FAQ

What is Semi Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup, semi permanent makeup, cosmetic tattooing, and micropigmentation are all names for the same thing, which is implementing pigment into the papillary layer of the dermis.

Semi permanent makeup is a general term that implies a number of different procedures that result in permanent markings on the face that look like a specific makeup product was applied. The prefix semi stands for the short term effects of these permanent makeup treatments that usually last for a couple of years (1-3), depending on the procedure. Since they are not completely permanent, the treatments are described as semi permanent instead.

How Long Does Semi-permanent Makeup Last?

Cosmetic tattooing is designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, and pigment color all affect the longevity of the tattoo. Sun and some kinds of lighting (tanning beds) can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. In most cases, it will last about 2-3 years for desired look, and 3-5 years till it totally disappear.

*Please note that final results vary and cannot be guaranteed to to the nature of skin as it heals. A follow-up appointment is recommended at 5-10 weeks where we can assess your pigment retention and make any changes necessary.

Do Semi-permanen Cosmetics Hurt?

Topical 5% lidocaine is used to make you comfortable during your semi-permanent cosmetic procedure. However, pain tolerance varied from client to client. Having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity. In most cases, people can tolerate the procedure without any problem.

Who is not suitable for semi permanent makeup?

You can't receive semi permanent makeup if you are:

Pregnant/breastfeeding.
Are currently using Accutane or have used Accutane within the past year.
Have freshly tanned/sunburned face.
Are on blood thinning medications or antibiotics.
Have Rosacea.
Are currently undergoing cancer/chemo treatments.(must be off chemo or radiation for at least 6 months)

How Should I Prepare for My Appointment?

You should not take any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Aspirin, Ibuprofen) 72 hours before or immediately after your procedure.
Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your procedure
If you tint your brows you will want to do so 72 hours before your appointment.
You must NOT use Retin-A near the brow area for 2 weeks before or after the procedure.
You will need to avoid excessive sweating, pools, lakes, salt water, and extreme sun exposure in the next 7 days, so plan your vacations accordingly!
No Botox, fillers, microdermabrasion, chemical peels or anything of the like for at least 2 weeks before and after your procedure.
If you have reference pictures please feel free to bring these to your appointment along with the pencil or powder you are currently using.

What Does the First Treatment Include?

It includes consultations with the PMU artist, where you choose shape and style you like. The next step is deciding on a suitable pigment, followed by the procedure itself. The treatment lasts 2-3 hours including numbing time. It is usually not painful, just a little bit uncomfortable.

What Happens After the Treatment?

You might not like your eyebrows or lips immediately after the first procedure. It takes some time for the swelling to disappear. Also, your brows might appear too dark at first. That is why you need to go through the healing period. Healing period requires thorough aftercare.

You will also be given instructions to follow in order to get better results. Your eyebrows/lips/eyeliner will start to fade and scabs will also appear. You should strictly avoid removing scabs on your own or touching them. In addition, avoid washing the area, swimming pools, as well as the exposure to the sun.

When and Why Do I Need the First Touch Up?

After the healing period is finished, you will need a touch up. It is usually required 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure. You shouldn’t ask for it before the 4-week-period ends because the pigment color has not been settled yet. Give your brows time to heal properly.

You might notice that your brows have faded, sometimes leaving some gaps. If so, you will need another treatment in order to get the best results. Don’t think touch up as something optional. Think of it as a second part of the complete treatment, something obligatory. Without it, the first procedure might be a waste of money.

Touch up procedure is shorter than the initial procedure, because its purpose is to correct irregularities that appeared in the meantime. A touch up is a repetition of the initial procedure but only on the areas that need to be filled in. It is vital to have the first touch up because only the combination of the procedure itself and the touch up will provide a satisfying outcome.

Do I Need More Touch Ups?

If you want your semi-pernament makeup to last longer, you should schedule an appointment every 12 months. Those treatments will refresh your eyebrows/lips/eyeliner and postpone fading. Basically, it is advisable to schedule a touch up appointment as soon as you notice your brows are starting to fade. If you are satisfied with the current shape, you will just need to add more color. In case you are not, you can ask for reshaping your brows.

Does the Success of the Treatment Depend on My Skin Type?

People with oily skin might notice that their microbladed brows are not dark enough and that the color fades too quickly. That is why they are advised to have microblading touch ups more often in order to prevent fading. On the other hand, people with dry skin should not have difficulties with the final outcome since the treatment on the dry skin gives the best results.

Besides your skin type, the speed of fading depends on the cosmetic products you use, as well as your lifestyle and habits. For example, if you go swimming a lot or you spend a lot of time in the sun, your brows will normally fade faster.