brows, often referred to as Ombre, Powder or Embroidery Brows. Your PMU Technician will discuss the best options for you depending on your preference, skin type, lifestyle, desired results and desired maintenance. Your satisfaction is our number 1 priority.
Rest assured, we use the very best tools and pigments in the industry, and adhere to strict sanitation practices. All equipment for clients is sterile single use.
LIPS:
If you have any history of cold sores, fever blisters, or herpes simplex, you must contact your physician to
obtain and take the proper prescription medication to prevent such outbreaks for at least 4 days before
and after the procedure. Many physicians prescribe 12 capsules of 500mg Valtrex. Follow your
Physician’s instructions.
EYELINER:
Remember to bring your glasses. You may resume wearing your contact lenses as soon as your
eyes return to their pre-treated condition.
Latisse® produces an inflammatory reaction in the skin, which can cause pain and
bleeding. If you use Latisse®, your eyeliner may not take properly.
week prior to or one week after your eyeliner procedure.
lash extensions, we will not be able to do your eyeliner. Lash extensions pose a danger to your
eyes during the micropigmentation procedure.
Micropigmentation is a process. Two or three sessions may be required to achieve the desired
results. It is not uncommon to lose up to 50% of the color after the first session. A follow up tratement is included in your price and must be scheduled within 60 days of intitial procedure.
Please be aware that having a procedure while on your menstrual cycle can make you hypersensitive at the procedure site.
You will be given detailed after-care instructions at the time of your procedure. Please call or email us
with any other questions you may have.
WHILE YOUR SKIN HEALS, BE PREPARED FOR THE COLOR INTENSITY OF YOUR PROCEDURE TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER, SHARPER, BRIGHTER, OR DARKER than what is expected for the final outcome. This is a normal and expected result of the application and healing process. The healing process will take a number of days to complete, depending on how quickly the outer layer of your skin exfoliates and new skin regrows to take its place.
Here is a fun little meme, that demonstrates the 28 days of your brow heal! It is a process and I ask that you trust in it! Always, feel free to call me if you have any concerns at all. Every one of us, who has permanent cosmetics, has been through this. And know, that it is SOOOO WORTH IT!
Microblading is a 2-part process consisting of a first session and an optional touch up session 5-8 weeks later, if needed. Under the realm of micropigmentation , microblading at Flawless is completed with state of the art disposable hand tools and blades, combining artistry, technique, and color theory to mimic your own eyebrow patterns and color in the most undetectable and natural way. Amazing results for those with gaps, thin hair, dead follicles, sparse, uneven, alopecia, trichotillomania, and patchy eyebrows. Microblading is the low maintenance beauty answer to having beautiful brows every day!
Micro shaded brows are a combination of shading and hair strokes. Shading is done with a hand tool or with a machine, depending on each client’s skin and desired results. Shading/ombre brows are also an option. During consultation we will go over your brow goals and I will determine the best option for you based on your bone structure, your actual brow hair (if any), skin type, and desired results. All appointments include full aftercare kit (tissues, aftercare ointment, and instructions).
Color Boost on my original work will receive discounted rates up to 75%. Touch ups on new work is on a case by case basis.
If you want to have glowing confidence and radiate beauty, microblade eyebrows is for you. If you are tired of uneven brows, sparse brows, thin brows, misshapen brows or crooked brows, then YES, microblading eyebrows is for you. If you are tired of spending at least 15 min every morning to fill in your brows, if you want to simplify your beauty routine so you can focus on other things that matter, then YES, microblading eyebrows is for you. Gone are the days of tattooed “Sharpie Brows” or your grandmother’s blue/green liner. Instead, Flawless offers a beautiful and natural permanent cosmetics experience. The best artistry + technique giving you results you’ll want to share with everyone.
We begin with Brow Mapping! We design a blueprint of your potential eyebrow shape using your bone structure. your actual hair growth (if any), and your desired results. Training and understanding of Color Theory helps me to custom blend a color that will perfectly match your eyebrow hair. I use my natural artistry to make your microblading so natural; people will keep guessing what is real and what is Microblade!
Microblading brows is a very safe procedure. Flawless is a state of the art facility licensed with New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Board of Body Art. Completely different than esthetics or cosmetology. Flawless is an exclusive permanent cosmetics practice: microblading eyebrows, lip blushing, and permanent makeup removal procedures. I hold a completed and approved Apprenticeship, my Body Art Practitioner Permit, and establishment license
CPR + First Aid Certification, Blood Borne Pathogens certificate.
Microblading eyebrows is a maintenance service. How long between appointments will be up to the individual: how they care for their brows, their skin type, and how they want their brows to look. There is an optional touch up appointment at 4-8 weeks after the initial appointment. After that touch up appointment, most clients will not need to come back for their color boost until close to 1 year or later. This varies for each client, either way, as long as it is my original work you will never have to pay full price again!
The color boost appointment freshens up the color and we have the option to change to a shaded brow if the client would like a bolder or more defined brow.
During treatment, the client should expect some minor bleeding and some bruising. The treated area
will also be tender for a few days. The skin should scab over and heal over the course of a few
weeks. Fading will happen gradually over several months.
The tattoo will become lighter and may possibly fade completely over time. This removal technique
is safe for all skin types. The salt/saline tattoo removal is safer and has fewer risks of
hypo/hyper-pigmentation, blistering, and scarring than laser removal treatments. The skin may be re-
tattooed once the area has sufficiently healed.
Individuals who are patient and willing to follow aftercare instructions are ideal candidates. Clients on
blood-thinning medications or who expect immediate results are not ideal candidates for this
treatment.
Clients should be realistic in their expectations. They should expect a significant lightening of the
tattoo, not full removal. Clients should expect three to four procedures before they see desired
results.
Failure to follow post-treatment instructions may cause loss of pigment, discoloration or infection.
Remember, colors appear brighter and more sharply defined immediately following the procedure. As the healing progresses, color will soften. A touch-up procedure is included and must be scheduled 5- 8 weeks after the first treatment to complete your treatment. Final results cannot be determined until healing is complete. Additional fees will apply for touch-ups after 60 days following the procedure.
Enjoy your permanent cosmetics!
Jules
Though a friend or family may accompany you to your appointment, friends and family can be a distraction for both the client and artist. Technician reserves the
right to amend this on a case by case basis.
Micro-pigmentation is a time-intensive service. In booking your appointment, we are reserving a
designated amount of time. If you need to cancel for any reason, we require that you cancel at
least 24 hours prior to the start of your appointment time so that we may be able to offer this
time to another client. If your appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice (or in
the case of a no-show), you will still be charged the full price of your scheduled service.
Please plan to arrive at Flawless! 10 minutes prior to the start of your appointment. You will
need to complete a consent and medical intake form. We want to make sure you have time to
make yourself comfortable before the start of your appointment.
If you are late it will compromise the amount of time the artist has to spend on your procedure,
which in turn compromises your results.
In the event that a client is more than 30 minutes late, the procedure may be cancelled, and the
full service fee will still apply, as we are not able to offer this time to another client.
Though it is extremely rare, we reserve the right to refuse treatment for the following reasons:
We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions, please call or make notes so we can discuss them with you when you arrive for your appointment.
I am so looking forward to working with you!