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Permanent Make-Up

 

 

 

FAQs about Permanent Makeup

 

Q:  What is permanent makeup?

A:  Permanent Makeup (PMU), or micropigmentation, is the process of implanting specially formulated pigment into the skin via various cosmetic tattooing techniques (described below).  When done correctly, it can be life-changing!! 

Q:  Does it hurt?

A:  Numbing agents are used throughout the procedure to keep you comfortable.  The level of discomfort one experiences will vary from person to person, but the procedure should not be painful.  

Q:  How permanent is it really?

A:  All procedures fade over time.  Individual results will vary.  Skin type, age, sun exposure, skincare products, and lifestyle in general all play a role in retention.  The occasional touch-up is recommended to maintain color and freshness. 

Q:  What can I expect my brows to look/feel/heal like after?

A:  The stages of healing can best be explained by clicking on this visual aide: 

Q:  Do I need to come back 4-8 weeks after the procedure? 

A:  All PMU procedures are considered a 2-step process before being complete.  There may be small areas that didn't retain the pigment as well, and/or it also gives the opportunity to fine-tune and make any adjustments on the color/length/density/etc.  You may find you are happy with the results feeling no need to return, but the perfection session is an integral part of the process to get the best results and retention.

Q:  How often is a touch-up needed?

A:  Brows typically require a touch up within 1-2 years. 

Lips & Eyeliner may maintain retention for 2-3 years before you'll feel the need for a touch-up.

Q:  Why does it sometimes fade out and change color?

A:  Basic color theory.  All colors are made up of the 3 primary colors. Therefore, all permanent makeup pigments have an original base using a combination of red, blue, and yellow.  Depending on the client's undertones and the base (& quality) of the pigments your artist uses, in conjunction with the client's lifestyle, sun exposure and other factors, it can fade out with these base colors.  (And another reason why you should research your artist's work!)  

Q:  How long is each procedure?

A:  All initial procedures are about 2.5 hours or less.  Touch-ups are about 1.5 hours or less.

 

Q:  How do I schedule?

A:  Please fill out the contact form and I will be in touch within 24 hours either via the email address &/or phone number you provide.  $100 nonrefundable deposit is required to book all first-time PMU procedures.  Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, and credit card are all accepted for deposit.

Q:  What is your cancellation policy?
A:  Contacting to reschedule within 1 week of your booked appointment may result in a $50 re-booking fee.

 

 

PMU Procedures

 

Brows . . .

 

Brow Consultation*  30 minutes, $50

To have a better understanding of the process, discuss things in more detail, and get to preview how the end result will look, come in for a consultation!  You will arrive with your brows filled in with make-up (if this is something you do).  First, I'll clean up and give your existing brows a proper shaping (with or w/o wax) before mapping out and filling in the suggested shape to help you envision the end result.   We'll go over your options, discuss expectations, review contraindications, and review pre-care and post care.  Whenever you are ready to book, the consultation fee will be applied to your procedure. 

 *All procedures involve a very thorough consultation. It is not necessary to book a separate consultation prior to your procedure, but you will need to review any possible contraindications that could affect you being a candidate listed in the Pre/Post-Care section below.                      . 

ALL Brow Procedures  $599

Perfection Session 4-8 weeks post-procedure, $50

The different techniques I perform are described below, which I use in combination to get the best, most natural results based on skin type, desired shape, and other contributing factors. 

-Microblading is a cosmetic procedure using a tiny sterile blade to scratch hair-like strokes into the skin. 

(not suitable for skin that has larger pores, oily, sun-damaged, or darker skin tones)

-Powder Brow / Ombre Brow / Microshading (it goes by many names) is a cosmetic procedure suitable for most skin types, using a small electric skin pen machine to shade / fill in sparse areas, giving a nice soft shape as if your brows have been filled in with make-up/powder.  

-Combo Brow / Blade n' Shade is a combination of the above techniques (which is what I typically do for most clients)

Brow Touch-Ups

Perfection Session (4-8 weeks after initial procedure)  $50 

2-8 months  $150  

9-15 months  $250 

16-23 months  $350  

24+ months  $350+ 

Touching Up Another Artist's Work (photos must be submitted before booking)  $299+

Lips . . .

Lip Blush $599 

Perfection Session 4-8 weeks post-procedure, $50

is a cosmetic tattooing procedure using an electric machine to implement soft pixels of color, enhancing the lip color like a lip stain.  Can help define the vermillion border, enhance the cupid's bow, correct discoloration, create balance, and give a fuller more youthful appearance.  Available in many gorgeous flattering shades with results lasting up to 3 years or longer!  

 

 

 

 

Ombre Lip Blush $699

Perfection Session 4-8 weeks post-procedure, $50

Similar to the above description, but with the addition of craftily blended shades to give a fuller, more 3D effect

 

Lip Liner Only $499  

Perfection Session 4-8 weeks post-procedure, $50

Lip Touch-ups

  2-3 years  $300

  4+ years  full price

Eyeliner . . .

 

Lash Liner  

Super minimal but with maximum impact!  Pigment is worked into the lashline, giving the illusion of much thicker lashes without looking like make-up.

$499  top & bottom 

$299  top or bottom 

Perfection Session 4-8 weeks post-procedure, $50

Eyeliner  

Lashliner as described above, with the added definition of eyeliner above the lashline, precisely placed and completely customized. 

$599 top & bottom 

$349 top or bottom 

Custom, soft smoke, extra thick, baby wing, etc.  $50+

Perfection Session 4-8 weeks post-procedure, $50

Touch-up &/or Color Correction

$299+ (photos must be submitted for evaluation prior to booking)

 

 

Pre-Care & Post-Care

Contraindications

Not everyone is a candidate for PMU.  Please review the following list of contraindications that could affect moving forward with the procedure before contacting to make an appointment.  (In some cases a doctor's note may be required.)

--No Botox/fillers at least 4 weeks pre or post procedure (2+ weeks prior if you regularly receive treatments)

--Hypertrophic scarring or keloids

--High blood pressure or heart condition (on medication)

--Taking blood-thinners including aspirin

--Diabetes (doctor note required)

--Oncology patients should be at least 6 weeks post treatment (doctor note required)

--Pregnant or Lactating

--Herpes simplex

--Prone to certain skin conditions e.g. rashes, blisters, psoriasis, or eczema

--Taking steroids such as cortisone, Accutane, Retin-A or Renova

--Allergy to numbing agents (benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine, epinephrine)

--Acute acne in the treatment area

--Susceptibility to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

--Spider veins or a birthmark in the area to be treated

--Blood disorder e.g. sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, or a platelet disorder

--Minors are accepted on a case by case basis.  Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian during the entire procedure with written consent.

--Allergies to any of the following: Aloe, Argania Spinosa, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbon Black, Chamomile, Coconut, Color Index Numbers / C.I. Generic Name (e.g. C.I. Acid Blue 52, C.I. Direct Red 122, C.I. Pigment Yellow 176, C.I. Solvent Black 34, etc.), DMDM hydantoin ,Glycerin, Green Tea, Iron Oxide, Isopropyl Alcohol, Mango, Papaya, Peppermint Arvensis Essential Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Rosa Moschata, Rosemary Oleoresin, Rosin/Resin, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Vitamin E Complex, Witch Hazel

 

Pre-Care.  for best results...

4 weeks prior

-no Botox or fillers (2 weeks for regular Botox users)

2 weeks prior:     

-should be off any antibiotics

-do not tan or have had sunburned skin

-no facials

-for Eyeliner/Lashline Enhancement - discontinue use of lash growth serums

1 week prior:       

-discontinue using any products containing retinol/retinoids and alpha hydroxy acid/AHAs.

-no electrolysis or laser removal in the area

-no Fish Oil or Vitamin E (natural blood thinners)

-for Lip Blush - If you are prone to cold sores, you must obtain prescription medication (Valtrex, Zovirax, etc.) to take 48 hours before your appointment!

 

3 days prior:       

-no waxing or brow tinting

-drink plenty of water

-for Lip Blush - exfoliate lips gently & keep lips hydrated daily with a nourishing lip balm

24-48 hours:     

-avoid caffeine (if you can), alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen (these drugs thin the blood which can cause excessive bleeding and poor color deposit), and salty foods

-for Lip Blush - If you have ever had a cold sores, you must take prescription medication 48 hours prior to your appointment (Valtrex, Zovirax, etc.).

                           

Post Care.  for best results...

Do not rub, pick, or scratch the treated area

Limit alcohol consumption the first 24 hours (a glass of wine is fine)

- Blot  continuously immediately following your procedure using a clean paper towel to absorb any excess lymph fluid until it has completely stopped (not everyone experiences this).  You will repeat this process every time you wash.

- Wash quickly and gently 1x day before bed for the first week with Cetaphil facial cleanser (CeraVe, Neutrogena)

- Dry/Blot completely after washing because moisture can be a cause for scabbing. You want to scab as little as possible.

-for brows Apply a small amount (like a grain of rice) of A&D ointment or Aquaphor to the brows with a clean Q-tip to help ease tightness or itchiness if/when needed. Do not over saturate. Do NOT use anti-bacterial ointment like Neosporin!

-for lips Apply ointment (Aquaphor, A&D) on lips several times a day. (nothing that "tingles". No Carmex, Blistex, etc.)

-for liner Keep ointment (Aquaphor) on the affected area with the provided tool your artist gives you

Week 1 (until your skin is healed over, about 5-10 days)

-Showers should be quick and not too hot/steamy (this affects retention during the healing process).  Keep the procedure area out of the water if possible. 

-Avoid make-up & sun screen in the treated area. You can still wear make-up & sunscreen everywhere else.  Mascara is fine.  Concealer is fine.  Be careful when applying and removing. 

-Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, hot yoga, excessive sweaty activities/exercise

-Avoid sun exposure.  (Big hats and sunglasses are our friends.)

- for Lip Blush- Avoid oily, spicy and overly salted foods. Eat foods with a fork (so that food passes the lips). Drink with a straw.  After every meal gently rinse and clean lips with water and pat dry, then re-apply ointment.

- for Lip Blush- Avoid lip products that "tingle" (Carmex, Blistex, with camphor, peppermint oil, anything that says 'plumping'.)

30 days:  

-Continue to avoid sun exposure / tanning / UV rays  (can affect the color).  You can use sunscreen after it's healed over (about 5-7 days). (helpful tip: lip balm with SPF is perfect to slip on over brows!)     

-Avoid products containing retinols, AHAs, glycolic acid          

-No Botox (or 2 weeks for regular Botox users), facials, fillers, chemical treatments, or microdermabrasion.

-Antibiotics should be avoided if possible until at least 2 weeks after the touch-up.               

click photo to enlarge

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